Page 9 of Daddy's for December
With an air of wistfulness, she sighs. “It’s everything I remember. I love it here.”
My soul longs to tell her how much I love her, how seeing herhereis everything I never knew I wanted until it happened. If I can just be near her and take care of her always. Look out for her, protect her,providefor her every need… That’s all I’ll need. I can put the desire to have my own children aside if I can just beherdaddy.
The heavy wooden door lets some of the cozy heat warm us when I hold it open for her. Cindy stands just inside the entrance talking to Bob Fisher, probably about some real estate leads, but pauses when she spots me and Winter.
A broad smile paints her mauve lips as she reaches toward Winter with open arms, but Winter presses her back into my chest, making it less of a hug and more of an awkward pat. “Um, Cindy, this is my goddaughter, Winter. Winter, this is Cindy.”
“Hello, Winter! It’s so good to meet you!”
Winter stiffens until I place my hands on her shoulders. “Nice to meet you. Are you his housekeeper?”
My eyes widen in shock, as do Cindy’s. “Um, no, honey. We date occasionally. We’re seeing each other.”
Winter turns to me and places her hand on my chest. “Oh. He’s never mentioned you before, I apologize. Daddy, can we go talk to Jake now?”
She’s being a brat. I’ve never known Winter to be rude, but my blood boils with embarrassment at her behavior. Snatching her hand in mine, I nod at Cindy and lead Winter away. Jake stands near the back of the main room with several men surrounding him. His secret boyfriend, Ethan, stands on the edge of the circle, sipping a drink. As we meander over, I grip her waist and pull her close so only she can hear me.
“Stop being naughty and behave.”
A smirk jerks at the corners of her bright red lips. “Or what?”
“Winter… I’m not playing a game.”
After a brief meeting with Jake, they arrange for her to start work on Monday. She can get a tour and see which service she’d like to start with first. My best friend’s eyes crinkle as he scans her, then me, as we stand close together. I edge away from her hip a step, but Jake lets a silent laugh fly from his chest. Narrowing my eyes, I give him a warning not to say anything.
“It was wonderful to see you again all grown up, Winter,and I’ll see you soon. Ben, drinks this week?”
“Count on it.” I threaten him with my tone. As we wander away, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and when I check it, he’s texted me.
Jake
Your “goddaughter” is gorgeous… Better make a move quick before she’s taken by one of these ski bums
Flipping my head around, I scowl at him as he chortles out a boisterous laugh. He's my best friend, and I'd never out him, so I know he’d do the same to me. It just irks me that he can read me so well.
Cindy waits for me when I turn back toward Winter. Slipping her hand underneath Winter’s possessively placed one, shesticks it demonstratively on my chest. “Hey, hot stuff. Would you like to have a nightcap? Um, drop off the kids and go to my place?”
Winter grips her fingers and pulls them off me, then steps into my space, blocking Cindy. “Sorry, Ben is too young for you,Cindy, and he’s busywith methis holiday. Isn’t that right, Daddy?”
Cindy’s jaw drops as she looks at me expectantly.
Glaring at my little girl, I lower my voice. “Winter, head to my car right now and wait for me there. We’re going homenow.” Handing her my keys, my lips tighten, and I hope she doesn't cause more of a scene. She eyes Cindy up and down with a flick of her long lashes, then departs.
Cindy’s cheeks flash red, and I stammer out some mumbled words. “Um, I apologize for Winter’s behavior. She’s not normally this, uh, rude or possessive, over me. But I haven’t seen her in a long time, as you know. And it’s true. I want to spend as much time with her this month as I can.”
With a strange look on her face, her hand flies to her hip. “Is-is Winter your biological daughter?”
Swallowing, I tell her the truth. “No! Her mother and I were best friends. You knew about Sherry, but we never dated. We were close enough, though, that she made me Winter’s godfather. I feel an obligation to be there for her. She doesn’t have anyone.”
Slowly, her head nods, as if she’s figured something out. It's as if my secret crush on my goddaughter is painted all over my face. Pinching her lips together, I see her nostrils flare as she exhales. “Ben… I think we should go back to being friends. Call me if you, um, need me.”
Hustling to the car, I turn in my seat to the little minx who has such an innocent look on her face that I want to kiss it off. “Home now, Daddy?”
“Yes, baby. We’re going home. And then, I’m going to punish you.”
She seems rightfully nervous on the trip to my house, and as soon as I pull into the garage, I capture her attention with a stern voice. “Winter, go upstairs and take off your dress. Sit on your bed and wait for Daddy. You have beenverybad tonight and need to be taught a lesson.”
A smiling gasp parts her wide-open mouth. It makes my cock throb with the need to discipline her and teach her what is acceptable or not. Waving my hand toward the door, I give one last command. “Hurry.”