Chapter 13
Jolie watched as Brand laughed, feeling pleased with herself.
She hadn’t meant to upset him. She’d never want to do that. And to hear him say her calling him Daddy was a privilege? Well, now she felt bad for all those times she’d silently cursed his name when he was being a jackass.
Especially when he went back to searching through the first-aid kit and found a different thermometer that went in her ear. He placed it in her ear. When it beeped, he drew it back, frowning down at him.
“Still a bit high. My poor girl.” He tucked the covers around her legs once more. “You need another nap.”
“I’m all right. Really.” She was feeling a bit awkward, but that had nothing to do with her fever.
Brand cupped her chin, tilting her head back. “I give you permission to let go.”
“W-what?” She swallowed heavily.
“I give you permission to let go. To slip into Little headspace. Show her to me. I promise to take care of her.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t… I just called you Daddy.”
“Yes, but you haven’t fully let go. Because you don’t trust me to take care of you?”
“No, I-I… just nervous, I guess.”
“There’s no need to be nervous. Not while I’m here to take care of you. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“So let go. Let me show you it’s all right to jump because I’m always going to catch you.”
Taking a shaky breath in, she let it out slowly. “Okay, Daddy. I’ll try.”
“That’s my good Little girl. So precious, aren’t you? Daddy is going to take care of you.”
God, she ate up those words like she was starving, and he was a giant, frosted cupcake.
“You still need a nap, though.”
Jolie pouted. “I don’t, Daddy!”
“Are you arguing with me, Bumblebee?”
“Of course not, Daddy. I would never do that.”
He snorted.
“Maybe I’ll nap. But after you show me what you bought, Daddy? Please?” She batted her eyelashes at him.
He pointed a finger at her. “All right, as long as you know that look won’t always work on me.”
Uh-huh.
Standing, he opened one bag and drew out the cutest dress. It was pale pink with bumblebees stitched on the hem and onto the white collar. The dress was tighter on the top, then fell into pleats from the waist down and had a white belt with it.
“There are also some white Mary-Jane shoes, lacy knee-high socks, and a cardigan. Liam said they all go together well.”
“Liam?” she asked.
“The guy at the shop.”
Okay. Sure. The guy at the store.
Next, he drew out a bumblebee sippy cup and pacifier. Oh wow. She really liked the look of those. Next was a T-shirt with a bumblebee on the front and a matching pair of shorts.
The theme continued with sandals, a sun hat, sunglasses, several pairs of socks and a warmer hat and gloves.
“That’s a lot of stuff, Daddy.”
“There’s more.” He went to another bag and drew out a plate with matching cup, as well as a gorgeous bib with bumblebees buzzing all over it.
Lastly, he drew out a stuffed toy bumblebee. It looked so fuzzy and soft and cute she immediately wanted it.
She held out her hands, making grabby motions. “Mine.”
“Excuse me?”
“Mine, Daddy. You bought him for me.”
“I did. But you only get it if you’re a good girl. And good girls use their manners. They say please and thank you.”
She sniffled sadly. “I don’t think that’s very nice.”
“You’re right. Forgetting your manners isn’t very nice.”
“I meant keeping my stuffie from me isn’t very nice.”
“I tell you what. You can have him after you have your medicine. And ask Daddy nicely.”
“How about I get to have him while I take my medicine. But I’ll take it like a good girl, and I’ll use my manners,” she bargained.
“All right. That’s acceptable.”
“Please, Daddy, can I have my bumblebee?” she asked.
“You may.”
He held the stuffie out, and she grabbed hold of it, squeezing it tight. “Thanks, Daddy.”
“You are welcome, baby,” he replied as he grabbed a notebook from the nightstand on the other side of the bed.
“What’s that?” she asked suspiciously as he sat on the bed by her feet and started to write in it.
“Your notebook. Remember, I told you I bought you one.”
She’d kind of been hoping that was a bad joke or something.
“What are you writing in it?” she asked.
“Another rule.”
“Another rule? I already have enough. There’s got to be some limit. I’m sure that’s a rule, right? Littles are only allowed one rule per year of age. And I’m two. So, I only have to have two rules.”
Wow. She’d just shocked herself with how smart she was.
“Nice try. That’s not a rule.”
“I think it is, Daddy.”
“Hmm.” He tapped the end of the pen with his chin. He didn’t seem to notice that the pen had a giant, twinkly star on the end of it. Had he chosen that pen because of the star? Or had someone else chosen it for him?
“You know what, I am a new Daddy, so I could be wrong.”
“Uh-huh, you are.”
“So, I’ll have to ask Derek.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t thinks that is necessary, Daddy!”
“No? Why not? Are you worried about what he’ll tell me?”
Her shoulders slumped. “You know it’s not a real rule, huh, Daddy?”
“I do.” He finished writing something. “And, baby?”
“Yes?” She looked up at him as he held up seven fingers. Four on one hand, three on the other.
“Daddy, nooo! Why?”
“You lied. That’s another rule.”
“I need to see all these rules,” she grumbled. “It’s not fair to give punishments before I see the rules.”
“Are you saying you think lying would be all right, even if there was no rule?”
She groaned. “Daddy, stop being so smart. I’m sick.” She wasn’t sure why she added that last part. Maybe to elicit some sympathy?
His face softened. “You’re right. Time for medicine and a protein drink before your nap.”
She wasn’t sure she could nap again, but she just nodded tiredly. “Will you tell me the rules?”
“Of course, baby. I also need you to give Derek permission to release your forms to me. The ones you filled out before coming here.”
Oh, great.
Just the forms where she’d basically revealed her deepest desires.
Yep. Awesome.
“I’ll get copies of mine for you,” he offered unexpectedly.
Um. Well. Okay, then.
That actually made her feel better.
“All right.”
“Actually, there is one more bag.” He drew out some ruffled pants that were adorable. She blushed at the idea of wearing them under that dress he’d bought her.
For his eyes only, of course.
Although, she was at a Ranch filled with Littles, so maybe she could get away with wearing them here without feeling embarrassed.
Next, he drew out a paddle that had a flying bumblebee printed on one side of it.
“You know what? This is going to come in handy later.” He smacked it against his hand, grinning. “Yep, that Liam sure knows his stuff.”
She groaned. Liam was so not getting a gift basket of muffins.