Page 21 of Master Daddy

“Some of us take training seriously,” I fire back, earning a laugh from the table.

Outside, the night air is cool and crisp. Streetlights cast soft pools of gold along the sidewalk. Luke starts turning toward his apartment, just a few blocks away.

“I’ll walk from here,” Luke says brightly. “It’s literally five minutes. You’re tired from the hike.”

I catch Luke’s hand before he can take two steps. “Not happening, little one. I’m walking you home. Safety first.”

He rolls his eyes but I catch the pleased little smile he tries to hide. “Bossy.”

“Just the way you like it,” I answer.

We walk slowly, hands linked, the town quiet around us except for the occasional passing car and distant laughter from the tavern. Luke’s apartment building comes into view too soon. I stop at the bottom of his steps, reluctant to let the night end.

“Goodnight, Luke,” I murmur, tilting his chin up with two fingers.

There’s a brief, awkward pause—both of us hovering, hearts beating loud in the silence. Then he rises onto his toes at the same moment I lean down.

Our lips meet in a kiss that starts soft but quickly turns hungry. Passionate. His hands fist in my shirt as I pull the boy closer, one arm banding around his waist. He tastes like beer and sweetness and pure temptation. I deepen the kiss, tongue brushing his, swallowing the tiny needy sound he makes.

Too soon, he pulls back, breathing fast, lips swollen. “I should… go inside before I drag you upstairs.”

I rest my forehead against his for a second, breathing him in. “Smart choice. Because if you did, we wouldn’t be getting much sleep.”

Luke giggles, kisses my cheek, and scurries up the steps. At his door he glances back once, gives me a little wave, and disappears inside. The lock clicks.

I stand there for a long moment, staring at Luke’s door, my cock half-hard and my mind already racing ahead to tomorrow morning.

Training. The program I built for him. And this time… I’m bringing the small wooden paddle I keep in my truck. Just in case that sassy mouth of his decides to make another appearance.

A grin spreads across my face as I turn and head back toward my truck.

Those damn four weeks.

I’ve got a little window to show Luke exactly what kind of Daddy I can be.

And I plan on making every single day count…

Chapter 7

Luke

I stand at my apartment window, forehead pressed lightly against the cool glass, watching Mason’s broad shoulders disappear down the quiet street. The streetlights cast long shadows behind him, and my heart does this silly little flutter that refuses to settle.

Just as Mason reaches the corner, he stops. Then turns. And he looks straight up at my window like he knew I’d be watching…

Swoon.

A slow smile spreads across his face. He lifts one big hand and waves.

Double swoon.

I giggle—actually giggle—and blow him a kiss, pressing my fingers to my lips and then pushing it toward him through the glass. Mason catches it dramatically against his chest, then points at me with a stern but playful finger before turning and continuing on his way.

I stay at the window long after he’s gone, arms wrapped around myself, feeling warm and fuzzy all over. It’s like I’ve drunk a whole mug of hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.

These feelings… they’re getting real.

Not just the butterflies from his stern voice or the way he manhandles me so easily. It’s deeper than that…