Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Never be afraid to tell me when something isn’t right. Most of the time, I’ll listen. But there will be some occasions when I won’t modify my plans for you.”
“I’ll still ask.”
“Of course you will, Little girl. And that’s a good thing. Little girls should tell their Daddies when they’re worried. Now, relax against the back of the tub, and let’s get your temperature down.”
Zander moved the water lazily around her with gentle swipes of his hand. Essie closed her eyes and imagined steam rising from the surface as she cooled off. She giggled at the funny image.
“I love that sound, Little girl. Feeling better?”
“Yes, Daddy. Thank you.”
“You rest. Daddy’s going to get you clean. Keep your eyes closed. Let’s dip your hair into the water.” Zander helped her slide down further in the tub. She let him be in charge and realized how much she trusted him. Zander would never allow her to be at risk.
As he swirled water over her scalp, Essie moaned with delight. “Good, huh?” he asked. “Just wait.”
Zander supported her with a hand between her shoulder blades. He lifted her slightly from the water and opened a container with a click. She held her breath to see what he would do. When his fingers lathered sweet-smelling shampoo through her matted hair, she wiggled her toes. He didn’t rush but blissfully rubbed her head. No salon treatment could equal the sensations he lavished on her.
“That’s so good,” she murmured.
“I’m glad, Little girl. Let’s rinse this out.”
Essie was putty in his hands as he tended to her so gently. By the time he’d cleaned the sweat from her skin, Essie hovered on the brink of sleep. She blinked hard, trying to keep herself awake as he scooped her out of the tub and patted the moisture away.
“Nap time, Little girl,” he said, scooping her into his arms. He carried her to the king-size bed and tucked her into the crisp sheets. The thought of bedbugs drifted through her mind, but Essie dismissed that worry immediately. Even in her groggy state, she knew Zander would never expose her to any discomfort or danger. He tucked the covers under her chin before kissing her forehead.
“Sleep, Essie.”
“Night, night, Daddy.”
Chapter Fourteen
Thankfully, the air-conditioner repair was quick and relatively inexpensive. After her nap, Essie had enjoyed wandering around Zander’s estate once again. To her amazement, she remembered the basic layout of the house even though she hadn’t visited for years. Thank goodness, Zander had taken her clothes to the laundry while she slept.
Back at Ferguson’s Folly, Essie realized she considered the large house her home now. She didn’t have any desire to return to Chicago where she’d worked before. This was where she needed to be.
Now, if she could keep expanding event bookings to pay the bills and upkeep. So far, everything was going well. Essie needed to finish the fairy ball decorations. That event would make or break her reputation in the community. Each time she went into town, the buzz about costumes and questions she answered clued her in on how much everyone was watching.
“Thanks for bringing me home. I’ll run to change clothes and then head into the ballroom.” When she reached for the door handle to let herself out, Zander’s hand clamped over her thigh.
“Daddy’s job.”
When she froze in place, he nodded and slid from behind the steering wheel. Zander opened her door and helped her out. When he fell into place next to her as she headed for the front entrance, Essie said, “I can open the door.”
“Can and will are two entirely different things.”
Zander climbed the stairs with her as well. She stopped to catch her breath at the top of the flight. “Really? You’re going up to the third floor to escort me into our suite?”
“Yes.”
Once in their rooms, Zander steered her into the bedroom and opened the nursery with the key he kept in an ornate box on their chest of drawers. “In here, Little girl.”
“I can’t play, Daddy. I have stuff to do.”
“It’s time you learned more about this small key.” Zander held the metal piece up to tempt her.
“The one that opens the hidden compartment?”
“Yes. I found a number of items beside the wooden box in there.”
Essie hesitated. She had so much to do, but the temptation to see what was in that concealed space was tempting. “I really need to work.”
“If you wish to return to the ballroom, you’ll follow your Daddy’s instructions, Little girl.”
Zander’s stern voice made her bristle. “Look, Zander. You can’t always be in charge.”
He met her gaze directly and shook his head. “That’s exactly the type of control a Daddy has. We can debate this and take more of your time, or you can avoid a spanking and cooperate.”
She stared at him, fuming. Essie definitely didn’t want a spanking. “Fine!”