“That’s nice of you.” Essie relaxed, deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“We see if whatever this is between us is right for us. After those kisses, I’m more confident than ever that I need to pay attention to you.”
“I’ve never had a Daddy,” she whispered.
“Even more reason for us to explore our connection.”
“Have you had a Little girl?” Essie asked.
“I did in the past. I belong to an adult club and met someone in the nursery when I was twenty-two. The dynamic was fun, and I learned a lot about being a Daddy and what I need. I also figured out that she wasn’t the one for me. Since then, I’ve played with Littles occasionally—like informal dates for people who are into kink.”
“But you didn’t find a special Little girl?”
“No, Essie. I think because I already knew that person.”
“Me?” she asked in surprise.
“You. Let’s get you tucked under the covers. You’re shivering.”
Essie hadn’t even noticed that she was cold. She glanced down at her forearms and saw the goose bumps. Instantly, the chill in the room got her attention. “I’ll get back in bed after you leave.”
“Not happening, Little girl. It’s time for you to be tucked in now.” Zander took her hand and led her to the big bed. He smoothed the covers and motioned for her to get in.
She hesitated for a brief minute before sliding between the sheets carefully. Essie never wore panties to bed. Afraid she’d flash him, Essie tugged her T-shirt as low as possible as she moved. Breathing out a sigh of relief as she stretched out, she allowed him to tuck the comforter under her chin.
“Oh, no! I forgot Tux.”
“Let Daddy get your stuffie for you.”
Pretending he was her Daddy, Essie watched him carefully as he retrieved her stuffie and tucked the soft toy in her hands. Her heart pounded so hard with excitement, and she crossed her fingers.Please let this be real.
Zander sat on the edge of her bed and tugged out his phone. Afraid he would take a picture of her without makeup, Essie yanked the covers over her head. “I’m pulling up a bedtime story for you. How about if I put away my phone until I’ve shown you that you can trust me? Daddy can create a tale for you if that would make you happier.”
Still draped by fabric, Essie nodded.
His deep chuckle made her squeeze her legs together. How could a laugh excite her? That was totally wrong.Crap! I didn’t say that aloud, did I?She waited to see if he answered her question. To her relief, he launched into a bedtime story.
“Once upon a time, there were two kids who really liked each other. They were separated by their mothers who didn’tunderstand how important they were to each other. But the two never forgot about each other.”
Zander paused to gently tug the covers from her face. When their gazes met, he winked and continued, “At least, the boy didn’t stop thinking about his friend.”
“Me either,” Essie whispered.
“I’m glad, Little girl. So, they missed each other a lot until one day, a beautiful woman appeared on her aunt’s doorstep. That perfect angel quit her job and relocated to help her relative because she was kind and considerate.”
Essie wiggled happily. Many people didn’t understand why she’d thrown away her job, but for Essie, helping her aunt was imperative. And she wouldn’t have missed a moment of their time together.
“Days went by, and the man learned that his childhood friend had returned to live next door. Each time Zander spotted her from afar, his heart reminded him how much he cared for Essie. When her aunt passed away, Zander made his move, risking everything because it hurt his heart to see her sad. Finally, one day, they kissed. The moment their lips touched together, he vowed to never let her disappear from his life again.”
Beaming at him, Essie studied his handsome face. She wanted to pinch herself again but knew Zander would punish her this time. He’d always meant what he warned her before. A massive yawn stretched her jaw. Essie blinked at him, not understanding how she could be sleepy with him so close.
“Shut your eyes, sweetheart. You’ve had an exciting but stressful day. It’s time to let yourself relax.”
He held her gaze until she closed her eyelids to escape from his perceptive eyes. The instant everything went dark, the last of her energy slipped away. Zander’s deep voice rumbled over her. Her final thought was how surprised she was that she could fall asleep with him watching and that she’d give anything to have this every night.
“I’d love that too, sweetheart. Sleep.” A whisper of warmth brushed her lips. With a happy sigh, Essie drifted to sleep.
Chapter Seven
