Page 7 of Daddy’s Protection (The Daddy Guard #3)
“That looks amazing!”
The words came from Isaiah, warming Cami’s heart as they stood in front of the diner.
On the window before them was a cute fall scene portraying various foods with large, cartoonish eyes, wide smiles, and arms and legs all celebrating Halloween. As one moved their eyes down, the scene changed to Thanksgiving and just autumn in general.
Never mind the fact that LA didn’t really have the falling leaves and fall colors that so much of the rest of the United States had. People still loved the season.
So did Cami.
And the temperature did cool down a little. The world just wasn’t filled with those gold and brown hues. But it was all still fun.
“Thank you,” she said bashfully.
“I’m serious, Cami. You’re very talented,” Isaiah continued. “I can see why your work is in demand.”
She giggled and felt silly for it. But looking at Isaiah told her that he was genuine in his praise. It made her heart happy.
Don’t get carried away, Cami. Remember… he isn’t your Daddy.
“I brought your car,” he said. “So it’s ready whenever you’re done.”
“I’m leaving now,” she said, packing up the last of her paints. “I just need to go in, chat with the manager, and get the check.”
A few people walked by, admiring her art, with one of the old men giving her a thumps-up.
She waved back and watched them go inside the diner.
“Did you, uh, find anything at my house?”
“Well, nothing concrete. But we found one lead that I want to look into. Might not be much. And probably isn’t even worth going into right now.”
Cami wasn’t sure she believed him. Just like she was able to see his praise of her abilities had been real, she assumed now that he was holding something back.
But why? Did he not want her to worry?
That was the most likely explanation. So, she didn’t press him on what that lead was. Maybe it would turn out to be something big. If that was the case, the Daddy Guard would handle it.
Until then, though, she had a problem…
“Am I all clear to stay there?”
“Do you mind staying at my place?” He grinned. “I mean our place. Guess I can’t claim the whole mansion.”
Cami giggled. “I don’t mind at all. But are you sure it doesn’t put you out? I really don’t want to inconvenience you all.”
She was happy when he waved off her concern. “You kidding? The more cuties running around that place the better. Just do me a favor and fawn all over me. I’m tired of Jack and Ace bragging because they have Littles and I don’t. Let’s turn the tables.”
Cami laughed, but she wasn’t sure it was a joke. It also wouldn’t be a problem. She could barely keep her hands off Isaiah right now. Living with him for a while would prove to be even more difficult.
She wanted nothing more than to jump on him, be held, and get all the hugs and kisses she could.
Keep dreaming, Cami. Seriously, the hot guy with all the muscles doesn’t want the chunky girl.
After a moment, she said, “Thank you. I appreciate you letting me stay with you. And investigating all this. I’m sure it sounds crazy.”
Isaiah shook his head. “Don’t worry about any of that. We’re going to get this thing taken care of. After that, who knows? You might just love the Guard’s mansion so much that you don’t want to leave.”
The wink he gave her—combined with that statement—caused her to giggle even more.
He was right, she thought.
Already, she didn’t want to leave.
Ever.