Page 5 of Daddy's Naughty List

She swallowed the massive lump growing in her throat and blinked to hold back tears. Walt’s offhand comment reminded her of just how much the Shepherds had cost her.

How was she supposed to make a bucket list if she didn’t know what was out there? She’d never been out of Navajo County, much less out of the state.

“I think maybe I need to finish learning to drive first,” she finally said.

“The great thing about a bucket list is that you have your entire life to make one. Right now, it’s driving.” He ate a bite of his lamb, then smirked. “You’ll graduate from college before you know it. Maybe you’ll take a plane to Paris to celebrate.”

“No. I mean…” She took a huge gulp of wine and tried to calm her racing heart. “That’s a very big thing.”

“Not as big as Kilimanjaro.” He reached across the table and touched her chin to make her look at him. “I want you to do something for me.”

“Yes, Sir.”

When she got to her feet, he shook his head. “No, sit. I’m giving you a homework assignment. Make a list of at least five things you want to do, and I want you to think bigger than a driver’s license or your college degree, which we both know will happen soon.”

“But…” Tears welled, and she looked down before he saw them. “I don’t even know what there is!”

“The Horsemen gave you a computer and a phone. Do you know how to use a search engine?”

“Um… yes. Dr. Knox taught me.”

“Good girl.” He patted her hand, and his cheery smile sent her stomach butterflies into a whirl of activity. “If travel is your thing, I’d say start with a map of the world, then research the places that appeal to you.”

“What if I want to learn more things?”

“Add those too. You can search for classes, figure out how much it would cost, and make a plan.”

Maybe Walt had the right idea. A bucket list would give her goals—even if they weren’t immediately achievable. The first thing on her list, which she wouldn’t tell Walt, would be to learn where Kilimanjaro was located.

“I want to learn to ride a horse,” she murmured. “Dr. Lopez and Mr. Paxton brought a horse to the Caroline so the kids could have pony rides. She was huge, but so pretty and friendly.”

Walt’s burst of laughter made her smile. “Is Ian still pretending that draft horse is a pony?”

“I guess so?”

“Okay, that’s one thing off your bucket list. I have a sweet little gelding who would be perfect for you. We’ll start our lessons soon.”

“Oh, Sir. I can’t?—”

“Stop right there.” He leaned close and she squirmed under his stern gaze. “Don’t let me hear you say that word again, young lady.”

Walt’s angry tone should have had her running for the hills, but the tummy butterflies descended into her core, and she held back a gasp as her pussy clenched with need.

“Wh-what word, Sir?”

“Can’t. Take it out of your vocabulary right now.” His expression softening into a warm smile, he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You can do anything you set your mind to, okay?”

She didn’t quite believe him but nodded her agreement. “Yes, Sir. I won’t say it again.”

“Good girl.” He sopped up the last of the gravy from his lamb with a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth, then glanced at her plate. “Eat up, and I’ll take you home.”

“Um… okay.” She finished the last of her food, then helped Walt clean up.

“Do you have a purse or anything to get before we leave?”

“Yes, Sir.” She scurried to her locker for her purse, but her hands stilled on the latch as her knees shook with sudden nerves.

After living in the outside world for several months, she knew all about stranger danger, and never letting herself be alone with someone she didn’t know. Of course, Walt wasn’t exactly a stranger, but she didn’t know him well.

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