Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 51210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
“Maybe I could ask a couple questions?”
“Of course. You can ask anything you want. Go grab the book while I put the steaks on and we’ll talk over dinner.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Anything for you, little girl,” he said, kissing her lips softly.
By the time he got back inside, she’d followed his instructions and waited at the island with the book in her hands. He controlled the smile on his lips. He couldn’t wait to hear her questions.
CHAPTER 8
Saylor blinked her eyes open when her warm pillow shifted under her head. Looking into Max’s handsome face, she mumbled, “Is it morning already?”
“Not for you, little girl. Go back to sleep.” He leaned forward to kiss her softly before easing away from her.
Saylor tightened her arms around his neck. She didn’t want to let him go. “I’ll get up with you. Let me go get you breakfast while you shower. I can scramble eggs like a boss.”
“I’ll grab a protein bar when I get out of the shower. No cooking for little girls, remember?”
“Max, I’ve been cooking for myself for years.”
“That was before we met.” He kissed her softly again before rolling out of bed. Max tucked the covers back around her. “Go back to sleep. It’s way too early for you to be awake.”
Toasty warm, Saylor decided she’d get up when he got out of the shower. Her eyes drifted shut as the water came on in the bathroom. When she opened her eyes again, the room was brightly sunlit, and the house was quiet.
“What?” Saylor pushed herself up to sit on the mattress. How had she fallen asleep so soundly? A few images of their lovemaking flashed through her brain. Despite her nervousness about asking Max questions, she’d barely made it through dinner last night with her eyes open. The combination of stimulation and worry about having the book discussion with him had sapped her energy.
Max had held her on his lap and fed her the most delicious steak along with expertly roasted veggies. She hadn’t devoured a meal like that in forever. She’d quickly relaxed in his care. Max made everything amazing and eliminated any awkwardness between them as he cared for her.
She stared up at the ceiling, bracing herself to rejoin the real world. She couldn’t simply stay at his house for the rest of time. People didn’t do that, right? Meet someone and then move in with them right away?
Besides, Saylor had a class to teach at one. She forced herself out of bed and visited the bathroom to relieve herself and take a shower. Like a goofball, she buried her face in Max’s damp towel and inhaled his scent.
If someone could bottle that yummy aroma, they’d make a million dollars. Immediately she shook her head. Saylor didn’t want anyone else getting to experience that appeal. She was already territorial about sharing him.
“I’ve got it bad,” she announced to the empty house as she pulled on her clothes.
Planning to leave Max a note, Saylor stopped at the kitchen island. A bright orange octopus stuffie sat on the island with a note propped up on its tail. She stroked her fingers over the soft fur.
“Hello! You are so soft, sweet boy. Who do you belong to?”
The stuffie continued to smile at her as he offered the sheet of paper. Grinning back, Saylor picked up Max’s message.
Good morning, baby girl!
I hope you slept well. I left a buddy for you to play with today. I found him on the doorstep early this morning, delivered especially for my favorite little girl. He’ll need lots of hugs today. I’ll see you in a few short hours.
XOXOXOX
Daddy
Saylor picked up the stuffie and hugged him close. He was the softest! She rubbed her cheek against him, instantly in love. “What should I name you?”
Extending her arms, she looked the stuffie over and considered possibilities. An octopus. Octo was too obvious. Pussy—no way. She looked at all his arms, or were those legs? How about Tapper? An image of a tap-dancing octopus entertained her brain, and she held the stuffie over the island, letting it romp around the flat surface. Happiness bubbled out of her as she giggled at the fun he had.
Maybe she should check that the stuffie would be happy with his name. Looking at her friend, she asked, “Can I call you Tapper?” He looked back at her and seemed to demand to dance again. Taking that as approval, she hugged the octopus tight against her chest. Saylor loved him already.
A thought crossed her mind. Was she supposed to leave Tapper here? He’d get lonely all by himself. Instantly, Saylor shook her head. She couldn’t abandon him.
Turning over the paper, she looked for a pen to write Max a message on the other side. When she found one in a drawer, she hurried back to the island, but hesitated. She wanted to keep Max’s note. Quickly, she decided to text instead.