Page 71 of Under Daddy's Spell

“You’re the sexy-as-fuck type,” he murmured as his fingers flexed on her hips and ass, which seemed to be magnets for his caresses.“But also the cute-as-a-bug’s-ear type.”

She grimaced. “I’ll never understand that expression. How is anything on a bug, including its ears, cute?”

He bent his head and nuzzled her neck. “The ponytail makes this easier, but I prefer your curls bouncing around your shoulders.”

“It’s August and too hot to wear it down.”

“Mmm,” was his vague response as his lips brushed her ear and he caught the lobe between his teeth. “I also like this dress. Is it new?”

“No. I found it buried in my closet while searching for something cool to wear in this heat.” It was little wonder he liked it since it was sleeveless, with only thin straps at the shoulders, exposing a lot of skin, as did the sweetheart neckline. No cleavage though. She was running a bookstore, not a strip club.

“I got a call from the HVAC contractor this morning. They’re installing the new unit on Monday so you can quit griping about the heat, brat. You also saved half on soundproofing. That deserves a kiss—with tongue.”

She couldn’t argue with him, nor did she want to. Instead, she said, “Okay,” and rose on her tiptoes to meet him halfway.

They couldn’t take it further, not in the aisles where anyone could come upon them, especially her youngest customers, since the kids’ corner was at the end of the next row. When he traced her lower lip with his thumb, she knew she had failed to hide her disappointment.

“Don’t look so sad, sweet girl. You can have all the kisses you want tonight when you come to my house for dinner.”

“That’s right!” she exclaimed. “We get to have mimosas at sunrise.”

When he suddenly grinned down at her, she suspected she wore the goofiest of grins. She couldn’t help it; he made her happy and goofy.

“We also have plans for tomorrow, don’t forget. You’ll never guess who’s playing at the Davenport.”

“Um, Seth Davenport?”

“Smart-ass,” he muttered. “Harry Connick Jr. Tomorrow night only.”

“How did you hear about this?”

He rocked her from side to side as he dipped his face into the side of her neck again. “Daddy knows things.”

“And all of New Orleans knows Daddy,” she replied, “Or Coop. What’s with that? Why is it that everyone knows you every place you go?”

“I’m famous for my commercials.”

She leaned back as his head came up. “You’re on TV?”

“Impressed?” he asked.

“Very much, and it explains all theHey, Coops.”

His face tightened ever so slightly. “It’s been Coop ever since high school, although I prefer Jordan. And Daddy from my baby girl.”

Shyly, she dropped her head on his chest before whispering, “I like Daddy, too.”

His lips felt warm when he kissed the top of her head. “I have a pile of paperwork on my desk. I should go.”

“And I’ve got a truckload of work to do,” she sighed. “And that’s no exaggeration. I had a huge delivery of books and marketing displays come in this morning.”

“There’s no rest for the weary.”

Her head fell back, and with a smile, she announced, “That isn’t me for a change. I slept great last night.”

He returned her smile, not halfway but full on. “Glad I could be of service. You’ll sleep like a baby again tonight, and wake to mimosas at sunrise.”

“I can’t wait.”

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