Page 18 of Tiffanie

“You totally did. I did lure you down that path by asking questions.”

“You’re kind of rascally,” she said, slipping slightly into Little space. Letting herself be Little was easy around him. Phineas was such a genuine guy—nothing artificial.

“I am, Princess. Do you think you can put up with me?”

She nodded before she remembered he couldn’t see her, so she quickly whispered, “Yes.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Tiffanie. Now I bet you’re tired. Blow me a kiss and hang up the phone. I’ll pick you up at ten.”

Without second-guessing herself, Tiffanie followed his directions. “Mwah! Night.”

“Night, Princess.”

She loved that he stayed on the line until she disconnected. Wrapping her arms around Biff, she hugged him to her chest. “Did you hear that, Biff? Could he be more perfect for me?”

Chapter Eight

The next morning, Phineas parked in front of the carriage house. A whisper of movement at the window caught his attention. Tiffanie was watching for him. Cheering at the thought she was eager to see him as well, he slid out of the car and walked to the front door, smiling as the wooden barrier opened.

“Hi!” Tiffanie said with a smile.

“Hi. Are you ready to go?” Phineas asked.

“Let me grab my purse,” she said and disappeared inside for a brief moment.

When she reappeared, Tiffanie carried a small purse and a larger tote. Fuzzy ears showed over the top of the canvas bag. Biff. She had trusted him enough to bring her stuffie. Each step they took together thrilled him and satisfied a need deep inside.

Phineas extended an arm to help her down the porch. She sent him a smile and whispered, “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, Princess. You’ve got a big choice to make when we get home. I’ve missed seeing a lot of movies. I have different possibilities for you to choose from.”

“Oh, can’t we decide together?”

“Of course. You may not even like the list I came up with to start our selection. Consider my lineup a launching spot,” he suggested, guiding her to the car.

“Okay. I couldn’t decide what to wear. Is this okay?” she asked, waving a hand at her comfortable clothing. The soft material wrapped around her, warm and cuddly.

“You look beautiful, Tiffanie.” Phineas stopped at the side of his vehicle and turned her to face him. “I’m glad to see you.”

Phineas drew her closer and kissed her lightly. When Tiffanie responded eagerly Phineas deepened the kiss. He swept his tongue along the seam of her lips. To his delight, she rose onto her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck as she opened her mouth in a silent invitation. Tasting her sweetness delighted him. She could be an addiction.

When he lifted his head several long minutes later, they stared into each other’s eyes. Phineas guessed that his shone with the same astonishment that he could see in hers. “Princess, I’m so glad we’ve met.”

An adorable pink blush colored her cheeks. Phineas smiled at the sweet woman in his arms. Please let her be okay. He pushed the intrusive thought out of his mind. Not today. He wouldn’t let anything distract him from cherishing her during their date.

“Ready to go check out my place?” he asked.

She nodded. “I can’t wait to find out if you have a traditional bachelor’s pad. Do you have dishes piled in the sink and laundry piled on the floor? Dust on every surface?”

Phineas laughed. “Now, I’m glad I picked everything up. Come on, Little girl. Movies are waiting to be viewed.” He opened the door and helped her inside. Leaning in, Phineas buckled her seatbelt.

“I can do that,” she whispered.

He kissed her lightly, resisting the temptation she presented to enjoy her more intensely. “Daddy’s job, Princess.”

“Do you want to be my Daddy?” she asked in the same hushed tone, as if she was afraid to ask too loudly.

“More than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life.”