"Yes, Daddy."
We eat, and true to his word, Tyler puts on Lilo & Stitch and lets me curl up in his lap like a child. I don't suck my thumb this time, but I do clutch Mr. Snuggles and let myself fully relax into little space.
"You're so pretty when you're little," Tyler murmurs against my hair. "So soft and sweet and trusting."
"I like being little with you. It feels safe."
"That's because you are safe. Always. No matter what." His hand strokes my back in soothing circles. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Mm-hm."
"How little do you get? What does your little space look like?"
I think about it. "I don't know. I've never had someone safe enough to fully explore it. But I think... maybe four or five? Old enough to talk and understand things but young enough to need comfort and care."
"That's a good age. Still independent but needing guidance." He presses a kiss to my temple. "What kind of things does little Chloe like?"
"Coloring. Playing Barbies. Cartoons. Stuffed animals. Being read to." I fidget with Mr. Snuggles' ear. "Is that too childish?"
"Not even a little. Those are all perfectly normal things for a Little to enjoy." He pauses. "Would you want to explore that more? Have me read to you? Color with you?"
"Really? You'd do that?"
"Sweetheart, I'd do anything that makes you happy. If you want to color, we'll color. If you want me to read you stories, I'll read until my voice gives out." His arms tighten around me. "There's no part of you that's too much or too childish. Every version of you is perfect."
"I love you," I whisper. The words rush out before I can take them back. Then, they are said and hanging in the air between us. I hold my breath. Did I do it this time? Push him away by moving too fast?
"I love you too, my sweet girl. So damn much."
We stay wrapped up in each other for the rest of the movie, and I let myself believe.
Believe that this is real.
Believe that Tyler isn't going anywhere.
Believe that I finally found my person.
My Daddy.
And tomorrow, I'm going to start believing I'm worth what I charge.
CHAPTER 7
Wednesday arrives faster than I expect, and with it comes the promise I made to Emily about yoga class.
I'm regretting it the second I pull into the parking lot of the gym on base.
Chloe: I'm here. I'm terrified. Why did I agree to this?
Emily: Because endorphins are good for you. And because Tyler works out here and you want him to see you in yoga pants
Chloe: I hate you.
Emily: No you don't. Now get your cute butt inside. Class starts in 5 minutes.
I grab my yoga mat—borrowed from Emily because I don't own one—and head inside.
The gym is exactly what I expected. Weights. Treadmills. Lots of very fit people doing very fit things.
