My phone showed it was well after one in the morning when I tiptoed into my house. Sydney had known I was going to be this late; we’d shared a few more text exchanges since discussing the flavor of cupcakes, so I wasn’t filled with guilt as I made my way into the kitchen.
The smell instantly hit me, the chocolate in the air making my goddamn stomach grumble.
“Fuuuck,” I moaned as I searched for where she had put them.
And then I found the adorable display—the cupcakes shaped like a mountain with a glass dome over them.
I lifted the lid, checking out the decoration that had undoubtedly been done by my daughter. Although, I had to admit, she was getting much better. The frosting was mostly swirled, the rainbow sprinkles evenly distributed. She’d even attempted to write a D for Daddy across several. I could tell the ones Sydney had assisted with—the squiggly letters much straighter, smoother.
“You’re home.”
I looked up as Sydney was rising from the couch, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
God, she was beautiful.
Her hair was down and a little wild, her clothes clinging to her, outlining a body I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about.
Lips pouty, like they needed to be ravished. Eyes heavy, as though I’d just given her three orgasms.
“What are you doing down here?” I asked. “I told you to crash in one of the guest rooms if you got tired.”
“I figured I’d drive home once you got back.” She tightened the blanket around her, cutting off my view, and waddled into the kitchen as the blanket hung well past her feet. “I didn’t want to get too cozy, but I guess I failed because I fell asleep.”
I checked the time on my phone again. “You’re not driving home tonight. It’s too late.”
Shit.
I’d fucking fathered her.
Not my intention.
Still, my opinion didn’t change.
“I just don’t want you on the road at this hour,” I clarified. “And I’m sure, by now, my driver is halfway to his house.”
She set the blanket on the back of a chair and went to the fridge, grabbing a carton of milk. She poured some in two glasses and handed me one. “You’re going to need this. They’re rich.” She placed a cupcake on a napkin that she set in front of me and grabbed one for herself. “And it’s fine, by the way. I probably shouldn’t drive this late; you’re right.”
I could hear the tiredness in her voice and felt like hell because I’d woken her up. “I’m sorry, Sydney. Go upstairs and get some sleep. I’ve got this.”
Whatever this was.
I wasn’t sure.
I just knew there were cupcakes in front of me, and at least one was going to get eaten.
“I can’t. I’m hungry now.” She raised the dessert to her lips and took a bite. “And, damn, they’re good.”
I couldn’t fucking wait.
I took almost half of it into my mouth, the chocolate melting the second it hit my tongue.
“You weren’t kidding,” I groaned, pointing at the mountain of cupcakes. “That’ll be gone by tomorrow.”
“That quick?”
I popped the rest in and chewed, reaching for another. “Yep.”
She laughed. “You should have seen Everly decorating them. She was covered in glittery sprinkles. They were even in her eyebrows. And then the bath bomb turned her hair blue.” Her hand went to my arm as she giggled. “Don’t worry; we got it all out, but oh my God, it was a sight.”
Her fingers felt like a wave of heat that went straight to my cock.
I did my best to ignore it, asking, “Did you ever tell me what a bath bomb was?”
She traced around the rim of the cupcake and then licked the frosting off her finger.
I couldn’t look away.
I could think of nothing but her tongue circling my cock, her lips surrounding the head, her throat taking in my shaft.
Fuck.
“I didn’t, I don’t think.” She took a drink of her milk. “But it’s a little bath accessory that dissolves in the water, full of vitamins and skin conditioner and lots of goodies. We made a bunch, all in different colors. I didn’t realize the dye that I used was so strong.” Her eyes went wide. “Oops.”
“That’s all I’ll hear about over breakfast tomorrow.” I pulled the wrapper off my second cupcake. “How much fun she had. How her hair turned blue. How she won’t be able to bathe without a bomb ever again.”
“Oh boy, have I created a monster?” She took a bite, her tongue swiping across my favorite lip to get the chocolate off.
Jesus.
She’d asked a question.
I was sure of it.
But I couldn’t think of anything but her mouth.
“Say that again,” I voiced.
Her lips went thin as she smiled. “Did I create a monster?”
“A baking monster, for sure.” I glanced down, needing the break, and shoved more sweetness into my mouth. “Sydney, this is delicious. Fuck, I’m sure I already said that.”
She snorted. “I’m jealous of your buzz right now.”
I glanced up, struck by that breathtaking face. “I’m that obvious?”
“Maybe not to just anyone, but your voice changes when you drink.” She quieted as she said, “I know that tone by now and how it gets grittier with each glass of red wine—or in tonight’s case, scotch.” She paused, staring at me. “I can smell it.” She licked across her lips again, this time for no reason, just out of habit. Or because she knew it drove me fucking mad. “Did you have fun at the bar?”
Not only had she been learning about me, but she had also been paying attention.
I didn’t know what to think about that.
“Yeah.” I took a deep breath. “It’s always a good time with my brothers.”
She took the final bite of her cupcake. “You know, when I was with the Turners, I insisted they had a date night at least once a week. It’s important, Ford. So, that’s what I’m going to propose to you.” Her skin flushed, her chest rising as her breathing sped up. “To go out with your brothers, I mean. That’s what I’m proposing. I want you to make it a priority. And I’ll be here, so you don’t have to worry.”
I shook my head, taking her in.
That soft voice with an erotic edge.