Page 167 of Daddy's Naughty List

I also didn’t have to like that the reminder about that always ended up coming out in Dr. Miles’s voice in my head.

But I did like cuddling with Stirling, so I kissed his head and snuggled him closer as I reached down to flip the handle that would turn it into a glider. He made a happy sound when I started us moving back and forth, and it felt like he was finally starting to relax.

“You do a good job of making me happy.” Brushing my lips against his head, I used my feet to keep us going and tried to make sure he knew we didn’t have to move until he was ready. “But I like making you happy too… that might be me picking out a snack or dessert for you later.”

He usually grabbed something quick after work while he was driving to therapy, but goodies were always fun. What else would he like? “We might find a book that I can read to you.”

That got a happy wiggle and a surprised inhale, making me laugh. “Oh yes, Santa can read to his helper too. I think you’d like that. We could find something on your Kindle. Something not naughty.”

Giggling, Stirling shrugged. “There are all kinds of cute helpers. I bet one of the Littles at the club would like a silly story for their bedtime.”

Probably.

But my dramatic groan got another giggle from him. “Oh, I’m not sure I’m that kind of Santa. Naughty books?Really?”

He managed to keep his laughter silent for about five seconds and then it came bursting out again. “You’d be so funny.”

Little Stirling and big Stirling would both think that was funny.

“Hmm, I guess if I get enough hugs and kisses… cheek kisses, I might think about it.” When Stirling finally stopped giggling, he sat up and kissed my cheek. “Hey.”

And that got more laughter.

So I had to pout. “That wasn’t what I meant.”

He thought he was hilarious and looked very proud of himself. “But I’m not all clean yet, Santa.”

I could fix that.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Wrapping my arms around him, I picked him up and headed for the bedroom. Stirling squealed and wrapped his arms around me tight, but he was still grinning ear to ear when we got to the bathroom. “Bubble time and then kisses time.”

He was doing his best to look casual as he shrugged, but it wasn’t very believable. “I have to figure out which kind I like. So that’s a good plan. But I got to get all clean first.”

“Very clean.” Giving him a quick peck on the lips, I shrugged back as he smiled. “Well, you seem to like lip kisses, so there’s one spot down.”

His eyes lit up as he smiled. “I do. I like it lots and lots.”

“Then we’ll make sure you get lots of kisses.” And since he’d done his best to make sure I knew what he liked, I did it again as I took off my gloves and jacket. “Ta-da. More kisses.”

That got me a big hug and he pressed his face into my shoulder. “I love your kisses, Santa.”

“Because you’re the best helper ever.” The title was starting to come more naturally, although I was going to have to keep it at the front of my head for a while. “And soon you’re going to be the cleanest helper.”

“And then I get more kisses.” His adorable snicker said he was feeling feisty. “I think I’m going to like kisses.”

Me too.

“Then let’s get you all clean.” My plan was bubbles first and naked second, but as soon as I turned around to look under the sink and see what we had, he skipped ahead.

By the time I turned back around with some bodywash that promised lots of lather, he was half-naked and working on his socks.

Seeing him in just socks and his shirt had me trying not to laugh… especially when he started to tip over. “Gotcha.”

He didn’t need another concussion or we’d get flagged in the ER for me beating him or something.

Stirling didn’t seem to realize how close it’d been because he smiled as he looked up. “I got it. I did it.”

“You did.” And I’d kept him from getting his brains rattled against the wall. So we were both amazing, just in different ways. “And you were very fast.”

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