Page 17 of Under Daddy's Spell

She was used to doing things for herself, obviously. If she had someone like him in her life to help shoulder some of the burdens, she wouldn’t have to.

“I’ll talk to him first thing in the morning,” she assured him. “And I’m sorry for being such a grouch. It was a really hectic day with the sale and all, and the heat didn’t help matters.”

“Apology accepted, baby.” He brushed a few wayward red strands clinging to her lashes out of her eyes. Her breath caught and she leaned into his touch—both good signs. “Hopefully, it will feel cooler soon. You wouldn’t think it, but two degrees can make a big difference.”

“Thanks for being so...neighborly.”

“You’re most welcome, but why wouldn’t I be?”

As she stood gazing up at him, he felt the pull of attraction between them. He wanted to bury his hands in her auburn curls and kiss her almost as much as he wanted to bend her over the nearby weight bench. Despite her apology, which was nice in its earnest spontaneity, it was only half of what he’d expect from his contrite little girl.

He’d swat her round ass until her bottom cheeks matched the blush on her face, and she promised not to be short and cheeky with him again. Then, after some kisses, cuddles, and forgiveness, he’d bend her over again and drive into her from behind, fucking her long and hard until she begged him to let her come.

But it wouldn’t be up to her. When she came was up to Daddy.

It was too early for that lesson, but soon...

“I should be getting back,” she murmured but made no move to do so.

He struggled not to grin, but she looked so cute with her wild curls and pink cheeks, it wasn’t easy. When she turned to leave, casting a shy look over her shoulder, and another through the windows as she passed out front, Jordan waited until she was out of sight. Then his grin burst free.

When he heard Seth showing a potential new client around, it slipped then faded. He’d be damned if his friend’s radar wasn’t spot-on again.?

Chapter Six

ONCE SHE’D RELIEVEDboth Georgia and Martha for their lunch breaks, Tessa took some time for herself, sitting down with an iced coffee and a raspberry scone with a drizzle of cream cheese icing. Beneath the table, she kicked off her shoes to rest her aching feet.

Everyone questioned her sanity for wearing heels when she was either standing at the register, climbing ladders, or moving up and down the aisles helping customers find what they were searching for all day, every day. She noticed the people encouraging her to wear flats and be comfortable were tall, lithe, willowy women with several inches on her petite frame. Women of her stature, who spent their lives looking up at people, often gave her knowing, sympathetic looks.

Besides, flats made her legs look squatty, and she refused to give up her pencil skirts. Short or long, they drew attention to her hips and narrow waist while camouflaging her pooch and round butt, which looked more prominent in pants, especially jeans. Other than yoga pants for running, she owned a single pair of dressy black slacks, but they were collecting dust in the back of her closet.

The chair across from her scraped against the tile when it was pulled out. She glanced up, encountering smiling blue eyes as Jordan seated himself.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Since you already have,” she replied with a grin, “be my guest.” Then, the manners her mother drilled into her kicked in. “Can I get you something? Iced coffee? We have quinoa-banana muffins, which are healthy, or carrot cake.”

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