Page 79 of Saving Sophia

I rubbed my chin. Not exactly a surprise, but that could put things considerably behind schedule. “Alright. See if he needs help finding alternatives.”

Evie tapped on her tablet then gave me a little salute. “Aye aye, captain.”

“Smart ass,” I snorted as she stood up and headed back to her desk. Her comment reminded me of the scoundrel pirate captain from Sophia’s book.

Suddenly, an idea started forming in the back of my head. “One more thing,” I called out to her retreating back. “Call Vincent and see if his boat’s available tonight.”

23

SOPHIA

“This is … are you sure about this?” I stared into the mirror of the dressing room, my head tilted to one side.

“How does it make you feel?” Callie stood next to me, twirling back and forth in neon orange tulle fluffy pants that looked like a million mini tutus up and down her legs, a sequin-covered butterfly halter top and pink bunny ears, her grin taking over her face like the cat in Alice In Wonderland.

“Exposed?” I said, my eyebrow raised and my mouth quirked at the image staring back at me.

Callie laughed. “What does Amber Jade think?”

Before I could answer, my phone pinged with a text.

Ethan

Hey baby, you having fun?

I looked in the mirror again, shocked at how much fun I was having. “Should I ask his opinion?”

Callie shook her finger at me, making her bangle bracelets clink together. “And ruin the surprise? No way. Trust me. He’s going to love it.”

I tapped in my response.

Hey Daddy, yes, but I miss you

Miss you too. Are you behaving?

Always :)

Thrilled little tremors erupted in my tummy at his question and at my answer. Having a Daddy—having him as my Daddy, was something I’d never known I needed, but it was quickly becoming something I didn’t want to live without.

Have you talked to Callie yet?

My tummy sank. We’d been having so much fun, and every time I tried to spit out the words, Callie dashed off onto some other topic.

Not yet. But I will

You better, baby girl. Or you may have another punishment spanking in your future.

I looked into the mirror again, grimacing and brushing my hand across my bottom.

Yes, Sir

Good girl

My spine tingled at his praise. How was it possible those two little words could have such an effect on me?

Callie dragged me out of the dressing room. “Come on, let’s see what other colors this comes in.”

Griff stood nearby, a glowering, silent chaperone, looking shockingly out of place for the kind of store we were in.

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