Page 123 of Little Sunshine

“And the iPad?”

“When Maximo and Juliet got together, she had a lot of questions she researched. Figured you’d have the same.”

“I can’t look that stuff up on her iPad.”

His brows lowered. “It’s not Juliet’s. Though she was the one who suggested I get it for you.”

“It’s mine?”

“Cole loaded it with the same books she has. She said something about a book club?” Plucking it from my hold, he flipped it over and handed it back. “Water. Texts.”

“Right.”

He was almost to the door when he turned back. “And Camila?”

Since I’d been staring at his retreating back—and ass—he already had my attention. But that wasn’t enough for him, and he remained silent until I responded. “Yes?”

“No touching that pretty pussy. Understood?”

I hadn’t been planning to, mostly because it took too long when I did, and he’d likely be back before I finished. But it was still an unexpected order.

Shocked, all I could do was nod. But again, that wasn’t enough, and he arched a brow as he waited expectantly.

“Okay,” I said.

“Good girl.” Without another word, he left.

My eyes stayed aimed at the doorway long after he was gone before I dropped them to look at the iPad.

And the engraving on the back.

My sunshine

Short. Simple. Sweet.

And so very possessive even before we’d talked.

“What the hell do I do now?” I whispered to myself.

I did the smart thing.

I drank my water and started researching.

Ash

Daddy.

Fuck. Just the memory of Mila’s nervous voice was enough to have me adjusting my dick in the elevator. I wasn’t sure I’d survive the lack of blood to my brain if she said yes.

I wasn’t sure I’d survive—period—if she said no.

I’d always been a Daddy, even before I knew there was a label to put on it. My buddies in high school and college used to joke that I would put myself in the permanent friendzone with the thoughtful way I took care of girls.

Like friendship was akin to a blown apart, sinking ship.

Like I was owed something.

Like treating women like shit was the way to get them.

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