Page 15 of Her Stepbrother Master (Master Me #7)

LuAnn woke before he did, looking picture perfect as she stood in the kitchen making him breakfast. She’d pulled her hair into two pigtails tied up with ribbons and he had a feeling she knew exactly what that did to him.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck.

“Good morning, mouse. You look adorable.”

She turned her face into his kiss, melting back against him. “Why do you like me as a little girl?”

“Because you are—by nature. You’re sweet and bubbly and full of life.

And because I want to be your daddy—the man who controls every part of your life, from the clothes you wear, to the things you do.

The man who bares your bottom and spanks you raw when you disobey.

” He squeezed her ass, noticing her quickened breath.

“A husband controls, doesn’t he?”

“A daddy-husband controls more. He controls everything.” He palmed her breasts, squeezing and lifting them. “Plus, he protects, comforts and nurtures. Do you like the way Daddy takes care of you?”

She gave a little moan. “Yes, Daddy.”

He forced himself to release her or he’d be carrying her off to the bed before breakfast. “What did you make Daddy for breakfast?”

“Oatmeal,” she said. “Sit down and I’ll bring it to you.”

He smiled and sat, watching her move around the kitchen with a bounce in her step. “How many days until you graduate, mouse?”

“One more week of classes, then a week of finals.”

“And when do our parents return from Europe?”

“Next week.”

He rubbed his face, considering.

LuAnn brought a bowl of oatmeal to him. “Are you having second thoughts?” She twisted her fingers together as she stood by his side.

He pulled her onto his lap. “No, mouse. Definitely not. I’m just thinking about the best way to break it to them. If we were worried about your father’s heart with your trouble in the dorms, just think of what this will do to him.”

LuAnn sucked on her lip, looking adorable. “I don’t know. There’s nothing wrong with us marrying. We’re not related by blood, and we weren’t even raised together. We lived together for just a few months a long time ago.”

He nodded. “I agree.” He picked up her hand and stroked each delicate finger. “Help me decide, mouse. Should we wait until they return to tell them first, or do we elope this week and tell them when it’s done?”

Her face broke into a brilliant smile, but then her brow furrowed. “I’d love to marry you today, but I think we should tell them first.”

He squeezed her hand. “Okay, Lulu,” he said inventing a new nickname for her.

“But let’s go to the courthouse to get a license and blood test.” He hoped, for her sake, their parents did not disown them both forever.

If they disapproved, he would still whisk LuAnn off to elope.

They’d gone too far down the path to pull back now.

He loved her. He realized he always had.

He’d thought it was lust, or just wanting what he couldn’t have, but it went deeper.

She’d been the one perfect girl for him all along—his baby girl.

She kissed his head and stood up, serving herself a bowl of oatmeal and sitting across from him.

He watched her eat, looking shy and excited, blushing the same way she had as a thirteen-year-old.

As long as he was following his dreams and eschewing convention, it seemed time to make a change with his job, as well. LuAnn deserved a husband who had the courage to be a man, and make his own way in his career, rather than wait for a boss to give him the chance to move up.

He’d been carrying Mr. Washburn’s card in his pocket since their meeting. Calling him meant Brad should be prepared to leave his current position and now he had a future wife to consider.

“I may have my first client if I decide to go it on my own,” he said, deciding it best to be frank with her about the situation.

Her eyes lit up. “Really, Brad? That’s fantastic!”

“Yes, I’m seriously considering pursuing it. But it’s risky. If I start my own firm, I won’t have a steady income to support you.”

“I think you must,” she said, without hesitation. “It’s what you’ve always wanted. I will get my teacher’s certificate at the end of this semester, and I can work until we have children.”

His heart twisted at her willingness to sacrifice for him. “I hope that won’t be necessary, mouse, but it helps me to hear you’re not daunted by the risk.”

She drew herself up. “Of course I’m not. You were born to be your own boss.”

“And yours,” he said with a wink.

She giggled and blushed.

“Thank you, baby girl.” He pulled Mr. Washburn’s card out of his pocket and walked to the phone, asking the operator to connect him with the number.

“Mr. Washburn? It’s Brad, Brad Stanford, the architect from Jones.”

“Yes, hello, Brad. I was hoping you would call. Have you considered my offer?”

“Yes, sir. I’d like to draw up new plans for your house.”

“Wonderful. Why don’t you and your wife come over for dinner one night this week and we can discuss it more?”

“My wife?” He glanced over at LuAnn, who nodded eagerly. “I’m not married yet, but I’d love to bring my fiancée, thank you.”

“How about tomorrow night?”

“That sounds wonderful, Mr. Washburn.”

He took down the address and hung up, turning to LuAnn. “Are you ready to schmooze on my behalf?”

“Of course I am.”

He swept her into a bear hug, kissing and nibbling at her neck.

She moved even closer, her firm breasts pressing against his ribs.

“Good,” he said, kissing her temple. “I’d better go before I pick you up and carry you into that bedroom to have my way with you.

” Another kiss fell on her soft lips. “I love you, little girl. Be good today.”

“I will,” she promised.