Page 22 of Cowboy Daddies

Sage held her breath and crossed her fingers. She’d already had consequences for the glitter bomb. What else could she have done? Of course, he had said that he liked her kind of trouble.

After another long pause, he said, “I’m going to ask you a question, and if you don’t feel comfortable answering, then just tell me.”

Okay, now he was freaking her out.

He turned to face her. “How old is your Little?”

Okay, that was… unexpected. He’d made it pretty clear that those topics were off limits. Still, she had no problem answering him. “It varies, I guess, but usually around five to seven years old.” She gave him a sly look. “Was that the question you thought might make me uncomfortable?”

His lips blew right past smile and landed on a full-blown chuckle. He leaned back and relaxed. “If that didn’t make you uncomfortable, then I think we’re good.”

Well, that was good to know. Now she had questions of her own. “How long have you been a Daddy?”

He took a moment, then said, “I’ve known I was a Daddy since I was in college. My family practiced the lifestyle, though discreetly. When I was younger, I had several Littles, but once I married, it was only her. I haven’t had a Little since she died.”

When he didn’t move, she scooted over and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’ve never had a Daddy, but if I did, I’d want one like you. Being your wildfire is nice.”

It was a lot more than nice, but she didn’t think now was the time to share those highly naughty dreams of hers that featured him prominently.

Grady wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. “Yeah,” he murmured. “I’m starting to like it too.” Things grew quiet, so Sage waited. Finally, Grady spoke. “I think it would be good for us both if I were to be your Daddy for as long as you’re here. How does that sound to you?”

Did he even have to ask her that? Her heart just might explode.

Grady Kane wanted to be her Daddy. At least for the next few months, he did. “Are you kidding? I think it sounds wonderful. Although I can’t promise not to get into trouble. It seems to be one of the things I do best.”

Grady chuckled again, but before long, he leaned his head back on the swing and let out a long sigh of contentment. The sound, deep and warm, did something dangerous to Sage’s heart. He’d said temporary, just for the summer, and if she wasn’t careful, he could crack her heart wide open.

“I can take all the trouble you want to get yourself into, as long as you can take the consequences.” Then he grew more serious. “But if we’re doing this, I have one rule written in stone. No lies. Ever. If you lie to Daddy, by commission or omission, I will bust your butt. Every time, without exception. Do you understand?”

Her heart beat hard enough to break through her chest. Was this really happening? She scanned his eyes, looking for any sign of teasing or doubt, and found nothing but truth.

So… yeah. They were doing this. Grady Kane was going to be her Daddy, at least for the summer while she was on his ranch.

She looked up at him, mischief in her eyes. “Well, I may get in trouble, but I’m not a liar. But I’m curious. How would you know if I lied? I mean, I might be really good at it.”

His eyes narrowed, but not from anger. No, she’d laid down a challenge, and those gorgeous eyes said it was one he was happy to accept.

“Are you testing me already, Wildfire? I already told you what I’ll do if you lie. Believe me, I’ll know. A Daddy always knows when his Little girl is telling a fib. Now, would you like a demonstration of what I do when you use that beautiful mouth to challenge me the way you just did?”

His gaze lowered to her lips, and Sage forgot how to breathe. Did he mean what she thought he meant? Because, if he did, she saw herself making a lot of challenges in the future.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The swing creaked softly beneath their weight as Grady’s arm stayed wrapped around her shoulders, heavy and warm. His thumb brushed slow, gentle circles against her upper arm, like he didn’t even realize he was doing it.

The last rays of sunset painted his strong features in deep golds and shadows. He was so beautiful it hurt.

“Grady…” she whispered.

“From now on, you call me Daddy, Wildfire,” he growled.

Then his hand slid into her wild curls, gripping just tight enough to tilt her head back, and his mouth crashed down on hers. What he gave her was no sweet, gentle kiss. It was a kiss filled with years of pent-up hunger, raw need, and fierce possession all at once.

Grady kissed her like a man who had been starving and had finally found the only thing that could satisfy him. His lips were firm and demanding, claiming hers with a dominance that made her toes curl and her tummy flip.

Sage whimpered into his mouth, her hands fisting in his shirt as she melted against his broad chest. He tasted like coffee and sunset and pure, masculine heat. When his tongue swept inside, stroking hers with slow, deliberate possession, a helpless little moan escaped her. Her whole body lit up like fireworks, every nerve singing with desperate want.

Grady rumbled low in his throat—a deep, primal sound that vibrated through her—and pulled her closer, one big hand splaying across her lower back as he angled her exactly how he wanted her. He kissed her harder, deeper, like he was trying to brand himself onto her soul.

This, her Little whispered happily. This is what I’ve been waiting for.