Page 20 of Tiffanie

“When’s your birthday, Little girl?”

“Next month. On the nineteenth.”

Phineas pulled out his phone and marked that on his calendar. “Thank you, Princess. Now I can plan something special for us.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

“Little girls need to have fun on their birthdays. Those are the rules.”

“Rules?” she echoed.

“You didn’t know Daddies have a handbook? How to Care for a Happy Little Girl.”

“That doesn’t exist!” she said, giggling to his delight.

“It should. Would you like the grand tour?”

“Yes, please.”

Chapter Nine

Walking into different living spaces told Tiffanie a lot. Phineas’s home matched her impression of him. Efficient, down-to-earth, dedicated to what he loved. Nothing trendy that would become outdated quickly, as design styles moved on to the next hot fad. She guessed that he’d chosen everything with deliberation and thoughtfulness.

Allowing him to lead her toward the front door, Tiffanie smiled at the modern library that filled what most people would make a living room—an immaculate area that was never used except for company. Phineas had lined the walls with bookshelves. Unable to resist, she walked to the attached ladder. After stroking the polished wood, she pushed the device, checking to see if it moved or was solely ornamental. To her delight, the ladder glided silently on casters.

“I can’t believe you have one of these.”

“Climb on. I’ll push you to the other end.”

She eagerly followed his suggestion and squealed with excitement as he drew the ladder to the opposite side. “That is so fun.”

“And totally practical. How else would you reach the books on the top shelf?”

“Exactly!” she said and lifted her arm to demonstrate. She spotted a volume on the next shelf to the right and grabbed for it. Unfortunately, she lost her balance and quickly returned both hands to the wooden supports. “Whoops!”

Phineas plucked her off quickly and set her down on the ground next to him. With an arm wrapped around her for support, he said, “And that makes the ladder off-limits unless you’re supervised.”

“I was fine. I can do it.”

“Not happening, Princess. Only when I’m with you, understand?”

She glared at him. Who did he think he was? Her Daddy. Instantly, her anger dissolved. “Sorry. I’ll be good.”

“Thank you, Little girl. Did you see a book you wanted?”

“The bedtime stories.”

“Let me get that collection.” He climbed up the rungs.

Automatically, she steadied the ladder for him. She didn’t need to; the moveable steps held their position securely. Glancing up, her eyes fixed on his rounded ass. Goodness. She’d already drooled over his physique. At this angle, his butt was completely biteable.

“I’m ready to climb down, Princess, if you’d like to make some space for my big feet.”

Crap! He’d caught her checking him out.

“Of course,” she said, stepping away. She waited for him to tease her. To her delight, he said nothing but simply placed the volume he held on a convenient shelf where she could reach the collection easily.

“We’ll grab that when you take a nap. Would you let me read to you?”