Page 241 of Daddy's Naughty List

“You’re thinking about her, ain’t you?” asked Duke. “You keep getting this funny look in your eyes. Like you’re hungry for something you haven’t tasted in a long, long time.”

“I’m just thinking about . . . eggnog,” Ben lied. “I haven’t had it since last Christmas. And I really like it.”

"Right. And whenever you think about eggnog, you look horny as hell.”

Ben sighed, meeting Duke's gaze. "You’re right. I can’t Lulu out of my head. She's smart as a whip, creative, kind. . . Being around her makes me feel things I thought were long buried. But I can’t. . . "

Can’t take that risk again? Can’t make himself vulnerable?

"She sounds special," Duke said sincerely. "Tell me more about her."

Ben felt a smile tug at his mouth as Louisa's image blossomed in his mind. "She's just so damn full of ideas, Duke. Like her brain is sparking off all the time, in all these different directions. Guess I haven’t been around so many creative people in my life. She just feels special.”

Duke listened, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “Sounds it.”

He chuckled. "She's really got me spun around. I just don't know if I should do anything about it. She came here for sanctuary of some sort. To find herself. I don’t want to get in the way of that. To ruin things for her."

“Why would you ruin anything?”

“She . . . asked me to kiss her.”

“Well, that sounds positive.”

“It’s just that I’m not here for romance. Plus, we live in different parts of the world, and we’re only going to be here, together, for a couple of weeks.”

“Yep. Does sound impractical.”

“Understatement of the year.”

“But the heart doesn’t give a shit about practicalities.”

Ben’s mouth hung open.

Duke's eyes crinkled with understanding. "Ben, I get that it’s tough. Much easier to list a bunch of bullshit reasons why something isn’t possible than it is to put yourself out there and see if it might work.”

“I’m not scared.”

“You should be. Itisscary. But let me ask you this—if Louisa makes you feel that alive, if you think there’s a spark worth tending to, then isn't it worth the fear?" He placed a weathered hand on Ben's shoulder, his grip solid and reassuring. "Don't let fear make you miss out on what could be the best thing to ever happen to you. You’re more than your work, Ben. Trust me."

Ben nodded slowly, Duke's words settling into his bones. He pictured Lulu’s radiant smile, the way her laughter warmed him from the inside out. The thought of holding her close, of being her rock and her safe place. It sent a thrill humming through his veins.

"Alright," he said, resolve hardening in his voice. "I'll talk to her. See where this thing between us might lead." A grin tugged at his mouth. "But if it goes sideways, I'm blaming you."

Duke guffawed, clapping him on the back. "Fair enough, buddy. But something tells me it's gonna work out just fine. Call it a hunch."

As they finished readying the horses, Ben's thoughts danced with possibilities. He pictured stolen moments with Louisa—shared laughter, soft touches, the joy of discovering all the ways they fit together. For the first time in a long time, he let himself care about something other than work.

It felt great. And it also felt very, very dangerous.

The festive spirit was infectious as Ben entered the communal area of the ranch house later that day. Garlands of evergreen draped the walls, while the spicy-sweet aroma of cinnamon wafted from simmering pots of cider. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air, punctuated by the rustle of paper and snip of scissors.

It was a crafting session for Christmas carnival decorations, organized, of course, by Louisa.

His gaze scanned the room, seeking out a particular chestnut-haired beauty. And then he spotted her.

Lulu was at a corner table, head bent in concentration as she helped a guest create an intricate paper snowflake. The sparkle in her emerald eyes matched the glitter dusting her fingertips.

Ben's heart stuttered. Even in the midst of crafting chaos, Lulu radiated a gentle warmth that drew him like a moth to a flame. He took a steadying breath and wove his way through the bustling crowd.

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