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She blinks and hesitates, then answers, “Yes, Daddy I understand”

“Good girl”

She does as I ask the entire drive toe reach ate to open

As it swings, I reach over and pull her hand fro in the sun I bring her fingers to er I have for her taste

I er clean, then holding her hand as I park in front and turn off the ignition

When I look over, she is staring out the , her red lips open There are vans and work trucks along the other driveway, and that’s only one reason she is here

“Do you like it?” I ask, and she slowly turns her head so her eyes meet mine

“Like it?” She laughs “Is it real? PinchWho are you?”

“I’m just a man But I’m a man who nohat he wants And I want you”

I kiss the back of her hand then exit the vehicle, couide her by the waist up the steps and into the house As soon as we step inside, the sounds of the work going on are all around, and the forereet us

“Glad you are here; we need to ive him a firm shake When his eyes drift to Esme and I see theh me and I want to slam him into the wall

“This is Esme, and she’s here to help me make those decisions”

He se increases “Hi there” He throws the words at her casually, as though he’s entitled to flirt with her “Didn’t know you had a daughter” He licks his lips and my hands ball into fists at my sides

“Esme” I turn to her, and she looks at ht back I need to have a rowl at the foreman and nod toward the closed door ofhim to follow

As soon as we’re inside, I turn around and slam the door closed

“Everything okay?” The foreman seems amused

But I am not