Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“Thanks, Vince. Do you have any fruit or cheese? I’m starving.”
“Coming up in a jiffy. Now, what can I bring you, Kole?”
“Water is great. Thanks.”
“I’ll bring you some snacks as well.”
“Thanks.”
When the steward moved away, Gabriela said, “I didn’t even think. Did you get lunch today?”
“Don’t worry about me, Gabby. I’m self-sufficient.”
A bit put off by his response, Gabriela added, “And a good packer, I guess. I have two suitcases and a carryon. You’ve got one small duffle.”
“I don’t need to dress up as you do. Jeans, T-shirts, socks, equipment, and I’m good to go.”
“Underwear, too,” she said without thinking.
Kole just looked at her and changed the subject. “Tell me how you got into acting.”
“How did you?” Vince joined the conversation as he returned with Kole’s water and a platter of fruit, cheese, sliced meats, and crackers.
As he efficiently balanced everything on a small table between them, Gabriela explained, “My English teacher always had us act out scenes from the books we were reading instead of just slogging through the classics. It really made the story come to life. Some students hated it. I loved every moment. She talked me into trying out for a play and I found I was good at memorizing lines.”
“More than that. You’re amazing at making the character seem real,” Vince commented.
“You’re too nice. I love getting into the story.”
“The interest in this movie is incredible. It’s going to be a blockbuster for sure,” the flight attendant added.
“It has gotten a lot of attention.”
Vince returned to straighten the galley, leaving them to snack on the feast he had prepared. Gabriela plucked a small cluster of grapes from the tray and popped one into her mouth as she watched Kole load lean roast beef onto a cracker and eat it. He was hungry. While she’d packed and gotten ready, he’d packed, found the camera footage, and settled his living space to be gone for who knows how long.
“Are you married?” blurted from her mouth.
“No. I’ve never found my Little girl.”
“You have a daughter?” she asked without thinking.
“No. My Little girl. My submissive.”
She stared at him, struck by his honesty. Unable to stop herself, she whispered, “You are a Daddy?”
“Of course.”
Gabriela ate a few more grapes. Peeking at him, she found Kole watching her with an expression she didn’t understand. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m trying to figure out if you knew Daddies and Littles actually existed.”
She shook her head before she could stop herself. “No. I’ve read about them in books. This script…”
“Tell me about the movie.”
“It’s based on a famous author’s scorching hot romance. The book has skyrocketed in attention.”
“Sounds like the movie is going to be popular,” Kole suggested.
“It could be amazing.”
“What’s it about?”
“You want to know what the romance book is about?” she asked in surprise. Most men weren’t too interested in chick reads.
“Definitely. I enjoy reading.”
“Not romance novels,” she scoffed.
“Sure. And military science fiction, mystery, thrillers. I love anything that has a good story.”
Mind-boggled, she stared at him. “No way.”
“You judged a book by the cover and thought I only watched action adventure and martial arts movies?” he joked.
“Well, maybe?”
“Tell me the name of the book,” he requested, pulling out his phone and pulling up a bookseller’s website.
Feeling her face heat, Gabriela answered, “Daddy’s Little Enchantress.”
He typed in the name and clicked it without saying another word. Setting his phone down on his tray, he helped himself to more food.
“Are you really going to read that?”
“Definitely. Either alone or with a Little girl.”
She didn’t think she could be more surprised, but she was. “Read it with someone?”
“Bedtime stories are always fun. What part do you play?”
“Esmeralda.”
“The enchantress?” he guessed.
“Yes.”
“And the Little girl. I bet you are spectacular.”
“The director and producer are pleased.”
“What do you think of the leading man?” Kole probed.
“He’s very famous.”
“That didn’t answer my question. Is he good for the role?”
“I’m sure the audience will feel wrapped up in the magic,” Gabriela hedged.
“But he’s not Daddy material to you,” Kole stated.
“No. But the author approved him. She must see something in him I don’t. Don’t get me wrong. He’s an amazing actor.”
“He’s just not your Daddy.”
“That could never happen.” Gabriela heard those words come out of her mouth and stared at him hard, understanding exactly what she had just inadvertently admitted. She’d danced around his references to her as a Little girl without confirming or denying them. Now, he’d boxed her easily into admitting the truth.
“Don’t worry, Gabby. I won’t share anything I learn or observe about you. Besides, I already knew.”
“How?”
“People have different types of radar. Maybe someone you know can pick out someone who’s gay. Another may detect people having depression. Or someone having an affair. I think it depends on you, your interests, and how you’re wired.”
“So, because you’re a Daddy…” Her voice trailed off.