Page 211 of Daddy's Naughty List

“Is it possible for there to be a shuffle of clients? I love everyone I see during my week, but maybe if I took different houses, this jerk couldn’t find me,” Melissa asked.

“Got it. Great idea. Is it okay to loop Tim in on the call?”

“Of course,” Melissa said, relieved it didn’t look like she was going to be fired.

In a matter of minutes, Tim had traded his route to Melissa, and he would take on Melissa’s regulars. Relief flooded Melissa that she wouldn’t have to return to the Wilsons’ home. She loved their floofy Shih Tzu, Monkey, but not enough to look over her shoulder constantly. Tami would create an email to notify the dog parents, and they’d swap the three-ring binders with all the information and keys tomorrow in the office at eight.

“That was easy enough. We probably need to look at all the stops to make sure we’re being efficient. It doesn’t hurt to mix things up a bit, but I’ll worry about that another day. You two be ready to talk about the dogs that you see to share your advice tomorrow as well.”

When Melissa disconnected from the call, she looked at Rocky, stunned. “I really didn’t want to make that call.”

“I know. Tami doesn’t just see you as an employee. You’re a reliable part of her business. Plus, you’re a friend and a good person.”

“I am a good person. I’m not going to let that jerk bother me. He doesn’t have the right to screw up my life just when everything seems like a dream,” Melissa said, standing up for herself.

“That’s my Little girl. Now, food and a distraction. Go choose a movie.”

“Can we have extra butter? I think I deserve it.”

“I do, too, sweetheart.”

Chapter Eleven

The holiday movie with Santa and elves had worked to diffuse all the stuff that had happened the day before. When Melissa opened her eyes on Monday morning, she knew everything was going to be better.

The handoff went well, and she set off for Tim’s first stop. Getting to meet all-new four-legged friends and one Tripod who enchanted her with his unbeatable spirit absolutely made her day go well. It took her a bit more time than normal because she had to stop and read the directions, find the code, and introduce herself.

By the time she hopped in the car after the last stop, it was almost fully dark. She hit the lock button to seal herself in the car as Rocky had instructed.There’s no reason to sit in an unlocked car.

Picking up her phone, she texted him.

Daddy. I’m on my way home.

I’m glad to hear it, little girl. I’m delayed at the gym on Cincinnati Street. Want to come meet me here and I’ll show you around? We can grab some dinner.

She’d wanted to see the place he’d created for a long time. Boxing was violent and scary to her, but it was part of her Daddy. Hopefully, the only thing getting hit in there tonight was one of those hanging bags. I wonder if he’ll let me kick one of those?

On my way, Daddy.

Call when you’re parked. I’ll come walk you in.

She sent him a salute emoji and found the address for her GPS. In a flash, Melissa was on her way. Singing to the radio as she drove, Melissa enjoyed the signs of the holiday season—the lights, decorations, people shopping...

Oh! She needed to get her Daddy something for Christmas. It couldn’t be anything too expensive. She didn’t have the money for that, even though Rocky wouldn’t let her pay for anything. And what would she get him? He didn’t seem to spend money on frivolous things—but he wasn’t a miser, either. Deciding to watch him and find something perfect for him, Melissa belted out a couple of songs as she navigated through the crowd.

The gym was easy to find, and the parking lot was well lit. There was a group of young men hanging around at the front of the building. They were joking and having fun. She parked and saw a familiar figure emerge from that gathering. Grinning, she waggled her phone at him as she called.

“Good girl,” he said quietly as he answered the phone.

In seconds, he was at her door. She clicked the unlock button and allowed him to open the door. “Hi. This looks like a nice place. I thought you were one of the boxers,” she commented, waving at the group who watched them with great curiosity.

“I am one of the boxers, little girl,” he said with a laugh.

“Why are they watching?”

“I’ve never brought a woman here. They know you’re special.”

She could only grin at him. He meant it.

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