Page 16 of A Little Christmas Jericho
"Uh-huh," I responded, unable to keep the laughter from my voice. "Because asking me wouldn't work."
He continued to grin before placing a kiss on the tip of my nose. "Now get in your car so we can get you home, baby boy."
My heart skipped a beat at the sweet endearment. It wasn't the first time he'd used it, but it still made my hopes soar.
I quickly jumped from his truck to my car. The drive back was short, but it took all my concentration to keep my focus on the road, because all I could think about was Doctor Daddy and his sinfully salacious kisses.
Soon, I pulled up in front of my apartment building, expecting him to drive past, but he pulled into the parking spot next to me. I stared in shock as he got out and walked over to my door, opening it and helping me out.
"Let's get you to your door before I decide to drag you back to my house after all."
I bit back a grin. "Don't tempt me with a good time, sir."
He chuckled as he let me lead him on the path to my door. He didn't let go of my hand the entire way. It felt so sweet, so precious.
At my door, I turned to face him, my heart fluttering again, my hands clammy with nerves. "Thanks for... asking me out tonight. For being so..."
He silenced me with a soft press of his lips, stealing my words and my breath in one go. This kiss was different. Less desperate. Less hungry. More promise. His hand cupped the side of my face, thumb tracing my cheekbone.
He finally pulled back and murmured, "You don't have to thank me for spending time with you, baby. Any moment with you is a special moment to treasure. Got it?"
My throat went tight. I could only nod.
He smiled again, that devastating naughty grin back on his face. "Good boy," he purred.
If I had to lock my knees to stop them from giving in under me, no one could prove it.
He stepped back, tucking his hands in his pockets like he had to physically restrain himself. "How about this, hmmm? You catch up on cuddles with your crew tomorrow. Then the tomorrow night, you come over to mine. I'll cook us dinner, and afterward..." His grin turned knowing. "Maybe we can have a proper Little night?"
That wasnotwhat I'd been expecting him to say, but it made me even happier to have him suggest a Little date instead.
"You really know how to make a boy swoon, Doctor Daddy."
"Then I'm doing my job properly."
He bent to press one more kiss to my temple before turning toward the stairs. "Night, buddy. Text me before you go to bed, okay?"
"Night," I whispered, watching him go, my heart so full it felt ridiculous.
When I slipped inside, Daisy and Murphy were waiting at the door, tails wagging and Finch wailed from the couch. I grinned down at them all. "That waseverything."
Murphy barked before heading to his empty bowl.
Chapter 10
Iwoke up to the unmistakable sound of Murphy's tail thumping against the floorboards. My poor baby was ready for his breakfast, and he was done waiting for me. Daisy, as per usual, was still curled up at my feet, and when I looked down the bed at her, she didn't even bother lifting her head to look at me. Unlike her brother, she didn't mind a late start. In fact, I think she'd much rather we stayed in bed most days.
I rested back against my pillow, hoping Murphy would give me a few extra moments, but the moment my hair touched cotton, the little terrier jumped against the side of the bed giving one loud insistent bark.
"Okay, okay," I croaked, voice still scratchy from sleep. "I hear you, I hear you."
I rubbed the heel of my hand against my eyes and rolled to the side. The early morning light spilled through the curtains, painting the room. It only made it so much harder for me to get my lazy ass out of bed.
I yawned, my hand automatically moving up to cover my mouth, and I felt the slight sting of beard burn.
A wide smile spread across my face.
Doctor Daddy.
