Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 154595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 773(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 773(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
He tucked her into bed. “I’m going to get ready for bed, all right?”
She drew out the pacifier. “Okay, Daddy.” She snuggled down, trying to stay awake. The thick panties felt a bit odd, but she soon decided that she liked them.
When he climbed into bed, she snuggled into his embrace. She hadn’t had any nightmares the last couple of nights and she knew it was because of him.
Because around him she felt safe.
As though no one could ever harm her.
“Thank you for being the best Daddy ever.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Girl, you don’t ever have to thank me for that. It’s my privilege.”
40
“Daddy, it’s raining outside!” she said with a squeal.
“Yep. You’ll need to put your coat and rain boots on. If we hurry, hopefully you won’t get too wet.”
They were only a few hours away from his home and she was feeling more than a bit nervous.
But the rain was a good sign, right? Well, she was taking it as one.
Most people wouldn’t.
But Maeve was weird like that. And she didn’t care.
“No, I don’t want to run to the car. I want to jump in the rain puddles.”
He eyed her in surprise. “Girl, you’re not jumping in rain puddles.”
“Why not? I love doing that! And making mud pies. Can we make mud pies, Daddy?”
And maybe a few mud balls. But he didn’t need to know about those.
“No puddle jumping and no mud pies.”
She sighed, nodding sadly.
“Hey, look at me.” He moved closer and reached out to take hold of her chin, turning her to face him. Then he tilted her face back. “I know that you want to go out and play, and I wish we had time. But we need to get moving.”
“It’s all right, Daddy. I understand.”
He grimaced. “Fuck, I hate disappointing you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I really am all right.”
“I don’t want you playing while it’s still raining. You’ll get wet and sick.”
“Daddy, it’s okay. Another day?”
He nodded. “Another day. Now tell me what’s wrong.”
Shoot. He’d noticed, huh?
“Will they approve of me? Your family?”
He frowned. “You’re nervous about meeting Markovich and Dahlia?”
“Um, yeah.” How could she not be?
“Why would you be nervous?”
“Because they mean something to you. I want to make a good impression. I want them to like me.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders and she glanced up at him. “First of all, no one means as much to me as you. I will choose you. Every time.”
It wasn’t what she wanted. To come between him and his family. But it did make her breath hitch in pleased surprise.
“Second, how could they not like you? How could anyone not like you?”
“Well, surprisingly, some people don’t.”
“Screw them.”
“You’re right. Screw the haters. I’m lovely. And sweet. And I’m kind, damn it.”
“That you are, baby girl.”
She grunted. “Hey, look at me. I’m starting to speak Grumpy Bear.”
“You’re also a sassy brat. Let’s go.”
He got her dressed in her jacket and boots, then grabbed their bags before they raced out to the car. She was actually going to be pleased not to travel so much. It was too much sitting. And while she tried to sew some things as they traveled it wasn’t always that easy.
Mr. Hemsworth really needed a new outfit.
And she didn’t want to lose her best client.
Gray got her situated in the car first before he put the suitcases in. By the time he climbed in, he was soaking wet.
“Poor Daddy,” she said. “You’re going to catch a cold.”
“I’ll be fine. No mere cold would dare take up residence in my body.”
She grinned. Actually, she could believe that.
The other car was already running and pulled out behind them.
A few hours later, they parked outside a huge house. No, it was more like a mansion. It kind of felt like it was in the middle of nowhere. They’d gone through some double gates which had been heavily guarded. There were trees everywhere. It was beautiful, but intimidating.
Their guards had left them at the gate. She was surprised they’d just leave, but she had a feeling they’d be close by.
Gray stopped the car and peered over at her. “You still look nervous, girl.”
She huffed out a breath. “Can’t hide anything from you, Grumpy Bear.”
Reaching over, he took hold of her chin and turned her to face him. “You don’t like it here, then we won’t live here.”
“Just like that?” she whispered.
“Yep.”
“But—”
“No buts, girl. Turn those listening ears on.”
Jeez. He was unbelievable sometimes.
But he did make her feel better. He climbed out and came around to open her door. It had stopped raining, but she could see some excellent puddles from where she sat in the car.
With a sad sigh, she told herself there would be time for puddle jumping another day. Gray opened her door and helped her up.
“Bring Squish,” he told her.