“In recent years, yes. It was my dad’s favorite holiday.” My voice cracks at the mention of my father. Christian frowns like he wants to rush over and comfort me. I wave him off. “I’m okay, really. It just hits harder sometimes. That’s all.”
“Of course.” He doesn’t look convinced. I take a deep breath and retrain my mouth into a smile.
“I had no idea you could get a real tree delivered to your house,” I say with a soft chuckle. “Rich people really do live in a completely different world.”
“It takes some getting used to.”
“I’m not sure if I’ll ever be used to it. But I’ll admit, it’s nice being able to afford to buy people nice presents for the holidays. Which reminds me, I still have to go shopping for my mom’s Christmas gift.”
“What are you thinking of getting her?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe a piece of jewelry or a soft sweater. She doesn’t like knickknacks or single-use appliances. I usually try to get her something sentimental.”
“What are you doing now?”
I shrug. “I don’t have any specific plans.”
“Then it’s settled.
“But…don’t you have to work?”
“For you, work can wait.”
I’m suddenly overcome with so much love and gratitude for this man that my eyes start to water. “Christian, I appreciate it, but you don’t have to—”
“Daddy’s rules don’t just pertain to discretion, Eden.” His gaze darkens. I feel my nipples tighten against my top. My pulse races as he rises from the chair to stand close to me. “If I want to take you to every designer boutique in the city, you’ll go along willingly. Understood?”
I gaze up at him through my lashes and swallow hard.
“Yes, Daddy.”
He leans toward me, bracing his hands on the back and arm of the sofa, caging me in with his body. “And if I want to spend the day showering my little girl with more gifts than her little arms can carry, she’ll be a good sport and take what I give her without complaint.”
I gasp as he runs his knuckles down the side of my face.
“What do you say, Eden?”
He dents my bottom lip with his thumb. I can already feel my inner muscles tightening beneath his firm stare.
“Yes, Daddy.”
Christian smiles, satisfied. “Good girl. We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready”
He takes a step back, giving me space to stand up. My stomach flutters as I rise on unsteady feet. “I’ll just grab some breakfast.”
“No need,” he says. “I’ll take you out for breakfast. I know where to find the fluffiest pancakes in the city.”
CHAPTER 11
CHRISTIAN
Eden sips hot cocoa from a holiday-themed takeaway cup as she gazes out the passenger-side window. I keep my focus on the road, but I can’t help sneaking a few glances at her in my peripheral vision.
We’ve just finished up with our Christmas shopping, and I’m genuinely shocked to admit that today has been one of the most enjoyable days I’ve had in years. Traveling from store to store with Eden, holding her hand, watching her smile broaden each time she found something she thought her mother might appreciate… There’s nothing like it, and nothing better. Except maybe the pout she put on whenever I insisted on buying her another expensive jacket or a white gold Cartier charm bracelet.
I love being able to provide everything Eden needs and wants. I know she doesn’t need me to take care of her; she’s an incredibly self-sufficient young woman. But she works hard to care for her mother, to the extent that it seems like she’s putting off her own dreams of attending medical school. Anything I can do to ease her stress or give her a chance to breathe is worth it, no matter how much it costs.
I park in the underground parking garage. Eden is so excited that she hops out of the SUV before I can even turn off the engine. She’s already loading up her arms with bags and packages when I meet her at the back of the vehicle.
“Need some help there, little girl?” I tease.
She smiles sheepishly. “Maybe.”
“Then let me.” I reward her grateful smile with a sweet kiss.
Between the two of us, we manage to get everything up to the apartment in one trip. Since we opted for giftwrapping, all she has to do is arrange the presents beneath the tree. I stand back and watch her reposition them according to whatever design she’s aiming for in her head.
The sincere enjoyment on her face warms my chest and makes me want to kiss her right here in front of the Christmas tree.
So I do.
She gasps as I gently tilt her face up so I can reach her lips. I know it’s dangerous and against the rules, but I can’t help myself. She’s too damn adorable.
“Someday I’m going to tell everyone that you’re mine,” I tell her.
She smiles against my lips, opening her mouth to allow me to deepen the kiss.