Baby Girl on Stepdaddy’s Lap – “What‘s’this?” I dragged my suitcase out the door, my eyes widening as I pointed at the chaos in the driveway. I should’ve known that when Mom suggested taking us to her boyfriend Dominic’s beach villa for a summer getaway, she’d go completely overboard. But this? At the very start of the trip? No. I rubbed my forehead, frowning at the minivan in front of me. At this point, its trunk and back seats were completely stuffed—suitcases, coolers, beach bags, even Mom’s ridiculous inflatable flamingo.
Mom was bent over the back seat, face flushed, frantically stuffing one last beach towel into whatever space remained. “There!” she declared triumphantly, slapping the seat. “Perfect fit.” Then she straightened up, spotted me, and waved impatiently. “Hurry up, Delilah, we’re already late!” “Coming,” I muttered, reluctantly stepping forward, the morning sun already warm on my skin. Dominic was leaning against the side of the van, arms crossed over his broad chest, looking annoyingly perfect in a simple white t-shirt and jeans. His brown hair was slightly messy from the breeze, and those sharp jawlines and dark eyes made it hard to remember he was almost twice my age. “Morning, baby girl,” he said, his deep voice carrying that lazy smile that made my stomach do stupid flips. “Morning,” I muttered, trying not to stare too long.
Mom slammed the trunk shut and wiped her hands. “Alright, we can head out now.” “Where am I gonna sit, Mom? On the roof of the car? There’s barely any space for me to sit with all the luggage taking all the space.” “Yeah, she’s right. Sarah, if you don’t clear some of this out, she’s going to be wedged in there like a sardine. I don’t want my baby girl uncomfortable for eight hours straight.” “Hah, you think I didn’t consider that? Delilah, you’re riding up front with Dominic.” I blinked. “Wait… what?” “You heard me. Isn’t this a great idea?” She jingled the car keys, turn to Dominic. “Delilah can sit on your lap.” “Wait, you want her to sit on my lap!? Why can’t she sit on yours?” “Because I’m driving.” “Who says? We’re heading to my family’s beach villa, after all,” Dominic shot back. “Oh, come on, Dom.
Every time you drive, I feel unsafe. Who knows if you’ll go crazy like last time?” “That only happened once!” “And I’ve had nightmares about it more times than I can count.” I rolled my eyes. I remember when it happened. last summer, empty highway, Dominic grinning like a maniac as he floored it just for fun. Mom’s shriek could probably still be heard echoing through the trees. “Okay, I’ll sit in the front passenger seat together with Deli.” Dominic finally says, resigning. “Don’t make this any more awkward than it already is, understand?” “No problem.” Mom nodded, then climbed into the driver’s seat. “Wait, Mom. Dominic.” I blink as it suddenly dawns on me that they’re making decisions about me without even asking me. “Don’t I have a say in this? You haven’t even asked me if I’m comfortable with it.” “Delilah, honey, we’ve settled this. Okay?” She squeezes my shoulder gently.
Dominic looked at me for a second, before he opened the passenger door and slid into the seat. The space looked even smaller once he was inside—his tall, muscular frame taking up most of it. He patted his thigh once, voice low. “Come on, Deli.” I hesitated, heart hammering. This was insane. But one look at Mom’s determined face in the mirror told me arguing was pointless. With a resigned sigh, I stepped closer. Dominic’s large hands gently guided my hips as I carefully lowered myself onto his lap. The moment my body settled against his, I felt the solid heat of his chest against my back, his strong thighs beneath me, and the faint scent of his cologne wrapping around me. The passenger door clicked shut. Mom started the engine, humming happily. “See? Problem solved. Beach villa, here we come!”