Page 23 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

“In which case,” Slater said, “we’ll be going with you.”

“You will?”

“Uh-huh. I’m not saying this Hugo fella is dangerous. He might just be a douche. But I know how some folks can be if you try and get in their way. Especially when lots of money is on the line.”

“He’s right about that,” Jackson chimed in. “In fact, might be a good idea if we stick close to you. Just to make sure you have someone watching your back.”

Slater studied Mina, waiting to gauge her reaction. He was relieved when she smiled and giggled.

“Well, ain’t she the cutest?” Jackson posed.

“We done settled that,” Slater replied.

“You did?” she asked.

“Sure did,” he said. “Last night, when we were talking about you.”

“You were talking about me?” Mina repeated incredulously. “Maybe that’s why I dreamed about you two.”

Slater arched an eyebrow and shot her a wry smile. “Oh you did, did you? And just what did you dream about?”

The Little looked even more adorable, if that was possible, as she covered her mouth and started giggling while her cheeks glowed a bright red.

When she didn’t answer, Slater shifted a little in the booth to look at Jackosn. “What do you suppose was taking place in that dream of hers, brother?”

This drew a laugh from Jackson. “Oh, I think I know good and well what was going on. Just look at the way she’s blushing.”

“Stop it!” Mina said through her giggles.

Every Daddy instinct Slater possessed stirred in his soul. It was all he could do not to stand up, scoop Little Mina into his arms, and shower her with a thousand kisses right then and there.

But he resisted those urges. Just barely.

“So you’re going to start by poking around on the computer?” he inquired.

“Yep. I bet I can overturn something.”

“I admire your confidence.”

Before anyone could say anything else, a loud shuffling noise interrupted them and they all looked up to see a gang of Littles running across the café toward them.

“Don’t run in here, cuties!” Marsha called from behind the counter. “I’ll tell your Daddies and they’ll give your booties a walloping!”

The women all slowed, saying in unison, “Yes, ma’am.”

They arrived in front of the booth at a much more measured pace.

“Hey!” Alyssa said. “We’ve been looking for you.”

“Yeah. We want to know if you want to play with us,” Grace blurted out in breathless tones.

Apparently, Slater thought, the Littles had been running all over town because they were out of breath.

He looked across the table to see a look of contemplation on Mina’s face. Realizing her dilemma, he said, “It’s okay to have a little bit of fun before you work.”

“You think so?” she asked.

He nodded. “I know so.”

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