Page 6 of Daddy's Naughty List

“Ifthat’s something you’d like too.” The emphasis made it sound like a question, but I could hear in his tone he’d already made his mind up about it.

He leaned back in his seat, that cocky smirk still in place.

I didn’t need to think about it. I really enjoyed spending time with Stefan and wanted to see where this could go with him. “Pretty sure I’d like that too.”

He tipped his head back and laughed, his hand covering his abdomen, his Adam’s apple catching my eye, since he’d taken his fake beard off back at the bar, as his chuckle came from deep within him. “You crack me up, girl.” He stared into my eyes, grinning from ear to ear and showing off his white teeth. “You’re too fucking cute.”

My heart gave a little patter when he said that last part, and I was thankful—once again—the interior of the truck was so dark that he probably couldn’t see when he made me blush. He knew where I lived, but we hadn’t officially exchanged information, so once that was all said and done, Stefan was out of the truck, then opening the passenger side door and helping me out.

The cold air bit at my skin, but I didn’t feel as miserable as I did earlier, because Stefan wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in close to his big, muscular body.

We said our goodbyes, which lacked a goodnight kiss, and I watched as he drove away, his truck disappearing into the snowy night.

I thought about Stefan and how my terrible evening was turned into something I could confidently say was one of the best nights of my life. And it was all thanks to a man dressed as Santa, who appeared at just the right time.

I shook my head but was smiling the whole time. Because the truth was… I'd wanted to tell St. Nick to come inside and fuck the holly jollies into me.

4

HOLLY

DAYS LATER

The fluorescent lights in the office buzzed faintly, the kind that successfully sucked the very energy out of you one second at a time. It matched the low hum of voices and the constant clacking of keyboards echoing throughout the office.

I shifted in my chair for the dozenth time within the past hour, the piece of furniture outdated and uncomfortable as hell. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept wandering to Stefan.

It had been a couple of days since my non-date with him, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it—or him.

Our first weird-turned-casual-and-comfortable exchange at the bar.

The little restaurant, where I grew even more comfortable with him and realized he was a genuinely good human Iactuallywanted to spend time with.

And then there was the ride home and the way we kept catching each other looking at one another. It warmed me and felt… significant, like something I shouldn’t brush off.

Hell, if he’d tried to kiss me goodnight, I knew I would have invited him inside so he could fuck me until I couldn’t walk straight the next day.

And because of all that, it unfortunately made sitting here and wondering what the hell I was going to do with this newfound obsession even harder. But as if fate wanted to let me know not to get too comfortable, I saw Marcus, the coworker who’d stood my ass up at the company holiday party.

I caught sight of him by the water cooler, casually chatting with someone like he hadn’t been an asshole. Hell,hehad askedmeto go.

My stomach twisted with annoyance at the very sight of him. After I’d sent Marcus a text—albeit an awkward one asking what happened—and only getting the response,Sorry, I had something come up, I'd washed my hands of even being cordial with the man.

I went back to focusing on work and trying not to think about Stefan, when I felt someone hovering over my cubicle. I didn’t need to look up to know who stood there, and my annoyance escalated.

“Hey, Holly,” Marcus said in a casual tone, like he wasn’t a douchebag who ghosted me a few days ago. “So… about the other night?—”

I glanced at him, already holding my hand up, palm facing him, and shook my head, trying to mask the irritation raging under my skin. “You had shit come up. I get it. Nothing more needs to be said.”

If he’d had an emergency, that would’ve been fine. I would have understood. But I’d heard through the office rumor mill that he'd gotten a booty call, and that's why he hadn’t shown up.

So, he stood me up to get a piece of ass and didn’t even warn me I would be on my own, nor sent me an apology until after Itexted him first. I held his blank stare, refusing to be the one to break it.

He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, uh... sorry about that. Like I said in the text….” He shrugged.

I laughed humorlessly. “Yeah, the one you sent me the dayafterthe party,” I said sarcastically. “Standing me up is totally my favorite way to spend an evening. Thanks for the experience.”

His face reddened, and he actually had the nerve to look annoyed at me. “Look, I said I was sorry. What more do you want?”

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