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)
“I’m sorry, Daddy. How did you know?”
Hunter kissed her forehead and stepped away to take her hand. “Worries shot from your car like invisible lightning bolts,” he teased. “Come, Pumpkin. Food, conversation, and being with your Daddy is my prescription for your worries.”
She walked next to him, holding on to his hand. Her feet felt like skipping but surely she couldn’t be that silly. To her delight, Hunter swung their hands between their bodies as they walked. CC allowed herself to hop a bit as she took a step and peeked up to judge her Daddy’s response. His indulgent smile gave her courage and she allowed her Little to emerge more fully. Her bouncing gait matching his long strides perfectly. CC felt her lips curve in happiness as he squeezed her hand.
Daddy. For him, the risk would be worth taking.
Chapter Fourteen
A few cars dotted the parking lot of CC’s Purrfect Coffee. A large van bearing the name of the local animal shop had pulled to the side. A young man in a brightly colored shirt lifted a small cage of mewing creatures and walked to the door.
A new batch of kittens signaled that the café had created forever home matches for the last group of felines. Hunter parked and waited patiently for the volunteer to make it through the two doors created to ensure no four-footed creatures could escape. He caught a glimpse of Tangerine stalking forward to greet the newest temporary residents.
Without disturbing the process, Hunter slipped inside and moved to CC’s side as she watched the shelter cats and kittens emerge slowly from the plastic carrier. Tangerine met the brash ones with a warning swipe of his paw before leaning in to touch noses with the timid cats huddled in the back. His encouragement brought most out.
Hunter could see one small ball of fur tucked into the corner. The creature’s face couldn’t be seen. “Tangerine is going to have trouble with that one,” he pointed out as he hugged CC close to his side. Heat radiated from her body, and Hunter supposed she had been stocking supplies.
“Oh, just watch. He’s as much of a Daddy as you are,” CC teased, pulling him away from his concern before rising on her toes to kiss his cheek.
“Really?” Hunter asked, arching a questioning eyebrow her way.
He turned to look as the large cat meowed softly at the entrance to the cage. When Tangerine didn’t get a response, the oversized cat squeezed inside, curling himself around the kitten. Loud purrs escaped from the holes as Tangerine reassured the small creature with warmth and slow cleaning laps of his tongue. Small blue eyes blinked open as the kitten raised its head. Tangerine continued his reassuring bath and sounds.
“Aah, he’s got him,” CC observed.
“Just like that, a few kisses and everything’s better?” Hunter asked with a smile.
“Kisses always help.” She lifted her lips in a silent request.
Hunter was pleased to indulge her. “Mmm, just the sweet treat I needed.”
“Look!”
When he glanced back at the carrier, it was empty. Surprised, he searched the room with his gaze. A strident meow at his feet made him look down. Two cats sat at his feet.
“Hi, Tangerine. I am glad to see you as well.” Hunter leaned forward to pet the creature who slept on his feet each night. Tangerine rubbed against his legs and then corralled the small kitten over to rejoin the others as the next delivery of furry creatures arrived to demand his attention.
“Tangerine likes you a lot,” CC observed and rubbed the back of her neck as if the muscles ached.
His concern grew as Hunter noted the small wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth.
Keeping his tone light, Hunter answered her. “I like him as well. Thank you for sharing your treasured pet with me. Do you have time to chat? I’m on a short break from the hospital.”
“Have you eaten? I stashed a pumpkin spice cupcake in my office. I’ll share,” CC tempted. Her smile did not reach her eyes.
“I would love to go halfsies with you,” he answered, keeping his tone light as he took her hand.
In the quiet of her office, Hunter pulled her into his arms and kissed CC thoroughly. When they were both breathing heavily, he lifted his lips from hers. CC clung to him for support before lifting her mouth for more. He treasured her eagerness for affection but needed to make sure she was alright.
“No more kisses from Daddy until I make sure you feel okay,”
Hunter informed her. He could feel her energy ebb away as he held her. Concerned, he scooped CC into his arms and circled the desk to sit down with her cradled on his lap.
“You have had a stressful day?” he asked, tucking a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.
“I’m tired,” she admitted.