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“Yeah, I always get bored making the same muffins over and over. Besides, got to add to the menu every once in a while, to keep the customers interested.” A long sigh followed her answer, along with looking out the window a lot.
Something was off. She kept her hands folded tight in her lap instead of reaching for his. Part of him wanted to pull over, haul her into his lap, and ask what was spinning through that pretty head of hers. Later, maybe they could discuss it, but right now, he stayed locked on the problem he meant to fix today.
Preston had already been warned once. Clearly, that wasn’t enough.
He pulled up in front of Bread & Batter and cut the engine. The familiar striped awning looked peaceful in the early morning light, but it also looked very vulnerable. Not anymore.
Junie had put her hand on the door and started to open it.
“Stay right there, baby,” he said, in a tone that made it clear it wasn’t a suggestion. Rounding the front of the truck, he grabbed the handle and opened her door. Junie started to slide down, but he caught her waist with both hands, lifting her the rest of the way so her feet barely touched the sidewalk. Her soft curves pressed against him for a brief second, and the warmth of her body sent a fresh wave of awareness rolling through him. It reminded him that she was the real deal for him.
“Keys.” He held out his hand and kept the other arm around her as they walked to the bakery door.
She handed them over without a word. He unlocked the door, then gently nudged her to the side. “Wait right here, Cupcake. Don’t move until I check everything out.”
Before she could argue, he stepped inside. The bell above the door gave its familiar jingle as he moved through the front of the shop, announcing to anyone who might be waiting inside that someone else had arrived. Still, special care was taken so that his boots were quiet on the floor while his eyes swept every corner—behind the display cases, under the counters, into the small office.
He pushed through the swinging door into the kitchen, checked the walk-in cooler, then tested the heavy back door. Locked tight. Nothing was out of place. The whole building sat silent and empty, exactly as it should be.
Only then did he feel comfortable letting Junie come in.
He walked back to the front. Junie still stood exactly where he’d left her, fingers twisting the strap of her purse.
“Nobody’s here,” he told her. “Back door’s locked solid too.”
“That’s good, though I don’t know who’d break into a bakery.”
“Not all the sweet treats are in your display case, babygirl.” He cupped her cheek, thumb brushing lightly over her soft skin. “There’s no such thing as being too careful. Not when it comes to you.”
Questions hovered behind her eyes, but he didn’t give her time to ask them. “I’ve got to head out for a bit. Lock this door behind me andkeep it locked until Poppy gets here. Understand, babygirl? No exceptions.”
Junie nodded. “Yes, Daddy.”
She seemed happy enough, but the quiet in her still tugged at him. He settled both hands on her hips and pulled her flush against him. Her body melted into his so perfectly it made his breath catch. He rested his forehead against hers, breathing in the faint vanilla and sugar that always clung to her.
“You’re quiet this morning,” he murmured. “Is anything wrong?”
She shook her head quickly. “No, Daddy.”
“Anything we did last night bother you?”
Her cheeks flushed that pretty shade of pink he loved so much. She bit her lip, eyes dropping to his chest for a second before lifting again. “I loved every minute of last night, Daddy. I promise.”
What had he ever done to deserve this woman?
Tilting her chin up, he kissed her, slow at first, then deeper, pouring everything he felt into it. A soft sigh puffed from her lips as she clutched his shirt, twisting her hands into it hard and tight. It was tempting to stay right there and forget about the rest of his morning plans.
Scooping her up, carrying her straight back to that tiny office, and filling her tight little pussy with his cock again struck him as a much better way to spend the morning than what he had planned. His hands flexed on her hips, already imagining the way she’d gasp and cling to him as he sank deep, stretching her, claiming her all over again.
Business before pleasure, however, especially when that business was concerned with keeping Junie safe. He pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers again. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Where are you going?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
“Just running a few errands.” He gave her hips a gentle squeeze. “You be a good girl for me until I get back.”
A shy little smile touched her lips. “Yes, Daddy.”
Those two words slammed into his chest every single time,stealing his breath and filling him with that deep, possessive ache. He kissed the top of her head, then forced himself to step outside.
