Page 27 of Layla's Daddy

But there’s still a part of me who looks back over my shoulder at where I came from and finds it difficult to believe any of this is truly possible. I’m just an average simple woman without bigaspirations, living paycheck to paycheck. That’s who I’ve always been. Hoping for more is a pipedream.

The most extravagant thing I ever owned was my membership to the Dungeon. The club was the only place where I could really indulge in age play without worrying about being judged.

Can I really have more?

My phone buzzes, and I giggle as I pick it up, expecting to see a call from Daddy. It’s not unusual for him to call me five minutes after he leaves the house. Sometimes he remembers something he meant to say, and other times he simply says he misses me already. Either way, it’s hot.

It’s not Daddy, though. It’s Sophia. I answer. “Hey, I was going to call you today.”

Sophia chuckles. “I guess I beat you. I’ve been thinking about your suggestion about going on a double date with Tate…”

“That’s what I was going to call about.”

“Oh, okay. Did he change his mind?” Sophia asks, her voice shaky.

“No, the opposite. He reminded Daddy to set it up.”

“Okay. Uh, okay.”

I giggle. “You know you like him,” I remind her. I don’t want to pressure her because I, of all people, understand how hard it is to put yourself out there and take risks. If I were capable of taking chances, I’d probably be married to Theo by now. I have no doubt he would buckle me into the car and drive straight to the justice of the peace if I would agree to it. He’s even mentioned it a few times. He was joking, but he also was not. He knows I’d be far more trusting of our future if there were legal documents making me his.

“Yeah…but…”

“Take a chance,” I encourage her.

“You really think he’s into me?”

“I know he is. He’s been over here three times this week. He makes up reasons to stop by when what he really wants to do is see if I’ve spoken to you.” I haven’t shared her contact information because that’s not my place. If she wants him to have her phone number and address, she can give it to him when she’s ready.

“Okay, okay.” She keeps saying that as if she needs to convince herself. “But I’m confused about how to present myself. I’ve seen Tate lots of times at the club. He’s only seen me in my Little space. Do I want him to see my adult? Both? Gah. I don’t know how this works.”

“Maybe since your only interaction so far has been in your Little space, we could have a playdate here at my…” I suck in a breath, “…at Daddy’s house. That way you can be Little. Then if you feel like you have chemistry, you could go on an adult date and get to know each other better in that headspace.”

“That’s a great idea.” The relief in Sophia’s voice is palpable. “And don’t think I didn’t notice your slip up there. It’s okay for you to call Theo’s house your house, too. You live there. He wants you to think of it as yours.”

“I know. It’s just hard,” I say softly.

“I get it, but I think it’s time you believe him and take the plunge. I’m just offering you advice since you’ve offered me some.”

I smile. “Thank you, Sophia.”

Sophia giggles and then abruptly changes the subject, her voice lighter and silly. “Do you think Tate likes blue hair because I’m not changing my style to please any man. If he wants me to look more normal, he’s asking the wrong woman.”

Chapter Twelve

After I finish talking to Sophia, I focus on my math assessment, but it’s hard. I’m restless. I’m glad when it’s finally over so I can pace. I keep thinking about how I almost said this wasmyhouse. It’s not my house. Is it? It’s not as though I have another dwelling. Daddy ended my lease and moved my things out of my studio apartment last week. I didn’t own much, but he packed it up and brought several boxes back here. The furniture wasn’t worth keeping.

It was stressful and made me nervous, especially since I didn’t even go with him. He offered, but he also suggested it might be easier on me to stay home.

Home… That word again.

I don’t think this is all a dream. I’m reminded of that every time I forget to put a pillow down before I sit on a chair. My tailbone is gradually getting better. Dr. Rubio says it will take a long time to heal fully.

I wander the house, pausing at the threshold to every room. I have memories in the guest room from the nights I stayed in there before Daddy finished my nursery. Now I sleep in the crib in my nursery. It’s my haven. My safe place. I feel secure and warm when I’m in my crib.

I turn to stare into Daddy’s room next. I’ve been in there many times. Daddy gives me baths in his tub. He rocks me in his giant recliner most nights, though sometimes we sit in the rocking chair he bought for the nursery.

The master bedroom has a giant king-sized bed. It’s high off the floor and seems huge. I’m sure it’s not bigger across than any other king-sized bed, but it looks larger.