Page 234 of Daddy's Naughty List

She was a breath of fresh mountain air on a warm summer day, her wavy chestnut hair cascading around her shoulders in a way that was somehow playfulandsexy. Her emerald- green eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, hinting at all the naughty things she was capable of.

He’d only seen her for a moment, but her image was burned into his memory like a brand.

“Come on, Lawson, focus.”

Papers were sprawled on the table before him. He was meant to be reading through the financials for the ranch, as well as the schedules of key staff members, but instead, his mind kept replaying his meeting with Lulu. Her radiant smile and the adorable innocence of her horse-in-a-Santa-hat drawing tugged at something deep within his chest. A warm flutter he hadn't felt in a long while, not since. . .

He shook his head, chastising himself. "Snap out of it. You're here to learn the ropes from Chuck, not chase after pretty green-eyed girls with stuffed bunnies."

The pain of his last failed relationship still throbbed like a bruise when prodded. No, he couldn't afford distractions, not when his dream of opening his own ranch back in Texas was finally within reach.

The problem was, Ben rarely saw girls he liked. Obviously, he saw a lot of Littles in his line of work. Tons of them. And he definitely felt protective around them. He was fond of them, like they were precious souls to be taken care of. But it was only very rarely, very rarely indeed, that his Dom side lit up around someone new.

What was it about her? Something indefinable, perhaps. Something in the way she smelled? Which was a cross between cinnamon and powdered sugar, as it happened. Or was it something deeper, something more chemical? Something in the hormones she gave out, the way she lit up parts of his brain that rarely came to life?

Ben squared his shoulders and refocused on the building schematics and pasture maps strewn across the oak desk. "Stay professional," he muttered under his breath, determination steeling his voice. "Head down, eyes on the prize."

But even as he redirected his attention to the paperwork, a rebellious corner of his mind continued to mull over shy smiles and chestnut curls, an unbidden warmth blossoming in his heart. He had a feeling keeping his distance from Louisa might prove more challenging than any ranch plans. Ben rubbed his stubbled jaw and settled in for a long night of work, willfully ignoring how a certain artist had already begun to sketch herself into his thoughts.

The next morning, Ben strode into the main lodge, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon greeting him like an old friend. He spotted Chuck at a corner table, his weathered hands wrapped around a steaming mug as he pored over a stack of papers.

Chuck was sitting with his brothers, Duke and Trent. He’d had a little time with all the McCoy brothers now. Duke was impulsive and mouthy, and Trent more thoughtful and quiet. They had a good dynamic going.

"Morning, boys," Ben said, sliding into the seat across from him. "Busy day ahead?"

Chuck looked up, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. "Always is around here, especially with the holidays coming up." He pushed a plate piled high with fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns toward Ben. "Dig in. We have a lot to discuss."

As they ate, Chuck and Duke regaled Ben with stories of Christmases past at the ranch—laughter-filled sleigh rides, gingerbread-house contests, the joy on the Littles' faces as they opened presents from Santa.

"Truth is," Trent chipped in, leaning back in his chair, "with the ranch expanding, organizing the Christmas carnival has become a real challenge. We've got more guests than ever, and I want to make sure everyone has a magical time."

Ben nodded, understanding the pressure of growing pains all too well. "It's a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless."

Chuck's gaze sharpened, a calculated gleam entering his eye. "Say, Ben, you've got experience running events, right? From your days in the corporate world?"

"Sure do," Ben replied, curiosity piqued. "Managed my fair share of conferences. Why do you ask?"

A slow grin spread across Chuck's face. "Well, I was thinking . . . how would you feel about overseeing this year's Christmas carnival? It'd be a great way for you to learn the ins and outs of the ranch, get to know the staff and guests."

Ben's eyebrows shot up, surprise mingling with a thrill of excitement. "You want me to run the carnival? Wow, Chuck, that's . . . that's a big responsibility."

"One I think you're more than capable of handling," Chuck replied. "You've got the skills, the leadership experience. And frankly, I could use the help."

Duke arched an eyebrow at Trent. “Trent? You alright with this? I know how you love to play Santa each year. How youadoreorganizing the carnival.”

Trent rubbed his temple. “My bone-headed brother is being bone-headed, surprise, surprise. I like Christmas, but I’m a doctor, not a party planner. I’d be delighted to have you take over, Ben.”

Ben leaned back, his mind whirring with possibilities. Running the carnival would give him a front-row seat to the day-to-day operations of the ranch, invaluable intel for when he opened his own place. Plus, it was a chance to really make his mark, to contribute something meaningful to the community that had welcomed him so warmly.

"Look, Ben, I know you're here to learn, to focus on your own goals,” Chuck said. “But sometimes, the best way to grow is to dive in headfirst, to immerse yourself in the deep end." He clapped a hand on Ben's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, and an even better heart. The carnival, the ranch, the community . . . they could all benefit from that."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence, Chuck," Ben said with a determined nod. "I'll do my best to make sure this carnival is a success. For the ranch, and for the community."

Chuck grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know you will, son. And speaking of community . . ." He leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "There's someone I think you should meet. An artist, collaborating on a book for the carnival."

Ben's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his expression carefully neutral. "Oh?"

"Her name's Louisa," Chuck continued, oblivious to Ben's inner turmoil. "Real talented gal. I think you two would hit it off."

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