Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
“Do I have to use them?”
“I won’t mandate that. Just know that taking care of you is my greatest joy.”
She stared at him as his words sank in. Jerico really meant it.
“Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll be brave.”
“Good girl.” Jerico pulled her close in a giant bear hug. He patted her bottom, just as he did every time he treated her. “Give Daddy a kiss.”
She puckered her lips and pressed her mouth against his. “Wait,” she protested when he lifted his head a few scorching kisses later.
“You’re distracting Daddy. Besides, Daddy has another rule: No sex until you’re recovered.”
Aspen tried to be mad about that, but she did still feel a bit itchy. “You like making rules,” she muttered.
“I do.”
After she had a short nap, Jerico dressed her in a cute outfit of leggings and a tunic. Standing in front of the mirror now, Aspen turned back and forth, checking to see if anyone could tell what she was wearing underneath. Everything looked normal. She was a bit more rounded, but the team wouldn’t realize that.
“I hate to tell you, but I told you so,” Jerico teased, reminding her of how much she fussed while he had gotten her ready.
Thankfully, the doorbell sounded, saving her from having to answer. Jerico took her hand and headed to the front of the house to answer it. Aspen tried to hang back, but he wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close as he opened the door.
“Jerico. Thanks for hosting us. I must be the first to arrive,” a muscular man guessed.
“Hi, Hank. Come on in.”
As the man entered, she shifted back slightly to make room.
“Hi,” she said, hearing the shyness in her voice.
“Hi, Aspen. I’m very glad to see you again.” Hank held his hand out and shook hers gently.
“You’re a daddy?” she blurted, remembering something Jerico had said to her.
“I am. I lost my little girl a few years ago. She was a precious gift that I didn’t get to keep for very long,” he told her.
Aspen could see the pain in his eyes even now. “I’m sorry. I hope you find a new Little.”
“If I’m lucky,” Hank said with a nod.
“You big lug, get out of the doorway,” a gruff voice called, capturing her attention.
“Sorry, Caden,” Hank said, shifting further inside so the next man could enter.
“Hey, Aspen. I’m Caden if you don’t remember.”
“You make them run,” Aspen said, thinking of all her daddy told her about the team chief.
“I do. I also make sure they’re ready for anything,” the man with wrinkles across his forehead agreed.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Aspen. Would you show me where to put these poppers?” Caden requested.
Staring at the stuffed peppers, Aspen suddenly was ravenous. She held out her hands to take the appetizer-laden container.
“This is too heavy. I’ll carry it. You show me where.”
“Put it on the kitchen island, baby,” Jerico requested.
Shocked, she glanced up to make sure the men didn’t react to that telling nickname Jerico always called her. She realized others could use that in an entirely conventional relationship. Waving the two men to follow her, Aspen led them the short distance to the kitchen.
When she looked back at Jerico, he winked. How does he always know what’s going on in my mind?
The other three men arrived and seemed to take up all the space inside. All were in peak physical condition and oozed I can handle anything vibes. The largest, Max, had brought a huge platter of brownies balanced on one hand. She looked over the island and imagined it groaning under the weight of all the food. Her tummy growled ferociously and all the men turned to look at her.
“Sorry!”
“Let’s get this barbecue started before Aspen faints from hunger,” Jerico suggested, winking at her.
In just a few minutes, the grill sizzled with poppers and wings. Aspen munched on the raw veggies and dip her daddy had scattered on a plate for her while he cooked.
She loved the dynamics between the teammates. Koa was the youngest and a bit of a rebel. He kept the team on their toes. They responded to his grousing with good-natured ribbing. Everyone looked at Caden when he spoke. He didn’t say much, but when he did, the team immediately paid attention. Max Zion was unflappable and exuded a calm bubble of space around him. Even Koa was chill when talking to Max.
Her eyes strayed to Hank as he talked to Zale. He seemed quiet, but almost like he was holding a part of him back from the team. Aspen wondered if it had something to do with losing his little girl.
Looking at Zale, she blushed slightly. She’d wondered if he would treat her differently since he’d seen almost all of her intimately. He had scanned her face when he arrived and checked her forehead for a temperature. She didn’t get any sexual vibes from him. He just wants me to be well.