Page 191 of Daddy's Naughty List

“I won’t turn off all the lights. I promise. Let’s try it and you can tell me if you need more light.”

Rocky flipped off the overhead light and heard her gasp. Immediately, he switched on the lamp on the other side of the bed as well. “How’s that?”

“That’s okay,” she whispered. “Sorry, I’m a scaredy-cat.”

“You just don’t want me to strain my eyes as I read. You are so thoughtful,” he complimented her.

Her face transformed from frightened and embarrassed to happy as she nodded. “You’re really going to tell me a story?”

“I am.”

Rocky settled on the chair and showed her the colorful cover. “This is one of my favorites. I’m so glad you’re here so I can share it with you.”

“It’s about Christmas?” she said in awe. “I keep forgetting that it’s December.”

“It’s all about how Santa makes his good and naughty list.”

“I’m always good,” she bragged.

“I bet you have a naughty side,” he teased.

She shook her head dramatically. “No way. I’m a good girl.”

“Then Santa should put you on his good list. Let’s see…”

Rocky began reading the light-hearted holiday story. It was fun to share with colorful illustrations and a lilting pattern of words. With each page he shared, Melissa relaxed back on the pillows and snuggled a bit more into the soft bedding. Her eyes drooped and the stuffie hidden under the covers crept up to peek at him as she drew the plush animal fully into her arms.

He didn’t pause, but continued to read until he reached the last period. Rocky sat for a couple of minutes, watching her breathe. He’d never seen a more enchanting picture in his life. Thank you, PLAYTIME.

Finally, forcing himself to stand and quietly shift the chair away from the bedside, Rocky tiptoed out of the room. He didn’t touch the lamps, instead leaving them glowing to interrupt the darkness. Cracking the door open, he crossed the hall and got ready for bed.

After his shower, it was still too early for him to call it a night. He pulled on a pair of sleep pants he wore on the rare occasion he had family or guests spending the night. Stretching out on the comforter, Rocky propped himself against his pillows and did some shopping. Thanks to a high-school job at a clothing retailer, he could judge sizes well. He ordered a few things for Melissa, including a fuzzy robe, slippers, and some basics like underwear and sports bras that would fit a range of sizes. A bathing suit completed his purchases. She hadn’t noticed the pool—much less that a glass enclosure protected it in the winter.

A slight sound caught his attention. Rocky looked toward the hallway and heard it again. He swung his legs out of bed and headed for the door, bursting into a run as “Help! Someone help!” sounded from the guest room.

“Melissa, what’s wrong?” Rocky asked, flipping on the ceiling light.

“Help me!”

He threw himself to his knees by the side of the bed and hesitated. Still trapped in the dream, his Little girl hadn’t woken up yet. He didn’t want to scare her.

“Melissa, you need to wake up. You’re safe. You’re in my house with me. I won’t let anything hurt you,” he promised.

Her eyes flew open, and her gaze fused with his. He watched the panic ebb away.

“You’re okay, little girl. I’ve got you,” he promised.

She bolted forward to wrap her arms around his neck and press herself against his chest. Automatically, Rocky hugged her tightly. He rocked slightly from side to side to comfort her. “I’ve got you, Melissa. You’re okay, sweetheart.”

“I dreamt I was back in my apartment and a rat made it onto my bed. He was nibbling at my toes. Rwahr Rwahr couldn’t catch him,” she whispered.

“Come here, baby. Let me make sure you’re okay.”

Rocky stood and scooped her off the mattress. He took a seat on the bed, holding her in his lap. Stroking a hand down her leg, he touched each toe on both feet. When he finished her second pinky toe, he felt her relax against him.

“There wasn’t a rat?” she asked.

“Rats are not allowed in my house, little girl. I’ll call the exterminator tomorrow to come double-check and set traps for any rodents. Will that help you feel safer?”

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