Page 52 of Zale's Little Girl
“I didn’t have many muscles back then. The football coach let me out the second time. He took me to practice. Turns out I had pretty good hands.”
“Yes, you do,” she said with a knowing grin. “They do like to spank my bottom too much.”
“Of course they do.”
“Have we soaked in here long enough?” she asked before pressing kisses to his chest.
Her squeal echoed through the bathroom as he sat up, splashing water over the side of the tub. Zale carefully helped her climb out of the tub and he followed her to wrap her in a thick, thirsty towel. Drying himself quickly, he repeated the process on Pippa, but with gentle care interspersed with kisses and caresses.
“You are so beautiful, little girl.”
“I’m all purple and green, Daddy.”
“Even bruised, kitten, you take my breath away.”
His expression told her he meant it. Her daddy loved her with all his heart.
“Make love to me, Daddy.”
“You’ll tell me if you’re hurting?”
“Yes.” Pippa nodded quickly. She’d definitely tell him if something hurt a lot.
“Pinky promise?” he asked, extending his pinky toward her.
“Pinky promise.” That was like a rock solemn vow. She’d have to tell him now.
“Good girl.” Zale scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the nursery.
“In here?”
“I think we’re going to try out each room in this house at least a dozen times.”
She grinned. Zale was so much fun.
He sat down on the soft rocking chair. “Straddle my hips, kitten.” Zale helped her into that position before drawing her face toward his. The kiss that followed made her cling to him eagerly. Passion flared back to life inside her as Zale caressed and kissed her. Her daddy always knew exactly what she needed.
CHAPTER 19
Each of the team had stopped in at different times during the day to check on her. Even Aspen dashed over during a break to make sure she was doing okay. She couldn’t believe how much they’d welcomed her and made her part of their family. Tears prickled the inside of her eyelids.
“What’s wrong, kitten?” Zale asked from the doorway.
“I can’t believe how happy I am. I have you. The rest of the guys and Aspen. This job.”
“You’re where you’re supposed to be. It’s six. Are you ready to go home?” Zale asked.
“Yes. Let me tell Anne that I’m headed out. She’s going to let me work a half day on Monday with the toddlers. They all came by to see me today, too. I’ve missed them.”
She returned after a few minutes and linked her arm with his. “All checked out. Let’s go barbecue. What time are the guys coming over?”
“They may already be there. Koa wanted to get the coals started. He’s got something fancy to cook for us tonight.”
“What is it?”
“He wouldn’t tell us—wanted it to be a mystery.”
“Well, let’s go. I can’t wait to see what it is.”
