Page 180 of Daddy's Naughty List

Melissa

Dr. Richards’ Littles ®

By Pepper North

Chapter One

MATCH FOUND!

Melissa looked at the flashing notification and gasped.

“Is everything okay, miss?” a kind, older voice asked behind her.

Turning to see a gray-haired woman dressed in green and red with jingle-bell earrings leaning on a cart, Melissa pulled herself together. She had to grin at the holiday display despite her mind whirling around in her head. “Yes. Thank you. Just a notice that something I’ve wanted forever is available now.”

“That is exciting. Say… you work for a company that takes care of pet waste?” the woman asked.

“I do. Tami’s Canine Poo Service.”

“Are you Tami?”

“No, I’m Melissa. I work for Tami. She’s amazing.”

“Do you have a card? I have a couple of dogs and it’s tough for me to walk around in the uneven grass these days,” the woman shared, jostling a cane that hung from the front of the shopping cart.

“I’d love to help you.” Melissa opened the fanny pack she always wore and pulled out a card. “Here’s one. You can find the rates online or call Tami.”

“I don’t do anything online, miss. It’s too confusing,” the woman admitted as she took the card.

“Tami’s your best bet, then. She’s super sweet!” Melissa assured her before turning back to the cashier to pay for her groceries.

“What an interesting job,” the cashier said, obviously overhearing the conversation. “How do you get a job like that?”

“I was lucky. A woman in my apartment complex owns it. We were friendly and when I lost my job, she hired me. Best job ever!”

“I’d love to have a job like that. I have a dog of my own and pet sit for my neighbors when they’re gone,” the cashier said.

Melissa stopped and looked at her nametag. Debbie. There were small stickers decorating the outer edges of the rectangular store logo: a teddy bear, a smiling dog, a sleeping cat, and a pink scooter. She grinned at Debbie. “I love your stickers.”

Debbie rolled her eyes. “I’m in trouble for them. They’re making me a new nametag, and I have to pay for it because these won’t come off.”

“That sucks. Sorry.”

“Could I have one of those cards, too? I’d love to see if your boss is hiring,” Debbie asked.

“Sure. Good luck.” Melissa handed it over before paying for her items and picking up her bag. She waved at the two women she’d talked to before walking toward the exit. Her phone buzzed, and she realized, somehow, she’d forgotten the notification.

“Crap!”

Melissa dashed to her car and made herself stow her food carefully before collapsing into the driver’s seat. She didn’t want to eat mangled bread all next week. Every extra penny she didn’t spend went into her planned move. Even though she hated the crusts, Melissa would eat them. She’d just ignore the fact they tasted like the dog biscuits Tami bought for all their clients. Not that she’d tried those…

Checking her phone, Melissa hoped she hadn’t imagined the message. She opened the PLAYTIME app. She’d downloaded it a few weeks ago after filling out information online.

Match Found.

The bright red letters stared back at her. Melissa’s heart started beating faster. PLAYTIME had found her Daddy. Reaching one finger toward the screen, Melissa tried to prepare herself in case it was wrong. That one touch yielded a face and a name.

“He’s so handsome!” she said out loud.

---