Chapter 6
Chapter Six
In the guise of being busy and actually needing to be four places at one time, Essie had avoided Zander for the rest of the day.
Essie had so many details to take care of that staying holed up in her office was easy.
All the physical and mental tasks had allowed her to crash into sleep that night, despite her worry that she’d toss and turn for hours.
The following day, the attendees of the tea party had declared the afternoon absolutely magical.
Even the drizzle of rain had created a misty, fantasy setting to welcome everyone to the outdoor setting.
The small fairy lights she’d added at the last minute along the support poles of the tent had glittered, adding a glow that enhanced the decorations on each table.
Essie had stood at the edge of the tent, saying goodbye to the older ladies.
Almost everyone gushed with compliments as they departed.
Others wanted to meet with her about scheduling.
The organizer reserved a date for the group to come back every month, outside while the weather was favorable and inside during the cold weather.
Essie had jumped at the opportunity to have a regular booking.
She couldn’t have chosen a better group to build her reputation.
Thanks to Sara’s help in selecting the caterer’s menu to be both fancy and delicious, the women were eager to spread the word about their wonderful afternoon.
Over the moon that her first event had gone well, Essie took careful notes over what worked and what needed improvement.
Thank goodness, her good-moves list outnumbered the needs improvement column.
She’d meet with the catering company about adding servers and exploring how to lessen the clatter of dishes that had challenged conversations at times.
And desserts! They had so many ask for another serving of the delicious treats. She would need to add extra charges to the budget to allow for more supplies to be prepared. Essie had to admit if they left craving more, that would bring them back sooner.
Finally, the landscaper would get a huge thank you from her for the fragrant flowers that so many commented they’d enjoyed.
And even in a sudden burst of the rain, the pathways had remained well-drained and safe.
Thank goodness for Ivan! Listening to Edmund had served her well. He’d nailed that recommendation.
Exhausted and peopled out after everyone left, Essie escaped to her room. She took a long bath and completely ignored the list of people she needed to call and schedule in for meetings. Soaking her aching feet, Essie melted into the warm water and swore to buy better shoes with her first profits.
When she finally dragged herself out of the tub, she refused to get dressed again to go down for dinner.
After Essie made a quick phone call, Sara brought her a bowl of creamy chicken soup that soothed her while the delicious taste filled her empty tummy.
Essie curled up in bed with Tux and a great book.
A quiet but firm knock on her door made her bolt upward to sit on the mattress. She guessed immediately who it was. Sara would have walked straight in like she had earlier. Holding her breath, Essie hoped he’d think she was asleep.
Zander quietly said through the door, “You can’t run forever, Little girl. Talk to me.”
She shook her head, refusing to open the barrier between them. She’d have to speak to him sometime, but she couldn’t. Not yet.
He stood in the hall for five minutes before she heard the green room’s door open and close with a firm click. Nothing angry. Zander rarely lost control of himself as a kid. As an adult, he’d never shown her any sign of an anger problem. Essie suspected he’d wait her out.
“What am I going to do, Tux?” Essie whispered to her stuffie.
“You could march over there and hash this out with that man.”
Essie shrieked and jumped out of bed. Edmund took shape, leaning against the far wall. “Edmund! You should not be in my room. What if I was changing or heading for the shower?”
“Essie? Are you okay? Open the door. I heard you scream.” Zander sounded concerned.
“See what you’ve done,” she accused and stomped to the door, yelling through it. “I’m fine. I saw something that startled me.”
The door opened, making her dance back to avoid it. “You can’t just waltz in here, Zander.”
“What scared you? A mouse? Tell me where the creature ran,” Zander demanded as he walked inside, scanning the place.
“No mice scurry around in Ferguson’s Folly!” Essie answered, outraged. A rumor like that would ruin her business.
Zander turned to face her fully. One corner of his mouth lifted in a wry smile. “Tux?”
Essie started to move the penguin stuffie behind her but froze, realizing she only wore the battered T-shirt she normally slept in. “Ummm, yeah?”
Her face heated. Essie suspected her cheeks were completely scarlet. “You shouldn’t be in my room.”
“It’s not the first time I’ve been in your room, Little girl.” He walked toward her as she slowly edged backward.
He’d called her Little girl again. What did he mean by that?
“Oops!” Essie ran into the dresser behind her and jolted forward. His arms closed around her, holding the two of them close.
Quickly, she said, “But you were a kid then.”
“True. I’m not interested how far we can throw water balloons now.”
“That was a fun afternoon until the gardener got mad because we smashed his dahlias. I don’t even know what dahlias are.”
“I don’t care what dahlias are, do you?” His gaze centered on her lips.
Instant heat ricocheted into her as she remembered the kiss they’d exchanged earlier.
Essie shook her head. Dahlia, daisies, dandle…
. All thoughts vanished from her mind as he tasted her.
A soft butterfly kiss that deepened as he pulled her firmly against him.
His tongue swept across hers, teasing and tempting her to respond.
She wanted to play it cool, but her body had other ideas.
Her hands slid over his broad shoulders to wrap around his neck.
She thrust her fingers into his thick hair, loving the silky texture.
Her nipples hardened into tight points against the heat of his chest. She wiggled, trying to get closer to him, but Tux was in the way.
Zander gently tugged the stuffie from between them and set the penguin on the furniture behind her before stroking his hand down her spine. His fingers brushed over her full bottom, cupping her curves. “So perfect,” he murmured against her mouth before kissing her deeply again.
“Damn,” he said several long minutes later as he looked down at her. Zander tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear before adding, “I knew kissing you would be incredible, but….”
“I am awake, aren’t I?” she asked before pinching herself to make sure.
His hand covered hers quickly. “None of that, Little girl. No hurting yourself.”
“Little girl?” she forced herself to ask this time. What did he mean by that? She’d always been curvy. Surely, he couldn’t mean….
His lips curved in a sensual smile that made her heart skip a beat. “I like your curves a lot. And I do mean Little girl in terms of Daddy Doms and precious Littles.”
“I said that aloud?”
“You did.”
“You’re a Daddy?” she whispered.
“Yes, Essie. I always have been, just as you have always been Little.”
“You knew?” She peeked over her shoulder at Tux, who looked back at her with wide black eyes. He seemed surprised too.
“I did. Missing you tore me up inside when our families separated us. I didn’t understand why back then, but as I got older, I figured out the reason. Even as kids, our relationship was special.”
“So, what do we do now?” she asked, trying to squelch her hopes.
“We spend time together. I’ll help you when I can with your new business.” He must have seen her bristle because he added, “Not because I don’t think you can succeed alone, but because I want to support your efforts.”
“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’t understand 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.