Chapter 79

The moment the word "Mommy" slipped from his lips, Nathaniel was profoundly grateful no witnesses were present to hear it.

His pride as a man would never recover from such an incident. Never in his thirty-two years had he uttered anything so undignified!

Yet Harrison seemed to find comfort in those words. She nestled deeper into Nathaniel's embrace, her delicate fingers clutching his shirt as she drifted back into peaceful slumber.

Nathaniel observed her with quiet amusement. Such a clingy little thing. Her tear-stained lashes fluttered against flushed cheeks, the picture of vulnerability that inexplicably tugged at his heartstrings.

A rare smile curved his lips. "I'm not your mother, darling. Try calling me Daddy instead," he murmured into the darkness.

Harrison remained lost in dreams, offering no response.

With a sigh, Nathaniel adjusted his hold on her slender frame and surrendered to sleep.

Morning light painted golden streaks across the bedroom when Harrison stirred awake.

Something felt...different. The weight of a muscular arm draped possessively over her shoulder registered belatedly. She wasn't alone.

Turning slowly, she found herself nose-to-nose with Nathaniel's sleeping form. When had he joined her in bed? Memories of the previous night remained frustratingly elusive.

Taking advantage of his unconscious state, Harrison inhaled his distinctive scent - nothing like Vincent's nauseating odor. Nathaniel smelled of sandalwood and crisp linen, with an undercurrent of something distinctly masculine that made her pulse quicken.

Her gaze traced the sharp angles of his jawline. Before rational thought could intervene, her fingertips brushed against the faint stubble shadowing his chin.

The rough texture sent unexpected sparks dancing along her skin.

Nathaniel chose that moment to wake.

Harrison jerked her hand back as if burned, scrambling upright. "What are you doing in my bed?" she demanded, voice thick with sleep.

Nathaniel's drowsy smirk did nothing to calm her racing heart. "Don't you remember last night, sweetheart?"

"Remember what?" She frowned, recalling only an early bedtime after her evening routine.

"You practically dragged me into bed," Nathaniel drawled, propping himself up on one elbow. "Kept calling me Daddy too."

Harrison's eyes widened to saucers. "That's absurd!" She hurled a pillow at his smug face with all her strength.

Nathaniel dodged effortlessly, capturing her wrist in one smooth motion. He pulled her flush against his chest, his morning voice rough with amusement. "Say it again for me, darling. Call me Daddy."

Heat flooded Harrison's cheeks. She twisted in his grasp, only to yelp in pain when her hair snagged on his pajama button.

"Hold still," Nathaniel commanded as she flailed. The more she struggled, the tighter the golden strands wound around the offending fastener.

Harrison froze at the dangerous edge in his voice when he spoke her name. "Harrison."

His grip tightened.