Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Automatically, she repeated his directions.
“Good girl. Time to get dressed and go to work.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her back to the bedroom to dress, helping her move much more quickly than she would have on her own as the intruder inside her bottom shifted—a constant reminder of its presence.
Hours later, Rose flopped into her chair and froze as she pushed the device deeper. It wasn’t keeping her from working. It just kept making its presence known. Opening her teddy bear lunchbox, Rose lifted out a napkin with a heart drawn on it by hand. Her Daddy’s.
She liked being reminded that he loved her. After forcing herself to open the small container of grapes, she popped two into her mouth. When she turned over her napkin to wipe her hands, she discovered another message. No touching!
Sighing deeply, Rose opened her computer and checked her inventory. “I’m being good, Daddy.” Her answer reverberated in the empty room.
“Oh, great. Now I’m talking to myself.”
“You busy, boss?
Rose looked up to see Deke’s concerned face and knew her Daddy was right again. That reminder should keep her focused on her work, too.
“Don’t mind me, Deke. This holiday rush is incredible. It will establish Stuff-It firmly in the community. I couldn’t be more thrilled, but I need some help. If everything is under control out there, come take a seat. Let’s talk.”
For the next thirty minutes, the two sat and discussed goals and schedules. When they finished, Rose had a manager for her store. Deke headed out to make a late afternoon bank drop. They deemed that would be safer than leaving after dark from a deserted mall. Already it felt like a ton of weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Between Deke taking on a lot of responsibilities and Larisa managing more of the marketing and social media, Rose felt like her team was complete. She could breathe easier.
Thanks, Daddy.
Chapter Sixteen
“Merry Christmas Eve, Little girl,” Adam greeted Rose as he rushed to enter the Stuff-It store just as she closed the gate.
“I feel like we’ve done this before,” she said with a laugh as she tugged him inside. It had been a busy few weeks, but Rose felt on top of the world. Things had really changed for her.
“It worked out pretty well for you to let me in the last time,” he reminded her with a grin.
“It did,” she agreed and pulled him a bit closer for a kiss before latching the door closed.
“Were you busy today?” he asked, looking around the store.
“You would never believe the tornado that came through here today. Deke implemented a new way to keep the place stocked and in order. He’s so amazing. I think we’ll be able to walk out the door at the end of the night without having so much to do after hours.”
“I like the sound of that,” he answered enthusiastically.
“I figured you would. Are you ready to go home?”
“I thought we might stop at a Christmas party tonight. Would you like to hang out with the other Littles at Blaze tonight?”
She looked at him and bounced on her exhausted toes. “I would love that. I’m sure they’ll be a lot of fun.”
“Let’s go. Grab a Santa hat to wear and don’t forget Ruff,” he instructed.
“He’d be so upset to miss a party!”
In moments, they were headed down the road toward the adult club. She peeked over at him as butterflies gathered in her tummy. “I’ve never been to a place like Blaze.”
“You’ll like it. Everyone is very friendly. The Littles have their own area—the daycare. You don’t have to go anywhere else, but I thought you might want to walk around with me to explore.”
“Is it okay to watch other people…” her voice faded away and she whispered, “you know—do stuff?”
“There are private rooms if people wish to play without others seeing. Everyone else knows that others are watching. For some, that’s part of the allure.”
“Oh! Okay, then. I’d like to see what’s going on,” she admitted as he turned into the secluded parking lot.
Her Daddy escorted her through the front door where Tarson winked at her familiarly.
“You remember Tarson from Little Cakes, right?” Adam asked her as he shook the large man’s hand. “He’s Blaze’s Dungeon Master. He makes sure everyone is safe as they explore things here at the club.”
“Nice hat, Rose. Ellie and Daisy are coloring in the daycare if you want to join them,” the Dungeon Master shared. “The Christmas party will be in the main room in a couple of hours.”
“Daddy’s going to show me around a bit before I join them. Is that okay?” she asked, holding Ruff against her tummy with hands that shook slightly.
“Of course. Your Daddy is a wise man. Littles are curious. It’s better you explore with him so you can ask questions,” Tarson assured her.