Page 15 of Daddy's Naughty List

“Will you teach me? I could use something like that.”

“Sure.” He reached over and tapped the button to turn off his truck. “But later. The kiddos are expecting Santa and his pretty elf.”

“Oh!” Without waiting for him to help her down, Susan hopped from the truck, then scrambled to collect their costumes from the back seat. “If we hurry, we’ll be right on time.”

Carrying their costumes, she jogged to the entrance, leaving Walt to follow, then smiled at the waiting guard.

“Hi, Kate! We’re here for the party.”

“It’s good to see you again.” Kate held out her tablet for Susan and Walt to sign in, then scanned their identification into the device. “You too, Walt. How’s retirement treating you?”

“Not bad. It gives me plenty of time to play Santa.”

“Thanks for doing it for us. Everyone is so excited.” Kate tossed her brown ponytail over one shoulder and cocked a hip bearing a holstered sidearm. “We have Ian Paxton coming later with his mare to give everyone reindeer rides too.”

“Reindeer rides?” Susan asked, grinning hard enough to make her face hurt. She couldn’t wait to see the children celebrating.

“I guess he’s putting antlers on her. We haven’t told the kids yet because there was almost a riot the last time, and we’re holding off on the snacks to prevent unauthorized sugar highs.” Kate tapped a code into the security panel, then held the door for them. “You can change in the staff restroom at the end of the corridor.”

“Thanks.” Walt eased the heavy costumes from Susan’s arms, then waited until she walked inside. “Give us about ten minutes, and we’ll be ready to hand out presents.”

“Perfect. We’re doing the Santa thing in the gym. It’s already set up, but we’ll wait until you’re in position before we let the kids in.”

“Got it.”

Too excited to wait, Susan got her costume from Walt and hurried to the restroom. “I’ll be quick, then I’ll help you with the pillow.”

“No worries. Take your time.”

The door was barely closed before she yanked her shirt and jeans off. As quickly as she could, she put on her striped tights and fur-trimmed dress, then slid her feet into the matching sparkly slippers.

“Your turn,” she said as she opened the door for Walt. “Just yell when you’re ready for me to help.”

Instead of going into the restroom, Walt kissed her forehead, making her skin tingle. “You have no idea how wonderful it is to see you so happy, little one.”

Her stomach butterflies whirled madly, and she barely managed to keep her knees from knocking together. “Thank you, Sir.”

“You’re welcome.” His blue eyes twinkling, he added, “Oh, and Susan?”

“Yes, Sir?”

“Don’t forget your hat.”

Chapter Six

Walt

“I want Mama’s nightmares to go away, Santa, Sir.”

The little boy in his lap wasn’t the first to ask, and Walt wasn’t sure he could keep his rage in check. He’d have given almost anything for a few minutes alone with the men who had harmed these women and children so badly.

Susan stiffened next to him, but the cheerful smile never left her pretty face as she knelt to face the child. “Hey, Peter, remember me?”

“Yes.” He peered at her, then quickly lowered his head. “I mean, yes, Ma’am.”

“Yay! I was hoping you would.” When the child gave her a tremulous smile, she added, “I remember how sweet and nice you are to everyone.”

“The nightmares make Mama cry. I don’t like it.”

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