Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
“Do you actually live here?” she asked as she blocked Rexy from climbing up on the couch.
“I do. I’m just not here a lot. Come on. Your room is back here.”
Jerico led the way down the stark white hallway to a door decorated with flower decals sprinkled all over it. “There’s a twin bed in my spare room. You can use that.” He opened the door and stepped inside.
He watched her face as she entered. Her head turned as she scoped out the room. He’d spent all his efforts to decorate and make it inviting. The dusty pink walls were soft and welcoming, with white rose outlines scattered randomly on the surfaces. The bed sat against one wall. A raised railing surrounded it on each side and there was a fluffy dark pink comforter and white ruffled pillows.
Jerico had carefully placed other pieces of furniture around the room. A dresser with a padded top sat against one wall. A huge toy chest occupied the space next to a bookshelf with games and colorful books. There was a large beanbag that could easily hold two people in front of that area.
Rexy lumbered over to give the bed a sniff before checking out the beanbag. It was obviously something new to the large beast. Aspen laughed as he checked it out, trying to figure out if it was a friend or foe.
“I don’t want to take your daughter’s room. Didn’t you tell me you didn’t have children?” she said, studying his face.
“This room was designed for a special little girl. Not a child,” he explained softly. “I hope you’ll be comfortable in here. Let’s bring your things in.”
“You’re not kidding. Little girls and Daddy Doms really exist?”
“They do.”
“Are you interested in me?” she blurted and then whacked a hand over her mouth as if she were appalled that she had actually said that.
“I’ve looked for my little girl for a long time. I won’t ignore fate when one needs my help. How do you feel about me? Could I fit your idea of a daddy?”
“I really don’t know much about daddies. I’ve never had one.”
“You’ve read books about age play?” he suggested, smiling gently at her. Even after all she’d been through, Aspen showed so much courage.
“I like to read,” she vaguely answered the question.
“I’m glad. It’s late. Let’s get you and Rexy settled in the house so you can be comfortable. Then we’ll talk and get to know each other better.”
A swoosh of Styrofoam beads sounded. Aspen looked back at Rexy, who had collapsed on top of his new find. The giant dog peeked at them as if afraid they’d make him move.
“Good dog, Rexy,” Aspen praised the skittish dog before turning back to meet Jerico’s gaze. “Okay. I’ll admit it. You intrigue me.”
“Intrigue, huh? I’ll settle for that for now.”
Waving a hand to invite her to join him, Jerico led the way back to the front door. In a few minutes, they had everything stored in different places in her room and elsewhere in the house. Jerico looked around the living room now with satisfaction. Already, she’d made it look more like a home.
“I feel like I’ve invaded your home,” Aspen said softly.
“Our home now,” he corrected. “Did you eat dinner?” When she shook her head, he walked into the kitchen and gathered food. “Take a seat.”
“I splurged on a pizza tonight. That started the whole mess. Guess I won’t do that again. I brought some food. I can just eat that,” Aspen rushed to tell him as she slid onto a stool at the kitchen island.
“The snacks in that box?” he asked, remembering the jar of peanut butter, crackers, and microwaveable macaroni bowls he’d placed on the dresser in her room.
“Yes. I don’t want to impose and eat your food.” She hesitated for a minute before admitting, “I can’t replace it.”
“How about we consider this our food? Maybe I’m going to have a craving for cheesy macaroni. You’d share, right?”
“Of course,” she rushed to assure him.
“Do you like eggs, cheese, and these veggies?” Jerico asked, watching her face. Her gaze flew over the ingredients and paused for a microsecond on the tomatoes. “No tomatoes?”
“I didn’t say anything. You can put tomatoes in there. It’s okay.”
“Are you allergic, or just don’t like the taste?”
“Um. It’s just better that I don’t eat them. I can pick them out,” she rushed to assure him.
“I’m going to guess that means you’re allergic. I will spank your bottom if you risk your health trying not to be a bother,” Jerico told her firmly.
She stared at him with big blue eyes. “Sorry.”
“It’s not a problem. I can live without tomatoes.” I can’t live without you. Astounded by that thought, he busied himself with chopping vegetables. When he had everything ready, Jerico grabbed a skillet and turned on the stove. After spraying the pan with veggie spray, he threw all the ingredients onto the greased skillet to sauté. As he grabbed a small mixing bowl and whipped the eggs together, she had to ask the question whirling around in her brain.