10. Piper

Piper

“That’s all of it.” Hugo grinned before leaning toward me and pressing his mouth to mine. He tasted like apples and cinnamon from the warm cider we’d shared. I leaned into him.

“You sold out, baby. I’m so fucking proud of you,” he murmured before wrapping his arms around me.

“Thank you, Daddy,” I whispered low enough for his ears only.

“Ready for tonight?” he asked, and I nodded. The New Year’s Eve Farmers’ Market in his small mountain town of Sugarloaf had been a success. He wasn’t wrong. I’d sold out of everything I had made, and I couldn’t wait to get to work on making more inventory and working on revamping my website.

“Bad girl,” he growled, pressing his palm onto my lower back. “Christmas might be over, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be put on a naughty list and over my lap.” I giggled at his sexy, dirty threat. “Come on, time to go home.” Home . That’s what he had been calling his place from the moment we left the warehouse of the Christmas Market. It was crazy how much life had changed so quickly. Allie was back in town with Winston, and now I had a guy of my own. A really great one. One I was head over heels in love and who loved me back. I had no idea how that was possible in less than a couple of weeks, but I wasn’t going to question it. I was determined to live in the moment.

“I have a surprise for you,” he shared as we walked to the parking lot.

“For tonight?” I asked. Since its New Year’s, I had heard of a couple of parties, but Hugo and I had decided we would be spending it together. Alone in his cabin. He had even promised we could make s’mores in his fireplace like we did on Christmas Day. Hugo shook his head.

“No, for right now.” A brow rose, and I turned my attention toward where he pointed. My eyes widened.

“Hugo,” I whispered. Excitement prickled at the back of my neck. “You sure?” I turned to look at him. He chuckled.

“Of course, I am, I’d never put you in harm’s way. Roads are clear and dry, so it will be safe.” Due to the cold weather and snow, he had said it wasn’t safe for us to go for a ride. Thankfully, the last two days had been warmer than usual.

“Now, the only question is, are you ready to go on your first ride?”

“Yes!” I jumped and was practically skipping next to him as he held my hand. I loved his bike. The beautiful gleaming black motorcycle looked larger than life, and it was exciting to know that we could finally go for a ride.

“Wow,” I whispered. “She’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” Hugo complimented, and I smiled so big it almost hurt my face. Hugo, or Daddy, like I called him behind closed doors, was so open with his feelings when it came to how he felt about me. I silently stood next to him as he brought me a black skull helmet and put it on me, clipping it in place. Then he put one of his own on. My thighs pressed together because it was seriously sexy when I got to watch him be all in control.

“Come on.” He got on the bike, and I joined him the way he had showed me. I wrapped my arms around his narrow waist. The engine roared to life, and before I could catch my breath, we were on our way. The wind that whipped through my curls was chilly but manageable, especially with Hugo’s broad back to press my face against. I shut my eyes and breathed deeply. I would have never thought going for a motorcycle ride would be peaceful. Exhilarating, yes, but peaceful? Yet it was. After about thirty minutes, he took us directly to his cabin and helped me off the bike. Hand in hand, without needing to say a word, we walked toward the front door.

I didn’t know what the future had in store. No one ever did. But I knew as I stepped over the threshold that whatever life could have in store for us, it would be okay because we’d have each other.