Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
The large animal bounded away, eager to follow Jerico’s instructions.
“This is your home now. I am your daddy. You’ve slept in my arms for two nights. I wouldn’t have let you go after the first. I’m never letting you go after the second.”
“Because you know I’m a mess and I need someone to take care of me?” she asked, peeking up at him.
“Because you’re my Little and I want nothing more than to take care of you.”
She stared at him for a few minutes, as if digesting his words. “You really mean that. You’re not just saying that.”
“I do. You belong here with me.” Jerico leaned down to kiss her lips softly, before deepening the exchange.
When he lifted his mouth from hers, she launched herself forward to press her cheek against his chest. Her arms slid around his waist, holding onto him as if he were her stability.
Squeak, squeak, squeak!
Jerico couldn’t help but laugh as Rexy pranced around, chomping on his ball. Aspen exploded into giggles seconds later. It felt good to him to have someone for the tough discussions and worries as well as the fun times. He wanted to have it all. With her.
“The pink key is all yours,” he repeated.
“Thank you.”
He kissed the top of her head before stepping back. “Dinner is almost ready. Would you like to take Rexy outside and throw his ball for a few minutes?”
“I’d love that. But I can help you.”
“Daddy’s job. Go play with Rexy. You both need some playtime.”
Nodding, Aspen ran to the back door. “Come on, Rexy. Let’s play ball.”
Keeping an eye on them through the kitchen window, Jerico watched the two having fun together. After getting the main course mixed, he placed it under the broiler to brown. Pouring milk into a new sippy cup decorated with puppies, Jerico stirred in chocolate. He’d just set everything on the table when Aspen and Rexy came inside.
“Wash your hands and come sit down. Do you have a preference where you sit?” he asked, watching Rexy exit the kitchen. How many times had that poor dog been hit to cause him to hightail it out of the kitchen when food was on the table?
“Oh, I don’t care,” she answered, completing her task.
“Then I choose this one. That’s my normal spot. Tell me about work. Sit down, and you can talk to me.”
She slid onto the chair with a sigh of relief and picked up her cup to take a big drink.
“Tired, huh? Or was it a tough day?” he asked, settling into his chair.
“I was definitely busy. The other maintenance people were so happy to have help.”
“Too busy, or did the time fly past? I hate not having things to do,” Jerico commented, trying to draw her out.
“It was okay. Once I know what’s going on, it will be even better. I enjoyed having other people around. I kept an eye open for you but didn’t see you.”
“We were on a training hike.”
“All day?”
“Yes. I did you a favor and took a shower when I got home.”
“Maybe I should go shower?”
“Let’s see.” Jerico leaned close to dip his face into the crook of her neck. Pressing his lips to her skin, Jerico kissed a trail of light butterfly kisses. He loved her shiver and the arch of her neck to give him greater access.
“Mmm,” he hummed against her skin. “I think I’ll just eat you for dinner. You smell better than the macaroni.”
“Daddy!” she said, giggling. “Nothing smells better than macaroni and cheese.”
He caged her in front of him by gripping the counter on each side of her torso. “Say it again.”
“Nothing smell…”
“Not that. The first thing. Call me that again,” he demanded.
“Daddy? I thought I was supposed to…”
Jerico didn’t let her finish. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer. “Say it again.”
“Daddy,” she repeated, with a bit more enthusiasm this time.
Cupping the back of her head, Jerico claimed her with a kiss that made her curl her fingers around the hard muscles of his shoulders. His mouth explored hers, never rushed but definitely thorough. Jerico kissed every thought from her brain. She could only cling to him as he showed her exactly how intimate this exchange could be.
When he finally lifted his head, she inhaled sharply and stared at him with wide eyes. “That was some kiss.”
“It definitely was.” Jerico slid a hand between their bodies to adjust himself. “I’m very glad I found you, little girl.”
“Me, too.”
Her stomach grumbled, interrupting their discussion. Aspen plopped a hand over her tummy.
“Enough kisses. You need food, Aspen. Let’s eat.” He ushered her to the table and pulled out her chair.
“Then more kisses?” she asked, blushing an adorable shade of pink as she looked up at him.
“Yes, little girl. More kisses are definitely in our future. Drink your milk. I’ll get us some food.”