Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49258 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49258 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
“Good point. That wouldn’t work at all. Do you think the birds ate all the giraffe cookies we rescued from that box?” She and Koa had searched carefully through the assortment of animal crackers. When she’d lined them up next to the fence at the safari section of the zoo, a ton of birds had swooped in to munch on them. Koa had pulled her away when she’d tried to rescue them. “That was an incredibly mean crow.”
“He had no manners at all. The birds did show us that it was okay to eat the giraffes,” Koa pointed out.
“Tiger didn’t care at all that they gobbled them up. He told me I was silly to worry about crackers. I guess it’s okay for me to eat them from now on.”
“That’s a very scientific conclusion, little girl. That will also keep us from being thrown out of the zoo for feeding the animals.”
“So many birds swooped in! I’ve never seen a swarm like that,” Giana admitted, and a giggle escaped from her mouth. “You yanked me away from the one that tried to peck me so fast!”
“I’ll always protect you, Flame. Even from yourself,” Koa told her with a loving smile.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“Come here, you. I need a cuddle to help my heart recover from the scare of that menacing crow and all his buddies.” Koa picked up Giana and sat down on the couch, holding her close. She laid her head on his shoulder and relaxed, getting lost in her own thoughts.
Thank goodness everything had settled down now that Tom was in jail. Giana kept thinking about the woman who’d saved her. During the investigation, they’d discovered Tom hadn’t trashed her apartment. He had an air-tight alibi. He’d actually been at the firehouse according to the schedule and numerous witnesses.
The police had spotted the blue sedan on the video footage of the parking lot. That rude man had entered behind a resident that evening. Only one person in the building had recognized him. Brooklyn. She’d admitted to being on the run from her stepfather after her mother’s death. This revelation led the authorities to suggest the man had busted into the wrong apartment.
“I’m worried about Brooklyn. No one should have to live like that.”
“Caden texted a few minutes ago that she was staying in his guest room for a while,” Koa shared.
Giana pushed away from his chest to meet his gaze. “Really? He invited someone he didn’t know to sleep at his house?”
“I think Caden knows everything he needs to know about Brooklyn.”
“He thinks she is his Little, doesn’t he?”
“You’re getting a few steps ahead of everyone, Giana. Caden knows she needs help. He’s interested in helping. Perhaps having him standing behind her will convince the stepfather to change his intentions. Would you mess with Caden?”
“No way. I mean, of all the guys, Max is bigger, but Caden’s the toughest,” Giana said.
“And I’m chopped liver?” Koa asked, pretending to be offended.
“You’re the Daddiest?”
“That will get you back on my good girl list,” Koa said with a wink.
“Perfect. Can we invite her over here or go see her soon?” Giana asked.
“I think we’ll see a lot of Brooklyn in the future. Give her a bit of time to settle in with Caden.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Koa kissed her on the forehead and stood to walk into the kitchen. He pulled steaks out of the refrigerator to season them. “How do you like your steak cooked? Medium? I like mine medium rare.”
“You’re going to grill, Daddy?” she asked hesitantly.
“I won’t burn them,” he said, scowling at her as he washed his hands.
“Medium rare is fine, Daddy,” she assured him before asking, “Where did you put that fire extinguisher I ordered?”
He rolled his eyes and dragged the shiny new canister from under the sink. “Come on, my little fire captain. You can sit by the grill.”
She popped up from the couch and set Jelly and Tiger safely on the cushions. They’d be safe inside. She skipped to her daddy and took the extinguisher from him. Better safe than sorry.
“Ouch!” she yelped when his hand smacked her bottom on the way to the door. His deep laughter rolled over her, inspiring her to giggle as well. Teasing Daddy came with consequences.
The End