Page 56 of Under Daddy's Spell

“We never even had a first date. It’s not really my business—”

“Bullshit,” he snapped. “It’s completely your business. I laid it out for you Friday, which was a helluva lot more than a first date. You came by the gym not twelve hours later to tell me your answer, only to hear Owen’s social media rumors. All crap, by the way.”

Wide awake now, she sat up. “I didn’t go by the gym to give you an answer.”

“Be honest, Tessa. You baked for me.”

“Angie baked. I just brought it over,” she clarified. “Free samples are a great marketing tool. I give them away all the time to draw in new customers.”

“What did we say about honesty?”

He’d said it, but she knew what he meant.

“I get back on Wednesday. Clear your lunch hour and your evening. You’ll be spending both with me.”

“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”

“I am. And after I gave you two orgasms Friday night and spanked your bottom for being naughty and laid out what I want from a relationship—and what we can both have—you thought it was a good idea too.”

“I never said—”

“You didn’t have to, Tessa. But we’ll clear all of this up when I get home. We’ll also reschedule jazz and dinner at Tableau. I was looking forward to introducing you to both and to mimosas on my patio at sunrise.”

That sounded perfect, but she couldn’t agree to anything until she had answers to two important questions. “Rebecca Harlowe?”

“She’s an old girlfriend I haven’t spoken to in years, not from her lack of trying though. I screen her calls harder than you do mine.” His voice dropped to a soft rumble. “Rebecca is ancient history,cher. I’m not seeing anyone currently.”

That cleared up question two about Allie LaForce. Still, she hesitated.

“I hope to change that on Wednesday,” he went on. “If I can get the hot redhead in the ass-hugging skirts in the shop next door to trust me.”

Out of nowhere, Rufus jumped on the bed, landing half on top of her, his leash in his mouth. Jordan must have heard the breath leave her lungs because he chuckled.

“You need to take Rufus for his walk, and I’ve got to get ready for work. We’ll talk over lunch when I get back.”

That was still two days and two potentially sleepless nights away, but she replied softly, “Okay.”

“Give me your promise you won’t stand me up again.”

“I won’t. And I’ll listen to what you have to say. I promise.”

“That’s my girl. Bye, baby.”

“Bye, Jordan.”

“After our talk, I hope to change that to something more meaningful.”

Bye, Daddyechoed in her head after he was gone. And why did that sound so right?

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