Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 45138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
CC followed him to the door and waited as he quickly spoke to the other staff on duty. A raven-haired female adjusted her stethoscope around her neck as she leaned close to Hunter. Jealousy flared inside CC’s chest. He was her Daddy, not that other woman’s.
Instantly, CC’s gaze riveted on Hunter’s face. She wanted to see if how he reacted. CC’s first impression was that her Daddy was oblivious to the flagrant flirting. He definitely wasn’t encouraging it. His body language was casual. Hunter didn’t lean close or touch anyone. When the other doctor moved closer, he walked to a nearby computer and entered some information before turning to smile at CC. With a wave, he called goodnight over his shoulder and stalked toward her. A warm feeling kindled in her tummy.
CC pushed away her worry that Hunter automatically attracted other women like a fragrant flower drew bees. It didn’t matter that they wanted him. Her Daddy wasn’t interested. She stepped forward to take his hand as he extended it to her. “Ready to go?”
“I’m starving. Bring on the pasta and cheese.” CC basked in his attention, allowing him to guide her to his car and then directing him to where she had parked. As she led the parade of their separate vehicles to the restaurant, CC couldn’t keep from examining their budding union from all angles. Her brain rolled her thoughts and emotions together as she navigated the route from habit.
Being the focus of one’s Daddy was unlike any other relationship. Her relationship with her husband had been magical. It had developed as she’d found her Little identity and Darren had explored his need to be her Daddy Dom. They had learned and experimented together. When he had been killed, CC had felt like his death ripped her Little self away, burying it with the man who had taken such a commanding role in her life. She hadn’t thought she’d have the luck to find that again.
CC swiped a tear from her cheek with a brush of her hand. Her heart remembered the trauma and the fright of not only losing Darren, but being alone. She looked in the rearview mirror to reassure herself that Hunter followed her. His sedan filled the reflection. Even from here, she could see the concerned look on his face as if he recognized the riot that stirred inside her.
Can I survive losing a Daddy again?
An icy shiver shot down her spine. Was it worth it? Was she strong enough to risk losing such a deep part of herself?
Salvatore’s loomed in front of her and CC turned into the parking lot, surprised the journey had gone so quickly. She parked her car where Daddy would be able to find a spot as well and turned off her engine. Grabbing her purse with her injured hand sent a twinge of pain through her. The hint of discomfort pulled her back to the present and their celebration. This was supposed to be a happy time.
A knock on her window made CC jump, and she turned to see Hunter waiting at her door. She pushed the unlock button, opened the door, and smiled at him.
“Come here, Little girl. I need to hold you,” Hunter told her in a husky voice that revealed his concern. He leaned in to unfasten her seatbelt and help her from the vehicle.
Immediately, Hunter wrapped an arm around CC to cradle her against his chest. She rested her cheek against him and listened to the steady thud of his heartbeat as he stroked her hair.
“You look frightened. What can I do for you?” he asked.
“I don’t want to lose my Daddy again. I don’t think I could survive that,” she blurted, unable to control the burgeoning thought.
“Oh, Pumpkin.” Hunter cupped her chin and lifted it to press a kiss on her trembling lips. “A Little girl should never face such heartbreak once. I know it’s scary taking a risk to love and live again. It’s asking a lot of you to be that brave, Little girl. Remember my heart is yours. Sometimes the biggest rewards come to those who face their fears. Can you be strong enough to let me prove my love for you?”
“I can try,” she whispered, feasting her gaze on his handsome face. CC vowed to memorize every moment she had with her Daddy.
“That’s my good girl. Come, let me feed you.” Hunter tenderly wiped away the moisture that clung to her cheeks and eyelashes. “I want to hear all the details the doctor shared and the plans for your therapy. It’s a Daddy’s job to take care of his special Little.”
When she nodded, Hunter pressed a sweet kiss against her lips before swatting her bottom hard. “That’s for scaring your Daddy when he couldn’t get to you.” His hand squeezed her stinging buttock, extending the sensation.