Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“Dig in, Rosebud. I want you to start eating healthier. I don’t like you going to work on an empty stomach.” He leaned over and lifted her chin to meet her gaze. “And you better eat that sandwich I made you today or I’ll spank your bottom so hard you won’t be able to sit this evening. Understood?”
“Yes, Daddy.” She nodded rapidly. She would eat her lunch this time. He was right. Skipping meals only made it hard for her to concentrate in the afternoons. Plus, she got hangry.
He slid into the seat next to her and took a sip of coffee.
She realized hers was the only plate at the table. “Did you already eat, Daddy?”
“Yep.” He nodded toward hers. “Start eating or Daddy’s going to feed you myself,” he warned.
She giggled. “I’m not sure that’s a very good threat, Daddy. I like it when you feed me.”
He chuckled and ruffled her hair. “Good. I like feeding you too. I’ll be doing so often.”
She sat up straighter and picked up her fork to stab into a bite of fluffy scrambled eggs. Flavor burst on her tongue. After she chewed and swallowed, she asked, “What did you put in the eggs? They’re amazing!” She crunched into the bacon next.
He winked. “Daddy magic.”
She eagerly cleaned her plate while he watched. And then she stared at his coffee. “May I have some coffee, Daddy?”
He bent forward and kissed her forehead. “Nope. I bet you’ve been living off caffeine for a while. I want you to try eating healthy and drinking healthy beverages like milk, juice, and water for a while. I bet you’ll sleep better and have more energy.”
She pouted, pushing out her lower lip. “I’m not sure I can work without coffee,” she grumbled.
“Try it for Daddy. I bet you can do it.” He reached for her tummy and tickled her. “We filled that belly with protein and whole grains. Those will give you more energy than a caffeine breakfast, Rosebud.”
She sighed. “Okay. I’ll try.”
“Good girl.” He stood and carried her dishes to the sink to rinse them and stick them in the dishwasher. When he was finished, he came back to her and stroked her cheek. “I’m sorry, I have to go to my meeting. Remember, it will take you about twenty minutes to get to the mall. Go get cleaned up and text me when you’re safely out of the shower. Your bag is in the bedroom next to the dresser. I cleaned out a few drawers so you can store some clothes here. I’ll unpack for you when I get home tonight.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Come give me a kiss,” he requested, opening his arms to her.
Rose leaped into his embrace and looped her arms around his neck. Eagerly, she pressed her lips against his and loved his response to her. Her Daddy was a very good kisser.
“I’ll miss you,” she whispered as he set her back on her feet.
“I’ll text you during the day to see how you’re doing. I know you’re busy, but I’d like you to answer at least once today. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes, Daddy. I promise.”
“Come back here after work. I want to hold you in my arms.”
“I want that, too,” she whispered.
With one last steamy kiss, Adam disappeared into the garage. He must have negotiated getting his SUV around her car as he had assured her he could do because he didn’t come back.
Rose looked at the shiny new key on her keychain. He’d given her a key to his house so she could get back inside if she forgot something and needed to retrieve it after he’d left or to let herself in if he was delayed after work.
Scanning the open kitchen and family room, Rose marveled at his trust in her. She took another sip of the milk he’d poured for her and scowled. That wasn’t going to wake her up. She needed a cup of coffee, no matter what her Daddy had told her. Rose was sure there had to be Littles who drank the hot, caffeinated beverage in the morning. They couldn’t all drink milk.
She peeked out the garage door to make sure his car was actually gone. Nothing there. Coffee! Within a minute, she’d found a cup and added a coffee pod to the fancy maker. Leaning in, she inhaled the amazing aroma of the brew that dripped down. When the last burst of liquid streamed into her cup, Rose scooped it out and took a careful drink. Yum!
Already she felt more prepared to tackle the day. Tucking Ruff under her arm, Rose carried her caffeinated treasure upstairs. She settled Ruff on the bed and padded to the bathroom, taking another sip of coffee before setting it on the vanity. By the time she showered quickly, it would be the perfect temperature to savor.