“Then, it’s the Witches Brew that you want.” I watch as she concocts a bright-green drink with pineapple juice, simple syrup, melon liqueur, vodka, and Blue Curacao. “Taste this and tell me what you think.”

I tentatively sip the neon beverage, my eyes widening at the delicious, fruity flavor. “This is fantastic!”

The pretty bartender smiles and shrugs. “Just a little sorcery of my own.” She declines my tip, so I thank her before stepping aside to enjoy my cocktail. I give the alcohol a moment to work its magic before heading to the nearest buffet table in search of food and Chloe.

There are dancing bodies everywhere, with people mingling around the perimeter of the ballroom. I finagle my way through the crowd, relieved when I recognize two guests standing next to a series of tables topped with platters of hors d’oeuvres. Dressed as Wonder Woman and Superman, they blend in with the rest of the partygoers when I scan the crowd. But I’m grateful to see Logan’s office manager smiling at me as I approach the couple.

“Holy shit, Kelsey! You look amazing,” Chloe exclaims.

A hint of confidence surges through me from her compliment. “You think so?”

“I know so. Doesn’t she look great, Matt?” She elbows her date.

He doesn’t glance my way, keeping his eyes glued to Chloe as he pops a stuffed mushroom into his mouth. “I amnotdumb enough to fall for that. I’ve only got eyes for Wonder Woman.” He places an endearing kiss on her cheek, making her glow with adoration.

“He’s quite a charmer, isn’t he?”

I nod at Chloe, keeping my thoughts to myself. No one is as appealing as Logan Montgomery, charm or not. But I’d never say that to her. I love seeing the two of them together, and I’m happy they’re so in love.

“So, Wonder Woman, huh? Do you have a Lasso of Truth too?” I’m impressed with the details of their costumes.

Chloe pivots her hip toward me to display the coil of rope attached to it. “If only it were real, then I’d for sure have some fun tonight.” We laugh, then chat about our weekend plans while picking at the food on the tables. My anxiety ebbs away, and I relax, finally beginning to enjoy myself.

“What I want to know is how you plan to punish Logan for being late,” Chloe declares, lifting a well-manicured eyebrow.

I tilt my head to the side, and my brows wrinkle. “What do you mean?”

“Come on, everyone knows you don’t keep a girl waiting. Especially one as hot as you.”

I brush off her compliment. I’m a grown-ass woman, and I still don’t know how to take it when someone says something nice to me.

“It’s true,” Matt agrees with a wicked grin. “Maybe he needs a reminder.”

“I don’t know about that,” I counter with a shake of my head. “I understand how important it is for him to complete jobs on time. I wouldn’t want to get in the way of that.”

Chloe pats my arm and leans in close. “Girl, you’re overthinking this. Have some fun and get into character. Make the Big Bad Wolf do a little chasing.” She does an exaggerated double wink, causing me and Matt to snicker.

I consider her words, and the thought of my possessive Daddy stalking after me sends a jolt of arousal down my spine. Logan’s primal side is sexy, and I can’t resist the temptation to provoke it out of him, even if it means he might punish me later.

Or perhaps that’s what I’m counting on.

The conversation moves to another topic, but Chloe’s suggestion occupies my thoughts. It’s a bold move coming from me, but I suspect a little boldness will amplify Logan’s desire, even more so than this skimpy red dress.

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms snake around my waist from behind. The touch is familiar and comforting, and I’m keenly aware my Daddy is embracing me. I lean into him, inhaling his woodsy cologne while every ounce of tension seeps away. He kisses my neck, and I shudder, turning my head to meet his piercing blue gaze. His lips part in a mesmerizing smile.

“Oh my, what big teeth you have,” I tease him.

Heat flashes in his eyes, and he smirks. “The better to eat you with, my dear.” My thighs clench at his innuendo. He leans in closer, tightening his embrace. “I missed you, Little Girl,” he whispers into my ear, and I melt. “You’re a vision to behold, but I knew you’d look incredible in this outfit.”

I turn in his arms, looking him over. The coarse brown fur of his costume covers his body from the neck down, hiding his muscular physique. But the wolf mask sits atop his head, showing a face more handsome than that of any A-list celebrity.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, Wolfie. It’s a shame you left me waiting so long, though,” I pout. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”

Logan bends down to plant a kiss on my lips. “I’m sorry, baby. I got here as soon as I could. I swear.”

I know he’s sincere, so I let him off the hook with a lift of my now-empty glass. “How ‘bout you make it up to me with another Witches Brew cocktail?”

He smiles and takes my glass. “You got it, gorgeous. I’ll be right back.” He gives me a parting peck before disappearing into the crowd.