Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
He wrapped his arms around her to hug Harper close. “I am always going to be your friend, Harper. But that’s not enough for either of us.”
Seconds passed before she finally admitted the response screaming in her brain. “No. It’s not enough.”
Colt squeezed her a bit closer before wrapping up their conversation before she panicked. “We’ve taken huge steps today. We set up guidelines for our relationship as a Daddy and Little girl.”
Shifting one hand between them, he reviewed the items they’d set up, ticking them off on his fingers.
Harper will be spanked when naughty.
We both promise to tell the truth.
This is a long-term relationship.
Harper will think positively about herself.
We are going to rely on the trust between us.
“I still don’t like that first one,” she whispered.
“I know. But I think you need the reminder that I care enough about you to correct your behavior rather than walk away. Leaving you would tear my heart out.”
“Mine, too,” she admitted.
“Okay. I think we need to get out of here. Let’s drive around Avondale and you can show me everything that’s changed. Maybe we can go for a hike and get away from the city after that. We’ve got a few hours before the reunion.”
“I’m not very athletic,” she reminded him.
“A gentle hike,” he amended.
“Okay.”
That agreement earned her a soft kiss on the top of her head. Without any outward sign of annoyance, Colt tucked his erection back into his jeans.
“Let me help you with this,” he said, picking up her bra.
“Oh, I can do it.”
“Not happening, Little girl.”
Within seconds, he had her redressed and his snug shirt back in place. Taking her hand, he asked, “Ready to play tour guide?”
Harper placed her hand in his. “Thanks for understanding.”
“Always, Little girl.”
CHAPTER 10
Walking back into her apartment a few hours later, Harper felt so much better than she had when they’d departed. She’d enjoyed showing Colt all the changes that had happened in town. He’d been a wonderful companion—kind, considerate, and focused on her.
“That walk was even fun,” Harper commented as she toed off her dusty sneakers at the door and watched him do the same.
“It was. Spending time with you is always enjoyable.” He stopped and looked at the clock. “We have two hours until the reunion dinner. Just enough time for a shower and a nap.”
Harper studied his face. “A nap?”
“Yes. Little girls need a nap.”
“I don’t take naps.”
Colt simply looked back at her.
“You’re going to make me take a nap?” she asked incredulously.
“Are you practicing being naughty?”
“I don’t want a spanking,” she said, sitting quickly on the couch to block his access to her bottom. One look at his powerful body, and the one eyebrow arched quizzically, quickly corrected her thought that she could keep him from punishing her if he desired.
“Shower. Then, nap,” he directed, approaching and stretching out a hand for hers.
Slowly, she put her palm against his. “I don’t know if I enjoy having a Daddy.”
“Now you’re really trying to get into trouble.”
“Okay, I like having a Daddy. It’s what I’ve always fantasized about. Not just a Daddy—you!” she blurted, unable to conceal anything from him.
“I’m very glad to hear that because I love having you in my life.”
He tugged her to the restroom. Colt drew the curtain around the bathtub and started the warm water flowing.
Without a comment, he returned to her side and drew her shirt over her head. While still nervous for him to see her, Harper knew inside that he was as attracted to her as she was to him. She forced herself to stand quietly as he unfastened her pants and drew them down to her feet.
She stepped out of the garment, feeling very daring. I can do this.
Without allowing her time to panic, Colt quickly removed her bra, plain cotton panties, and socks. She could feel his gaze devouring her and felt prettier than ever before. Harper shifted her shoulders back to present herself as best she could.
He stroked a hand up her arm and over her shoulder to cup her face. “You are even more beautiful than I ever imagined,” Colt complimented, brushing her hair back from her face. He pulled her close and kissed her lightly.
“Jump under the water, Harper. I’ll undress and be there soon,” he promised.
“I could help you,” she offered, feeling her face heat at her eagerness to help him strip.
“I will take you up on that offer soon, Angel.”
As he pulled his T-shirt over his head, Harper inched toward the shower curtain. He twirled his shirt and popped her on the bottom when she stood staring over her shoulder at him.
“Ouch!”
“That hurts less than other implements,” he warned as his fingers unfastened his belt.
Shooting him a look that should have incinerated him in seconds, Harper stepped into the tub and flicked the shower curtain back into place with what she hoped was a ‘I’m doing this only because I want to and not because you told me to’ snap. Spotting her razor dangling from the holder, Harper realized she should take advantage of this time alone. She hurriedly shaved her legs, wishing to finish before he could join her. Harper dragged the bright pink device over the last trace of tiny stubble as she heard him drag the curtain back.