Page 81 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
“Wake up, wake up! It’s been bright outside for ages!” she shouts gleefully, bouncing as I blink in shock, disoriented, not even knowing where I am or what’s happening. Gabriel’s side of the bed is empty—leaving the perfect playground for her. She bounces happily, dives into the pillows, and springs back up again.
“Oh, I see that, I see that…” I mumble, laughing softly.
Yeah, it may already be light out, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to get up. The hotel clock says it’s just after eight. Practically the middle of the night, considering it’s Saturday and this whole trip to Italy feels like a vacation.
“Come on! Get up! You have to get dressed, we need breakfast, and then we have to go!” she giggles, tugging the blanket off me. I’m still in my robe, yawning sleepily. Honestly, I’d love to remind her how sweet I was last night, staying with her when she didn’t want to sleep alone… but she’s a kid. She’s probably already forgotten.
“Yes, I’ll get up right away,” I promise, rubbing my eyes. “Where’s Gabriel?”
“He already showered and making breakfast.”
Ah, so I hadn’t imagined that smell of coffee after all. Rosie snuggles against me briefly, then taps my nose with her little finger.
“You’re such a sleepyhead.”
“Yes, I am,” I admit, hugging her tight. Rosie giggles adorably—right as Gabriel peeks into the bedroom.
“You got her up,” he praises Rosie for her success.
“Yes, I did,” she answers proudly. “Now she’s not snoring anymore.”
“What?” Snoring? Me? No way.
“Yes, you were. Like a bear!” Gabriel bursts out laughing and Rosie joins in.
“I don’t snore…” I sit up, feigning shock, my mouth agape at the two of them, who are clearly enjoying themselves. Gabriel roars with laughter, and Rosie squeals, imitating my supposed snoring.
“Like a bear, huh?” I raise my arms, making claws with my fingers, growling, “Groar!” and grab the little munchkin. I know she’s ticklish—so now she gets thoroughly tickled. Rosie shrieks and giggles uncontrollably until Gabriel comes to her rescue.
“Oh no, a tickle bear! I’ll save you!” Gabriel cries, wrapping his arms around me. I immediately let go of Rosie, who bounces on the bed again, pointing at me.
“You caught her!” Rosie cheers as Gabriel’s hands settle on my stomach.
“Got you,” he whispers into my ear, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. Gabriel is so warm, and his strong arms hold me tight against him.
“I surrender,” I play along theatrically, which only makes Rosie laugh harder.
“We defeated the Snoring Bear!” Rosie jumps on me and hugs me, so I wrap my paws—well, my hands—around her lovingly.
“And what do we do with Mama Snoring Bear now?” Gabriel teases.
“Well… we feed her. Then she’ll go back to sleep!”
Ah, so that’s Rosie’s plan?
“Feeding sounds perfect. So, what’s for breakfast?” I ask.
“Only coffee and tea, but the hotel buffet is already open,” he replies, then turns to Rosie. “Do you think they’ll let a bear into the buffet here? She’ll eat all the guests’ food!”
“Oh no!” Rosie cries in mock horror.
“I’m starving!” I shout dramatically, laughing.
“She’ll eat all the pancakes!” Rosie giggles, rolling across the mattress.
“Yes, I’ll eat all the pancakes!” I roar with laughter.
Gabriel lets go of me, and I immediately pounce on Rosie again, tickling her mercilessly. We collapse into giggles while Gabriel stands, smiling at us sweetly.
