Page 62 of Daddies' Captive

“Not a doofus. Don’t call yourself that.” The scolding was light but with a hint of steel. Seemed these guys weren’t real big on her saying bad things about herself.

“I was just joking around,” she said.

“It can still hurt. Whether you were joking around or not.”

“I’d never say it about someone else.”

The door suddenly opened and Steele stood there. “Come on, babe. Walk you to the door.” He sounded gruff, impatient.

Shoot. Had she done something?

You’ve got to focus and stop daydreaming.

“I’m sorry,” she blurted out.

“Huh?” Steele frowned down at her, a blast of cold air filling the car.

Get it out quick, Effie.

“I’m sorry I said you need glasses and implied that some parts of you weren’t in excellent working condition. I won’t do that again.”

“What the hell? Grady? What’s she going on about?”

Grady was studying her closely. “Effie, that wasn’t what I meant.”

“I should let you both go. It’s late and cold.” She slid out of the car. “Thanks for the slippers and the dinner. I’ll see you Monday.” It was only Thursday night, but they said there was no point in starting work tomorrow. She understood that even if she was keen to get started straight away.

“Whoa, babe.” Steele caught hold of her arm as she went to move past him. “What the hell?”

Grady sighed and got out too, crowding in behind her. Steele eased her forward gently so they were all standing outside. She had to work hard not to let her teeth chatter. It was freezing out here, though, and her coat was thin.

With her first paycheck, she’d buy herself a coat. Although it was near the end of winter, so maybe she should wait. Then again, that meant end-of-winter sales.

“Babe?” Steele clicked his fingers in front of her face.

“You know, it’s quite rude to click your fingers in front of someone’s face.”

“Is it?” he asked. For some reason, amusement filled his face. “Where does ignoring someone while they’re talking to you fall in the manners spectrum?”

“Oh, that’s bad. You shouldn’t do that.”

Now he looked like he was fighting a grin. She really didn’t understand him.

“Effie, look at me,” Grady said firmly.

She glanced up at him in surprise.

“Good girl.”

Whoa. A rush of heat went straight through her. Effie had always been a good girl. She’d always done the right thing. But no one had ever told her that she was a good girl in that tone of voice.

And it was her boss. Who was off-limits.

Typical.

“Now, focus on me,” Grady said. “It’s cold and you need to get inside.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. You should get back into your car.”

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