Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Not looking at him, she whispered, “Sorry.”
“I’m not.”
His enthusiastic response made her look up at him.
His gaze locked with hers. “Can I accompany you into the gardens this evening?”
“I’d love that,” she whispered.
“It’s a date. I better start the process of getting cleaned up. I’ll meet you here at the front desk at seven. Don’t leave the building without me.” He lifted a brow.
She gasped as it dawned on her that he seemed to know she’d gone to the gardens last night. “I’m an adult, Rocco,” she insisted, feeling miffed at his high-handedness on this topic. “I’m perfectly capable of walking outside on my own.” She crossed her arms. “And how did you know I went out last night? Were you spying on me?”
“I wasn’t spying on you, Little girl,” he said sternly. “No one was spying on you, but there are security cameras all over this property to ensure employees and guests are safe at all times.”
“Oh.” She glanced around, noticing for the first time there were indeed discreet cameras in the corners of the lobby.
He stepped closer. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. There are no cameras in your private room. Nor are there cameras in my apartment.”
She swallowed at the thought of his apartment. She wondered when he might invite her to see it, which caused her mixed feelings. Were they moving too fast? Should she even be engaging in the idea of getting involved with him at all? She really needed to tell him about her problems if she was going to continue…
Continue what? It was difficult for her to fully accept the possibility that he might really be her Daddy. She’d waffled all morning, worrying she’d imagined their intimate discussion and kiss last night. Now that he was in front of her, it was clear he’d meant everything he’d said. His gaze was locked on hers, and he was studying her intently.
What if she told him about her previous employer and her concerns, and he decided he didn’t want to get involved in something so messy?
Rocco reached for her crossed arms and gently pried them open to ease her hands down. “I know you don’t know me very well yet, Sadie, but do you think you could give me the benefit of the doubt for now and not get so defensive and sassy?”
She blew out a breath. “Yes, Sir,” she whispered, feeling chagrinned for jumping down his throat.
“Good girl. Now, you’re not in trouble for walking in the gardens last night. We hadn’t established any boundaries or rules about such things yet, but today is a new day. I don’t want you wandering alone outside in the dark while the resort is sparsely populated and so few people are around. It’s not safe. If you want to stroll in the gardens at night, you’ll ask Daddy to take you, understood?”
She nodded, “Yes, Sir,” she whispered again. He had a way of causing her to submit to him and refer to him reverently with just a look. It sent a chill up her spine. Besides, he was probably right. He had no idea there was a possible threat against her because she hadn’t told him yet. She needed to do that soon. She would do so tonight.
With an internal sigh, she mentally acknowledged that, if he continued insisting he was her Daddy after she spilled the beans, there was a good chance her freedoms would be curtailed even further. The man had spoken of safety more than once.
“Good girl,” he repeated. He gave her one of his winning smiles and leaned in to plant a quick kiss on her lips.
Would she get more of those kisses? Or would that be the last one? She reminded herself that telling him about her problems wasn’t her only hurdle. Mr. Kingsley was also standing in their path.
Rocco had said he would speak to their boss, but she doubted he’d had a chance yet, and when he did, there still existed the possibility that she would be fired. Heck, Rocco might get fired, too.
The sound of the front door opening made Sadie blush as she took a step back. She really needed to remember she was at work and stop going all googly-eyed every time Rocco stepped into a room. She wasn’t behaving professionally at all.
In fact, she gasped as she jerked her attention to the camera she’d discovered minutes ago. Even knowing someone could be watching her, she’d still kissed Rocco in the lobby. What’s wrong with you?”
A man strolled into the lobby. “I have a delivery. Do you know where you want me to put it?” he asked as he approached.
Sadie frowned as he got closer. He wasn’t holding a package or anything.
Rocco turned toward him. “Is it furniture?”
“Yes,” the man confirmed. “I have a new phone here as well for Sadie Miller.”