“Honey, if I had my way, you wouldn’t be going to work tomorrow. You’d be with me all day. So, yes… I want to see you. Any chance I get.”
This time it was her who squeezed his hand tighter, and the sensation nearly made the tall, strong man melt into a puddle right there on the sidewalk.
His little sweetie had a powerful hold on him.
He didn’t think that story about the Christmas lights was what she’d originally wanted to talk to him about, though. There was still something there—something simmering just below the surface.
Perhaps soon she’d feel comfortable enough to share.
It was Daddy’s job to make sure she did. She’d learn how safe she was in his presence. Samantha would know that she could go to Daddy with anything.
Right now, they strolled casually until they reached a house that was covered in lights. The yard was even illuminated. Inflatables were there, too, including Santa in his sleigh, Snoopy on top of his doghouse all decked out for the holidays, and a giant reindeer.
The sound of Samantha’s giggling was the sweetest thing to ever reach Kendrick’s ears.
“I’m seeing it! Those lights I’ve always wanted to! They’re right here!”
Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her tightly, rested his chin atop her head, and gently swayed her as they looked at the festive display.
“I’m glad, sweetie. But are you off work the day after tomorrow?"
He figured she was trying to remember, because it took her a few moments to answer. “Yeah. I think so.”
“Good.” He kissed her ear and nibbled on it for a couple of seconds. She scrunched her neck and laughed quietly. Once he was finished—for now—he said, “I’m going to take you to see some other lights. I have a surprise. And I think you’re going to love it.”
He could practically feel the excitement radiating off her body. Her cute little squeals reiterated it, too.
Clearly, she was comfortable with him. Yet she still didn’t tell him whatever was on her mind.
Soon, he thought. She will soon.
Until then, I’ll just hold her close and let her know that she can come to Daddy with anything…
Chapter Twenty-Three
Samantha didn’t want the night to end.
She didn’t want the kisses to end, either. In fact, she wanted Kendrick to go further.
Her desire was for him to carry her upstairs to his room, throw her on the bed, and make love to her until they both passed out late in the night.
Only that couldn’t happen. Her anxiety was too high.
It wasn’t that she was afraid of…it. Or that she was nervous about him taking her.
The problem was… what he’d done earlier. That spanking.
She could only imagine how red her bottom still was. Every time she sat down, a stinging sensation reminded her of the encounter with the strap back at Auntie Athena’s.
Gosh, it was only earlier that afternoon, but it seemed like a lifetime ago. Somehow. Perhaps it was because she’d gotten rid of Tonya for good. Or maybe because she felt more at home at the Guard’s mansion than she had anywhere else her whole life.
Whatever the reason, the spanking at the nursery seemed like it had been eons ago.
Physically… well, that was a different story.
She couldn’t let Kendrick see her bottom. That would give the secret away.
“I should be going,” she said as she sat on his lap in the den.
