Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
It was so strange lying there in the crib, hugging her new stuffed tiger and her lion. He’d said he was fixing her a bottle, and that probably should have freaked her out, but it hadn’t. It was perfect for tonight. She was too tired to sit at the table and eat dinner. The thought of her Daddy holding her in his arms while he fed her made her feel so cherished.
He was back quickly, lowering the side of the crib before lifting her into his arms again. When he settled in the rocking chair, cradling her and smiling down at her, she felt every bit as Little as he was encouraging her to be.
“I think you’ll like Daddy’s special smoothie, Maya.” He brought the nipple to her lips.
She opened her mouth and greedily accepted the rubber tip. It took a moment to wrap her tongue around the nipple and get used to the feeling of sucking, but she quickly found a rhythm, and the smoothie was delicious.
“Such a good girl.” He rocked her gently while stroking her cheek, holding her gaze. “I know you’re exhausted, but I want you to drink all of it. You didn’t have dinner.”
She tried to stay awake, but it was hard, and he had to jiggle the nipple several times to encourage her to finish the bottle.
When it was gone, he set the empty bottle aside and continued to rock her for several minutes while her eyes grew heavier. Finally, she was marginally aware of him rising, carrying her to his bed, and gently settling her in the middle of the mattress.
A few moments later, Princess and Tawny joined her. He pulled the covers up around her and kissed her forehead. “Sleep, Precious Girl.”
Chapter Eleven
Three days later…
Deke arrived at La Havana just as Mateo was about to lock the front door. Mateo stepped back, pulling the door open to let Deke inside. “Hey. Come on in. Maya said you were picking her up. She’s in the kitchen eating with Nora. Everyone else has clocked out for the night.”
“Good. She doesn’t eat enough,” Deke responded. He’d been worried about her for the last few days. She’d worked long hours, and he’d only seen her late at night. Every night, he’d had to con her into eating or give her a bottle before she’d crashed. Luckily both of them were off until evening tomorrow, so they would be spending the day together. If he had his way, they wouldn’t get up until nearly noon. They both needed sleep.
Mateo sighed. “I feel bad. We’ve been so swamped lately that it’s hard for any of us to take a break. I had to fire one of my employees because she kept flaking. I haven’t been able to go through resumes to hire someone to replace her yet.”
Deke felt for Mateo. “I know how that is. I’ve dealt with it a few times at Stuff-It. Sometimes it takes a few trials before you find the right person for the job.”
“Exactly. I’ve hardly seen my own girlfriend in a week.”
Deke glanced at Mateo as the two of them headed toward the kitchen. “I’ve only been dating your sister for barely longer than that. Most of our relationship has been in the dark.” He chuckled. Damn, he could not wait until tomorrow.
Mateo winced. He stopped before they reached the door to the kitchen and faced Deke. “I wish I could give her more time off. I know it’s hard when you’re in a new relationship. I hope you aren’t getting so frustrated that you don’t think she’s worth it because you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Maya.”
Deke smiled at him and shook his head. “Your sister stole my heart the first time I set eyes on her. I will never grow tired of her. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Mateo blew out a relieved breath. “Good. I assumed you weren’t giving up considering how many times you’ve sent her flowers this week.”
Deke flinched. “Flowers?”
Mateo’s brows furrowed. “Yeah. The roses. They’re accumulating in the vase day by day. Please tell me you’re the one sending them.”
Deke shook his head. “I wish I could say it was me, but I’ve had a very busy week at work, too. I’ve eaten every meal on my feet. I haven’t ordered flowers.”
They stared at each other.
Deke ran a hand through his hair. “Who’s delivering them?”
“They come from Blooms by Daisy. It’s been a teenager delivering them every time. Definitely not the person who ordered them.”
Giggling on the other side of the door jerked Deke’s attention to the kitchen. As he followed Mateo through the door, he couldn’t wipe the concerned look he was sure now covered his face.
“Deke,” Maya exclaimed as she jumped up from her chair and rushed around the table. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his middle. “I didn’t know you were coming here,” she told his chest.