Delicious Daddy

by Barbra Campbell

I scanned the wall ahead of us, but there weren’t any holes. And it didn’t matter as long as she held onto me. She kicked a couple of small rocks out of the way and pulled me to sitting.

  Our arms touched but not nearly as much as I wanted since she’d let go. Had I read too much into it? Not like I would have gotten lost on the ten second venture off the trail.

  She pointed across from us. “It’s a softer layer of rock, usually sandstone that gets carved out over time. The birds use the holes to make nests. I made up this game that I could put my wishes into a hole and if the bird flew off while I was watching, he was carrying my wish away to make it come true.”

  Had she studied me the minute before to decide if I could be trusted with her game? I was in motion before I realized I was instinctively reaching to comfort her.

  I went for it. Squeezing her hand, I pulled it onto my leg. “I hope the birds cooperated.”

  Dalilah giggled but sadness tinged her words. “They’re birds. And they don’t know they’re part of my game. I haven’t lost sleep over it.”

  “Can I try?”

  “Sure.” She smiled up at me, delight shining through her expression.

  Her trust drew me further down the road of not being able to resist. “Any rules?”

  “Focus on a nest and make your wish.”

  I let our gazes lock before turning my attention to the wall. “In your expert opinion, which one should I choose?”

  The pressure of her fingers around my palm was enough to make all of my worries lessen.

  Extending her other arm, she pointed. “The one beneath the dark streak in the rock.”

  I spelled out the situation to the bird. Dalilah was put in my life for a reason. I want her by my side but I worry I won’t be able to convince her. My wish is to have a chance. Take it away little bird. I stared at the chosen bird for a moment before saying to Dalilah, “I hope you chose wisely.”

  “You’re putting this all on me?” She lifted our joined hands and cupped her other one around them. “Don’t worry, you’ll get her.”

  Breathing escaped me for what should have been a few breaths before I figured out she was talking about my daughter. It was my obvious wish. It wasn’t my most immediate. “Yeah, I hope.”

  “There, the birdie carried your wish away.”

  I watched as the bird darted off. “Guess we’ll have to see how it plays out.”

  She snuggled against me and I imagined how complete my life would be with her.

  “What do you wish for?” Since she thought she’d predicted mine, she might give up one of hers.

  “I used to wish my dad would show up and be more than a paycheck. That’s what got the whole thing started. I imagined the little birdies flying away to tell him I wanted to meet him. I tossed all my wishes to the birds. It was liberating, a way to change my worries into something hopeful and let them go. We better get back before it gets dark.”

  An absent father. It struck a chord. The vulnerability I’d seen in her made sense. I got the feeling she hadn’t intended to reveal that so I didn’t object to her wanting to get back.

  Thirsty after the short hike, we grabbed drinks and sat on the barstools. She said, “I might have gone overboard with the cleaners earlier, better air the house out. Then I’ll grab a shower.”

  “Can I use your kitchen? I’ll make dinner.”

  “I’d be happy to cook as soon as I’m cleaned up.” She opened a window, allowing the fresh mountain air in and headed toward the hallway.

  “I like cooking. Let me return your generosity.”

  Folding her arms, she said, “I run a bed and breakfast. Letting you stay here isn’t generous, but tonight’s on me. I’m rooting for you.” She bowed her head and I assumed she was referencing my daughter. That meant extra coming from someone who’d missed out on time with her dad.

  “Thanks. My own fan club. Never had one before.”

  “I bet you have.”

  What did she mean?

  She waved it off. “Joking.”

  Without asking for explanation, I said, “I’m a chef. I love cooking. And I love cooking for other people even more. Let’s call it a trade. I’ll feed you if you’ll give me a bed.”

  Her mouth hung agape, taking way too long to consider whatever she was going to say then laughed. Had the mention of beds sent her mind the same wrong direction it had sent mine?

  “So can I use your kitchen?”

  “Yeah.” She fanned herself. “Must have used too much cleaner, it’s making me feel funny.”

  “It does smell very clean.”

  “Go ahead and open more windows if you need to. If you’re cooking, you’re in control.”

  I didn’t want to make an unwanted advance but I sensed her funny feeling wasn’t from the cleaners. I asked playfully, “Control of…?”

  “The menu, of course.” She winked and left the room.

  My cock twitched. Was that an invitation to shower with her? Was I being dense? If I followed her down the hallway and was wrong, my chances were shot. Even a wash your back comment could be disastrous. If I bided my time, I stood a better chance. So unlike me to be nervous.

  I grabbed my cooler from my car and divided the contents between Dalilah’s refrigerator and the counter. She was like the dawning of a new day, refreshing and full of promise. In light of that, I chose breakfast for dinner.

  Perusing her fridge and pantry, I determined she had a broad palette. Plus, she hadn’t mentioned any foods being off limits. I would have asked but her wink had upended my world.

  All I’d been able to do was stare at the empty space she left when she hurried away. Had I imagined the wink? Or misread it?

  But I’d promised dinner. I went into work mode, only it felt more like home again.

  “You really know the way to a woman’s heart,” she called from down the hallway.

  I hoped she meant hers. I waited for her to round the corner. The blush on her cheeks offered promise her wink hadn’t been imagined or misread. Unless I was misreading again. With her hair hanging in long wet strands, I couldn’t fight back visions of her naked in the shower anymore. Lightweight shorts and matching lowcut top struck me as pajamas. Thoughts of her curling up in bed beside me followed the shower scene. She was stunning.

  “Bacon on a first date? Are you trying to get me to break the six feet rule?”

  A jolt shot from my heart to my cock. I snapped an inch off one of the pieces and held it toward her. “We already did, but you said you stick to the rules too closely sometimes so I thought you might need practice. Want to get a little naughty?”

  She stepped closer. “That’s a loaded question.”

  “So you want to get naughty, but…?” I served the eggs and veggies onto our plates. They were best served warm but I wasn’t about to interrupt whatever was happening by insisting we eat.

  “I barely know you.”

  I swapped the small piece for the larger portion and held it out. “For every bite, you can ask me a question.”

  She laughed, put her arms behind her back, and stepped closer.

  Her plump lips closed on the offering and her eyes rolled back while she chewed. My cock hardened. No matter what she did, she was beautiful. And sweet. But that worried me. I was only passing through. I could accidentally hurt her. Or was I worried about myself?

  “Do you have a girlfriend?” Her directness surprised me.

  Had her delicate nature been deceiving? At least I confirmed she felt the spark. “No. I haven’t even dated in months. Been working a lot of extra hours so I can take time off over the summer.”

  “Will you cook bacon for every meal?” She licked her lips and slid her mouth over the next inch.

  “If it would make you happy.”

  She nodded with her eyes closed. A tiny crumb hung on her lip.

  I lowered my arm. I couldn’t resist removing the crumb. The only concession was not to do it with my tongue. I slowly raised my empty hand, curling my fingers s
o I wouldn’t caress her cheek. Only the bacon. I stared at her lips and inched dangerously close.

  Had the world switched to slow motion, or had I? My body buzzed with excitement. Tunnel vision highlighted the exact point of contact I was going to make with her skin.

  The softness of her lip dipped under the pressure of my touch. Warm breaths heated my skin.

  Her eyes slitted open.

  I brushed my hand to the side dislodging the spec.

  She curled her lips into a smile and licked. No more uncertainty.

  My heart raced. I tipped my thumb inward and she closed her lips around me the way she’d done the bacon. The delicate touch of her fingers around my wrist had my cock begging to trade places.

  The flick and swirl of her tongue had me captive. I nudged farther.

  She sucked and looked up at me.

  The need to claim her raced through my veins. I couldn’t stand the thought of her looking at anyone else like that. Wrapping a hand around her waist, I moved her body closer to mine.

  Our hips connected and her tongue stroked the length of my thumb. A promise of what she wanted to do to my undeniable erection? She trailed her fingernails up my back, teased the skin of my neck, and laced into my hair. A slight tug gave a huge blow to my willpower.

  Her eyes had closed, her breaths were as deep as mine. The scent of her shampoo overpowered all of the cooking smells. She slid her mouth off me and stared into my eyes, licking her lips for something other than dinner.

  I crashed my lips onto hers. The remnant of salty bacon was mixed with her sweetness. She gripped my head, contrasting the hesitation I’d sensed. Our tongues met and mingled, lips kissed and demanded more.

  I created just enough space between us, “You know I have to leave.”

  She ducked her head, settling it into the crook of my neck. “That’s why I want you now. I’m on the pill. I promise, I’ve never crossed this line with a guest before.”

  Lifting her chin, I said, “I’m not a hookup kind of guy.”

  Dalilah diverted her gaze, her hesitation returning. “This isn’t a relationship.”

  She grabbed one of the dinner plates I’d prepared and headed to the table. I followed.

  I was completely confused. I didn’t want a one-night stand. Was distance the issue? How rooted was she to Heartwood? Could I take her home with me? She could open a bed and breakfast there.

  Moving forkfuls of food to my mouth, I scrambled to figure out how I’d upset her.

  “This is delicious. Thanks for making dinner.” Her smile seemed forced.

  “Any time.”

  “Until you leave.” Her raw nerve was exposed.

  “I’ll be back.” Was it fair to ask her to wait for me?

  “You should open a breakfast place in Heartwood. It can’t take much to beat the powdered eggs and bitter coffee served at the two most popular places. And if you served croissants and pastries, you’d make a killing.”

  “I’m not that kind of chef. I never learned pastries. The amount of butter in a croissant recipe goes contrary to what my private clients hire me for. The trends vary, sugar-free, fat-free, keto, vegan, but the clientele out there is willing to pay top dollar for me to deliver healthy homemade meals. Like pizza delivery but good for you.”

  She set her fork onto her clean plate. “You had quite the magical touch with the bacon.”

  “Believe it or not, I haven’t cooked it in a couple of months.”

  “A couple months? I knew you had a fault.”

  “One more than you.” I caressed her hand.

  Her gaze traveled up, along our arms, but stopped short of meeting my eyes.

  I brushed my fingers over her cheek. “Dalilah, are you worried about the distance?”

  She peered at me from under her lashes. “If we do this, promise me we’ll make a clean break.”

  “Is that what’s been bothering you? I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel something for you.”

  “You don’t get it. I don’t know how many years my mom secretly wished my dad would come back, but I swore to her I’d never put myself in that position. I can’t hang my life on promises.”

  “Come to California with me. I’ll pay for everything. You can’t run the bed and breakfast during the quarantine anyway.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want you paying for me. You’re missing the point. People pass through all the time. Love at first sight’s a lot more common than love a week later.”

  Her words stung. Was she saving both of our hearts? I’d have preferred to play it out instead of taking the crushing blow up front. I opened my mouth to object but she touched my lips.

  “Jasper, make love to me. All I ask is that I get to keep my pride when you walk away.” She dipped the tip of her finger into my mouth, resting on the end of my tongue.

  Half of my worry was gone. The other half could be settled in time. I scooped her up, cradled her, and kissed her. We ended up in the bedroom with her arms wrapped around my neck and our mouths tangled in hunger for everything the other had to offer.

  Standing beside the bed, I continued to hold her, afraid to break the spell. Such a dilemma because the only way to make love to her was to let go, if only for a brief moment. But I’d already promised to let her go. A promise I was going to find a way to break.

  Setting her on the bed, I admired the way she radiated beauty. A blend of desire and happiness that only came when a person’s soul was satisfied. Was I a part of that?

  She sat up, stripped her clothes, and said, “What are you waiting for?” Nakedness complemented her smile nicely.

  “I never want to forget you.”

  “You promised not to go there.” She unfastened my pants and I stopped her.

  “I’ll be right back.” I ran to the kitchen and grabbed the spray whipped cream I’d seen in her fridge. Rushing back to the room, I asked, “Dessert?”

  A mischievous grin spread across her face. She leaned back, stretching her arms over her head, displaying herself for me.

  I stripped myself and sat on the bed. Leaning down, I kissed her lips, slowly trailing kisses to her breasts.

  She wiggled and writhed while my tongue worked her nipple. The whipping cream seemed an unnecessary toy but she was so excited I couldn’t resist.

  I sat back and sprayed the creamy goodness on her tits and stomach. Licking my way over her skin, I took my time savoring every curve while she squeezed her legs together and her moans let me know she enjoyed every second.

  My cock strained but my time with Dalilah was limited. I would make the most of every second we had. And if I could drive her crazy enough maybe she wouldn’t write me off when I left town.

  I traced a path up her thigh, pressing into the seam of her tightly squeezed legs, and kissed my way down to her curls. The scent of her sex was sweeter than the whipped cream. “You going to let me in?” I slid my tongue between her legs.

  She shivered and relaxed, giving me permission to crawl over her. I wanted to lower myself and shove my cock inside. I wanted her to be mine. But I did the next best thing and eased my mouth to her pussy. Tasting, smelling, and sinking my tongue into her warmth, I was going to make sure she was satisfied.

  I licked her clit and Dalilah screamed out before grabbing a pillow and holding it to her face. I licked a few more times and watched her tits bounce as she squirmed. The pillow had to go. I tugged to the side and she released it. Our time together was limited. I wasn’t going to miss anything.

  She tangled her fingers in my hair. My body was pushed to the limit with each heightened moan filling my ears.

  The soft silky skin of her pussy had me lapping, feeding off every cue that I was hitting her sweet spot. She pumped up and down on my face and I nearly orgasmed as she ravished my mouth.

  Another thrust into me, she gripped my head, and she cried out. Her juices flowed onto my tongue, coating my mouth in a flavor that spoke to my soul. I gripped her hips and licked until her body was limp. />
  I rested my head on her thigh while teasing every last ounce of orgasm from her. If she was only giving me one night, she’d better be prepared not to sleep.

  She released me, but I was still convincing my cock that tasting her was priority.

  The hard spray can rolled over my hand. Her voice was weak but sexy as hell, “Your turn.”

  I climbed over her, teasing my cock against her entrance. “You want this?”

  “In my mouth.” She shoved and I dramatically rolled onto my back, my erection at the ready.

  The chill of the cream on my shaft was minor compared to how badly I wanted to be inside of her. Anything and everything were acceptable. I was at her mercy.

  Her hair tickled my hips before she pulled it all to one side. I fisted it and she smiled up at me while situating herself over my legs. Her inner thighs, her tits, her arms, everything that touched me sparked more craving.

  She ran her tongue up the underside of my dick, back down, and sucked my balls. Not having touched the whipped cream, she clearly had more in mind, but I wasn’t sure I could hold back.

  I tugged on her hair and she smiled wickedly before running her tongue through the white cream. The smear of it on her mouth caused my restraint to unwind. I was too close and she hadn’t even sucked me. “You’re so fucking hot.”

  Trailing her tongue up the entire length of my cock, she said, “And you’re so hard.” Then she slid her mouth onto my cock, covering me in her warmth while she bobbed. I barely maintained control. Pressure built until she cupped my balls. The push of climax shot my cum into her mouth while I bucked my hips. Each surge of release took me deeper into our private bliss.

  She kissed her way up my body and curled beside me. “A little sweet, a little salty. You’re delicious.”

  Chapter 5

  Dalilah

  Dreams of Jasper, whipping cream, and orgasms refused to leave my mind. I rolled over, sliding my hand across the sheets, waking up to an empty bed once again. Even in my sleep-fogged state, I was fully aware it was August ninth. The date Jasper would bring his daughter back to Colorado.

  I’d cursed him many times over for sending the text message with the date. I couldn’t unsee it. Couldn’t forget it. Couldn’t move on from him as long as I knew exactly when he was returning.