Just One Kiss, Please Daddy

Chapter 10

Ford’s POV

It’s extremely difficult not to care for Livia, and even more difficult to make her participate for something that’s for her own good.

So when I finally got her to eat that chocolate, I couldn’t help but feel a strange wave of satisfaction.

I want more.

I want to take care of her more.

“We’re going to the steakhouse,” I inform her, leaving no room for saying no. “Put on your jacket so we can make it on time for our reservation.”

Livia’s mouth falls open. For a moment, she looks like she’s about to protest, but I just open the door and stand at the side, waiting for her. Left with no choice, she slides off the bed and follows me. Nadine loops her arm around hers, and we’re off.

The drive to the restaurant was short. Nadine was quick to order our usual, since we come here every month. But I can’t help but notice that Livia isn’t even looking at the menu. I immediately know that she’s too shy to order anything.

When she catches me looking at her, she pretends to be more engrossed in the menu.

“I suggest the signature New York steak,” I say gently, reaching out to her. “It’s always good. They never mess it up. You can have it medium well.”

“Yeah, I remember having it rare,” Nadine says, laughing at the memory and making me smile. “I almost threw up! I thought it could still moo if given the chance.”

Livia slowly smiles. “What did you do?”

“Well, there’s this saying in my family.” Nadine winks at me. “‘Ford finds a way to fix things.’ So I just made him find a way and fix it.”

“Yeah, by making me eat it instead of sending it back,” I say, making both girls laugh. “She’d rather kill me than talk to the waiter.”

“Don’t overreact, you’re still here,” Nadine jokes.

Livia laughs.

The sound is so bright, so radiant. I have to stop breathing just to hear it better.

It must be a real treat to hear it often. But I have a feeling that it doesn’t come out as often as it should, and that makes me sad.

“I’ll have the New York steak, then,” Livia says. “And don’t worry, Ford, I won’t make you eat it if it’s raw.”

“Thank you very much,” I say, earning that pretty laugh again.

Maybe that’s my set goal for the night: making her laugh as many times as I can.

***

Livia’s POV

My mood is starting to lift. Maybe this can be a good night after all.

As we sit there talking about how Ford can fix everything, I lose myself into the moment. I think about having this every night, being with them. Being with him. Hearing his comforting voice, feeling his strong presence, basking in his attention….

Maybe experiencing all that with him alone.

I swallow hard, trying to shake off the feeling. That feeling.

I didn’t even notice that the waiter has arrived with the food until the smell of herbs and caramelized meat reaches my nostrils. I look down, and a big hunk of steak sits in front of me, still sizzling.

My mouth waters. Nadine immediately digs into her steak, slicing it perfectly and putting a delicate piece into her mouth. The truth is, I’ve never had anything like this. So I just do my best to copy her movements.

Only to completely suck at it.

I don’t have enough force to make the knife work. I don’t know if the meat is just too thick or what. But Nadine is doing it perfectly, so I might be able to do that too.

I try again, only for my fork to fly and land back on my table with a clang. I act nonchalant, but when I notice that Ford is looking at me with his kind understanding eyes.

“Need some help with that?”

Without waiting for an answer, he gets up from his seat and goes around the booth to stand behind me. Then, he takes my hands in his, letting me pick up the knife and the fork, so he could demonstrate how to cut it. I can feel his chest against the back of my head, warm and firm. His heartbeat is like music. I almost lean against him and close my eyes.

“Let the knife do the work,” Ford says gently, guiding my hands. “It’s a pretty easy process once you get the hang of it. But I can do this for you until you figure it out.”

My cheeks flush. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He beams. “I think three more visits would do. That’s how long it took you to learn it, right, Nadine?”

“Yep,” Nadine says through a mouthful of mashed potatoes. “I told you. ‘Ford finds a way to fix it.’”

“You’re so silly.” Ford chuckles, turning to me. “Ignore her. But it does have a ring of truth to it. If there’s anything—any trouble at all—feel free to come to me.”

I suddenly get the feeling that he was talking about more than just steak. His eyes are also wandering to my arms, and even though they’re concealed by the jacket now, it’s almost like he can still see my bruises.

Wordlessly, I start to eat. My stomach protests since I only had the chocolate earlier, but the flavor floods my mouth and suddenly I can’t get enough.

“Maybe we can have this every week or so,” Ford suggests, taking a bite but still looking at me. “Depending on my schedule. What do you say, Livia?”

I flinch. “Um, I….”

“Don’t say no!” Nadine yells. “Dad, she’s going to say no. Stop her!”

Ford laughs, but his expression is nothing but warm and imploring when he looks at me. “It would mean so much to us if you join us for this. I really want you to join us more often.”

Everything inside me melted.

All night, I’ve tried to push it in. I’ve done my best not to let it blossom.

But it’s there now.

A full-blown crush for Ford.

And the need to see him more often.

With that, I smile. “I’d love to join you more often.”