“You good?” he asks, voice husky.
“Mmm-hmm.”Barely. The cream’s working, cooling the fire, but igniting another.
Finally, Kaleb finishes, wipes his hands on a rag from the glove box. “Better?”
“Yeah. Thank you.” I pull up my clothes, face burning. Did he notice my boner? I hope not. But yikes, I’m really not sure.
He starts the engine. “Not taking you back to the B&B. Cabin’s closer. You need rest.”
I don’t argue. The rain’s picking up, and honestly… being with him feelsright.
The drive is quiet, radio off, just wipers and tires on wet road. His cabin appears through the trees—rustic, welcoming, smoke curling from the chimney.
Inside, it’s warm, wood-paneled, cozy.
Racer bounds over, tail wagging, sniffing me like I’m new territory.
“Down, boy.” Kaleb hangs our jackets, heads to the kitchen. “Pie in the oven. Leftover from yesterday. Apple. Ironic, right?”
I laugh, the tension easing.
We sit at the scarred oak table, him slicing generous pieces. It’s flaky, cinnamon-sweet. I devour mine, the comfort food hitting perfect after the morning’s chaos.
“This is amazing,” I say between bites. “You bake?”
He grunts. “Sometimes. It clears the head.”
We eat in companionable silence, rain drumming on the roof. Racer curls at my feet, like he’s decided I’m okay and not a total city boy weirdo.
“When the rain stops,” I begin, licking the sugar off my lips. “Can I come with you? To work? For more research?”
He eyes me over his fork. “Rain’s in for the day. And you could use a nap. A spanking takes it out of you.”
My cheeks heat again, but it’s not embarrassment… it’s that fuzzy warmth.
I feel cared for.Protected.
He clears plates, tends to the fire, then nods to the couch. “Come on.”
I follow, sinking into the soft leather. He sits, pats his lap. “Head here.”
Heart fluttering, I lay down, pillowing on his thigh. It’s firm, warm. He drapes a blanket over me, tender and caring.
As the flames crackle, heat seeps in and I feel my eyes getting heavy.
Racer flops nearby, sighing contentedly and thumping his tail on the ground slowly and rhythmically.
Kaleb’s hand rests on my hair, stroking gently. No words—just presence.
I’m safe. Even the faint tingle in my butt makes me feel looked after and cherished.
My eyes drift shut, the rain a lullaby.
For the first time in forever, I feel… held.
Sleep comes easy. And the fact I’ve got a Daddy like Kaleb so close makes it all the better…
The fire’s still crackling when I wake up, softer now, more embers than flames. My body feels heavy in the best way—like I’ve been wrapped in warmth for hours.