Page 10 of Amelia's Daddy

I also like the way he holds my hand as he leads me to my playroom. I point toward the small table and then skip over to remove one of my dolls from her seat so Noah can occupy the space.

He moves the small chair out of the way and sits right on the floor, making me giggle. He’s too big for my table, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

“Would you like some tea, Sir?” I ask in my best British accent.

He nods, his expression serious. “Thank you, ma’am. That sounds lovely.”

I set a tiny teacup and saucer in front of him as well as both my other dolls and my seat. After that, I pour pretend tea from my teapot, careful not to drip any on the table.

“Would you like some sandwiches, Sir?” I ask, holding out a platter of nothing.

“Yes, please.” He reaches up to delicately remove one of the sandwiches. “What kind is this one?” he asks, holding up the pretend sandwich and examining it.

“Cucumber and cream cheese on rye.”

“Ah. Do you like this kind?”

I scrunch up my nose and lean in to whisper, “No, those are gross, but it’s not polite to say so to the hostess.”

He laughs. “Of course.”

Noah asks me a lot of questions about my Little while we eat our sandwiches and drink our tea. I’m always polite to finish chewing and dab my lips with my napkin before I answer.

I ask Noah questions about his job. I find out he’s a realtor both on the mainland and the island. He works odd hours and hasn’t felt like he could fully give enough of his time to a Little girl.

This information is disheartening because even though I refuse to let myself hope maybe this day could turn into more days just like it, I still hate hearing that he doesn’t think he can devote enough time to a Little.

“However…” he says, setting his tea cup down and meeting my gaze. “I’ve been busier on the island in recent months than ever before. More and more people have been in need of my services. I’ve decided to give up my apartment on the mainland and move to the island fulltime.”

I stare at him, not breathing or blinking. My heart is pounding. I’m not sure what this would mean for me. Does it mean I won’t ever see him again because he’s not going to come to the Dungeon anymore?

Noah leans back against the wall and reaches a hand out toward me. “Come here, Little one.”

I set my tea cup down with shaky fingers and crawl over to him. He smells so good. I don’t know if it’s his aftershave or his soap or a combination, but I want to climb onto his lap and run my nose along his neck.

He drops his legs out flat and pats his thighs. “Will you sit on my lap?”

I eagerly scramble to do so even though I’m worried every moment I spend with him is going to make it harder when I don’t see him anymore.

When I’m situated, he rubs my back. “I’ve been in a bit of a panic for two months. Do you know why?”

I shake my head, frowning.

“Because you stopped coming to the club, and I was worried I wouldn’t get to see you again.”

“Oh.”

He smiles. “I’ve known for a long time that you intrigued me, Little one. The reason I never approached you for more than an occasional scene was because I knew you deserved a Daddy who was more available and could give you more of himself. I’ve been too busy to devote enough of my time to a Little.”

I hold his gaze. I don’t think I’m even blinking. I’m not sure what he’s trying to say, but I’m not going to interrupt.

He rubs my back. It feels nice. I never get the opportunity to sit with a Daddy and have him hold me and comfort me. I’m too bratty at the club to end up in situations like this.

“Ever since I made the decision to move, I’ve come to the club as often as I could, hoping to see you, and every night you weren’t there made my heart sadder. I was so elated when I saw you in the restaurant the other day, I was unable to give my companion my full attention. I’m sure he noticed how many times I looked for you.”

My breath hitches. I’m stunned.

“Are you surprised?”