Page 9

CHAPTER 8

Phoebe stared up at him in shock. Had he really just said that? That he couldn’t stop thinking about her? That he was attracted to her? What could he possibly see in her?

He was gorgeous. Sexy. Smart. And he obviously had his ducks in a row.

Unlike her.

Her ducks were not all in a row. They were walking off at strange angles, one was riding a horse, another was twirling in a circle, and she was pretty sure that one of them was a touch drunk.

So why would he want her? Sometimes she didn’t want to be around her, and she was stuck with herself. Should she tell him the main reason she didn’t have her phone turned on?

No, no.

She wasn’t ready to talk about it and he wouldn’t be interested in her problems. They were silly problems, anyway. Some people had real issues, like not being able to put food on the table or pay the electric bill. She felt ridiculous for the way she was handling everything and yet she wasn’t quite strong enough to come out of hiding yet.

“You’re interested in me?” she repeated. Maybe she was dreaming. That was likely it. She was having delusions.

“I am,” he said firmly, shattering that thought. “I want you. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I know you might not feel the same way. You barely know me and I’m likely old enough to be your father. Perhaps you’d prefer someone younger, less set in their ways, someone less bossy and take-charge. Taking care of others is what makes me happy. But I’m told that I can be rather interfering and controlling.”

Whoa. He’d just laid out a whole lot of stuff and she was struggling to process it all. Someone had told him he was too bossy and controlling simply because he liked taking care of them?

She would kill to have someone take care of her. Maybe he was a tad bossy. She’d certainly never had anyone order her to charge her phone or to wear a jacket and shoes while outside. But she assumed it was because he was a Daddy.

It could also be him. About his needs. Phoebe liked hearing about his needs. Because she wouldn’t want things to be one-sided between them. For it to be all about her.

It sounded like he needed to look after someone… while she needed someone to look after her. Win-win? Maybe. She wouldn’t lie. She was nervous. He barely knew her and once he did… he might decide he didn’t like her.

“What’s going on in your head, sweetheart?” he asked, cupping her cheek with his hand.

He was so nice and warm, and she couldn’t help but turn her head so she could nuzzle into his hand. “It gets loud in there,” she confessed to him.

“I bet it does, little girl,” he replied. “I can help quieten it, but only if you tell me what’s going on. What is it? What are you thinking about?”

“I want you too. I’d be mad not to want you. You’re gorgeous. I just worry that if you get to know me that you won’t like me. That you might find me too much. I can be, you know. I try to tone it down, but I’m not always successful.”

“Hey,” he murmured, rubbing a thumb over her lower lip. “You don’t have to tone anything down. I just want you to be yourself.”

“Nobody ever wants me to be myself,” she warned him. “I’m a lot.”

“I can handle a lot and I happen to think you’ll be perfect no matter what.”

She snorted. “That just goes to show that you definitely don’t know me well.”

“Then we’ll get to know each other, and you can decide if you want someone who is bossy and sticks his nose into your business whether you want it or not.”

“And you can decide if you want someone who is a bit too much,” she said. “Too loud, too excitable, too immature, too much of everything.”

“Good,” he said. “But I will warn you now that is the last time you will put yourself down without consequences. If we’re dating, then there will be rules. And not just for your Little. So you might want to prepare yourself for that.”

“But you put yourself down.”

“I don’t see bossy and interfering as bad things. That’s just something other people might think.” He winked at her.

“What sort of rules are we talking about?” she asked.

“Well, you know some of them. No talking badly about yourself. Keeping yourself safe and healthy, which includes dressing for the weather and always having your phone charged. But it also includes things like not skipping meals, telling me if you’re not feeling well or are upset. Texting me if you’re going somewhere and when you get there. Not walking around at night alone. Taking your vitamins and any medication. Following all doctors’ orders. Eating regularly and healthily. Those are just a few things off the top of my head.”

Phoebe knew that her mouth was open and that she was gaping at him. “Those are just a few things off the top of your head? You mean there’s more?”

“Yes, there will definitely be more. I can have them ready for you by tomorrow.”

“I might need you to write them down,” she told him. “Because I don’t think I can remember all of that. Let alone more.”

“I can do that. I’ll get you a notebook and write them in it.”

Awesome. Uh-huh. “You’re very organised, aren’t you?” she asked.

“Yes. I am.”

“Does it annoy you when other people aren’t organised?”

“Hmm. When I work with them, yes. In my social life, sometimes. It depends. If you need help with organisation, I am happy to help.”

“Maybe,” she said. That might be a recipe for disaster.

“Come on, you need to get to bed. Do you trust me to help put you to bed?”

“I, um, yes?”

“You don’t feel very sure.”

“I am,” she said hastily. “I’m just not sure what that means.”

“Let me show you?” he asked.

She took a deep breath and nodded. Barren unlocked the door and then opened it for her. She walked past him, feeling like she was in a daze. Was this really happening? Did Barren really want to be her… her boyfriend?

It sounded crazy. And perfect. She turned to him after he shut the door behind them. “You want to be my boyfriend?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Was I not clear?”

“No, yes, I was just making sure that I wasn’t dreaming.” She lightly slapped her cheeks with both hands.

“Hey, what are you doing?” He took hold of her hands, giving her a concerned look.

“Just making sure that I definitely wasn’t dreaming. Maybe I should pinch myself to be sure.”

“No slapping yourself. No pinching yourself. No hurting yourself. Understand me?”

“I wasn’t hurting myself; I was just making sure I was awake,” she protested.

“You are awake and if you’re ever unsure, ask me. I will prove to you that you’re awake. You don’t have to resort to hurting yourself.”

“How will you prove that?” She gave him a suspicious look.

“Hmm, I can think of a couple of ways. Maybe like this.” Barren drew her toward him and then, to her surprise, he cupped her cheeks and lowered his lips to hers.

Oh. Wow. The man could kiss.

Phoebe had never melted into a kiss like this. In fact, she’d never really been into kissing before. It had always been okay, but never life-changing like she’d read in books. But now she got it. She tried to kiss him back, but he took charge, and she was happy to let him lead.

When he drew back, she was smiling dreamily, gazing up at him in wonder.

“Wow.”

His eyebrows rose. “Wow?”

“Yeah, you can kiss. I’ve never really been interested in kissing until just this minute.”

“Just this minute, huh? Good to know that I’m doing a good job.”

“Not good,” she told him. “Spectacular, amazing, wonderful!”

He grinned. “You’re good for me, sweetheart.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so. Now, do you have some pajamas?” he asked, looking around. “I can see you haven’t unpacked yet.”

She glanced around with a wince at the clothes strewn on the floor and coming out of her suitcase.

“I’m not really an unpacker.”

He just gave her a look. “Where are your pajamas?”

“ Wellll …” She glanced around as though expecting them to jump out at her. That would be helpful. “Oh! Here they are!” She picked her pajamas. They were white silk with red hearts on them. The pants were long and wide while the top was a camisole.

“Adorable,” he told her.

She shivered as his heated gaze ran over her. “I, um, I’ll just… um…”

“Go get changed and brush your teeth, little girl,” he told her huskily. “Before I lose hold of my control.”

She gulped. Uh-huh. Sure. Only… maybe she wanted him to lose hold of his control?

“Go, little girl. Now.” The firmness in his tone had her turning away without argument.

Barren forced himself to stay where he was and take some deep breaths.

You cannot throw her on the bed and fuck her. That isn’t getting to know her. No matter how much you might want her.

To keep himself occupied, so he didn’t walk into that bathroom and join her in the shower, he started folding her clothes and putting them into drawers and the closet.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

Turning, he saw her standing in the bathroom door, chewing on her thumbnail. Her wet hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

“Hey, don’t do that.” He stepped forward and drew her thumb out of her mouth. “There’s nothing wrong.”

“I’m messy.”

She looked so vulnerable dressed in her pajamas with her wet hair slicked back. “Do you hear me complaining? There’s something you should know about me. I actually like cleaning and organising and folding laundry.”

“That’s so weird,” she told him.

He grinned. “Maybe. It’s an affliction, for sure. And the only cure is more tidying and cleaning. So you’re going to have to indulge me, even though I maybe overstepped by touching all of your stuff without asking.”

She shrugged. “It’s just clothing. Feel free to tidy up after me as much as you like.”

“Thank you,” he told her solemnly. “Come on, let’s get you into bed.”

“I’m not really tired, though.”

“It’s well past the time that all Little girls should be in bed,” he told her sternly.

“Not me! I’m a night owl.”

“Are you?”

“Uh-huh.”

“What time would you normally go to bed?” he asked as he drew the covers back.

“Oh, I don’t know. Normally, I’d read a book for a while and then I’d just put it down when I was sleepy. Maybe two or three?”

“In the morning?” he asked, shocked.

She giggled. “Yes, silly.”

“And what time do you get up? Do you sleep in?” How did she get to her job on time if she was going to sleep so late? Although hadn’t she said that she was between jobs? She must be burning through her savings.

“Nah, I only need a couple of hours sleep and I’m good to go.”

She yawned as she said that which made him wonder if that was really the case.

“I’ve always been like this. My dad used to say my brain was just too busy to let me sleep.”

“Maybe I can help quieten it. Do you want me to braid your hair?”

“You can do that?” she asked as she climbed into bed.

“Yep. Do you have hair ties?”

“Uh-huh. I can get them.”

He shook his head and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Little girls don’t get out of bed without their Daddy’s permission.”

“They don’t?”

“No. They don’t.”

“But what about if their Daddy isn’t in the bedroom and they have to go to the toilet?”

“Then they should call out for help.”

“What if he’s not around?”

“Then the rule doesn’t apply, and you can get up and go to the bathroom. But I am here and you’re not to get out of bed without asking for my permission. Understand?”

“Um, yes.”

“I know I can come on strong. If I’m pushing too hard, then tell me. Say ‘red’ if you like. And we’ll stop and talk. The last thing I want is to scare you away.”

“I don’t see how you could ever scare me away.”

Well, he’d done it in the past. “Promise you’ll tell me.”

“I promise.”

“Good girl. I’m so proud of you for being so brave.” Sitting on the bed, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

Okay. What the hell? “What is that on your skin?” he demanded.

“Oh, it’s this new night cream I’m using on my skin. It’s so creamy and smooth. It’s got lavender in it to help me sleep.”

Yeah. That might be what he was tasting right now. Obviously the lavender wasn’t actually doing its job, either since she didn’t sleep well.

“Wait here while I get the things for you.”

Unless she doesn’t want you in her bathroom.

He turned. “If that’s all right with you.”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” she asked with a smile.

“Some women wouldn’t want a strange man in their bathroom,” he explained.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re not that strange.”

Barren shook his head at her. “Sassy.” He walked into the bathroom, searching for her hairbrush and hair ties among the bottles of face cream, lotion, and bits of make-up that were scattered around. Ignoring the urge to tidy it all up, he returned to find her fidgeting on the bed.

“Are you all right, little girl?” he asked her, worried.

“I forgot to use the toilet! Can I go?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Yay!” she cried, jumping off the bed and racing into the bathroom.

She was so open with her thoughts and feelings. It was so refreshing after his life with Krystal. There was a part of him that wasn’t sure whether to believe in her reactions, though. It was hard for him to comprehend how anyone could be that bubbly and excited over such simple things.

He shook that thought off as she returned. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed a pillow, setting it on the floor in front of him.

“Come sit down and I’ll do your hair.”

She skipped over to him and plonked herself down in front of him.

Oh to be that young again. He started to carefully brush her hair.

“That’s so nice,” she said.

“It is?”

“Yeah, I didn’t realize how relaxing it would be to have someone brush my hair. When my brothers would do it, they’d hack at it so hard that my scalp would sting for ages afterward. This is much nicer.”

“That wasn’t very kind of them.”

She shrugged. “I guess they were annoyed about having to take care of me. My dad worked a lot, so they had to help take care of me and Joseph.”

“They should have been more careful with you. You’re precious.” He finished off one braid and started on the other.

“I am?” she asked in a hushed voice.

“You are,” he replied firmly. “And you should expect to be treated like a princess.”

“Ooh, I like the sound of that. Because a princess gets whatever she wants.”

“I’m afraid that’s not the case.” He stood and moved around her so he could hold out his hands. She slid her hands into his and he lifted her to her feet.

“I think they do.”

He’d forgotten what this felt like. He’d had a relationship with a Little before Krystal, until she’d left the country. They hadn’t been in love, but he’d cared about her, enjoyed being with her. But with Phoebe he had the feeling that things could be very different. He’d already developed feelings for her in the short time he’d known her.

He lightly squeezed her hands. “Into bed, little girl.”

With a nod, she climbed into bed, and he drew the covers up, tucking her in. She rolled onto her side as he drew a chair over beside the bed.

“Now. Before you go to sleep we need to have a small chat about this glitter prank.”

“It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it.”

“You didn’t do it?” he repeated.

“Nope.”

“So you didn’t explode any glitter bombs.”

“ Wellll ,” she said.

“And before you answer, I should tell you that telling the truth is a big rule. So lying to me would result in a punishment.”

She sighed. “I was trying to say that I might have thrown a teensy bit of glitter, but you have to understand the peer pressure I was under.”

“Peer pressure?” he asked.

“Yes, I mean, if I’m given glitter and I don’t use it, then am I really a Little? It’s a whole Little thing. I don’t expect you to understand. But if you’re given glitter then it’s expected you will throw it… or glue it to something, I guess. But I didn’t have any glue and everyone else was throwing it around. Sooo that meant I had to as well. I don’t want to be a bad Little.”

“You could never be a bad Little,” he reassured her. “Being a bit sassy or naughty could never make you bad, understand?”

“Okay. I understand.”

“That’s my good girl. But you know there are consequences to every action, right?”

“I don’t like the word consequences,” she said. “It doesn’t sound very nice.”

“Well, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have any,” he told her solemnly. “What do you think Miss Price would make you do for taking part in the prank?”

“I think she might give me a cupcake!”

“Little girl,” he warned.

“I don’t know… timeout?”

“If you go into the preschool tomorrow that might be what you’re given to do. Unless you want to accept a punishment from me?”

“I can do that?”

“Hmm, you’re mine now so I will be giving you all of your punishments from now on. Unless you decide you no longer want that. However, you weren’t mine during this prank. So it’s up to you. Me or Miss Price or one of the other teachers, I guess.”

“Will you do it now?” she asked.

“In the morning.”

“Man, waiting sucks.”

“Sometimes it’s part of the punishment.”

“Well, that’s just evil,” she told him. “What would the punishment be if you gave it to me?”

He smiled. “It’s a mystery.”

“Nooo, I don’t like mysteries. Well, unless I’m reading one. A good murder mystery with a bit of romance thrown in is fun. The mystery of what punishment you’re getting isn’t fun.”

“What do you want to do, Little girl? I can take you to the Butterflies room after breakfast. Or you can be punished by me.”

“And then I have to go to the preschool?”

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. Would you like to spend the day with me instead?”

She nodded. “If that’s okay.”

“Sweetheart, there is nothing I would like more.”

She sat up and threw her arms around him, practically landing in his lap.

“And I want you to punish me. Well, I don’t want you to. But, you know, lesser of two evils and all that.”

“Something I’ve always wanted to hear,” he told her with fake seriousness. “That I am the lesser of two evils.”

“That’s me. I always try to be positive and give out compliments.” She gave him a toothy grin as he snorted.

“You’re going to keep an old man on his toes, aren’t you?”

“You’re not old.” She frowned at him. “You’re just… marinated.”

“Marinated?” What did that mean?

“Yeah, you’ve been marinating for a bit longer than other people. But now you’ve found me. Aren’t you lucky?”

Marinating wasn’t quite the description he would use but he did consider himself lucky. “Very lucky. Now, go to sleep.”

“Are you gonna sit here until I go to sleep?” she asked him, yawning.

“Yes.”

“Then you’re going to get a sore butt. Because I really don’t think I can go to sleep this early.”

“We’ll see.” Reaching out, he lightly massaged her scalp. Her eyes slowly closed. Not tired, huh?

“Oh, that’s nice. But I still don’t think that a princess should have a bedtime.”

“Unfortunately, this princess does.” Damn, she looked adorable when she pouted. He had to be strong and not give into her.

No matter how much he wanted to.

“It also doesn’t mean you get to do anything you want. In fact, when you’re a princess, I think there are more rules.”

She gasped and opened her eyes to glare up at him. “What? Why?”

“Because you need them to keep you safe. A princess always has to be protected.”

“Well, I guess that’s true. We are very important people.”

“You certainly are. I will come get you in the morning for breakfast. Go to sleep, little girl.”