Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“Oh, yum. I’m going to gain so much weight. There are too many amazing places to eat around Craftastic,” she said, half joking, half concerned that he might not be attracted to her if she weighed too much.
“I want you to be healthy. Numbers on the scale don’t matter. It’s how you feel. Besides, blueberries are filled with antioxidants. That makes the Blueberry Bliss cupcakes health food, right?”
There was nothing in his expression or tone that revealed an ounce of concern. He really didn’t care. She beamed at him. “I think you’re perfectly correct. Blueberry Bliss will keep our hearts happy in two ways.”
“Exactly!”
Chapter Seven
When Nora couldn’t eat another bite, Mateo wiped her hands clean and removed the napkin that had protected her cute outfit. He used it to whisk away any crumbs and spills from her area as he scooted the dishes away.
“I’ll do the dishes. You cooked,” Nora stated, jumping up from her chair.
“That’s not how this works, Little girl. I’ll do the dishes. You get to choose between coloring or doing the puzzles in this magazine.”
Mateo opened a drawer next to the table and pulled out a coloring book, a sketch pad, and a magazine Nora recognized from her childhood. Every doctor’s office had stocked that for their young patients. She’d loved it. There were seek and finds, hidden objects, jumbled words—everything fun!
“Are you sure?” she asked as he placed her choices before her.
Mateo simply kissed the top of her head and asked her, “What sounds like fun tonight?”
Nora smiled up at him. Tonight. That word promised that there would be many more nights of being taken care of in this warm kitchen. His hand rubbed her back, easing the tension between her shoulders.
“I think I’ll draw,” she said, picking up the sketch pad and new set of drawing pencils.
“Good choice.”
Mateo wandered off as she opened the packages. These looked very familiar. “Did these come from Craftastic?”
“Yes. Why would I go anywhere else?” he asked.
“That’s very nice of you,” she said automatically.
“It has the best assortment, and I happen to be falling in love with the owner,” he said with a smile.
“Really?” she squeaked.
“Really.”
He walked forward to give her a sizzling kiss that totally erased all thoughts in her mind before returning to his clean-up job. Dazzled, Nora picked up a pencil and sketched. Her fingers seemed to move on their own as she drew a portrait of the man who meant so much to her already. She had just gotten to the toughest part—trying to capture his eyes—when Mateo moved behind her.
“Not until the picture is finished,” she said pertly, closing the sketch pad quickly.
“Hmm. My Little girl likes secrets, huh?” Mateo teased. “I’ll be patient to see your picture.”
He captured her hand and turned it palm upward to reveal the smudge of black on her fingers. “It looks like you’re ready for your bath now, Little girl.”
“Are you really going to give me one?” she squeaked nervously.
“Yes, sweetheart. Come with Daddy.”
Taking her hand, he helped her up and then walked slowly as she tottered behind him. They walked into the main bedroom and into the large attached bathroom where a huge tub with curved sides invited Nora to jump inside. She’d never seen a tub that looked like she could stretch out her long legs completely.
“That’s amazing,” she whispered.
Mateo turned on a large spigot that gushed water. He adjusted the heat before returning to her side. “Let’s get these clothes off and you can go potty before taking your bath if you didn’t use your diaper.”
“Oh, no,” Nora denied, shaking her head vigorously.
“Little girl, you say that as if it’s something bad. There’s no shame in using a garment that’s wrapped around your bottom. It will go in the trash either way,” he assured her as he pushed her tutu over her hips.
“Step your legs apart, Angel,” he requested so he could unsnap the crotch. He pulled it higher to reveal the tabs on the diaper and whisked that away without any fuss. It seemed so normal for him.
She shivered as the cool air swirled around her. Funny how snuggly she had felt before.
“Go potty and then I’ll take your shirt off, Angel. I don’t want you to catch a chill.”
Embarrassed to have her bottom bare, Nora darted into the separate toilet area. She knew he’d see more of her in just a few minutes. Tinkling quickly, she was glad the water was on to cover the noise. After flushing, she returned to see her Daddy tossing a few toys into the bathtub.
“There she is. I think the water is getting high enough for you to step inside. Dip your fingers into the water to test the temperature for Daddy.”
Without thinking, she leaned over to trail her hand through the warm liquid. He cupped her bottom and squeezed slightly. When she started to stand up, he blocked her movement with a firm hand on her back.