Page 37 of Mountain Man Daddy

“Where are you from?” His brows drew together.

“Here in Canada initially, but I’ve lived in Iowa since I was almost five.”

His brow raised in surprise, and then he looked up. “Fifty-nine Fahrenheit. Things change fast around here. I think that storm was the last of winter though.”

“Well then, I’m not entirely warm either. Maybe there’s a bit of winter left.” Her brows rose and dipped suggestively, and his lips spread into a half smile that made her heart somersault.

“Let me fix that then, little girl.” She was wearing one of his button-down shirts underneath his coat, and he began undoing those buttons until he had proper access to her neck and cleavage.

She wiggled as he dipped to taste her collarbone and squirmed in an unsuccessful attempt to get his coat to slide down and free her arms.

“Nuh-uh, honey.” He looked up, heavy-lidded.

“No fair! I’m trapped!”

“Yes, you are. And that, young lady, is exactly how I want you.” He went back for her neck, and she let him, without a struggle this time. Her eyes flitted closed, and she melted against his hot mouth. Suddenly the sensations were gone, and he bent, putting his shoulder against her abdomen, and flipped her upside down across his back. She squealed in shock and the fear of being lifted while her arms were trapped.

“Hey! Where are you taking me, you big caveman?” She screeched when he swatted her bottom but then relaxed, trusting he wouldn’t let her fall.

He carried her into the woodshed where he kept all his tools, and she instantly noticed a long piece of thick leather hanging over his sawhorse.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, little girl?”

“Are you fixing a belt, or did we just walk by a strap hanging over your sawhorse?”

“Why yes, we did. It’s a nice long thick piece, isn’t it? You’re quite the observant young lady. It’ll be hanging on the wall soon. Along with some other stuff I’m working on.” Her stomach dipped, but not with worry or fear. She felt more excited and comforted than afraid. If he was making things to spank her with, maybe he didn’t intend to be rid of her just yet. He rubbed her bottom, massaging her cheeks. “But don’t worry, that’s not why we’re in here right now. I’m looking for some rope.”

“Rope?” She swallowed hard. “Why do we need rope?”

“Never you mind, nosy girl.” He gave her seat a playful swat.

“Ow! Daddy, I’m still sore from yesterday!” she lied.

“As you should be! Now leave the man’s work to me. Keep poking into my business and we’ll be over there with you leaning across that sawhorse, got me?”

“Daddy, no!” She giggled at his playfulness.

“Oh, it is not a giggling matter, honey. Never giggle about that strap. It’ll burn your pretty little behind way more than that belt I used yesterday. It’s much thicker and meaner.” They stopped moving as he grunted in satisfaction. “There it is!” He reached forward, and she squealed, fearful of falling.

“I gotcha, honey.” He held her tighter, and she relaxed as he straightened. He carried her out of the shed but paused on the way so she could get a close-up look at the crudely formed paddle on the table saw. He chuckled at her gasp and carried her out.

He took her around the side of the cabin to a deciduous tree, where he set her on her feet and steadied her, pushing her back to lean against it. He dropped the rope on the ground and grabbed her by the shoulders, kissing her quick.

“I thought we had stuff to do today.”

“Seems it’s Sunday. Library’s not open, and that’s where I’d planned on starting.” He put a finger to her lips before she could speak.

“Now I’m going to take some of this cumbersome clothing off you, but don’t you dare run, got me? I don’t want to have to chase you down and spank your fanny.” His finger left her mouth, and his hands went to her shirt collar.

“My fanny?” Her brows rose. “What are you, ninety?” He shook his head, looking sympathetic before he pulled her forward, hooked her beneath his arm and swatted her bottom with zest before releasing her and placing her back against the tree.

“Do not vex your captor, little girl, or there’ll be consequences.”

“My captor, huh?” Her eyes became slits. “As your captive, I must obey you?” He smirked, and the facial hair around his mouth twitched. “I can’t tell if you’re being patronizing or not, little girl, so I won’t whip you, but I suggest you don’t test me further. Now be a good girl and do as you’re told.” He licked his finger and held it up. “No wind. Perfect.” Her head cocked to the side, and his eyes widened. “What? I don’t want you to be cold.”

“Cold?” His signature slow smile grew, and her gut swirled in pleasure. He hooked the finger he’d licked into her jeans and yanked her forward a step.

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