Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 101

**Across Distant Skies Lies Hope Waiting To Be Found by Kade Rowan Flint 101**

**Grace**

A burst of laughter escaped me at one of Jaxon’s quips, my smile wide and genuine before I even had the chance to register it. Just five minutes had passed since River’s friends had settled at our table, yet they had already managed to sweep me away from my original purpose for being here.

Danielle, Jaxon, and Cedric were a comedic trio, their jokes flying back and forth like a well-rehearsed routine. Time seemed to slip through my fingers like sand, and if it weren’t for River’s gentle nudges to remind me to eat, I might have completely forgotten about the food in front of me.

Danielle leaned in conspiratorially, her grin infectious. “You wouldn’t believe it! The bald dude was so full of himself, I had to tell him I was gay. And even if I were into men—which I’m definitely not—he’d be the last guy on my list!”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her boldness, shaking my head in disbelief. In such a short span, I felt like I had uncovered layers of their personalities. They were all childhood friends, a tight-knit group that had grown up together. Danielle was unapologetically attracted to women, while Jaxon and Cedric were in a relationship. It was almost unfair how strikingly attractive they all were; it was no wonder people were drawn to them like moths to a flame. Honestly, sitting here amidst their laughter and charm, I found myself wishing I could be part of their world, even if just for a moment.

River, ever the attentive friend, slid my plate closer to me with a gentle but firm insistence. “Eat, Grace,” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for defiance.

I smiled at him, nodding in acknowledgment as I scooped up a spoonful of rice. But just as I was about to take a bite, I felt a sudden chill run down my spine. I looked up to find Danielle, Jaxon, and Cedric all staring at me, their smiles teasingly stretched across their faces.

I paused, confusion knitting my brows together. Their expressions were anything but ordinary; it was as if they shared a secret that I was blissfully unaware of.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, my voice laced with curiosity.

Danielle’s smirk widened knowingly. “Not at all. Everything’s perfectly fine. It’s just that someone over there seems to be trying a little too hard.” Her gaze flicked toward River, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

I followed her line of sight, and there was River, utterly unfazed, leaning back in his chair with an air of indifference.

“Trying too hard?” I echoed, shaking my head in disbelief. “I don’t think so. River is genuinely kind. He helps me because we’re friends.”

The moment I uttered those words, the table erupted into laughter, the sound ringing in my ears like a chorus of joy.

Jaxon scoffed, still grinning. “First time I’ve heard anyone call him nice.”

Cedric nodded, his expression dramatically exaggerated. “I know, right? I usually hear words like insane, dangerous, or devilish. But nice? That’s a first!”

River leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table, his gaze piercing into Jaxon and Cedric. His tone shifted, dropping to a more serious note. “Is that so?”

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. Jaxon and Cedric froze, their laughter dissipating as quickly as it had come. They exchanged nervous glances, and Cedric stumbled over his words. “Well… it’s just what people say. You’re right, River is a kind person.”

Sitting up straighter, I smoothed my hair back and finally turned to River, my voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you,” I managed to say, still feeling breathless. He nodded in acknowledgment, but his hand lingered for just a moment longer before retreating, leaving a warmth in its wake.

Turning back, I found Apollo’s gaze still fixed on me. Among the sea of stares in the room, his was unwavering, and I felt my stomach twist in response. He wasn’t even attempting to hide his interest, and that made my heart race even faster.

Beside him, Genesis wore a sly smile, her eyes glinting with mischief as she also looked in my direction.

I tore my gaze away, refusing to acknowledge him any longer. If I allowed myself to give him even the slightest bit of attention, it would undoubtedly become a spectacle, and I was not ready for that. But damn it, the tension was driving me mad. The buzzing sensation between my thighs intensified, and I shifted in my seat, desperately trying to mask my discomfort.

“Come on, Apollo,” I heard Genesis say, her voice smooth and inviting. “Let’s find a seat.”

I didn’t turn to see where they went; I didn’t want to know. Looking at him again would only make things worse.

Biting down hard on my lip, I fought against the sound that threatened to escape.

Maybe I should have thought this through before agreeing to come here.