Page 166 of Ice Darling
The heat in the kitchen boils over as I move my mouth slowly over hers. I take my time, making sure to suck at her bottom lip to taste the fading flavors of the sauce.
“Mm,” I whisper, easing back. “You’re right. It’s not bad.”
Cordelia’s eyes flutter open.
I smile when I see the blush spreading across her face.
“Daddy, I finished washing my hands,” Gordie says, sprinting back into the kitchen.
Cordelia steps away from me and pats at her lips as if to hide the evidence of our kiss.
“Let’s eat.” I take a step and feel something slippery beneath my Hello Kitty slippers. I look down, confused. There’s an orange splotch on the floor.
How did the sauce get down there? And then it hits me. Cordelia must have turned the spoon over while we were kissing.
She notices the mess, and her blush gets even deeper. “I’ll clean it up.”
I grab her wrist, taking a chance to subtly caress her pulse point with my thumb. “I’ve got it.”
“It’s my mistake.”
I nudge her out of the kitchen. “This is my domain. You don’t lift a finger.”
“But—”
“Gordie, what does Daddy always say about how ladies should be treated?” I interrupt.
“Daddy says that ladies are princesses, and any boy who wants to date me should treat me better than my daddy does.”
“That’s right. Now let me set a good example for my daughter, and go sit down. I’ll bring the food over.”
Still looking shell-shocked, Cordelia moves away.
“Daddy, can we watch a movie while we eat?” Gordie begs. “Delia hasn’t seenFrozen.”
I grab a napkin and wipe up the mess. “No movies on a school night, pumpkin. You know the rules.”
“But,Dad, it’sFrozen.” Gordie hops on top of the bar stool and presses her elbows against the counter. Earnestly, she fights her case. “It’s, like, the bestest movie. We have to show her.”
I look to Cordelia. I don’t think she came over intending to watch an animated children’s movie.
Cordelia lifts her shoulders in an I-don’t-mind gesture.
I tilt my head as if to say,you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.
She smiles. “I’m curious what a movie about an ice queen whose parents lock away her powers looks like.”
“See?” Gordie gestures to Cordelia as if it’s evidence that’ll win the case.
“Fine.” I sigh. “Butjustthis once.”
“Yes!” She pumps a fist. “I love when you come over, Delia!”
Gordie drags her to the living room, and I bring the food over. As the movie starts, I pretend to huff and frown, but the truth is…my daughter and I are alike.
I love it when Cordelia comes over too.
Chapter Fifty-Five
