Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry, baby. Daddies are supposed to take care of their Littles—not hurt them,” Trace said before leaning forward to press a soft kiss to her lips.
“So… No spanking?” she quickly clarified when he released her.
“Not this time, Avery. Can I come by after work to take you to dinner?” he asked.
“I’ll cook here,” she offered, afraid of what other police officers might say when they saw the two of them together. “Do you like spaghetti?”
“I love it. We will go out together in public at some point,” he warned.
“I know. Just not yet. Okay?”
“I’ll see you at six-thirty.” Trace looked at his watch and shook his head. “Speaking of time, I have to get home and shower. My moving truck arrives in an hour. I have a meeting this afternoon at the precinct also. What’s your phone number?” he asked, pulling the device from his pocket.
Automatically, she recited the digits. When he rang her to share his number, she looked down at the screen.
“Save it. I’ll let you choose the name. Enjoy your day, baby.” He brushed his lips against hers before jogging down the drive to the car parked in the street.
As she watched him drive away, Trace flashed his brake lights at her to show that he’d replaced the faulty bulb. When he disappeared, her gaze returned to the number on her screen. Carefully, she saved it to her contacts.
Chapter Five
Trace wiped the happy grin off his face as he parked the car at the precinct that afternoon. It wouldn’t do to walk into the police station smiling like he’d met the woman of his dreams. He didn’t need anyone else to know that morsel of information yet.
“Good afternoon, Wyatt.” Trace hadn’t expected to see the detective here when he knew Avery was off today. Generally, partners always worked at the same time.
“I picked up a shift for a detective whose wife had a baby last night,” Wyatt explained to his new captain.
Trace noted the careful wording and body language of the detective. That was the crappiest part of a new job. No one knew who he was or if they could trust him. They were watching him as closely as he was observing them.
“Thanks for stepping in for him. It’s good to know officers support each other. Is there a celebration fund for the new baby going yet?” Trace asked.
“There is. O’Malley there in the green shirt is collecting for us. The guys won’t expect you to contribute,” Wyatt added quickly.
“Babies are meant to be spoiled.” Trace nodded to Wyatt before walking to the man collecting money and adding a twenty to the gift.
After exchanging pleasantries with O’Malley, Trace headed to his office to check his messages. Even though he didn’t officially start until Monday, he was already trying to get on top of things. He’d instructed his administrative assistant to arrange most of his day Monday outside of the office so he could observe and get a feel for the atmosphere. It looked like she’d taken him at his word. He would be on his feet all day Monday. Perfect.
Downloading the schedule to his phone, Trace picked up a bottle of water and headed for his meeting. He passed Avery’s desk and noticed a stack of papers with a cupcake paperweight holding them in place. Curious, he picked up the decorative item and read the name and address of the local cupcake shop.
“The best cupcakes in town,” Wyatt commented from the next desk.
“Always a good thing to know. Thanks,” Trace answered as he set it back down and walked to the elevator. As it descended, he noted the name in his phone and sent a quick message.
Little Cakes? Was that the cupcake company you recommended?
An answer buzzed on his phone almost instantaneously.
The best cupcakes—EVER!
With a genuine smile curving his lips, Trace stepped through the opening doors to meet a delegate from emergency management who stood waiting to greet him.
By the end of the day, Trace was developing a sense of what was working well and what he needed to improve in the coming weeks. He was definitely ready for some down time after unpacking all day and his meeting this afternoon. Walking out the door, he noted the packed parking lot. The demands of the approaching holiday had boosted the number of cops on the street to keep everyone safe.
Trace planned on checking in on things again tomorrow to get a sense of the community and the relationship between the neighborhood and the police. He was impressed by the plans to keep kids and the adults safe. For now, he looked forward to some down time with one intriguing Little girl.
In a short time, he pulled into her driveway. The lighted window in the front room welcomed him and he caught a glimpse of Avery flitting past it. She stopped and backed up to look out at him, obviously double-checking that she’d spotted his car. Trace stepped from the vehicle and waved before walking up to the front door.