Daddy’s Little Pet

RENEE

“Renee, Renee… there’s a surprise package for you.”

The cheerful voice of Sally, my coworker and closest friend at the restaurant, echoed through the building. I looked up from the counter, my gaze drawn to her slim, bouncing figure.

She was carrying a simple flower bouquet and a box with a red ribbon wrapped around it.

“What’ve you got there?” I asked, my eyes narrowing as she approached me. “Is this some kind of prank or something?”

“Prank? Oh, how I wish it were. This was given to me by a handsome gentleman parked outside.” I rolled my eyes at her as she giggled and carefully handed the package to me as if it were some exotic jewel.

“A handsome gentleman? Is he-”

“Do you remember the man who came into the restaurant the other day and whisked you out without blinking? He is, indeed, the one.” She said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Oh, Robert…” I muttered to myself, a flush rising on my cheeks as I stared through the restaurant windows, and lo and behold, as Sally predicted, there was his Jeep parked a few feet from the building.

“What’s that?”

“Did Renee receive a flower delivery?”

Sally and I looked up from the gifts to see some waitresses already gathered around, staring intently at the package in my hands, and I sighed.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Of course, I should’ve known this would cause a commotion and worse still, if Mrs. Andrews found out I was receiving gifts during work hours, I’d immediately be demoted to the trash pile.

“Hello, ladies…” I greeted them, but they paid me no attention as they had their eyes fixated on the gifts.

“Is that a gift from your hot rich boyfriend?” One of the waitresses asked.

Nodding, I pleaded, “I need to get these packed before Mrs. Andrew sees them and-”

“Don’t worry, Renee. She’s too preoccupied with office work to come out here.”

“Your boyfriend is such a sweet guy. Renee. You’re so lucky.” Another waitress swooned as she looked at the gift and touched the flowers.

Watching her touch them made me cringe.

“Are you sure Mrs. Andrew is busy? I don’t want to get fired because this is against company policy, and-”

“You’re overthinking things, girl.” Sally stepped forward, opening one of the boxes containing chocolates and stuffing a brown sweet into her mouth. “Won’t you go see him? His car is still parked outside. I think he’s waiting for you.”

“But I… I have work to do…”

“Go! I’ll cover for you, don’t worry.” Sally squealed, grabbing the flower bouquet from my hands.

“You’ll cover for me? You will?” I asked, and she responded with a warm smile and a nod.

“I appreciate it so much, Sally. Thank you.” I laughed and hurried out of the building, grabbing my small bag from the counter.

It took some time to prepare myself, but after a few minutes, I was walking down the sidewalk toward the Jeep, with my eyes darting around.

I found him standing near the car with his arms crossed and his foot tapping impatiently on the pavement.

He looked dashing and handsome in his all-black suit, with a pair of dark sunglasses perched atop his nose and his wavy hair neatly slicked back and gelled.

He had his gaze trained on my approaching figure, and with a wide grin, he uncrossed his arms and met me halfway.

He opened his arms wide for a hug, and I allowed myself to be held by him, burying my face in the crook of his broad chest and inhaling his perfect masculine scent.

“Good morning, baby girl.”

“Good morning, Robert.”

“I can see someone missed me…” He purred, his arms tightening around me as he gently kissed my cheek.

His warm breath tickled my skin, sending shivers all over my body.

“Don’t get cocky.”

“But you did miss me?” He teased, and I bobbed affirmatively with a grin.

“I called your phone a few minutes ago. You didn’t answer. Why?”

“Work.” I grumbled. “Why didn’t you deliver the package yourself if you were standing outside?”

“Would you have liked that?”

“No. I don’t think I would’ve.”

“Exactly. You wouldn’t want all that attention, and I don’t want to stir up any more trouble for you. Besides, your colleague was passing by, so I decided to give her the message.”

“Well, that’s better.”

“I know, right? How’re you feeling this morning? Have you had your breakfast yet?” He asked, stepping back to look down at my face.

“I have, indeed. How about you?”

“Same.”

“So, what brings you here?”

“I came because I missed you. I wanted to see your beautiful face because it’s been three days, and I’m Renee starved. Arghhh…” He finished the last words with a groan, and I chuckled at his goofiness.

“Oh, Robert. Are you sure that’s all?”

“Well, I also came to tell you about a party I was invited to.”

“A party?”

“Yes. Something like a masked ball. It’ll be my first public appearance since moving to Orlando. Would you like to tag along?”

“Tag along?”

“Yes. You’ll be joining me as my date for the evening. You know, I need to start showing you off. Introduce you to my colleagues, friends, and so on. Don’t you think?”

My stomach flipped, and I gave him a shy look.

“Of course, I’d be delighted to be your plus one. When will this event take place?”

“It’s this weekend. On the outskirts of the city, in some grand hall. How about I take you shopping tonight?”

“For dresses?”

“Yes, exactly. And you will let me pay for everything.” He paused, smirking. “As usual, the shopping date is non-negotiable, so you cannot back out or refuse.”

“Okay, Daddy.” I smiled, feeling the warmth spread inside my heart at his words.

Robert knew just how to make me feel on top of the world. This man… He made my heart sing. Apart from our squabbles, he was perfect for me, and it was reassuring to know his heart was mine, as much as mine belonged to him too.

“That’s all I needed to talk to you about. I wish I could take you home right now to enjoy ourselves instead of…”

“Instead of working right?” I finished the sentence with a grumble, and he grinned before tipping my head and kissing my lips.

“Well, I guess I’ll be on my way then. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Okay, and good luck with work today.”

“Thank you very much, sweetheart.” He said before turning around and getting into his Jeep, smiling and winking at me.

Watching the car drive away, I closed my eyes and sighed, enjoying the cool morning breeze blowing through my hair.

With a slight smile lingering on my lips, I then turned around and walked back to the restaurant.