Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 252(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 252(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
The image of these rough guys walking around with “Hi, my name is” stuck to their broad chests made her burst out in tickled laughter. She leaned back against Steele for support as she enjoyed life—no bad guys threatening, no crappy bosses, no being alone. Ivy decided she was going to like it here.
When the others looked at her, she swatted her chest and forced out “Hi, my name is…” Steele still appeared confused by why that was funny, but the Littles got it immediately.
“Come on, Chuckles. Let’s get you fed.”
Taking her hand, he tugged her to the open kitchen where delicious-looking food tempted her, arranged beautifully in heated trays. Steele quickly washed the cup and lid still in his hand and dried it carefully, as Ivy looked around to see if anyone looked at her strangely. She only saw smiles. They really do like Littles here.
He picked up a plate and steered her to the first dish. “Eat all you want and go back for seconds.”
“Who made all this?” Ivy asked, helping herself to some cut-up veggies to be healthy before scooping up a completely unhealthy, heaping spoonful of the cheesiest macaroni and cheese.
“We all take turns.”
When she opened her mouth to volunteer, he cut her off before she could talk. “You’re on inactive duty, Little girl.”
“I could stir cupcake batter.”
“Not for a few days,” he decreed, lifting tongs to offer her some chicken tenders.
“Just one,” she allowed, holding her plate out.
By the time they finished adding a bit of this and that, her plate was groaning under the weight. Steele plucked it out of her hands and carried it for her to a partially filled table. Placing the dishes in front of empty chairs, he introduced Ivy as he pulled out her chair.
After saying hello, Ivy let the conversations flow around her as Steele excused himself to grab their drinks. Checking out everyone in the room, Ivy noticed a man sitting by himself and wondered why he hadn’t chosen to sit with the others. When Steele returned, he placed her lookalike cup in front of her. Suddenly thirsty, she lifted it and paused, staring at the sippy lid on top. Ivy peeked up at Steele.
“It’s okay, Emerald Eyes. You won’t have to worry about spilling anything,” he reassured her quietly.
“Okay,” she whispered, and lifted it to her lips experimentally.
“Chocolate milk,” Ivy celebrated quietly and patted her Daddy’s hard thigh.
Catching others looking at her, Ivy felt self-conscious. They were smiling her way, but being Little was so new for her. Trying to be subtle, she scooted closer to the dynamic man next to her. He didn’t ask any questions, but pulled her chair tight against his. Steele wrapped an arm across the back of her seat and reassured her with caresses up and down her upper arm and shoulder.
In her sheltered spot, she observed those around her. These guys might look all growly and mean, but they laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. It really was like a family. There was only one guy sitting isolated away from the others. Instantly, Ivy wondered why.
To her surprise, she saw Carlee approach the man with her meal to sit across from him. Carlee really was very sweet to make sure he wasn’t alone. Curious, she tugged on Steele’s vest to get his attention.
“Who’s that with Carlee?” she asked, pointing to the couple.
With a look of surprise on his face, Steele answered, “Silver.”
She could tell something was up by his expression. “You don’t like him. He’s the one you were talking about earlier.”
“Like isn’t necessary. I’m not sure I trust him,” Steele answered.
“So, he’s doesn’t hold a position in the club?”
“He’s the treasurer.”
“That sounds like someone you should trust,” Ivy suggested. “I could…”
“No numbers for you, Little girl. You’re on medical leave. Don’t worry about it. I don’t have any reason to not trust him. Eat,” he directed, nodding at her plate.
Obediently, Ivy scooped up a bite. When her immediate hunger eased, Ivy leaned against his support as exhaustion draped over her. Why was she always so tired? Without thinking, she took a bite of the delicious chicken when Steele held his fork to her lips. Realizing that she had allowed him to feed her, Ivy looked around self-consciously. No one reacted.
A few minutes later, he offered her a taste of a casserole she hadn’t tried. It smelled wonderful. Opening her lips, she allowed him to place a small portion in her mouth.
“Mmm!”
“Good, huh? That’s Remi’s favorite. Have some more,” he said to her quietly and held another bite to her lips.
When his plate was empty, Steele put hers on top of his. She let him feed her a bit more, but shook her head when her stomach was full. Ivy loved that he didn’t pressure her but continued to offer bites every once in a while to make sure she hadn’t changed her mind.