Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
“They’re fine,” Sue answered before shaking her head. “No, really, they’re not. I get hot in them.”
“Me, too. Everyone looks so cute in them, but I only wear them if they’re thick material. Then, you’re absolutely right. It’s sweltering inside that clingy fabric. I ordered some shorts that have adjustable waistbands and fall about mid-thigh. Not too short so you can’t lean over, but not too long to look like what an old lady would choose.”
“Tell me they don’t wrinkle or ride up and I’ll buy one in every color.”
“Absolutely guaranteed,” Gemma promised.
“Could I pay for some in advance? So I don’t miss the sale?” Sue asked.
“Of course. I’ve ordered blue, black, and gray. I’ll put one of each color in your size in the back.”
“I’ll be here on Monday when the sale starts. There might be something else I need. Could you match a few tops with the shorts, too? Your taste is always perfect. I’ll pay for them when I come in to scope out the sale.”
“My pleasure, Sue. To get you through the week, come try on this style of exercise pants. They’re super breathable and bendy.”
“Thanks, Gemma. I don’t know how you do it, but I always love everything I find here.” Sue stood in front of the full-length mirror and turned from side to side.
Gemma smiled at her reflection. “That outfit looks so cute on you. Davis is going to eat you up.” She laughed as Sue turned multiple colors of red. It was obvious that the couple had a healthy sex life.
Just the thought of someone else’s romantic connections made those spicy images reverberate through Gemma’s mind again. She had no doubt that sex with Anton would be more than she’d ever dreamed she could find.
“Okay. Fess up! Who’s putting that look on your face?” Sue demanded.
“Ummm, I don’t think I want to tell you now,” Gemma hedged.
“Going to keep him a secret? Good for you. No one needs to know your business.”
Sue chatted as Gemma rang up her selections. When handed the bag, she looked at Gemma and said, “How about if I bribe you with the featured cupcake when I come in on Monday? It’s Reindeer Tracks.”
“You are awful. Trying to weasel information with sweet treats. Go!” Gemma said laughing.
“You’ll tell me someday.” Sue giggled as she walked out the door.
Shaking her head at the characters she got to enjoy at her store, Gemma took advantage of a quiet spell to check her phone. There was a missed call and a message from Anton.
Hi, Little Bee. My house is very lonely without you here with me. Come over for dinner. Let me feed you after your long day at work.
She played the message after reading the transcript because she needed to hear his voice. Halfway through, clients walked through the door and she was forced to stow her phone under the counter. Gemma tried to get back to her phone to answer his question, but there was a steady stream of customers that needed her assistance. It was a great problem to have business-wise, but she was afraid he would get the wrong impression and think she was avoiding him. Finally, she had to shrug off her worries. Her Daddy would have to understand that her business relied on Gemma’s personal touch. Design Magic had won over loyal customers because she was a magician at matching women and clothes that made them look and feel good.
By the end of the day, she realized she never had answered him. With the door locked and the open sign off, Gemma paused before heading out to her car to text.
Sorry! It was a crazy day here. Is your offer for dinner still on?
Come, Little girl. I have dinner ready for you.
A warm feeling kindled in her tummy. He was taking care of her, even though she hadn’t been able to make time to answer. How could he be so amazing?
He’s a Daddy.
That thought seemed to be the answer to all the wondrous things about Anton. He was amazing because he cared about her—in a whole different way than anyone else she had considered going out with or had dated in the past. Gemma put his address in the GPS so she could simply follow the line instead of trying to remember the path in reverse from that morning.
She pulled into the driveway, and he walked out to meet her. Standing patiently at her car door, he waited until she turned off the engine and opened the door before greeting her.
“Little Bee. I’m so glad you’re here. Come in. You have to be starving.” He reached a hand down to help her out of the car. “Don’t forget Buzzy.”
“Oh, no!” Gemma was horrified to have almost left him locked in the car without at least explaining that she would be back. “I’m sorry, Buzzy.”