Total pages in book: 248
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
“But that’s during a scene … this was just sex,” she protested.
“Sometimes there’s not much difference between the two, as you know. Besides, if you think about it, tonight was a continuation of last night. The end of your punishment, right? So, technically it was a scene.”
Oh. Actually … that did make sense. She struggled to sit up, but her body still felt limp and floppy. “I feel like I could sleep for a year,” she said, following it up with a loud yawn.
He laughed and moved around to help, propping a couple of pillows behind her. “You could probably use it, but dinner first.” Once she was comfortable, he started unloading the heavy food bags, and her eyes widened as she saw how much he’d ordered. He caught the look and shrugged. “I couldn’t decide, so I got us both a few choices. I figured we could do it family style and share everything.”
Stomach grumbling, she was already reaching for the closest container. “I like that idea!”
“Good. I wanted to make sure you ate well. You’ve been missing a lot of meals lately. Well, you were missing. I’ve got my eye on you now.” He pointed a chopstick in her direction and gave her a look that said he meant it.
She looked down and gave the orange chicken more attention than it needed. “You’re really taking this Daddy thing seriously.” It sounded flat, lacked inflection, and she wanted to chalk it up to being tired, but she knew it was more than that. What if it doesn’t last?
“I really am, yes.” There was a gravity to the words, and they seemed to pull at her until she looked up to meet his eyes. “I’m serious about giving you what you need, Allegra. And if you need a Daddy, then I’m all in. Besides … I think it suits me.”
She thought so too. “You ordered General Tso’s and Egg Foo Young, so that makes you the best Daddy as far as I’m concerned.” That got a laugh out of him, and a smile from her as she settled back against the pillows with a steaming carton.
Dinner was mostly quiet. Both were too busy stuffing their faces to say much aside from, “Can I have the wontons?” and “Pass me an eggroll, please?” but as their bellies grew full and the bites came slower, they made time for talk.
“How was work today? Edward give you any trouble?” Carter asked.
She froze, and the sauce-covered chicken between her chopsticks escaped. Grumbling about the mess as she tried to wipe the sticky sauce off the comforter, gave her time to think about what she was going to say. The best-case scenario was him forgetting he’d asked at all, but that didn’t happen.
She was afraid if she told him what she’d overheard, he’d handle it his way. And she was half tempted to let him, but a bigger part needed to handle it on her own. She had decisions to make, and she wanted to be the one who made them … without help.
Carter vanished into the bathroom and came back with a wet facecloth, holding it out to her. “Here, this will work better.”
“Thank you.” It did the job, though there was going to be a wet spot on the bed—it wouldn’t be the first time they’d had to deal with that problem though, just the first time food had caused it.
When she didn’t get around to answering the question he tried again. “So, work? Edward?”
She lied.
She knew she shouldn’t have. This was a new start and being open and honest was supposed to be part of that, but the lie popped out anyway. “It was fine. No problems.” She cringed a little inside, and then continued on with the truth. “Honestly, he’s been avoiding me. I’ve barely seen him. The work keeps showing up on my desk, but I haven’t been staying late to handle it.”
“Good girl.” He leaned over and patted her thigh. “I know it’s hard, but I’m proud of you. Do what you can during your work hours and let him handle the rest. That’s why he gets paid the big bucks.”
Her insides curdled a little more. You could tell him the truth right now. He probably wouldn’t even be mad, she told herself. But she didn’t. “I’m just hoping it stays quiet until vacation … speaking of… when are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
The subject change worked, but she didn’t get her answer. “You’ll find out when we get there. You won’t be able to guess either, so don’t even try.”
She pushed her bottom lip out and narrowed her eyes as she stared at him. “Why so much secrecy?”
Carter just smiled. “Finish your dinner, sweetheart.” It was a suggestion, not an order, but he went back to his own meal and that was it for the conversation.