Page 1 of Daddy's Little Treat

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KELSEY

Daddy: Can’t wait to see you tonight… Red. ??

Red? What does that mean?

I lean back in my office chair and stretch my arms over my head. Logan’s never called meRedbefore, so I’m guessing it has something to do with our evening plans. But I can’t dwell on it if I want to get out of here on time. And I don’t want to keep Daddy waiting.

Or do I?Maybe that’ll earn me a spanking, which I’m all too happy to receive.

Focus, Kelsey. Think about spankings later.

My muscles have grown tight and stiff from sitting at my desk for the past two hours, as I’ve worked tirelessly on a risk assessment for a new client. As a senior security analyst for one of the biggest firms in town, this job keeps me busy and often chained to my workspace.

I’m massaging my neck, loosening the tension, when I hear a melodic chime through my computer’s soundbar. Checking my email, I see that an admin is asking for my help with the finicky printer on the second floor. Yes, sheshouldcontact the IT department and not me. But Cindy knows I’ll respond faster and always try to help. I reply with a list of troubleshooting ideas, letting her know I’ll come down there if none of them works. I’ve just hitsendwhen I hear two sharp raps on my door before it’s pushed wide open. That’s normal around here, as everyone knows I have an open-door policy.

Maybe I should change that so I can get some work done…

Another analyst, Courtney, pokes her head inside. “Hey, girl. You busy?”

“Just wrapping up. I have to send out this assessment, and then I’m done for the day.”

“Oh, yeah. I noticed your calendar was blocked off for this afternoon.” Courtney steps into my office, then settles into one of the chairs in front of my desk. “Planning to get a head start on the Halloween weekend?”

“Yep!” I can barely contain the eagerness in my voice as I attach my report to the email I drafted for my client.And send!

“The kids must be excited. This is your first Halloween together, right?”

“It is. And they’ve been so cute about it, constantly talking about their costumes and what candy they want. Logan’s mom is picking them up from school so they can spend the night with her. She spoils them rotten.”

Courtney gives me a wicked grin. “Oh, does that mean you and Logan are stealing some alone time this evening?”

I laugh nervously. “If only. We’re actually going to a Halloween party.” My nose scrunches at the thought.

Courtney’s mouth gapes as she stares at me. “You? You’re going to a Halloween party. With costumes? And people?”

I feign excitement. “I sure am!” She gives me a deadpan look, and I drop my fake smile, returning to my normal tone. “I know it’s not exactly my thing—”

“That’s an understatement,” Courtney mumbles.

I raise a single eyebrow at her. “But… Iamtrying to step outside my comfort zone.”

“I’m guessing a certain gorgeous handyman has something to do with that.” She wiggles her eyebrows up and down as she grins.

I bite my lip when warmth spreads across my cheeks. “Perhaps...” My stomach flutters with butterflies when I think about Logan.

“Well, youdoseem more outgoing since the two of you got together.”

My mouth twists to one side as I look toward the ceiling. “I suppose I am,” I reply wistfully.

It’s not that I’m awkward around strangers. It’s that new places and experiences can give me anxiety. I don’t know what to expect, and I don’t like surprises. I’m much more relaxed socializing with people I know in familiar spaces, so I tend not to seek out new things. Noisy environments can stress me out, especially since I’m neurodivergent and sensitive to certain sounds and smells.

But Courtney is right. I have started to try new things since I met Logan. He makes me feel safe, reassures me that my reactions are completely normal, and he doesn’t make a big deal about it if I’m ever uncomfortable and want to leave. I never feel bad asking him for what I need. And that’s something I’m not used to.

“Logan has helped me in ways I didn’t know I needed. It’s like I’m a different person with him in my life. More confident and even a little adventurous.”

“Or maybe you’re finally comfortable being yourself.” The corners of her mouth tip up into a genuine smile. “I wish I could find a guy like that—or anyone who looks at me the way he looks at you.”

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