Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 45808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 229(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 229(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
He was a very attentive Daddy. She could tell that already. He’d turned his chair to more fully face her, leaned forward, and set his elbows on his knees. “I cannot believe it,” he teased. “Are you going to tell me what flavor is being unveiled tomorrow?”
She giggled and clapped her hands together. “Maraschino Cherry!”
“Ahhh. A cherry fan, are you?”
She narrowed her gaze at him again and shook her head. “Not just any cherries. Not Bing cherries or cherry pie filling. Bleh.” She made a face. “We’re talking maraschino cherries. The ones that have been processed to the point they have no value other than in the sugar food group. Those are soooo good. I could eat them by the jar. I don’t even buy jars of cherries because that is what would happen. I would eat the entire jar.”
“And Ellie is unveiling a Maraschino Cherry cupcake tomorrow?”
Nicoya nodded vigorously. “Avery was hoping her Daddy would take her to get one and they usually pick me up when they go, but…” Nicoya stared at the handsome man smiling at her.
She’d never been in a situation like this before. She’d never had dinner at a man’s house who was a Daddy. She’d never felt comfortable enough to let her guard down and be Little with a Daddy. She was somewhat stunned at how relaxed she felt around him. After all, she’d only met him yesterday, and that had been with her stomping out with her dukes up to reprimand him.
What a difference twenty-four hours made.
Nevertheless, she hesitated now, wondering if she was being presumptuous and too forward. After all, just because he’d colored with her last night and invited her to his home for dinner tonight didn’t mean he wanted to date her or take her out in a vanilla public space. Maybe he was just being a friendly neighbor. Or maybe he was trying to make up for his attempt to plant his cherry blossom tree on her side of the property line.
Suddenly, she felt ridiculous for assuming too much. She flushed and looked down. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed… I’m sure Trace will be happy to pick me up. You probably—”
He stopped her with a hand on top of hers over the table. “Nicoya, look at me.”
She lifted her gaze, but her cheeks were hot with embarrassment.
“You assumed correctly, Little girl. I would be honored to take you to Little Cakes tomorrow. And I happen to be a fan of maraschino cherries myself.” He grinned.
She let out a breath. “Okay. If you want.” She gave a nonchalant shrug as if it didn’t matter one way or the other if he wanted to take her.
Axel gave her hand a tug. “Come here, Little girl.”
She slid off her chair at his encouragement and was surprised when he pushed his chair back a bit farther and lifted her onto his lap. He tipped her chin back with one finger, putting them eye to eye. “I couldn’t have been certain you were Little when we first met yesterday, but I’d hoped. I was praying you would be at Blaze last night, and I was elated when you were. In my heart, I already knew you were mine before that moment.”
She gasped, her eyes going wide. “You did?”
“Yes, Little girl. I couldn’t even concentrate at work today because all I wanted was for the day to be over so I could get home and see you again. Every moment I spend with you solidifies my certainty that you are mine.”
She held his gaze, trying to make sure he wasn’t just saying that. Could he really mean it? Could he be her Daddy?
“So,” he continued. “Trace does not need to pick you up tomorrow or any other day for that matter. I will take you myself from now on. I have to work in the morning, but you let me know what time the other Littles are going to get cupcakes, and I’ll be here to pick you up. Got it?”
“You won’t be too embarrassed?” She needed to be certain he understood the implications of taking her out in this town filled with more Littles than the average town.
It was his turn for his eyes to go wide. “Why on earth would I be embarrassed to take the prettiest Little girl in town to get cupcakes?”
She shrugged and drew in a breath. “When I’m at work, I’m badass and fully adult. I’ve been known to make grown men cower with just a look, and I’m proud of my job. I’m a good cop. I love working in the community and keeping everyone safe.” She licked her lips. “But when I’m not there, I’m usually in my Little headspace, and when I go to Little Cakes, there are so many Littles I let that side of me take over sometimes. It’s a safe place.”