Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33577 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33577 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
“That would be incredible. Thank you. I’m going to take you up on that.”
“Stay safe, officers,” Rocky said as he guided Melissa away.
“You were right. Making that report was important,” Melissa said as they approached the building. Her body started to shake.
Rocky tugged her close and squeezed her against his hard body. “You’re okay, Little girl.”
“He’s going to come back. Not before we leave. It’s just a coincidence that he was here. This is the safest time to eat here if you’d still like to go in.”
When she didn’t answer immediately, Rocky added, “Or I can take you home, wrap you in a soft blanket, and I can rock you.”
“Can we do both?” she blurted. She didn’t want him to have the power to keep her from going and doing what she wanted with her Daddy. Or alone.
“Of course. Hungry?”
Her stomach growled ferociously.
“I’ll take that for a yes. Come on, Lissy. Let’s order something decadent.” Shifting to her side with his arm wrapped around her, Rocky guided Melissa inside.
“Hi!” the hostess at the desk welcomed them. “I’m so glad you came in. We were watching from the window. I’m glad you’re okay. The chef is poised to make you something incredible.”
“Oh! Thank you. I’m good. That was scary,” Melissa admitted.
“I bet. Come with me. I’ve got a splendid table by the fire. The best seats in the house,” she said, leading them to a beautiful spot.
“Thank you, miss,” Rocky said when Melissa was in her chair.
“My pleasure. The server will be with you in a minute. You can make some tough decisions on the menu. My favorite is three cheese macaroni with veggies and bacon.”
“That sounds amazing,” Melissa said, looking over the menu.
“Everything is delicious. Just choose your favorite combination,” the server said before returning to her station.
“She was so nice. I think they were worried about us,” Melissa said.
“I’m sure the flashing lights attracted their attention. Look at the decorations in here. This mantle is gorgeous. We need stockings with our names on them,” Rocky decreed.
“I’d like that. Can I have Lissy on mine?”
“Of course. What should I put on mine?” he asked, winking at her.
“Daddy,” she decided. “Can Rwahr Rwahr have a stocking?”
“Yes. What should we put in it for him?”
“Candy.” Melissa relaxed against the back of her chair, feeling the tension that had stiffened her body ebb away. Not letting that jerk ruin her chance to come here and enjoy an evening out with her Daddy was the best thing to do. She wouldn’t have missed this for anything.
“Lissy? Are you okay?”
“I’m good. Just glad we’re here.”
“Together,” Rocky added, reaching across the table to take her hand. “Look at the menu. Let’s see who can come up with the best dish.”
CHAPTER 12
“Good job, Lissy! That stopped me in my tracks,” Rocky praised her from the mat.
“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” she asked, dropping to her knees next to him.
“You’re supposed to run away when your opponent is unable to chase you,” Rocky reminded her.
Melissa rolled her eyes. “I guess that means you’re okay.”
“It does. You did very well today, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you for giving me some lessons. Can we practice every once in a while to help me remember?”
“Of course.”
Melissa looked around the gym and smiled. She liked it here. Rocky and his managers had built quite a community. They’d all welcomed her.
“I’m going to head home and get out of your hair. I know you have some lessons today,” she said before pressing a kiss to his lips and jumping to her feet.
“Be good, Melissa. I’ll be home soon,” Rocky promised.
“I’m always good,” she teased as she grabbed her stuff and headed for the door.
She was still smiling as she walked out the door. Passing several people she recognized, Melissa greeted them as she headed for her car. The thought of how different life was now struck her. She’d kept the job she loved and added so much more that she adored. It didn’t get better than this.
Jumping in her car, she headed for home. Was it possible to be this happy? She turned on the radio and pushed the buttons to open the windows. Singing with enthusiasm even when she didn’t know the words, Melissa enjoyed the chilly air that reminded her Christmas was coming and blew away the cobwebs in her mind. This day would go down as one of her favorites.
The traffic cleared as she drove further from the gym in the busy downtown area. A horn sounded behind her, and she looked back to see a black car behind her speed through a red light she’d just coasted through on yellow.
Melissa turned down the radio to concentrate. It was a straight shot for a couple miles to Rocky’s house. Impulsively, she turned right at the next light. The car behind her turned as well.