Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 75

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

**Grace**

I squeezed my eyes shut, pressing two fingers against my temple in a desperate attempt to relieve the relentless pressure building inside my head. The words on the page seemed to swirl and dance, merging into an incomprehensible blur that mocked my efforts. Hours had slipped by, and I should have surrendered to the day long ago, yet each time the thought of closing the folder flickered through my mind, an inexplicable urge surged within me, demanding that I persevere.

At this moment, it transcended mere obligation; a genuine, almost primal desire propelled me to continue, to wrestle with the words that refused to cooperate.

Back in my college days, I had dabbled in crafting press releases for various campus initiatives, but this was an entirely different realm. Somewhere along the winding path of my journey, I had unearthed a fervor for writing that I could not quite pinpoint. It was as if I had stumbled into an uncharted territory of passion, and now, I was determined to explore every corner.

Just then, my phone chimed, slicing through the heavy silence like a knife.

With a resigned sigh, I dropped the folder onto the table, my gaze shifting to the screen.

River.

[Are you busy?]

A wave of guilt washed over me, crashing against the shores of my conscience. I had completely forgotten to inform him that I wouldn’t be able to join him for lunch. My fingers flew across the keyboard as I typed a hasty response.

[Yes, I am. I’m sorry, let’s have lunch another time. My treat.]

His reply came almost instantaneously.

[Don’t worry about it. I expected it. And I will take you on that offer.]

I found myself staring at the screen longer than necessary, a curious image forming in my mind. Why did I envision him smirking as he typed that? The picture was so vivid—River reclining in his chair, an air of relaxed confidence about him, as if he held a secret that I was blissfully unaware of. I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought, but it clung stubbornly to my mind.

Another notification chimed in, pulling me back from my reverie.

[Also, I heard there’s a welcome party for the new recruits of the PR team. Are you going?]

I raised an eyebrow at my phone, surprise flickering through me. Mr. Aiden had initially mentioned that there wouldn’t be a welcome party due to the ongoing situation, so perhaps they had changed their minds after everything settled down.

A dinner party with that group of girls? If I had my way, I would be curling up on my couch with a good book, savoring the comfort of solitude. But I also understood the importance of maintaining good relationships at work. Skipping out might ruffle feathers I couldn’t afford to upset.

I typed back a quick response.

[Yes, I will be going.]

Setting my phone aside, I removed my glasses and rubbed the bridge of my nose, which throbbed from hours of concentration. My entire body felt stiff and achy from sitting too long. Stretching, I let out a small groan just as my stomach growled loudly, a reminder of my dire hunger.

“Perfect,” I muttered to myself, rolling my eyes. Hungry, exhausted, and halfway blind—what a delightful combination.

Determined to push through, I reached for the folder once more when a takeout bag suddenly landed on the desk in front of me.

I blinked in surprise, looking up to find Austin standing there, his familiar grin lighting up his face like a beacon.

“Well done, Miss Grace. I brought something for you to eat,” he announced cheerfully, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

I blinked again, momentarily thrown off by his unexpected kindness. “Oh, no, it’s fine. I can—”

He interrupted me with a wider grin, shaking his head as if my protest was absurd. “Oh, you’re mistaken. I wasn’t the one who brought the food. I’m just the delivery man.”

“Delivery man?” I echoed, still trying to process this revelation.

He pointed toward the glass wall of the office, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

My heart nearly stopped.

On the other side, behind his desk, Apollo was engrossed in his work, seemingly oblivious to the world outside.

My eyes widened, nearly bulging out of their sockets. Really? Apollo had actually instructed Austin to buy me food?

Austin, clearly enjoying my astonishment, leaned in slightly closer, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “He must’ve felt bad for letting you skip dinner.”

I suppressed a scoff that threatened to escape my throat. I seriously doubted that. But I kept my thoughts to myself, murmuring a quiet, “Thank you.”

If the worst came to worst, I could always jump off the bridge of embarrassment later. At least the water might be kinder than Apollo’s piercing gaze.

Grabbing the bag, I forced myself to stand. My legs felt heavy as lead as I walked slowly toward his office door.

When I reached it, I froze, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage as if it were trying to escape. Before I could second-guess myself, I knocked.

A deep voice answered almost instantly. “Come in.”

I opened the door and stepped inside, my eyes immediately locking onto his deep hazel ones, which were fixed on me the moment I entered.

Every instinct screamed at me to stop, to turn around and flee, but somehow, I propelled myself forward, closing the door behind me with a soft click.

Apollo set down the document he had been examining, leaning back in his chair, his brows arching in curiosity, a flicker of interest breaking through his otherwise cool facade.

“What do you need, Miss Grace?” he inquired, his tone measured and cool.

I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around the handles of the bag. For a fleeting moment, the words seemed to escape me.

“I—” My voice cracked, and I quickly tried again, “Mr. Apollo… would you like to have lunch with me?”

And just like that, a wave of realization washed over me—I was undoubtedly going to regret this.

**Conclusion**

In this pivotal moment, Grace’s journey toward self-discovery culminates in an unexpected act of bravery. The anxiety that had previously consumed her, manifesting in the pressure of her work and the weight of her responsibilities, is momentarily eclipsed by the boldness to confront her fears head-on. The act of stepping into Apollo’s office, despite the gnawing doubts and the overwhelming urge to retreat, signifies a turning point in her emotional arc. It is a testament to her growth, showcasing that she is no longer just a passive observer in her own life but an active participant willing to forge connections, even with someone as intimidating as Apollo. The lunch invitation becomes more than just a meal; it symbolizes her willingness to embrace uncertainty and open herself to new possibilities.

As she stands before Apollo, her heart racing and her voice trembling, Grace realizes that this moment is not merely about sharing food but about bridging the chasm that had long existed between them. The weight of the forty-thousand-dollar lunch serves as a metaphor for the emotional barriers she must overcome. In choosing to engage with him, she takes a step away from her comfort zone and into the realm of hope—a hope that perhaps, beyond the distant skies of her fears, lies the potential for understanding, connection, and even friendship. This act of vulnerability, though daunting, is a powerful reminder that hope often waits just beyond the horizon, ready to be discovered when one dares to reach for it.

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Grace takes a bold step into unfamiliar territory. The tension in the air is palpable as she confronts Apollo, a man whose icy demeanor has both intrigued and intimidated her. Will her courage pay off, or will she find herself regretting her decision to invite him to share a meal? The dynamics between them are sure to shift, revealing layers of complexity that lie beneath Apollo’s stoic exterior. As Grace navigates this unexpected interaction, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, wondering how Apollo will respond to her audacious proposal.

Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricacies of their relationship, exploring not only the professional boundaries they must tread but also the unspoken chemistry that lingers in the air. Grace’s internal conflict will resonate with anyone who has ever dared to step beyond their comfort zone, and readers can expect moments of both vulnerability and strength. With the backdrop of the welcome party looming, the stakes are raised even higher, suggesting that this lunch could alter the course of Grace’s life in ways she never anticipated. As the tension escalates, the question remains: will hope and connection blossom across the distant skies, or will misunderstandings cloud their potential?