Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
“Something wrong with that?”
“Um, yeah, it involves sticking something up my butt!”
“You don’t like having things stuck up your butt?” He couldn’t help but grin at her.
She groaned and put her hand over her face. “Not. That.”
“Ahh, but you will consider having other things stuck up your butt. Good to know.”
“Daddy!” she wailed.
Then her hand dropped from her face, and she stared at him with a mix of shock, trepidation, and longing.
“I’m s-sorry, I—”
“Don’t,” he bit off. “Do not apologize or regret calling me that. I… that… you”–he paused and took a breath–“what I’m trying to say is it’s a privilege for you to call me that. I’m trying to help you let go and you’re starting to. So don’t diminish that by apologizing. Get me?”
She was still staring at him in astonishment. Great. Now she thought he was an idiot. This time, she was the one who reached out and tilted his head up.
“I… you really think that?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s good then, Daddy. But you’re still not sticking that thermometer up my butt-butt.”
CHAPTER 13
Jolie watched as Brand laughed, feeling pleased with herself.
She hadn’t meant to upset him. She’d never want to do that. And to hear him say her calling him Daddy was a privilege? Well, now she felt bad for all those times she’d silently cursed his name when he was being a jackass.
Especially when he went back to searching through the first-aid kit and found a different thermometer that went in her ear. He placed it in her ear. When it beeped, he drew it back, frowning down at him.
“Still a bit high. My poor girl.” He tucked the covers around her legs once more. “You need another nap.”
“I’m all right. Really.” She was feeling a bit awkward, but that had nothing to do with her fever.
Brand cupped her chin, tilting her head back. “I give you permission to let go.”
“W-what?” She swallowed heavily.
“I give you permission to let go. To slip into Little headspace. Show her to me. I promise to take care of her.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t… I just called you Daddy.”
“Yes, but you haven’t fully let go. Because you don’t trust me to take care of you?”
“No, I-I… just nervous, I guess.”
“There’s no need to be nervous. Not while I’m here to take care of you. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“So let go. Let me show you it’s all right to jump because I’m always going to catch you.”
Taking a shaky breath in, she let it out slowly. “Okay, Daddy. I’ll try.”
“That’s my good Little girl. So precious, aren’t you? Daddy is going to take care of you.”
God, she ate up those words like she was starving, and he was a giant, frosted cupcake.
“You still need a nap, though.”
Jolie pouted. “I don’t, Daddy!”
“Are you arguing with me, Bumblebee?”
“Of course not, Daddy. I would never do that.”
He snorted.
“Maybe I’ll nap. But after you show me what you bought, Daddy? Please?” She batted her eyelashes at him.
He pointed a finger at her. “All right, as long as you know that look won’t always work on me.”
Uh-huh.
Standing, he opened one bag and drew out the cutest dress. It was pale pink with bumblebees stitched on the hem and onto the white collar. The dress was tighter on the top, then fell into pleats from the waist down and had a white belt with it.
“There are also some white Mary-Jane shoes, lacy knee-high socks, and a cardigan. Liam said they all go together well.”
“Liam?” she asked.
“The guy at the shop.”
Okay. Sure. The guy at the store.
Next, he drew out a bumblebee sippy cup and pacifier. Oh wow. She really liked the look of those. Next was a T-shirt with a bumblebee on the front and a matching pair of shorts.
The theme continued with sandals, a sun hat, sunglasses, several pairs of socks and a warmer hat and gloves.
“That’s a lot of stuff, Daddy.”
“There’s more.” He went to another bag and drew out a plate with matching cup, as well as a gorgeous bib with bumblebees buzzing all over it.
Lastly, he drew out a stuffed toy bumblebee. It looked so fuzzy and soft and cute she immediately wanted it.
She held out her hands, making grabby motions. “Mine.”
“Excuse me?”
“Mine, Daddy. You bought him for me.”
“I did. But you only get it if you’re a good girl. And good girls use their manners. They say please and thank you.”
She sniffled sadly. “I don’t think that’s very nice.”
“You’re right. Forgetting your manners isn’t very nice.”
“I meant keeping my stuffie from me isn’t very nice.”
“I tell you what. You can have him after you have your medicine. And ask Daddy nicely.”
“How about I get to have him while I take my medicine. But I’ll take it like a good girl, and I’ll use my manners,” she bargained.
“All right. That’s acceptable.”
“Please, Daddy, can I have my bumblebee?” she asked.