Finding Peace, page 21
She giggles. “That’s a yes. I know it,” she declares. “So, see? It’s time to move to Seattle.”
A smile spreads across my face. I can’t stop it. “Are you sure?” I didn’t see this coming. I figured I would invent another project and we would continue living here for a while. Forever if she needed to.
“Positive. Besides, it’s already done. I got fired.” She says this again with emphasis. “I don’t have time to work anymore. I have to finish my school work and go to college. I can’t do that from here. I need to be in Seattle. I want to go to school on campus. Do you realize how much of the day I’ll need to spend studying?” she asks, her eyes wide as if she’s the first human to attend school.
I chuckle. “I’m aware, kitten. So, you’re going to go to college, huh?” I grin at her. I’ve been suggesting this for weeks.
Now that my Little girl can read at a much higher level, it’s impossible to drag her out of her books. I’ve had to spank her more than once when I’ve caught her reading when she’s supposed to be napping or working on other classes.
I’m pretty sure reading has replaced masturbating when she’s in her Little girl room presumably napping. She doesn’t get to masturbate at night anymore either because she’s been sleeping in my arms ever since we returned to the Ridge from Seattle.
I love holding her all night, and she finally gets better sleep with my warm body against hers. I do have to contend with a pile of stuffies on the other side of her and Violet, but it’s worth it.
She even sleeps naked with me sometimes. She’s gotten far more comfortable in her skin. I’m pretty sure it helps when I’m also naked. She stares at me like I’m a Greek God, and who am I to argue with her assessment? I’m not opposed to strutting around the bedroom naked, knowing she’s following me with her gaze.
I’m grinning as she rambles on about what classes she wants to take. Sounds like English is her favorite and she’d like to be a teacher someday. I’m not surprised.
As soon as she takes a breath, I cover her mouth with mine. I kiss her until she’s moaning and grinding her pussy against me. When I break free of her lips, I lean my forehead against hers. “I love you so much, kitten.”
“I love you too, Daddy.” She squirms to free herself and slides down my body to stand on the floor. “If we don’t let Leah and Amy come down in the next five seconds, they’re going to get into big trouble and end up with very sore bottoms. They’re anxious.”
I chuckle. “We can’t have sore bottoms.” I lift her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “Go get them.”
She turns around and races back up the stairs.
I’m grinning from ear to ear as I watch her. She’s my heart and soul. She’s so happy. She’s seeing a group counselor with her family once a week. It’s helping a lot. They’re all processing and learning and finding a new path.
They have shed a lot of tears, but they’re healthy, necessary tears.
I worried at first that Brea might want to go be with them and help them, but she’s never wavered on that, insisting she belongs with me and only me.
I’m blessed beyond measure.
My sweet Little kitten has quit her job to move to Seattle with me. My heart is so full.
The sound of giggling girls makes me smile even broader.
Tonight is going to be loud and crazy and so much fun, and I’m such a lucky man that I get to be here with my girl while she laughs and plays with her friends.
Epilogue
Two months later…
* * *
Niko
* * *
I’m excited when I pull around to the back of the house and park. It’s been a long day that went longer than I expected. In fact, I’ve told Brea to eat dinner without me because I knew I’d be late.
Besides the fact that my meetings with the head of fundraising went longer than expected, I had to make a special stop on the way home to pick up a surprise for Brea.
After jumping down from the cab, I round to the passenger side to grab my surprise from the seat. I grin as I peek inside the small animal carrier. The tiny kitten looks scared, but she’ll be okay for a few more minutes until she meets her new mom. I open the back door, completely undetected by the three people sitting at the kitchen table, and I set the kitten’s carrier down just inside the room.
The kitchen is filled with laughter and talking, so I decide to leave the kitten out of sight for now. Looks like dinner was pizza, but they’ve finished eating. Brea is in her booster seat, Walker is across from her, and Elaine is sitting next to Walker.
It took Brea all of about three days to convince Elaine she was a member of the family and should sit and eat with us. She also convinced Elaine to let her help out in the kitchen.
I was leery about the idea at first. I never ever want Brea to work her ass off like she did in her childhood home. Nor will I ever make her feel like she’s not my equal. She’s not her mother. She’s my partner. Hopefully, she’ll agree to be my wife. Soon.
In the end, Brea managed to convince both me and Elaine that as my Little girl she needed chores, and those chores include things like setting the table and cleaning her room. She’s sneaky, but at least Elaine sits with us at the table now.
Walker has fallen under Brea’s spell too. It feels like he’s in my kitchen half the nights of the week, though I know he’s also seeing a woman. He hasn’t told us her name yet because he doesn’t want to jinx it. Apparently, she’s a member of Surrender. They’ve gone out several times. He has his hands full because she insists she’s not Little.
I don’t envy his challenge, but if he sees something in her she hasn’t tapped into yet, then I believe him. And if anyone can convince a woman to try age play, it’s Walker.
The other end of the table is covered with school books and open notebooks. Color-coded of course because my kitten likes her school work organized. She’s taking the GED this Saturday, and she’s been studying all the time for weeks.
I’ve tried to get her to understand it’s not the kind of test she has to get a high score on, but she won’t listen to me. She’s also got a pile of SAT and ACT books she’s already working through.
She’s driven and determined, and she’s going to be the best teacher in the world. I love watching her learn and thrive, and I try not to think about the fact that soon she’ll start attending classes in person at the university, and eventually she’ll get a teaching job.
It’s still years off, but she won’t be a twenty-four-seven Little anymore. I’m going to have to loosen the reins on what she wears and how she fixes her hair when she goes to classes. Not a lot. My heart wouldn’t be able to take that. But some. Enough to keep her happy while reminding her in little ways that she’s mine. My Little girl. My life. My world.
I lean against the counter, watching the scene in front of me unfold. My favorite people in the world. Walker is explaining some case he’s working on, and Elaine and Brea are laughing at the antics of something that happened in the courtroom.
Suddenly, Brea spots me. Her eyes light up and she shoves her chair back to jump down from her booster seat and run toward me. “Daddy.” She leaps into my arms.
It’s totally worth leaving the house two or three days a week to work just so I get this kind of reception when I return home. Brea always acts like I’ve been gone two months.
I tuck one hand under her bottom, and rub her back with the other, tugging on one of her braids so she’ll tip her head back and kiss me.
When our lips touch, all is right with the world. It always is. I kiss her like I mean it. I always do.
Finally, I reluctantly break the kiss and smile at her. “I brought you a surprise.”
Her eyes light up and she bounces in my arms. “What is it?”
I lower her to the floor before bending down to open the carrier so I can reach in and pick up the tiny kitten.
Brea’s wide eyes grow wider and her hand comes to her heart as she stumbles back a few steps. “A kitten? You got me a kitten?” She looks shocked. Like she can’t believe this is happening.
I chuckle as I hold the little kitty up to my chest and pet her soft fur. I’ve known about her for a week, but she wasn’t old enough to adopt until today.
The kitten squirms in my arms, twisting around as if she wants to see her new mom.
Finally, Brea seems to process what’s happening and takes a step closer. “She’s mine?” she asks incredulously.
“Yes, kitten. She’s yours. I thought my kitten needed a kitten. Some friends of mine from Surrender own an animal shelter called Safe Harbor. Cindy and Hudson. One of these days we’ll have them over for dinner. Cindy carefully selected this sweet girl for you. She wasn’t fully weaned until yesterday.”
Brea giggles as she reaches out to stroke the little cat’s chin. “Can I hold her?”
“Of course.” I carefully dislodge the tiny claws from my shirt and hand her to Brea.
The room is silent while Brea cradles her new pet, rocking her in her arms.
I glance at Walker and Elaine. They’re both grinning widely. We all like to please Brea. It’s impossible not to. She’s magnetic and so alive. She lights up the world.
When she finally lifts her face, there are tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Daddy.”
I squat down to be at her level. “You’re welcome, Little one. Don’t cry.” I wipe away her tears.
“I’m so happy, Daddy. Those are happy tears.” She sniffles.
I chuckle. “I know they are, but I don’t like it when you cry.”
“Then you have to stop doing nice things for me,” she admonishes.
I laugh harder. “That’s never going to happen, kitten. Guess I’ll just have to get used to the tears.” I pull her into my embrace, careful not to squish the kitten.
I kiss Brea’s forehead and hold her in my arms. I’m so damn blessed. My Little girl is thriving. Her family is also doing better every day. She’s at peace, and she’s all mine.
Author’s Note
I hope you’re enjoying the Blossom Ridge series. Are you ready for Stella and Walker’s story? Stay tuned for Building Trust!
Blossom Ridge:
Starting Over
Finding Peace
Building Trust
Feeling Brave
* * *
Please enjoy the following excerpt from Building Trust.
* * *
Stella
* * *
“You’ve been awfully mysterious lately.” Amy giggles. “And oddly busy. Methinks there’s a man behind the silence.”
Holding my cell phone to my ear, I flop onto my bed and stare up at the ceiling. Grinning. My best friend is right, but I’m not willing to talk about it yet.
“Stella… Spill.”
“I’m only going to say that you’re right. Don’t ask me for more. I don’t want to jinx it.” That’s kind of true. There are a lot of reasons why I haven’t told Amy or anyone else who I’m dating.
“I knew it.” Amy’s voice elevates. “And I’m offended. Why the secrecy?”
I roll my eyes, still grinning. Amy isn’t offended. Her voice gives her away. She’s using her pouty voice. “I bet you don’t talk to Foster in that tone.”
“Not unless I want my butt spanked, no. But you’re avoiding the subject.”
I roll onto my side and set my cell phone on the mattress next to me. It’s ten in the morning on a Monday. My café isn’t open on Mondays. “What are you doing calling me at this hour anyway?” I ask. “Aren’t you working?”
Amy is the chef at Blossom Ridge, the resort that stole my best baker. Not that I can blame her. Amy’s an amazing chef. One of the best, and it was time for her to take a bigger job than what I can offer at the café.
“Yep. I just finished cleaning up from the breakfast rush. I’m prepping for lunch. Figured now was a good time to call since you’re off on Mondays. But you’re still avoiding my question.”
“Does Foster know you’re calling me?” I tease, deflecting. Foster is Amy’s Daddy Dom. Amy doesn’t do much of anything without his permission, including making phone calls.
“Stella,” Amy shouts. “Stop changing the subject.”
I chuckle. “I’m just sayin’… What if you get caught? I bet he doesn’t let you make phone calls while you’re using a knife. It wouldn’t be safe.” Even though I’ve never met him, I can picture Foster’s stern expression if he finds Amy—though he calls her by her full name, Amelia—swinging a knife around while talking on the phone.
Amy sighs. “Yes, Daddy knows I’m talking to you. And, no, I’m not using a knife. He made me promise if I was going to multitask that I not touch anything dangerous.”
I laugh. “Knew it.” If I’m perfectly honest—which I have no intention of being—I’m probably jealous of the relationship Amy has with Foster. They’re an amazing couple. Perfect for each other. He makes her so happy. Every time I see her, she’s smiling. That’s all that matters at the end of the day.
Amy had known Blossom Ridge was a resort for age play guests when she took the job, but she hadn’t considered herself Little. It had taken her about ten minutes to get snatched up by the firm Daddy Dom, and now she’s living her best life.
It’s not the age play I’m jealous of. It’s the fact that Amy has found her perfect someone, and I’m… What am I doing? Grinning incessantly over a man I’m probably not suited for in the long run.
Walker Kline. I don’t want to tell Amy about him because she knows him from the club we both belong to—Surrender. Although Amy doesn’t go there anymore. She’s moved an hour out of Seattle to work at Blossom Ridge, and she’s in a committed relationship. She and Foster don’t venture into the city to visit a fetish club. They don’t need to. They live in a full-time age play relationship at the resort.
“Seriously, Stella. Why won’t you tell me about your mystery man?” Her voice sounds a bit more hurt this time.
Maybe it’s wrong to keep this from her. I chew on my thumbnail as I debate my options. Finally, I decide to continue deflecting. “Because it’s no big deal. I’m just having fun. We enjoy each other’s company is all. It’s not something sustainable.”
“Why not? You sound giddy. If you like him so much that you’re spending a lot of time with him, why can’t it become something more permanent?”
Because he’s a Daddy and I’m not a Little. Because he scrambles my head every time I’m with him and it scares me.
“Please tell me he’s not married.”
“He’s not married. Promise.”
“Then…I have to assume he’s vanilla and you haven’t told him how kinky you are. How long have you been dating this guy?”
I draw in a deep breath. “A few months. And, yes, he’s kinky.”
“Months? And you’re still keeping him a secret?” Amy’s voice switches to full-on offended.
I cringe. “Look, it’s not like I’ve told ten other people and not you. I haven’t told anyone. I don’t even see him every night. Once or twice a week usually. We don’t…” I hate sharing this with her. I don’t want her to lecture me.
“You don’t what, Stella?” No noises are coming from Amy’s end of the line anymore. I figure she’s stopped working and is focused solely on me. Her horrible best friend who is keeping secrets from her. If I were in her shoes, I’d be pissed.
“We don’t share the same kink,” I admit. If I don’t get off the phone soon, she’s going to guess everything.
Also by Becca Jameson
Blossom Ridge:
Starting Over
Finding Peace
Building Trust
Feeling Brave
* * *
The Wanderers:
Sanctuary
Refuge
Harbor
* * *
Surrender:
Raising Lucy
Teaching Abby
Leaving Roman
Choosing Kellen
Pleasing Josie
Honoring Hudson
Nurturing Britney
Charming Colton
Convincing Leah
Rewarding Avery
Surrender Box Set One
Surrender Box Set Two
Surrender Box Set Three
* * *
Open Skies:
Layover
Redeye
Nonstop
Standby
Takeoff
Jetway
Open Skies Box Set One
Open Skies Box Set Two
* * *
Shadow SEALs:
Shadow in the Desert
* * *
Delta Team Three (Special Forces: Operation Alpha):
Destiny’s Delta
* * *
Canyon Springs:
Caleb’s Mate
Hunter’s Mate
* * *
Corked and Tapped:
Volume One: Friday Night
Volume Two: Company Party
Volume Three: The Holidays
* * *
Project DEEP:
Reviving Emily
Reviving Trish
Reviving Dade
Reviving Zeke
Reviving Graham
Reviving Bianca
Reviving Olivia
Project DEEP Box Set One
Project DEEP Box Set Two
* * *
SEALs in Paradise:
Hot SEAL, Red Wine
Hot SEAL, Australian Nights
Hot SEAL, Cold Feet
