Page 41 of Daddy's Naughty List

They didn’t make it back downstairs until well after lunch. Her body ached in the most delicious places, and her legs still quivered after Walt taught her what a handheld showerhead could do to her lady bits.

She blamed it on being sore from her first time horseback riding, but she and Walt both knew why she was walking funny.

Not that he let her walk. Instead, they cuddled on the couch and watched an action movie involving a skyscraper that Walt swore was a Christmas film. She supposed it was, considering it took place during a Christmas party.

Although she’d had a wonderful weekend, she couldn’t help thinking everything would go back to normal in less than a day. She’d return to her tiny apartment, and to her daily schedule of work, study, and trying to catch up intellectually to her peers.

Was she happy?

Yes, but also no. It seemed like she would never be able to stop running on a hamster wheel in a desperate attempt to get somewhere else. At least the real world away from the Shepherds offered choices. She didn’t have to be a wife or mother, marry someone just because a man in power said she should, or be subjected to beatings if she displeased a man who had no business deciding her fate in the first place.

She could choose what to do with her life in the outside world, but she didn’t want to choose if she couldn’t have Walt too.

Deciding to enjoy the last of her time with him, she shook off her morose thoughts. He cared for her, at least a little, she thought. He wouldn’t have given her such an extravagant present otherwise.

And she would not bury herself under a blanket to read her new treasure until she finished it—no matter how much she wanted to.

“You know what we forgot?” Walt asked, surprising her from her funk.

“What’s that?” She shifted under Mittens to lean against Walt’s chest.

“We forgot to make cookies. I bought refrigerated dough and some icing, so we still can if you want.”

“No, thanks. I’m not hungry. Maybe…” She blinked back a few tears. “Actually, never mind.”

“No, you don’t, naughty girl.” He kissed the tip of her nose, then touched her chin to make her look at him. “What did you want to say?”

“It’s nothing really.” She tried for a smile, but judging by his arched eyebrow, it fell flat. “I just thought we could make them for the kids at the Caroline when we go to Snow Park.”

“Hmm.” He glanced at the darkening sky and a faint smile curved his lips upward. “That’s not until later in the week.”

“Maybe you could come visit me?” She wished she could take the words back, but they were already out. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’re busy, and it would mean another trip to Winslow, and?—”

“Or you could stay here,” he interrupted as he held up his phone. “Which, judging by the weather forecast for Coconino County, is going to happen anyway.”

“What?” She took the phone and stared at the screen. “Holy moly! We’re supposed to get a blizzard!”

“Yep.” He tucked the blanket around her and pulled her close. “At least a foot, but probably more. Isn’t it great?”

“I am so sorry.” She tried to scramble free and tripped over Charlie. “I can call someone to come get me. You don’t have to?—”

“Sit down,” he barked.

Her butt hit the couch before she realized what she was doing. “Walt, I need to go. It’s wrong to take advantage of you, and I feel horrible.”

He gazed at her for a few seconds, then his cheerful expression faded. “What’s waiting for you in Winslow, honey?”

“I don’t understand the question.” She squirmed under his hard gaze, feeling like she was in trouble, but couldn’t figure out why.

“Okay. Why do you want to leave?”

“Because I have to!”

“Again, why?”

“Just…” She took a deep breath in an attempt to organize her thoughts. “I’m imposing.”

“You’re about to get snowed in,” he retorted. “Is it me? Do you want to call an end to our weekend? All you have to do is say the word.”

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