Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 71497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
I stretched my neck up and looked around the diner. “Oh, he’s leaving.”
That wasn’t very polite.
“I was going to ask him to tell you how he found special cars.” Because I was pretty sure he needed to tattle on himself.
Daddy’s smile was ear to ear when I sat back down. “Thank you for that good information, cutie. I appreciate you helping me to understand how things work.”
“You’re welcome, Daddy.” Wiggling in my seat, I rested my hands on the table to try to sit still. “But I’m a very good boy and would never steal for my hoard. My mother said that would be very naughty, so I don’t want you to think badly of us.”
Lorne hadn’t been able to help himself, so I wasn’t worried about apologizing for him…but Mr. Emry…well, that was a different story.
“Don’t worry about it. I know how many upstanding citizens we have around here.” Daddy was very good at making everyone feel guilty. “They’d never endorse thievery or anything like that.”
“Nope.” I did my best not to laugh, but Daddy was so proud of himself that he was almost giggling. “Never. But don’t forget, I’m very good and didn’t do anything wrong to begin with. So I should get a reward for that.”
Yes, being good without being naughty first was definitely something I should be rewarded for.
****
“Well, that went fairly well, cutie.” Daddy wrapped me in his arms as soon as we walked in the door, making me laugh. “They only stared half the time and we only got asked a few inappropriate questions.”
“It was much better than breakfast the other day.” For some reason, people were much nosier before they’d gotten their coffee.
Daddy laughed and kissed my forehead. “You’re right. It was leaps and bounds better than breakfast.”
“They’re just nosy because they like you, though, Daddy.” Kissing his cheek, I wiggled to get him to hug me tighter. “If they didn’t like you, they’d leave you alone.”
He groaned, resting his forehead against mine. “That’s insane, but sadly it makes perfect sense around here.”
“We’re kind of special.” I shrugged as he snickered. “We do things a bit differently.”
“But that’s not a bad thing.” Daddy shifted and gave me a soft kiss, smiling. “Different means toy hoards and beautiful dragons and flying.”
“And friendly people like Mr. Kennedy.” I was serious, but Daddy laughed. “He’s just kind of nosy too.”
“He’s more than kind of nosy, cutie.” Daddy gave me another quick peck. “That man has to know everything that’s going on around town.”
“Maybe gossip is his hoard?” I shrugged as Daddy’s eyes got wide. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone mention what his hoard was. Maybe that’s because it’s weird.”
“That makes a lot of sense.” Daddy straightened, looking confused. “Now I don’t know if I should feel bad about not wanting him to be so nosy or not.”
“Oh, that’s a good question. If it’s his hoard, we can’t keep it from him. That just wouldn’t be nice.” Being a dragon was hard sometimes.
“No.” Daddy shook his head. “We’re not going to assume gossip is his hoard just because he’s a nosy old man.”
Still…
“Okay, Daddy.” He had a point. “But we won’t be mean just in case?”
Daddy sighed but nodded and kissed my nose. “Deal.”
Wonderful.
“But…” Daddy’s eyes said he wanted to laugh even though he looked very serious. “It’s going to cost you, though.”
Oh, bribes.
Trying not to giggle, I nodded and did my best to look solemn. “I understand and I’m willing to pay the price.”
Please let it involve spankings.
Please let it involve spankings.
“You’re going to have to take me flying.” Daddy waited and then laughed when my eyes went wide. “I’m serious. That’s your consequence.”
“Really?” That was not what I thought he was going to say. “Really?”
Daddy wasn’t scared of my big dragon form, but he’d been very cautious. He hadn’t even touched my head. I knew Boyd had been ridiculous when he’d said Daddy might not come back, but it was okay for Daddy to be very thoughtful when it came to dragon stuff.
“I can’t carry you when I’m little.” He knew that, right? “Just big, Daddy.”
My little form was stronger than he probably realized, but it wasn’t Daddy-sized strong.
Giving me a very serious nod, Daddy straightened and relaxed his hold on me. “I know, cutie. We won’t go high or do it for too long. I don’t want to wear you out and I don’t want to fall. But I’ve been thinking about it and I want to know what it’s like to fly with you.”
Oh, I wished I’d asked Alick more questions about humans before I’d offered.
“You won’t get too scared? Hearts stop beating if people get too scared.” Humans and some dragons…but definitely humans. “I don’t want you to get nervous.”
Daddy laughed. “Cutie, I’m already nervous. But I want to do this with you.”