Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“I’m stretched out on the bed with no makeup on, reading a kinky book, and you decide this is the time to ask me to marry you?” she asked, searching his face for clues he was kidding her.
“I plan to read that kinky book with you as soon as you say yes.” Beau tugged the reader from her hands and set it safely on the nightstand.
As he met her gaze once again, his smile widened. When he winked at her, Maisie knew she was in trouble. He’d never give up.
Beau shifted her carefully back onto her pile of pillows. When she was in place, he rolled off the bed and quickly kneeled next to her side. Extending a hand for hers, Beau squeezed her fingers slightly before trying his proposal again.
“My precious Little girl. I love all the bits that make you so special: your Little side, your brainy side, and your devoted friend side. I never want to face life without you at my side. Will you marry me?”
“Beau, our families…”
“Your family loves me. They won’t love the political stuff that goes with my job, but they’ll handle it just as they handle every challenge. My family will either accept us or they’ll remove themselves from our lives. That is up to them. I will not allow them to jeopardize my happiness.”
He opened the ring box and held the gorgeous ring up for her to see. Maisie leaned forward to look at it more closely. She tried to prevent her expression from changing.
“That’s too much, Beau. It could pay all the overdue lunch tabs for the kids in Avondale schools—probably for years.”
“I already cover those.”
“You do? Well, then, take this ring and pay for… for athletic gear for kids that can’t afford them,” Maisie said, remembering her brother having to wear secondhand cleats that were two sizes too small.
“Already covered,” Beau assured her.
“You pay for those, too?” she asked in disbelief.
“I don’t think Colt would be upset if I tell you he works with the athletic departments at each level to help kids that need something.”
“What? Why did I not know this?”
“Neither of us wanted recognition for doing something for others. We just want kids to have the best opportunities in school,” Beau said quietly. “Now, can you think of anyone else I should support?”
“The music department?” she said desperately.
“Colt.”
“I suppose Rio delivers free booze to the teachers?” she sassed.
“No. After hearing some stories from his Little girl about the hospital, Rio decided to support the needs of people in the emergency department. Amber is organizing everything there.”
“Beau…”
“Take the ring, my Little cactus. You deserve to have something that shines as bright as you do. I chose this just for you. The heart shape means that my heart belongs to you. Say yes,” he said softly.
Maisie’s gaze dropped from his face back to the gorgeous ring. “I don’t like it when you buy me things.”
She remembered the soft coat he’d bought her when they were in the seventh grade. She’d wanted to accept so badly, but her pride got in the way. For years, Maisie had remembered his hurt expression when she’d refused. Beau hadn’t gotten mad. He’d simply wrapped an arm around her to keep her warm instead.
“I know. This is special. I’m supposed to buy you a ring. I love you, Maisie.”
“I love you, too. We could get a smaller ring?” she suggested.
“Not happening, Little girl. Say yes.”
She inhaled and exhaled sharply. “Yes.”
“That’s my girl.” He plucked the ring from its velvet nest and slid it onto her finger. It fit perfectly. Beau gave her a second to admire the dazzling stone as he stood.
“Mine,” he claimed as he scooped Maisie up into his arms and whirled her around in a circle.
“Daddy!” she protested, wrapping her arms around his neck. When he didn’t stop, she pressed a kiss to his lips.
Heat flared between them. Beau raised his head to meet her gaze. “You’re mine, Little girl.”
“Yes, Daddy. Forever.”
Beau stripped her clothing off and carelessly tossed everything around the room before taking care of his. Wrapping his hands around her waist, Beau walked forward to press her against the wall. He pinned her body in place as he kissed her deeply.
Maisie could feel his shaft thickening against her. Her arousal went from zero to hot as he pinned her against the wall. She wrapped her arms and legs around him as she returned his heated kisses. Rubbing against his body, she urged him on.
Ripping his mouth from hers, he warned, “This is going to be fast and furious, Little girl. I can’t go slow.”
She blinked at him as the urgency in his tone registered. Decision made, Maisie told him, “I don’t want slow, Daddy.” She leaned forward and bit the curve of his neck where it met his shoulder.