Page 32 of Small Town Daddy

Eventually, as the last rays of sunlight streamed through the storefront windows, I flipped the "OPEN" sign to "CLOSED" and turned to Lucy, who was carefully counting the day's receipts.

"Ready to lock up?" I asked, jingling the keys.

She nodded, tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. "Just about."

We moved through our closing routine in comfortable silence, stealing glances at each other when we thought the other wasn't looking. As I shut off the lights, Lucy's silhouette was backlit by the fading sun, and my breath caught in my throat.

We stepped out onto the quiet street, the evening air crisp against my skin. Lucy paused, her green eyes reflecting the golden light.

"Today was . . . really nice," she said softly.

My heart skipped a beat. "Yes, it was," I agreed, gathering my courage. "And you were very well behaved. I didn’t even have to spank you once."

She bit her lip. “There’s always tomorrow.” She paused. “Or . . . tonight.”

We stood there for a moment, the air between us charged with possibility. I knew I had to say something, to address the elephant in the room.

"I know we're moving quickly," I began, my voice low. "And I don't want to rush you."

Lucy shook her head, her expression earnest. "I feel the same way, but I also don't want to ignore what's happening between us."

My hand found hers, our fingers intertwining naturally. The warmth of her skin against mine sent a shiver down my spine.

"Then we'll take it one day at a time," I suggested, hoping she couldn't hear the rapid beating of my heart.

She nodded, leaning into me slightly. "One day at a time," she echoed.

As we began walking towards my home, I couldn't shake the feeling of rightness that settled over me. The future was uncertain, but with Lucy by my side, I felt ready to face whatever came next.

"You know," I said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I've been thinking about those ideas you had for the store."

Lucy's eyes lit up. "Really? Which ones?"

I squeezed her hand gently. "All of them. I think you might be onto something with those DIY workshops."

Her laughter, bright and infectious, filled the quiet street. "Marcus Wilkins, are you saying you're open to change?"

I chuckled, pulling her closer. "I guess you're rubbing off on me, Lucy Emerson."

“Rubbing off on you, you say?” she said, placing a hand on my back. “That sounds like an interesting idea.”

“Speaking of ideas,” I said, “there’s something I want to talk to you when we get back.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Patience, darling,” I said. “The longer you wait for something, the better it feels.”

Chapter 9

Lucy

Why was is sodamn sexy to watch a man make fire? It felt like is woke something primal and needy in me. Whatever the reason, I was thoroughly enjoying watching Marcus as he knelt by the fireplace, carefully arranging kindling.

"What exactly do you have planned for tonight?" I asked, my voice tinged with anticipation.

Marcus glanced up, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You won't have to wait long to find out. But I promise, it'll be a night to remember."

A thrill ran through me at his words. There was an electricity in the air, a shared understanding that tonight was significant. I perched on the edge of the couch, watching as Marcus coaxed the fire to life. The flames cast flickering shadows across his handsome features.

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