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“Oh, I would never tell anyone.”

“Good. So, here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to give me your phone number. I’m going to call you each night at nine. I want you in your PJs, teeth brushed and ready for bed. I’ll tuck you in over the phone and say goodnight.”

“What? Nine? I can’t go to bed at nine. Most of my shows don’t start until eight-thirty or later. Even when I’m not working a late shift, I don’t usually go to bed until at least eleven.”

“Your shows?”

She bit at her thumbnail. “My ah, T.V. shows.”

He appeared slightly amused. “Just how many T.V. shows do you watch?”

Now that was a question she didn’t want to answer. She shrugged.

“Hmm. Well, you’ll just have to record any shows that you can’t miss to watch the next day,” he told her. “Because nine is your new bedtime.”

“And is that your bedtime?”

He ran his thumb across her lower lip. “You’re adorable when you pout. And no, it’s not. But I’m not exhausted from working too much and going to bed too late.”

Well, she thought that was debatable. He seemed like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

“And I’m not the Little in this relationship. Daddy is in charge. I make the rules. And I enforce them. Just remember that before you go breaking any.”

“But I...I haven’t agreed to any of this.”

“No. And if you decide this isn’t for you then we’ll re-evaluate.”

Re-evaluate? Did that mean he’d walk away from her?

“But I think it is. And I think the only way you’ll know for sure is to experience it. Just a small taste. There won’t be any punishment until you agree to this.”

“So, if I broke that bedtime rule...”

“Then I guess I’d just have to give you a stern lecture, wont I? You might find that worse.”

Yeah, she wasn’t sure about that. “But how will you know?”

“Oh, I will know. And I will keep track of infractions.”

There was a deep, dark note to his voice that had a mix of trepidation and excitement filling her.

“The next rule is one you already have but I want to say it again. I want your promise to call me if you need me. In fact, go get your cell and put my number in it now.”

Nope. She couldn’t do that. Couldn’t risk him following her inside. “It’s dead.”

He frowned. “All right. Then charge it, put my number in then text me so I have yours. I’ll expect your text within an hour.” He lowered his chin, staring at her sternly. “And Abby, don’t let it completely die again, understand?”

“Yes.” A sir hovered on her lips, but she bit it back.

“Good girl.”

Her legs nearly gave out on her at those words. Then he leaned in, cupped the back of her head gently with his hand and kissed her. Oh boy, this kiss was even better than the other night. It started off slow. So gentle. Their lips brushed against one another. His were hot. He slid his tongue along the seam of her mouth. She opened her mouth obediently and he deepened the kiss. The scent of him wove a spell. The whole world faded away.

There was just Kent.

When he drew back, she found she was leaning shakily against the door, her legs trembling, feeling slightly dazed.

“Yeah, definitely something there,” he muttered. “Just wish I’d seen it before.”