Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
“Of course. Let’s go inside. With the sun going down it’s getting chilly.”
Gemma loved the family dynamic as Tracy opened her gifts. It was obvious the family did a lot together. Everything was comfortable and easy. Tracy loved the mint shirts Anton had selected and winked at Gemma, sending a thank you her way as well.
“Oh, my! Gemma? Where did you find these? They look just like Speedy.”
The kids crowded around their mom to inspect the earrings Gemma had brought. Cindy thought the artist must have known Speedy to have gotten him to model for them.
When they looked at Gemma, she confessed, “I have no idea. Maybe?”
“That means yes in adult talk,” Dirk clarified for his younger sister. “Cake now?”
“Yes. They’re all on the big platter in the kitchen. Don’t touch them. Go wash your hands,” Tracy directed before saying to her brother, “Those cupcakes are over the top. I haven’t ever stopped in Little Cakes because I know it would be dangerous.”
“They are the best,” Gemma told her. “A perfect birthday treat.”
“I was a very good girl this year,” Tracy said, grinning at her husband.
“You were. The best. Now, we better save those cupcakes. The kids are drooling over them,” Burt suggested.
An hour and one cupcake later, Anton escorted Gemma to her car. “Thank you for coming to spend time with me. With us.”
“You were right. Seeing your family does tell me you’re a good man.” She hesitated for a minute before whispering, “Is Tracy Little?”
“She isn’t. But I’m pretty sure my mom is. I never asked her or Dad. That’s their secret. They liked you,” Anton shared.
“They’ve only spent a bit of time with me. I could be the world’s best actress.”
“No, you couldn’t. You’re simply you, and that enchants me. It obviously works on your clients, too. Tracy raves that you make her look better than she’s ever looked before.”
“There’s magic in clothes,” Gemma said with a smile.
“I think there’s magic in the shop’s owner as well. Will you let me hang around to get to know you better?”
Gemma gathered her courage and nodded. “I think I’d like that.”
“Thank you, Little girl.” Anton tilted her chin up with his fingers and, giving her plenty of time to tell him no, he leaned in to press his lips lightly against hers.
Wanting more, Gemma rose onto her tiptoes and placed a hand on his chest to steady herself before pressing her mouth back to his. She loved the feel of his strong heart beat under her palm and the strength of his broad chest. Anton let her control the kiss for a moment before deepening it. A thrill went through her body as his tongue tasted the sensitive inner edge of her lips.
“Oh!” she gasped in disappointment as he raised his head.
“I know, Little girl. I want more sweet kisses, but in a more private spot,” he suggested, nodding at the neighbors sitting on their front porch avidly watching.
“They should have better manners,” she whispered.
“I agree. Next time, I’ll make sure there are no interruptions,” Anton promised.
She nodded before she realized she’d just promised him more kisses. Gemma pushed away her embarrassment. She definitely wanted to spend time alone with this man. If there were kisses… That would be fine with her.
Daringly, she rose again to press a light peck on his lips. “We might as well give them something to talk about.”
“I like your style, Little girl.”
He opened her door and closed it once she was inside with her seatbelt fastened. “Drive carefully, Little girl. I will pick you up at seven tomorrow evening for dinner.”
“What if I have plans tomorrow?” she dared to ask.
“Then I’ll bring a picnic lunch in for us to share tomorrow. I want to spend time with you.”
An image of him spreading out a blanket on the floor of Design Magic as people shopped around them made her laugh. “Dinner is fine. Although I do like a good picnic.”
“Tomorrow, Gemma.”
She watched him disappear in her rearview mirror as she pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. Gemma fantasized about him being her Daddy. He would be loving, but stern. She could already tell she would need to follow his rules or there would be consequences. Would he spank her bottom?
A car honked behind her, making Gemma focus on the green light in front of her. With a sorry wave, she drove through the intersection.
I need to stop thinking about my Daddy. What?? He’s not my Daddy—yet.
Chapter Three
The next day flew past. Gemma had fun with her customers and enjoyed seeing them leave happy with the treasures they’d found at Design Magic. She stocked a wide range of sizes and searched each size range for clothing that would be flattering—giving curves to slender clients and smoothing out ample curves for fuller-figured women. She’d worn a variety of sizes over the years and had learned for herself that the same style dress simply made bigger didn’t work.