Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45218 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45218 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Her lips curled up as she watched Wyatt walk deliberately to Lark’s side to hand her one of his cards. Their gazes met and Ellie could feel the sizzle of heat between them. The normally unflappable realtor’s cheeks turned rosy as she dropped her attention to the small rectangle of paper in her hand.
Smiling, Wyatt excused himself. “I’ll see you all soon.”
He was almost to the door when Lark called, “Would you and your partner like a cupcake?”
“Not this time, thank you.” Wyatt patted his slim, hard stomach, drawing all their attention to his lower half. “I don’t want to have to run extra laps tonight. Next time, for sure.”
This time as he turned to leave, Ellie noticed all the ladies staring at his toned butt. As much as she wanted people to devour her cupcakes, who wouldn’t enjoy Wyatt’s dedicated fitness goals?
When the bells at the door jingled closed, Ellie teased her friend, “Lark and Wyatt, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”
“Stop it! He’s not interested in me,” Lark protested, turning a bit pinker.
“Oh, he likes you. I’m sure you could get some private lessons,” Riley suggested.
“You guys!” Lark protested. Dramatically, she glanced at her watch. “Oh, look at the time. I have to go. I’m taking a client to see some new houses in the area.”
“Thanks for stopping by to check on us, Lark. Want a cupcake for the road?” Ellie asked, grabbing a to-go container.
“Yes! They’re so good. Rainbow Sprinkles, please. I have to try the cupcake that launched Little Cakes!”
When Ellie brought her the box, Lark handed Ellie her apron and gave her friend a big hug. “You’re doing so well.” She paused just a second before whispering in Ellie’s ear, “Do you think he really likes me?”
“I’d bet a lifetime supply of sprinkles,” Ellie assured her.
“Wow! I’m going to have to think about this.”
“You do that. Now, scoot. Off to your meeting. I’ll see you soon, I’m sure,” Ellie said, giving her one last squeeze.
“That was interesting. Did you feel the heat as he got close to her?” Tori asked after the door jingled closed behind Lark. “I hope someone yummy comes in and scoops me up.”
Everyone turned to look at the quiet, efficient woman. She didn’t usually jump into the conversations between the women. Before anyone could respond, the door opened and a mom and ten teenagers walked in. They were officially open. Time to get to work.
“It’s my turn to feed these guys after practice. They’re starving. Guys, pick a couple of cupcakes and get some milk,” she directed, herding the uniformed, sweaty teens toward the counter with an apologetic smile towards the ladies who rushed into position to help them.
Soon, the room resounded with excited chatter and moans of delight at the yummy cupcakes. They ended up each eating three or four cupcakes. The mother allowed them to eat their fill and requested a dozen to take home with her for her husband and daughter to try. She didn’t blink at the total but handed over her credit card with a smile.
“If everyone likes your treats as well as these guys, you’re going to sell millions of cupcakes!”
Chapter Nineteen
Ellie cuddled against her Daddy as they sat on the couch after dinner. She yawned as the cartoon on the screen faded away. Her bedtime had been in effect for a few weeks. Although she hated to admit it, Ellie did feel better having a regular sleep cycle. Going to bed was hard because she didn’t want to leave her Daddy.
“It’s almost time to put Cuddles and Sprinkles in the crib, Little girl.”
“Five more minutes, Daddy?”
“We have just enough time to rock before bed. Let’s head to your nursery.”
Garret stood and tugged Ellie to her feet. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he guided her into the beautiful room.
“It’s not really my nursery, Daddy. I just keep staying here.” Ellie peeked up at him, trying to read his reaction to her words. She’d felt like she was straddling two worlds—part time Little, part time Big.
Garrett had transported a lot of Ellie’s clothing and possessions to his house. The closet in the nursery was filled with her clothes and shoes. The master closet now housed her jewelry and other precious possessions. Her apartment was virtually empty.
Garrett frowned. “Of course, it’s your nursery, Rainbow. I think we’ll paint a rainbow on that wall over there. Then, you’ll know this is your home.”
Tears welled in her eyes, blinding her. Ellie stopped in the middle of the room and covered her face. She so wanted this to be her real home. It would be a fairy tale come true if her Daddy had found her and wanted to keep her. Overwhelmed, she sobbed, already anticipating the day Garrett would decide she wasn’t worth being his.
Instantly, his warm arms wrapped around her. Her Daddy swept her up in his arms and carried her to the large rocking chair. She turned to bury her face against him as he cradled her against his hard, strong body. When he sat down and pushed with his feet to move the chair, she sobbed even harder.