Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
I was so concerned with Bella’s peanut allergy; I was thrown when I was asked how I wanted the cupcakes decorated. That made me start to think about her party theme.
“No problem. She’ll be some of the best company I’ve had around here in days,” I say.
Gio narrows his eyes at me. I smile up at him. He knows I’m being cheeky, but it’s so hard not to tease him. He can be so stern in the office at times.
He tilts his head as he studies me. “You’re wearing makeup and that outfit is kind of sexy. Stand up.”
I stand and do a little turn. Gio whistles, pulls a face, and nods his head. “What’s the occasion?”
“I have a date,” I say and shrug.
“Uncle Gio,” Bella squeals and runs at Gio’s legs.
From my perch on my seat behind my high desk, I can see the top of her head as she wraps around him and hugs his leg tightly. My heart melts. She looks so adorable. Stepping back, she tugs down her little blazer. I take in her shiny patent leather Mary Janes and pleated skirt.
“I’m here to make sure you get your work done. I’m dressed for business,” she says and turns. “I dressed myself. How did I do?”
“You look like you’re going to take this place over one day,” Gio says cheerfully. “What’s this about me getting my work done?”
“I told her you’ve been slacking,” Dante says as he walks over to my desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Di Lorenzo.”
“Good morning, Lizzy. You look nice.”
“Oh, it’s you,” Bella says. She looks up at me dreamily. “But who’s at the book palace watching over the books?”
I step down from my seat and round my desk to squat and get eye level with her. “Your daddy and uncle needed my help. The Book Court has the library covered. The books will be safe with them.”
“Oh.”
I have to stifle a laugh as her eyes round and she nods as if my explanation makes all the sense in the world. She runs her hand down the front of her little blazer.
“Can I help you help Daddy?”
“I don’t see why not. First, we have to read your daddy his schedule. Wait right here.” I stand and reach over my desk to pluck up my tablet.
As I’m reaching, a very deep, masculine groan fills the air. I look over my shoulder to find Dante scanning me from head to toe. Gio’s cheeks are red as he looks like he’s trying to hide his laughter.
“She has a date, brother. Doesn’t she look stunning?”
“My schedule,” Dante bites out.
I open the tablet, stand straighter, and reach my hand out for Bella’s. She places her little palm in mine. I take a breath and start to read off the day.
“I moved all of your appointments back until afternoon. You have a conference call at one and two meetings. One at two thirty and the other at four.”
“Can the meetings be moved? I want to have lunch with Bella.”
“I think I can reschedule your four. I’ll be happy to watch Bella when you’re busy. I believe Gio needs to attend a few meetings, including your two thirty.”
“I’ll have lunch with Bella in my office around one thirty. Can you coordinate something for us?”
“No problem,” I say and bend to hold my tablet out for Bella. “Okay, so we need to move a few things around for your dad. If you touch right here, we can block you in for lunch.”
Bella’s face lights up as she taps where I show her. “Good job. You may just take my job if I’m not careful. Here, watch this. We’re going to cancel the meeting in an email.”
“Oh, I know what we need to say. Dear…”
“Mr. Ambrose.”
“Dear Mr. Am…Ambro, my daddy is spending the day with me. I’m sincerely sorry he has to cancel your playdate for ours. He’ll make it up to you with lunch very soon. Thank you for your understanding.”
I finish typing what the message will really say and smile at Bella. “Wow, you’re so smart. I think that was an amazing email.”
Gio chuckles. “Di Lorenzos are always ahead of their years. Come on, Bella. I have about twenty-five minutes before my next meeting. Let’s go see what Jace is up to in my office.”
“Bye, Book Queen. I’ll see you in a little while,” Bella says hopefully.
“I’ll be right here when you need me, and you can call me Lizzy.”
“Okay,” she says excitedly as she waves and follows her uncle.
“I may need you to stay late today. How’s the party planning coming along?”
I nearly jump out of my skin. I had no idea Dante had moved so close.
“Oh, um, I have a few questions. Is there a theme she would like? I’m a little lost for direction.”
“Her interests change daily. At the moment, she’ll probably want a Book Queen party. I think you should ask her. I’ve never seen her take to someone like she does you. Whatever you decide, I’m sure she’ll love it.