Total pages in book: 215
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
“Did you just stomp your foot, baby girl?”
“Maybe. But you’re being impossible.”
“No. I’m not. You’re being naughty, though. Now, back to bed. It’s past your bedtime. Let Daddy take care of everything. Oh, and I left you a gift in the playroom.” Turning her toward the door, he slapped her ass before moving back into the shadows where she could no longer see him.
He knew she didn’t realize that he was still there. He was certain that she wouldn’t have called him all those naughty names if she had.
He took note of each one. Such a mouth on her. Perhaps he should wash it out. But no, he’d read that wasn’t a very acceptable punishment. That it could make her sick.
He could make her eat vegetables. She’d probably rather have her mouth soaped.
The thought amused him.
She stomped back and forth, cursing him for a good ten minutes. He was about to reappear and force her inside, when she made her way into the house.
Sighing, he shook his head. Who knew looking after a Little could be so time-consuming? Perhaps he should have greater respect for Duke and his friends.
Nah. He wasn’t feeling that generous.
He was new to this and still doing far better than them. Pfft. Greater respect? What was wrong with him? Clearly, he was losing his mind.
Grinning, he walked away.
11
Autumn studied the spare bedroom.
Slowly, it was being transformed into a playroom. Mostly due to the gifts that kept arriving. One day, it was a rocking chair. Then a tea set. A desk. Boxes of Legos. Soft furnishings like a fluffy rug and wall decals of foxes playing.
All of it had been delivered by a lovely man called Xavier who had even helped build some of the flatpack stuff. And she’d liked to watch him build it since he had the most gorgeous ass . . .
Something new caught her eye. A chemistry set.
Oh. My. God.
This was going to be so much fun. She could be a scientist!
“Tutu?” Brody called out.
“Here!” She moved into the hallway, closing the door behind her. “Headed to the kitchen!”
She was reaching for the coffee pot when Brody rushed into the kitchen. “I’m late!”
He had on his clothes from last night. Had he forgotten that he’d started leaving clothes here?
She loved when he slept over. Although she was starting to wonder if he was ever going to make a move on her.
Are you really ready for that?
Dirty slut.
She pushed that thought back.
“Ah, Brody—”
“Do you think you can drive me to work?”
“Brody—”
“My glasses? Where are my glasses?” He stared around frantically as though expecting them to jump up at him.
“Brody. Calm down. Can you see clearly?”
“What? Autumn, I don’t have time . . . aw, MC-squared. I’m wearing them, aren’t I?”
“I love how you have such smart sounding alternative to cuss words,” she said teasingly. She knew he tried not to swear in front of her. It was sweet. “And yes, they’re on your nose. Good morning, by the way.”
He huffed out a breath. “Sorry. I slept in, then I panicked.”
“Were you planning on going to work today?”
“Yeah, I was. Unless you need me?”
“I always need you. But no more than normal. You do know that it’s Saturday?”
He froze. “It is?”
“Uh-huh.” Her lips twitched.
His shoulders slumped in relief. “Thank goodness.”
She giggled. “You’re so cute.”
“An idiot is what I am.”
“Hey, no, you’re not.” She gave him a scolding look. “Don’t talk about yourself like that.”
“Why not?”
“Because it makes me sad. You wouldn’t want me to cry, would you?” She sniffled for extra effect.
He eyed her suspiciously. “Are you trying to manipulate me?”
“I dunno. Is it working?”
“No.”
She sighed dramatically, placing the back of her hand over her forehead. “I thought for sure it would.”
Shaking his head, he moved toward her. “You look tired. Did you have a nightmare? Is that why you’re up so early?”
Drat.
“Yes.”
“You should have woken me,” he told her.
“You need your sleep.”
“So do you.” He drew her into his chest. “This okay?”
“Of course. I love cuddles.”
“I want you to tell me if I ever do anything that scares you, Tutu.”
“You could never do anything to scare me.”
“I might. Without meaning to.”
She moved back, dropping her gaze. She knew what he was referring to, and she didn’t want to think about her time with the senator.
“Will you look at me? Please?”
She raised her gaze to his, surprised to see he was all blurry. Shoot.
“Sorry. Allergies.” She wiped at her eyes.
“Not allergies,” he said gently. “Tutu, I’m worried about you.”
“Why? Because I’m a basket case who’s crying for no reason? Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure that crazy isn’t catching.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy and you know it.”
“Hey! Maybe I’m worried about catching it from you.” She tried to grin.
“Sweetie, I’m worried because you never talk about what happened.”
“Who said I have to talk about it? I’m dealing with it how I want. No reason to hash it out over and over.”