Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“I suppose we could change the codes,” Nora mused. “Right now both Samuel and Amy have them. If we changed them, either you or I would have to be here to let them in.”
“That wouldn’t be difficult. We’re usually here anyway. We can set up a schedule so that one of us is always here before and after Samuel and Amy.”
Nora chewed absently on her thumbnail. “I hate for either of them to think we don’t trust them, though. Let’s hold off on changing the codes.” She threw up her hands. “It’s just mindboggling.”
“I agree.” Craig sighed again. “Let’s think about it for a few days. You’re staying late tonight, right?”
“Yes. I was planning to take a long lunch and come back in to close.”
“I’ll come in early tomorrow. Then we can compare notes.” He looked up at the corners of the room. “Perhaps you should consider getting some cameras.”
“Oh… That’s not a bad idea. I’ll talk to Garrett about it. I’m sure he’ll approve them. I just need to check. It’s his building, after all.” Nora wandered toward the back room to make that call. “It’s all so crazy,” she muttered.
She considered calling Avery, but what sort of statement would she make? Yes, Officer, the problem is that someone is breaking into my store in the night to make improvements and leave money.
Mateo frowned the entire time Nora was explaining the latest developments to him. They were in his office in the back of the restaurant. She was sitting in his chair, swiveling back and forth while he stared at her.
“I don’t like it, Angel.”
“I know. It’s weird. But nothing bad ever happens.”
“I can’t help but wonder if there’s any connection between the constant improvements to your shop and the man who keeps coming in to harass you.” Mateo sighed.
Nora had thought about that many times. “I just don’t see how it’s possible. Avery said that man kept rambling even when he was at the station. He’s not quite right. He seemed delusional. She was inclined to think he was on drugs or something and his mind was telling him my shop was involved in a crime.”
“You haven’t seen him again, right, Angel?”
“No, Daddy. I would have told you. He’s been warned not to come near my shop again, and I have his name now. Pete Gruber.”
Mateo stepped toward her, leaned over, and set his hands on the arms of the fancy desk chair she was sitting on. Her breath hitched, and as she inhaled his scent, she grew aroused. It never changed with him. No matter how long they were together—and she hoped it would be a lifetime—she didn’t think this intensity between them would ever subside.
“Daddy…” she whimpered, glancing toward the closed office door.
“I locked it, Angel. I always lock my office when you’re in here.” He gave her a sexy smile and wiggled his brows.
“Oh…” She set her hands on his chest and smoothed her palms up to his shoulders.
He closed the distance, hovering over her while he kissed her, a kiss that lasted so long she was panting when he released her mouth. “Think about that while you’re at work this afternoon. Tonight I’m going to put a larger plug in your pretty bottom because soon I’m going to take you there, Angel, and you’re going to find out how sensitive those nerve endings can be.”
She stopped breathing as she stared at him. It wasn’t so much that he’d shocked her. She was totally expecting him to say something like that any day now, but the way he delivered the message was so hot. His voice was deep and filled with promise. Now she was going to have wet panties for the rest of the day.
And it was totally worth it.
Chapter Nineteen
The next morning, Nora awoke to the sound of ringing. She jerked awake, confused for a moment before she realized it was her phone, and it wasn’t part of her dream.
As she sat up, rubbing her eyes, Mateo reached across her. He grabbed her phone from the nightstand and glanced at it. “It’s Craig, Angel.” He answered it for her and held it out for her to take.
She cleared her throat. “Craig?”
“Hey, Nora. So sorry to wake you. I know it’s early.”
She glanced at the clock. It wasn’t that early. It was eight. Since neither she nor Mateo had needed to be at work before ten, they’d stayed up kind of late and set their alarms for later. “It’s okay. What’s up, Craig?”
“I’ve solved the mystery. Can you come down to the shop?”
She was suddenly much more awake and sat taller. “Wait. What? You figured out who’s making changes to the store in the night?”
“Yes. I’ll explain when you get here.”
“Okay. I’ll be there as fast as possible.” Nora ended the call as she slid off the side of the bed. “Did you hear all that, Daddy?”