Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 73

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

**you’re in for a long ride**

**Grace**

In the tender years of my childhood, a wise nun imparted a lesson that has since echoed through my life like a haunting melody. She spoke of life as a winding journey, presenting us with two diverging paths, each choice nudging us toward one destiny or another. Her words carried a weight that suggested our decisions were not mere trifles; they had the power to reshape our very existence.

Now, as I found myself standing in the cramped confines of an elevator, her voice resonated within me like a distant bell tolling.

Genesis had posed what seemed like a simple question, yet the tension in the air was thick, palpable, as if the very walls were listening. She drew a comparison between two men who occupied different corners of my heart: Apollo and River. Each person in this confined space understood the stakes involved, the unspoken complexity of the situation. Even Chase, typically oblivious to the nuances of emotional dynamics, seemed to sense the charged atmosphere enveloping us.

But why, I thought, was River being drawn into this swirling vortex of emotions?

It was clear why Apollo was part of the conversation; Genesis had a keen eye for the connection that sparked between us. But River? That was a puzzle I couldn’t quite solve. Our relationship had always been strictly platonic—friends, nothing more.

Yet, the implications of Genesis’s question loomed large, casting a shadow over my thoughts. I had to navigate this conversation with care, dodging the snares she had expertly laid.

Rationally, River was the safer choice. He always had been. Before this chaotic whirlwind of emotions and dilemmas, he was the kind of man I would have chosen without a second thought. He embodied kindness and gentleness, a stark contrast to the tempestuous nature of Apollo. Not that I would ever categorize River as entirely ordinary; he was undeniably attractive, with a charm that could easily sweep any woman off her feet. At least he was a colleague, someone with whom I could envision a quiet, uncomplicated romance—an office love story devoid of peril.

Choosing River would mean opting for safety and simplicity, steering clear of the tumultuous waters that accompanied my feelings for the cold, calculating CEO who had already infiltrated my heart and mind.

Yes, River was undoubtedly the logical choice, especially in front of our peers. To express a preference for my boss over a friend would undoubtedly raise eyebrows and invite suspicion.

Yet, an unsettling feeling gnawed at me, whispering that uttering River’s name might lead to unforeseen consequences. It felt less like mere hesitation and more akin to an instinct for self-preservation.

I cast a fleeting glance at Apollo.

He remained silent, his demeanor calm and collected, as if this entire exchange was beneath him. But beneath that composed exterior, I sensed a flicker of interest—something more than mere indifference.

What thoughts were churning in his mind at this very moment?

“It must be quite a dilemma if you’re still mulling it over,” Genesis remarked, her smile widening with delight. “I suppose it just means someone will have to put in a little extra effort before you’re swept away.”

I felt her gaze dart toward Apollo, her intent clear—she was fanning the flames of intrigue.

“I—” I began, scrambling for a neutral response, but before I could formulate my thoughts, a warm hand slipped around the back of my neck.

I jumped, startled, my head turning instinctively. It was River. His touch was gentle yet unfamiliar, carrying an intimacy that felt almost playful. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against my ear, and I could barely breathe.

“I personally think the nice and bad boy aesthetic suits you rather well,” he whispered, his voice low and conspiratorial, as if he believed we were alone in this moment.

Heat flooded my body. My cheeks burned, and before I could stop myself, my eyes darted toward Apollo and then Genesis.

Apollo’s gaze remained locked on me, an intensity that felt almost suffocating. Genesis, on the other hand, looked utterly delighted, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she observed our interaction.

“Right, Grace?” River prompted, his voice smooth and inviting.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. Slowly, I tilted my head up to meet his gaze, forcing the words past my suddenly dry lips. “R-right.”

I couldn’t help but wonder if, much like the nun had warned me in my youth, I had inadvertently chosen the wrong path altogether.

He turned his head slightly, one eyebrow arching in a way that suggested he was not accustomed to being disobeyed. “I expect it to be completed by the end of the day. Which means you’ll be quite busy.” His words hung in the air, heavy with implication, before he added, “I believe your lunch date will have to be postponed.”

My stomach plummeted. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I found myself at a loss for words.

Genesis gasped softly, then burst into laughter. “Oh my God. How petty!” Her laughter echoed in the small space, a bright sound that clashed with the tension. “I love it.”

Apollo didn’t so much as glance in her direction. He simply stepped out of the elevator, with Chase and Austin following closely behind. Austin caught my eye just before leaving, offering me a small, encouraging smile, as if sensing my turmoil.

Genesis, still grinning widely, pushed off the wall, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she approached. “And here I thought I’d seen every side of Apollo before.” Her fingers brushed a stray strand of hair from my face, tucking it neatly behind my ear. Her touch was surprisingly gentle, yet her smirk hinted at her amusement.

“Interesting,” she murmured, tilting her head as her eyes locked onto mine. “You’re going to make things very fun around here, love.”

**Conclusion**

In the aftermath of the elevator incident, I found myself at a crossroads, the weight of Genesis’s playful words and Apollo’s commanding presence pressing heavily on my heart. The familiar comfort of River’s touch lingered on my skin, a reminder of the safety and predictability he offered. Yet, the magnetic pull of Apollo’s intensity ignited a fire within me that I couldn’t ignore. As I stood there, the echoes of the nun’s lesson reverberated in my mind, reminding me that every choice I made could lead me down an entirely different path. The allure of the unknown was both thrilling and terrifying, leaving me grappling with the realization that my heart was no longer a simple compass pointing to safety.

With each passing moment, the emotional stakes grew higher, and I understood that my decisions would not only shape my future but also the dynamics of those around me. The playful banter with Genesis and River felt like a fragile façade, one that could shatter with the slightest misstep. As I prepared for the press release and contemplated the implications of my lunch date with River being postponed, I realized that I stood on the precipice of change. The journey ahead promised to be tumultuous, filled with choices that would challenge my understanding of love, loyalty, and ambition. As I took a deep breath, I felt a flicker of hope igniting within me—a hope that, despite the uncertainty, I might just find the courage to embrace the wild ride that lay ahead.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension between Grace, River, and Apollo to reach a boiling point. With the looming press release and Apollo’s unexpected demand, Grace finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Will she be able to balance her obligations at work while navigating the complexities of her feelings for both men? The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting as she grapples with her choices. Genesis will undoubtedly continue to stir the pot, pushing Grace to confront her feelings and the implications of her decisions.

Moreover, the cafeteria lunch with River promises to be a pivotal moment. Will Grace seize the opportunity to explore the budding connection with River, or will Apollo’s shadow loom too large over her? As secrets unravel and hidden desires surface, the dynamics between the trio are bound to shift dramatically. Expect unexpected revelations, heart-pounding confrontations, and perhaps even a few surprises that will challenge Grace’s understanding of love and friendship. The journey ahead will test her resolve, forcing her to confront not just her feelings for River and Apollo but also the very essence of the path she chooses to walk.