Page 44 of King

Ivy shrugged. “Maybe he’s being extra careful. Youdotend to forget to take care of yourself.”

Harper stuck out her tongue. “Rude.”

Eden shook her head, giggling. “He just wants to make sure you’re okay, Harp.”

Ella smiled, listening to the playful back-and-forth. She felt comfortable here, surrounded by Little friends whogother. She stole a glance toward the common room, where King sat with his club brothers, deep in conversation. Even from across the room, he was a magnet, pulling her attention to him.

She felt herself sigh dreamily.

Ivy must have caught her because she grinned and nudged Ella’s knee. “Uh-oh, look at her,” she teased. “She’s gotthatlook.”

Ella’s face burned as she turned back toward the group. “What look?”

“TheI’m head over heels for my Daddylook,” Remi sing-songed, making the others titter.

Ella groaned. “Oh, my gosh, stop.”

“No way,” Carlee laughed. “Weneedto hear how things are going with King.”

All eyes turned to Ella. She hesitated, twisting a strand of hair around her finger.

“It’s… amazing,” she admitted softly. “He’s wonderful.”

The girls collectivelyawwed, but Ella swallowed, shifting a little. “But… it’s also scary.”

Eden frowned slightly. “Scary, how?”

Ella exhaled, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “Because I think… I mean, Imight… be falling in love with him,” she confessed. “But I think it’s too soon.”

The room went silent for a moment before Ivy scoffed. “Oh, honey. That manalreadylovesyou.”

Ella blinked. “What?”

Harper hummed in agreement. “Everyonecan see it. He looks at you like you’re sunrise and sunset all wrapped in one.”

“You can literally feel the way he hovers over you,” Remi added. “Not in a bad way, just… he’salwaysaware of where you are, always checking on you.”

Carlee grinned. “If you’re falling, he’swaiting to catch you.”

Ella’s heart thudded in her chest at their words. Could they be right? Did Kingalreadyfeel the same way she did?

Before she could respond, Eden tilted her head. “How’s the food drive going?”

Ella sighed, her excitement dimming slightly. “It’s… not going as well as I hoped,” she admitted. “The need iswaymore than Mayor Winslow initially thought, and I’m trying to figure out ways to get extra donations.”

The girls exchanged thoughtful glances.

“We can help,” Molly offered.

“Yeah,” Ivy agreed. “We’ll brainstorm some ideas and let you know.”

Ella smiled gratefully. “That would mean so much. I just don’t want anyone going without, you know?”

“Absolutely. It’s an amazing cause. We would love to help in any way we can,” Carlee assured her. “We’ll figure something out.”

As the night wound down, the girls eventually dispersed, all of them eagerly returning to their Daddies who were waiting for them around the clubhouse. Ella stood, stretching, and lookedtoward King. He was already watching her, his expression patient yet intense.

Her stomach flipped.

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