“Yes, but way better because we took a bunch of our play clothes and toys that we use with each other over there. And we can leave them so we don’t always have to clean up or take everything home with us after we play. It’s the best.”
“Sounds like it.” I was impressed with their commitment to their playtime. “Everything you need in one place.”
“Yeah, I just wish it had a craft area because then I could make my candles there and not have them take over my entire apartment.”
I chuckled. Her candles were certainly taking over that space. “Your apartment is basically a candle factory that you sleep in at this point.”
“Pretty much.” She twisted and faced out the front window again. “So will you come tonight?”
“Of course. My regular shift ends at six. What time do you want to go?”
“Whenever you can get there is fine. I’ll probably go right after work so I can help Briana and Poppy set up. Just come whenever.”
“Okay. Text me the address.” I slipped my hand behind her neck and teased the soft hair there.
She moaned and leaned into it, allowing me to gently massage the back of her head. “That feels so good, Daddy. And yes, I’ll send it. It’s right across the street from The Bean Box on Mathilda.”
I knew exactly the coffee shop she was referring to. “Oh. I love that place.”
“Me too. Kylie works there. She’s one of the Little Lovelies, too. She’ll be there tonight with Daddy Troy.” She tapped her chin and paused. “I think. I’m not really sure what’s going on with them. They might be 'slowly separating’ but not officially yet. Anyway, you’ll see them both tonight…probably.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting your friends, sweetheart.” Oddly, I really was. I was kinda nervous too. “I hope they like me.”
She scoffed as if that was crazy talk before she leaned over the center console. “Of course they’ll like you. They’ll love you. Since I do, they will.”
I pretended not to notice her little slip-up because the way she gasped and then pushed herself back against the seat made me think that it wasn’t her intention to declare her love for me. Whether it was true or just a figure of speech, we had plenty of time to figure that out. “Well, I hope so. But I’m sure I’ll love them too. Especially if they’re anything like you.”
She relaxed and turned to me. “They totally are. My friends are the best ever. That’s why we call ourselves the Little Lovelies. We’re just…lovely.”
My girl certainly was. “And humble too.”
She giggled. “You know what I mean. They’re all just like me, so if you even kinda like me, you’ll definitely like them.”
“Then I’m sure I’ll like them a whole lot.”
Chapter 13
Cassie
Daddy got stuck at work, so me, Briana and Poppy were dressed up in princess dresses while Jasmin and Hannah wore kitty cat ears and tails. Devyn couldn’t make it, but Kylie and Daddy Troy arrived with pizzas right before I got a text from Daddy saying he was on his way.
“He’s coming. He’s coming. He’s coming.” I rolled onto my back and put my stuffed penguin on my feet, balancing it in the air as I pretended to make a snow angel on the floor with my arms. “My daddy’s coming.”
“Yay!” Poppy dropped onto the floor beside me on my right, and Briana was on my left side. “We’re all so excited to meet him. It’s clear that you’re really happy, Cass.”
I kicked Chilly Penguin into the air and then caught him before I sat up so I could see my friends better. “I really, really am. He’s so nice and sexy and likes to take care of me.” I looked at them again. “I told you he’s a doctor, right?”
They looked at each other and then giggled. “Yes. About a million times.”
“Well, that’s because he’s the best doctor in the world, and he loves my candles.”
Daddy Troy came over and patted each of our heads. “Hey, girls. How are you all doing?”
“Good, Daddy Troy.” We singsonged our response in unison. It has just become a habit for us to address the Daddies like that.
The way he chuckled made me think he liked it.
“Cassie, I’m looking forward to meeting your Dayton.” He squatted in front of me so he was closer to my eye level.
