Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 220(@200wpm)___ 176(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 220(@200wpm)___ 176(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
“Now.”
Stepping back a bit farther before snagging his phone from his back pocket, Bear called the detective and reported the incident. Eventually, he put the phone on speaker so Daisy could answer the police officer’s questions.
“Okay. I’ve made some notes to update the file. Unfortunately, since he came through an unlocked door into the shop during regular business hours and didn’t touch Daisy, there’s not a lot I can do. I’ve got his address and will drive over there tonight to warn Leo he needs to keep his distance. Without a restraining order, that’s the most I can do,” Wyatt informed them.
“We have to wait until he hurts her? That’s screwed up!” Bear scowled.
“It is. Daisy, stay vigilant and call if you need help. Even if you’re just spooked by something you can’t really explain, call,” the detective urged.
Daisy nodded before realizing he couldn’t see her through the phone. “I will. Promise.”
“Good girl. I’ll be in touch.” The detective disconnected.
“Come on, Baby girl. It’s time to get out of here. Ready to go get some pretty paint?”
She knew he was trying to distract her. Daisy nodded, putting on a brave face. “I’d like that.”
After turning off all the lights, she slipped her hand into Bear’s and allowed him to guide her out the front door of Blooms by Daisy. She looked back in the side mirror as they drove away. The store had always been a haven for her. Working with flowers and her customers invigorated her. When a shiver of apprehension glided down her spine, Daisy sat straight up in indignation.
“Something wrong?” Bear asked in concern.
“I’m not going to let him make me scared. I’m not going to give him that power,” she declared.
“That’s my girl.” Bear wrapped his fingers around her thigh and squeezed. “Be smart but don’t let him steal the joy from your life.”
Daisy nodded. Pushing Leo from her mind, she changed the subject and warned, “We’re getting bright colors for the flowers.”
“How bright is bright?” he asked with a theatrical wince visible even in the dim glow of the overhead streetlights.
Her laughter filled the car, dispelling any lingering negativity. “What do you think of fuchsia?”
“Is that even a color?” he teased.
“Daddy!”
Armed with a cart full of small paint cans, brushes, and drop cloths, they emerged an hour later from the home improvement store. Daisy skipped happily, clinging to the basket with one hand.
“See, you didn’t lose me,” she pointed out to the large man pushing the cart.
“I’ve marked down in my Daddy book that my Baby girl is always required to hold on to my hand or the cart. You’re a speed demon in those aisles.”
“Your Daddy book,” she scoffed. “And I can’t help it that you’re slow.”
“Sometimes slow is good, Baby girl,” he answered playfully, waggling his eyebrows meaningfully at her.
“I may need you to remind me of that.”
“Challenge accepted,” he declared as warmth kindled in his gaze. “Let’s get this all loaded into the trunk, and I’ll take you home to refresh your memory.”
They loaded the supplies into the trunk with frequent breaks for kisses. As they finished, Bear swatted the pert bottom wiggling in front of him as Daisy leaned inside to make sure nothing would fall over on the ride home.
“Hey!” she protested, turning around to glare at him. “I’m being good.”
“Sometimes, a reminder is important,” he said with a wink.
She turned back toward the trunk and mumbled under her breath, “Maybe Daddies need a spanking.”
His answering swat made her squeal.
“Listen to your Daddy,” a kindly older voice advised from behind them in the parking lot.
Daisy popped up to turn to look at the woman in her eighties, holding her equally mature companion’s hand. “Yes, Ma’am,” she answered before looking with disbelief at Bear.
His expression revealed the battle to keep himself from laughing aloud. “Come on, Baby girl. It’s time to go home. We have just enough time to unload the paint and grab a bite to eat before we head to Blaze.” He swept her into the front seat as the older couple unloaded their cart.
Looking out her window, Daisy watched the man lean in to fasten his companion’s seatbelt. “Were they really…?” Her voice drifted away as she considered her future with Bear.
“Daddies always keep their Little girls close,” he responded, squeezing her hand as they headed home.
Chapter Thirteen
“Thanks for inviting me to visit Blaze tonight. It’s been a long week. I could really use some downtime.” Wyatt adjusted the front of his black shirt as he joined Tarson in the main room of Blaze.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you could come. Sorry it was such short notice. When we spoke to you earlier this evening, I remembered you’d shown an interest.”
“I appreciate the text.” Wyatt looked around. “Impressive place.”
“One of the best,” Tarson agreed proudly. “I’ve been one of the dungeon masters here for a while now.” He grinned. “I’m about to cut way back on the number of nights I work here, though.”