Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Twenty minutes later, and in a super messy kitchen, we have a large stack of pancakes. “Those look great.” Grayson’s deep voice startles the girls and me.
“Daddy, yous posta be seeping,” Harlow scolds him.
“I’m sorry. I had to come and see my girls.” His eyes find mine, and the heat that I see pools between my thighs.
“Well, come grab a plate. We’re ready to eat.”
He steps further into the room. He gives each of the girls a hug and a kiss before moving to me. He stands behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Morning, baby,” he whispers huskily, placing a kiss on my cheek.
“Morning,” I reply, my eyes darting to the girls. They don’t seem to be the least bit fazed by their dad’s display of affection toward me.
Grayson moves to grab two plates, making one for each of the girls and sliding them across the island where they’re now sitting in the chairs. He’s taking care of the girls, so I take care of him, making him a plate piled high with pancakes and sliding them toward him.
His eyes soften. “Thanks, babe.” He pulls the plate toward where he plans on sitting on the chair next to Harlow, which leaves the one next to Hayden open for me.
“What’s everyone want to drink?” I ask.
“I can get it,” Grayson says, but I wave him off.
“I’m already up. Ladies?” I ask.
“Miwk, pwease,” they reply. I raise my eyebrows at Grayson in question.
“Milk, pwease,” he says, mocking the girls, making them laugh.
“Coming right up.” I find two cups with straws for the girls and fill them up. I grab a glass for Grayson and me as well.
“Let me help.” He appears beside me. He kisses me quickly on the lips. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“To make you breakfast,” I tease.
“That too, but I was talking about you healing my heart.” He winks and takes the girls’ drinks to them.
I stand with a glass of milk in each hand and feel as though my legs are a wobbly mess. Grayson Davis is the sweetest man, and his words easily bring me to my knees. What is it my sister said… he gives all new meaning to swoon? She has no idea.
“Waken, we did good,” Harlow says, shoving a big bite of pancake into her mouth.
“We did? Well, I need to try them.” I manage to make my way to the island, stopping by Grayson to hand him his glass before taking my seat next to Hayden. “You’re right. These are good,” I say enthusiastically after taking a bite. The four of us talk about pancakes as the girls tell Grayson about how I let them mix the batter and help measure.
“Waken, can we go to the pawk?” Hayden asks.
“I’m sorry, sweetie. I have to go to work today.”
“Aww.” Her shoulders slump.
I’m definitely putting that Help Wanted sign in the window when I get to the store today. “I’m sorry. We can go another time.”
“Babe, you close at one, right?” Grayson asks.
“Yes.”
“What if the girls and I meet you at the store, and we can walk over to the park and get some ice cream?”
“Oh, Waken, we wove ice cweam,” Harlow reminds me.
“How can I say no to that?” I ask them.
“That’s what I was hoping.” Grayson winks as he stands. “Girls, go up to your room and pick out your clothes for the day, and you need to brush your teeth.”
“Waken, can you bwaid our hair?” Hayden asks.
“Sure, if you run and get ready. I’ll do it before I leave.” I don’t know that I’ll have the time, but being a few minutes later never hurt anyone. I’ll just call Jasmine on my way and let her know I’m running behind. Seeing the smile on those little faces is worth a few missed customers.
“You don’t have to,” Grayson tells me, knowing I have to be at the store at eight.
“It’s fine. I’ll call Jasmine and let her know I’m running late. It’s worth it to see the smile on their faces.” I voice my earlier thoughts.
“Come here.” He reaches for me, sliding an arm around my waist. He hugs me tight and presses his lips to the top of my head. When he pulls back, one hand grips my hip while the other slides behind my neck. “I love you.”
My eyes mist with tears.
“Last night wasn’t due to a moment of emotional overload. I meant it.” He kisses me sweetly before releasing me. “Now, go get ready while I wrangle the girls.”
After the world’s fastest shower, I’m packing up my bag and double-checking I have everything. I opted not to wash my hair, which saved me time in blow drying, so I have just enough time to braid the girls’ hair and get my ass to the store.
“You can leave that,” Grayson says from behind me.