Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Ellie stepped closer and set a hand on Avery’s shoulder. “You okay? Did I say something to upset you?”
Avery shook her head. “No.” She forced a smile. “I had a great time the other night. I was just exhausted from a long day at work, so I didn’t stay late.”
Ellie narrowed her gaze skeptically. “Something’s up with you. If you did have a Daddy and you lied to him like that, he’d spank your bottom hard.”
Avery pursed her lips. All this talk of spanking was making her fidget. First Trace and then Wyatt and now Ellie. Avery’s panties were wet at the thought of what it might be like to actually get swatted by Trace’s big strong hands.
Ellie’s expression changed to wide-eyed shock. She stepped even closer. “You met someone,” she exclaimed.
Avery’s face heated. There was no way to hide her reaction. “Maybe. Please don’t tell anyone. I’m still not sure yet. And besides, it’s a foolish longshot.”
“Why would it be a foolish longshot? Everyone should be able to meet the Daddy of their dreams and live happily ever after.”
Avery glanced around, making sure Trace wasn’t nearby. He had a habit of sneaking closer to her, which she liked a lot. This entire fairy tale was getting out of hand.
He’s your boss.
“It’s complicated,” Avery informed her friend.
Ellie frowned. “Why? Is he a good Daddy?”
“The best.”
“Is he married?”
Avery shook her head. “No. Nothing like that.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Avery chewed on her bottom lip, considering the idea of telling Ellie everything. At least she would have someone she could talk to. So far, she’d spent three days keeping her odd bourgeoning relationship with Trace such a secret that half the time it didn’t seem real.
“He’s here, isn’t he?” Ellie looked around. “In this parking lot.”
Avery nodded.
Ellie grinned. “I’m so excited for you.”
Avery shrugged. “Don’t get carried away yet. It’s not a relationship I can act on.” And yet, Trace seemed completely convinced she was his and intended to act on it in every way. How on earth was that possible?
“Oh!” Ellie exclaimed. “You work with him, don’t you? He’s a cop?”
Avery nodded as she pursed her lips again. “Please don’t say anything to anyone. It can’t work out. It’s unprofessional.”
“But, it’s also too late, isn’t it? He’s already claimed you. You’re fidgeting nervously.” Ellie grabbed Avery’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
Avery panicked.
Her expression must have given away her terror because Ellie shook her head. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell a single soul. Your secret is safe with me. But, Avery, if you’ve found your Daddy, don’t push him away. I’m sure it will somehow work out. Daddies have a way of making everything work out in the end.”
Avery gave a curt nod as she took a step back. “I should, uh, go see if anyone needs anything.” It sounded absurd since that was the exact same excuse she gave Trace before she strolled over to talk to Ellie.
She needed space. She needed a head exam. She couldn’t enter into a relationship with her boss. No way. No how.
She put it out of her mind for a while when she spotted a couple of bigger kids approaching a younger one. Their body language screamed bullies. Quickly, she put herself in their path.
“Are you all having fun?” she asked to delay them, standing deliberately with her hands on her hips to draw their attention to her badge displayed at her waist.
“Yeah. Lots of candy here. We’ve got a few more cars to hit,” the larger one said as the younger child moved away, unaware of the lurking threat.
“Awesome. Be sure to thank the people who came out tonight to hand out candy. They could have stayed in their houses with the lights turned off,” she reminded them with a cheerful smile that softened the lecture she gave them.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. We’ll be sure to do that,” the other boy mumbled as he grabbed his buddy’s sleeve to drag him along. Avery watched to make sure they visited only a few more cars.
When they stopped to look back at her before starting another round, she waved and called, “Thanks for coming. Happy Halloween.” When they moved away, obviously grumbling, she watched to make sure a parent picked them up.
Police cars escorted a few away from the festivities. A random streaker and a couple of teenagers selling drugs in the crowd were quickly apprehended by the officers who’d volunteered to attend. Everything closed down at eight-thirty to allow the kids to get home before it was too late.
Some refused to leave even after every sponsor closed their trunk and pulled out of the lot. Avery and the others stayed close, interrupting any brewing problems as they talked to the kids. Eventually, the lagging group of mainly teenagers dispersed.
Avery had avoided Trace’s gaze throughout the evening even though she felt him looking at her dozens of times.