Page 54 of A Daddy for Christmas 3: Rowan

“Why?”

“So they’re cheerful and Christmassy! And better than beige.” I tap one of his uninspiring tablemats.

“It’s practical.”

“Practically boring.”

He sighs and cups my face. “Something tells me you’re going to bring a lot of colour into my life.”

I grin. “I intend to try. The question is, will you let me?”

“Yes.” He kisses me slowly, sucking on my lower lip and tongue.

All I can do is moan into his mouth, to show him my appreciation.

We’re disturbed by the oven timer, which lets us know everything is ready.

We put everything on the table, then sit next to one another and tuck in. We eat far too much. At least, I do. It gets to the point where I feel uncomfortably full and can’t face eating another bite. Damon puts the leftovers into Tupperware, and then we snuggle on the sofa. We put a film on, but, as I predicted, neither of us actually watches it. We cuddle, kiss, chat, and eventually fall asleep.

By the time we wake, it’s dark outside, and the only light inside comes from the twinkling Christmas lights we hung yesterday. The film ended while we were sleeping, leaving the TV on a black screen.

“What now?” Damon asks. “Another walk?”

I gaze out the window. It hasn’t snowed again. It’s raining, which is a shame. If it continues, the snow will be nothing but slush by morning.

I shake my head. “We’ve had our walk already. I’d rather stay inside.”

“And—?” He raises his eyebrows.

“Well, you promised to tie me up and spank me.”

“I did, didn’t I?” He checks his watch. “It’s a little early for bed. Do you have any other Christmas traditions?”

“Playing board or card games.”

“I don’t have any.”

“Not even a deck of cards?”

“No.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “Now I know what to get younextChristmas. Oh! Or for your birthday. When is your birthday?”

Damon smiles. “Not until June.”

“I’d love a June birthday.”

“Why?”

“Because then you only have to wait six months—give or take—between your birthday and Christmas. Mine’s in March. It’s alongwait ’til Christmas.”

He pulls me close and kisses me behind my ear and the nape of my neck. “March isn’t far away. You’d better start thinking about what you want for your birthday, boy.”

My skin tingles, and my heart flutters. “You, Daddy.”

“Me, and?—?”

I shrug. “I dunno. I’ll think about it.”