Page 255 of Cowboy Daddies

“That’s not my only concern,” he said as they all finished breakfast. “Wyatt, can you go brush your teeth and finish getting ready, please?”

“Sure, Papa.”

She’d noticed that a lot of the tension had dissipated from their relationship. On Sunday, they’d even managed to convince Jeb to have a picnic on the front lawn for lunch.

No candy charcuterie, though.

Today was Wednesday and she’d been here for just over a week. It was time to talk to Bob. Sure, she could call him, but she’d found going to see someone in person was often more effective for these sorts of things. Plus, she really wanted some ice cream.

After talking to Bob, she’d need to call Jordan and let her know how things were going.

“I’m a good driver, Jeb,” she said when Wyatt was out of the room.

He eyed her skeptically.

“I promise! And I’d never put Wyatt at risk.”

“Hey, I know that. I just . . . I guess I don’t like you being away from the ranch. Where I can’t keep an eye on you to make sure you stay out of trouble.”

“I haven’t gotten into trouble for days.”

Jeb leaned closer. “Did you forget you got your bottom smacked last night?”

Oh yeah. She had kind of forgotten that.

Last night she’d waited until she thought everyone was asleep then she’d snuck out of bed and gone on a sugar hunt. Unfortunately, Jeb hadn’t been asleep and she’d ended up back in her bedroom, bent over the bed getting a spanking.

That had sucked.

“That was a bit mean. And I wasn’t in that much trouble. Just a bit.”

“Hmm.”

“I need to get some girl stuff,” she finally said.

He didn’t even flinch, just raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”

“Yes!”

“All right. You can take one of the work trucks into town. Are you good with a stick shift?”

“Of course.”

“And you’ll message me when you leave and when you’re coming home. If anything happens I want to be told straight away.”

“Yes, Daddy,” she whispered. “I promise.”

“Oh my god,” she groaned as she took a lick of her butter pecan ice cream. “This tastes amazing.”

And it was helping to lift her mood. A little. She should feel ecstatic since her car would be ready to be picked up in a few days.

Jordan had been so happy when she’d called. But, for some reason, she just felt sad.

Because you don’t want to leave.

“You really needed some ice cream, huh?” Wyatt asked as he licked his.

“I really, really did. Your Papa hid my lollipops.”