“Hmmm. And did Ethan ask for this particular gift?”

“Well, no. Nobody asks for a birthday present!”

“She has a point, Sheriff.” Reaching across the bar top, Mike gave his wife’s ponytail a tug. “But we have a scene planned later, and I’d be happy to add a couple extra swats, just for you.”

Lucy’s lips moved into a practiced pout, but she didn’t object. It was impossible to miss the gleam of triumph in her eyes at her husband’s declaration.

“Or, you could give her your birthday spanking,” Mike offered, grinning widely when his wife’s mouth dropped open.

“I appreciate the offer, but I have plans.” Ethan lifted his hand to let it rest at the nape of Izzy’s neck in a gesture so openly possessive she nearly melted into a pile of goo. “I’ll settle for letting you handle Lucy.”

With a huff, Lucy turned to Izzy. “You’re quiet. Is everything okay?”

Although it went against her nature, Izzy looked up at Ethan for his permission. After what seemed like hours of him studying her, Ethan nodded.

“Everything is fine,” Izzy said with a smile for her hostess. “Thank you, again, for inviting me.”

Narrowing her eyes, Lucy seemed to study Izzy before her face relaxed into her usual welcoming smile. “You’re welcome. Don’t let this one push you around too much. It goes to their heads after a while.”

“That’s enough from you, Lucille,” Ethan growled.

“Why don’t you go prep for our scene before you give poor Ethan an aneurysm.” Mike sent her off with a loud smack to her bottom that made her squeal before she dashed away. Turning back to Izzy, he took his turn in giving her a careful study. “If you need anything, you come find me, or anyone wearing one of these.” He held up his left arm, which bore a thick, red bracelet. “These are worn only by our monitors. But I don’t believe there will be any trouble with Ethan here, now will there?”

She’d expected Ethan to scowl at the implication, but he just inclined his head. “She’s in good hands. Go take care of the rest of your guests.”

“All right. You two have fun.”

“Drink,” Ethan ordered when they were alone again, twisting the cap off of one of the bottles and handing it to her.

“I’m not thirsty.” She was parched, and she’d been about to open a bottle herself, but the order instantly put her on the defensive.

“Did I ask if you were thirsty, brat?”

Where had that deliciously threatening tone been her entire life? Of all the times he’d called her to task for something, whether it was speeding or gossiping or that time she and a group of friends had “borrowed” a few cows from a local farmer and let them loose in the school, he’d always sounded like a disappointed father. And despite him making her call him Daddy, there was nothing fatherly about him right then. There was certainly nothing fatherly about the way that voice made her feel.

Licking her suddenly dry lips, she shook her head. “No.”

“No, I did not. I told you to drink.”

If he kept this up, she might just spontaneously combust right then and there. “I’m not thirsty.”

“All right.” He placed the bottle on the bar between them. Sipping from the bottle he still held in his hand, he looked around the room. “Which one of these girls should I choose for my birthday spanking?”

“Okay, okay, I’ll drink. Geez,” she muttered, grabbing the bottle and taking a long pull of water.

“Good girl.”

She had to bite back a needy moan at his praise. Nothing had prepared her for the way those two simple words, delivered in that delicious growly voice, would shoot jolts of electric need straight to her clit.

When she’d emptied the bottle, he held out a hand for it and walked their trash over to a cleverly placed trash can that blended beautifully with the rest of the decor. “Can we play now?” she asked as soon as he’d returned to the bar.

Capturing her chin between his thumb and forefinger, Ethan forced her to look up at him. “That depends. What are you supposed to be calling me, brat?”

How was her mouth so dry again, already? “Um, Daddy?”

“That’s right. Try your question again, properly.”

She had two choices. Do as he asked, and hopefully get a nice, fun, sexy spanking. Or, push his buttons and see what happened.