Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 80653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“What do you mean, sweet pea?”
She shrugs. “He doesn’t kiss girls on the mouth. Only you.” Children have a way of noticing everything. And I mean everything.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean to. Besides, how many girls do you see your daddy with?” I question. More because I want her to tell me that I’m the only girl she’s ever seen him with, but then again, that reminds me I’m a girl. I’m not a woman who can seduce a man like Austin Bailey. The thought of last night, how gentle he was with me, how much time he took to ensure I felt pleasure only alights the need I have for him even more.
“I want him to,” she confesses in a whisper as if he’s here and he can hear her.
“And why is that?” Crossing my arms in front of me, I crouch so I’m at eye level with the little munchkin. If he knows she wants me to be here, perhaps that would persuade him to give this a try. There are too many obstacles, though. My parents, for one, will not take the news as easily as I would hope.
“Because you can be my mommy,” she says nonchalantly, like she’s just told me she wants a grilled cheese for lunch. Her words still my heart.
I’m only twenty and I’ve never given a thought to having kids. At least, not yet. But with her, it comes easily. Naturally. And with Austin, it causes my heart to stutter against my ribs. His touch, his kiss, his smile, and his daughter.
Would I be able to do this? Be a mother?
“Listen to me, Chelsea, grown-ups are difficult. Sometimes it’s not as easy as liking someone. Maybe we should keep this our little secret. Don’t tell your daddy until he’s ready,” I tell her. Sighing, I realize how stupid I am. I’m trying to convince a five-year-old that her father needs to make his own decision regarding his love life.
As much as I want her to be right, I know it’s up to him to confess. He has to tell me what he wants. Because after last night, I know what I want. And that’s him and his little girl.
“We’ll keep a secret.” Chelsea giggles, pressing her finger to her lips. “Shh. Daddy is a boy and boys don’t listen to secrets.” In her mind, this is as innocent as playing with her dolls. But to me, it’s so much more.
“Why don’t you go watch your cartoons? I’ll make us something for lunch, okay?”
She nods and leaves me in the kitchen with my thoughts. Perhaps I can make him a lovely dinner for when he gets home tonight.
Maybe, just maybe, I can seduce him. With my cooking skills and desserts. Smiling, I head to the fridge to ensure I have what I need for dinner. And once again, shortcake will be on the menu.
Austin
The scent of her perfume lingers as I drive to the hospital to see my client who’s called in the emergency. I can’t believe I kissed her when I ran toward the car. In all honesty, it was a reaction that came naturally. After our night together, at least, the moments we made love, I needed her lips on mine again. As if I was hungry for more of her delicious flavor. I plan to talk to her when I get home.
Would she date me?
I’m a father, I’m too old for her, but I can’t stop thinking about her. It’s as if she’s taken hold of my mind and she’s invading my every thought. Last night was utter perfection. Feeling her around me was addicting, and I’d like more, so much more.
As soon as I’m parked, I exit the car and rush to the entrance. Stepping inside, I find my emergency patient. “Oh, thank God you’re here, Doctor.” The mother rises, tugging her son behind her. “He fell from the tree, and his arm is broken. I think. I mean, I don’t know, but he’s—”
“It’s okay, Mrs. Bryson, we’ll have him checked out soon. Follow me.” I offer a calming smile, hoping it will alleviate her stress about her son. The little boy looks as if he’s proud of the fact that he probably has a broken arm, giving me a toothy grin. “Come on, little man.” I open the door, allowing him and his mother to enter first. Once the door is shut, I turn on the computer to pull up his files.
“It hurts,” he mumbles when I step over to the bed where his mom has propped him up.
“That’s definitely going to happen when you fall out of a tree. Now can you tell me what you did?” I ask, hoping to distract him as I touch his arm tentatively to figure out how bad it is.
“I was playing with my friends and they dared me to do it.” He shrugs nonchalantly, causing me to chuckle. “Ow!”