He stands, stretching his arms overhead. His shirt rides up just enough to show a strip of hard stomach dusted with dark hair. My mouth goes dry.
I glance down—can’t help it—and…yup. The bulge in his jeans is still very much there. Prominent. Unapologetic.
A mischievous little spark lights in my chest.
I tilt my head, letting my eyes linger. “You,uh… need a minute before you can stand up? Looks like you might have a situation.”
His gaze snaps to mine. Narrowed. Dangerous in that deliciously Daddy way.
“Keep that sass in check, little boy,” he says, voice dropping low. “Or there’ll be another spanking. And next time I won’t be so gentle.”
Heat floods me—half embarrassment, half pure want. My thighs press together instinctively.
I swallow. “Noted, sir.”
He studies me for a long beat, like he’s deciding whether to follow through right here. Then he exhales through his nose, grabs his keys from the hook by the door.
“Come on. Truck’s out front.”
I stand, smoothing my sweater, still feeling the ghost of his handprints on my skin. Racer trots over, nudging my leg with his big head like he’s saying goodbye.
I scratch behind his ears. “See you soon, buddy.”
Kaleb opens the door, cool damp air rushing in. He waits for me to step through first, then follows, locking up behind us.
The ride back is quiet again, but not awkward. It’s totally comfortable. Like something’s settled between us.
When we pull up outside the B&B, fairy lights glowing soft against the gray afternoon, he kills the engine but doesn’t move to get out.
“Tomorrow,” Kaleb says. “If the rain stops, you can come with me. More research.”
My heart does a happy little flip. “Really?”
“Don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t.” I grin, unbuckling. “And… thanks. For today.Allof it.”
He grunts—his version of you’re welcome—then reaches over, tucks that same damp strand behind my ear again. His thumb brushes my cheek.
“Get some rest, Taron,” Kaleb stays. “Don’t stay up too late writing. And most importantly… behave.”
“Yes, Daddy,” I whisper.
I hop out before I do something stupid like climb into his lap and kiss him senseless.
As I climb the porch steps, I glance back. He’s still watching me, eyes dark and steady in the cab light.
I wave.
Kaleb nods once in return.
Then the truck rumbles away into the rain.
Inside my room, I collapse on the bed, face buried in Lightening’s fur.
My butt’s calm now but somehow I can still feel it tingling from the spanking. My heart’s racing. And between my legs… a steady, insistent throb.
Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.