Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 45138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
When they finally relaxed, wrapped quietly in each other’s arms, CC rested her cheek on Hunter’s broad chest. The sound of his thudding heart settled into a strong, steady beat under her ear. She squeezed her lids shut, once again trying to remember this moment forever. His hand stroked the length of her spine to reassure her as if he knew her thoughts were turbulent.
“Are you okay, Pumpkin?”
She nodded against his chest not saying a word. CC didn’t know what to say to explain how she felt. A plaintive meow came from the floor, and with a thud, Tangerine joined them. When the cat climbed over their exhausted bodies to take his preferred spot cuddled against Hunter’s ankle just as he had done with Darren, CC knew the feline had accepted this incredible man’s presence in their lives. Her fingers clenched on her Daddy’s powerful bicep.
“He likes you,” she whispered.
“And I like him a lot. You though… I love you, Little girl. I’m so glad I found you. Now, you were supposed to be napping so we can stay up a bit later tonight. Close your eyes and fall asleep, Pumpkin. Daddy’s here to watch over you,” he promised.
Wiggling a bit closer, CC followed his directions. She loved his powerful frame next to her and the heavy arm wrapped around her waist, holding her tight. Sated and protected, CC drifted to sleep.
Chapter Thirteen
The following week, CC stopped at the emergency department after a follow-up appointment at her doctor’s office. She wanted to share the good news that the cat bite wouldn’t leave any permanent damage to her hand. She knew Hunter usually got off about six unless there was a huge accident that could compel him to volunteer to stay.
Walking toward the front desk, she paused as an animated, obviously angry woman talked in a loud voice. CC couldn’t avoid overhearing and felt sorry for Whitney, the receptionist.
“The doctor is not available. Please call your regular physician for follow-up care,” the hospital employee told the irate woman leaning over the desk.
“I want to see Dr. Hunter.”
CC flinched.
Whitney held her ground. “That’s not going to happen. Please leave now or I will call security.” The receptionist turned slightly to put her hand on the phone as if waiting for the other woman to make a decision.
“I am going to report you! I know people on the hospital board!” When Whitney lifted the receiver, the visitor turned with a loud harrumph and stomped away, muttering under her breath about unemployment and legal charges for refusing care.
“Sorry. That’s her seventh time here in two weeks. We’re running a pool to see how long it takes her to give up,” Whitney said, apparently recognizing CC from previous visits as she dropped the receiver into place.
“Really?” CC squeaked.
“No, but we should. All the doctors have groupies but Dr. Warren, he draws the most post-care visits. He is pretty hunky, isn’t he?” Whitney asked with a smile as she typed something into the computer.
“He is very attractive and probably too kind,” CC suggested. “I shouldn’t bother him either. I’ll just go and let you all take care of everyone.”
“Too late. He’s on his way—and no problem. It’s super quiet right now, but I shouldn’t say that. I’ll jinx us, and all hell will break loose in a few minutes.”
In her peripheral vision, CC caught Hunter entering the waiting room seconds later.
“CC! I’d hoped you’d stop by. Come have some water with me and you can tell me how your appointment went,” her Daddy invited as he stepped through the double doors that barred the public from the lifesaving area on the other side. Wrapping his arm around her waist, Hunter steered CC into the back area and to the staff lounge.
Opening a couple of cold bottles of water, he settled her next to him on the sofa. “What did the doctor say?”
“All good things. I’m off to therapy for a few sessions to learn some exercises to strengthen my hand, but after that it looks like all the lingering effects will disappear in a few months,” CC shared, hearing the relief in her own voice.
“That’s exactly what I’d hoped to hear,” Hunter cheered and leaned forward to kiss her softly. “We should go out to celebrate. What would you like to eat?”
“Italian,” CC answered without delay. “Can we go to Salvatore’s? I love their lasagna.”
“I haven’t been there before. Let’s go. I love trying new restaurants.” Hunter looked at his watch and met her gaze. “My shift was over a half hour ago. I decided to hang around until I heard from you. Let me go tell everyone I’m out of here, and we can leave.”
Ah, that explained why he looked freshly showered and had changed out of his scrubs. She’d noticed he often left work in street clothes.