"Haven't we been over this, Lulu? You're my Little girl and the woman I've been searching for my whole life. We've had this conversation and I know you're not ready to jump all in like I am, but please give me a chance to prove I can be the Daddy you need."
Blowing out a breath, I glance around, knowing arguing with him is futile. My Little side is pouting that there's been no playtime, and I'm starting to feel a little antsy too.
"What will help you to realize that this is real?" Preston prods so quietly I lean in to hear him better. When his manly scent and cologne curl around me I half wonder if he did that on purpose.
No matter, Little Lulu is here to distract me from the sheer sex appeal that is my boss.
"Blankets, bears, blocks, blueberries, and Binks."
"Wow." Preston beams with a slight chuckle. "That was a lot of Bs, baby. I have four of those things, but can you tell me who Binks is, please?"
Oh shoot. I'm smiling over the fact that he referred to Binks as awho.Maybe he'll run out and get the frayed fabric for me if I'm sweet. Fingers crossed I don't do anything else wrong tonight so I can have the five Bs!
ten
PRESTON
The sparkle in her eyes makes my chest ache and my mouth curl into a genuine grin. My stress slowly ebbs away as Lulu's Little peeks through with hope that I have some of her favorite things.
Tucking a lock of dark hair behind her ear, I force myself to slow down just a bit. "Alright, sweet Little Lulu. Before we start playing, we need to talk about limits. Can my woman hold on a bit longer and help me be the best Daddy in the whole world?"
Her head cocks but she doesn't say anything, only making me more sure about my theories. She's a quiet girl, but I need to know how quiet.
"Would it be easier if I asked you yes or no questions at first?" At her hesitant nod, I ask my first one. "Is your Little nonverbal sometimes, baby?"
Another nod but this time her eyes drop to her lap. That just won't do.
Reaching forward slowly so as not to startle her, I grip her chin between my finger and lift. "As sweet as I feel your blush is, I don't like the reason you're looking away. Daddy will never judge you or think anything is wrong with you. Don't be ashamed of who you are because to me you'reeverything."
Her cheek indents a bit. "Careful in there," I scold and boop her nose. "Don't chew too hard. Pluck the blanket if you're anxious, okay? Never hurt yourself."
I'm throwing a lot at her. When her nose scrunches but she still does as I ask, I feel invigorated. This is working. I know how to take care of her.
"Here, eat a slice," I murmur, grabbing a piece of apple and holding it to her mouth. To my utter horror, she gulps and turns away from me. It feels like a punch to my chest when her legs curl into her chest to hide.
I drop the apple back onto the plate and shift forward on the coffee table. The fear in her eyes has me battling for control. "I don't know what just happened, but I'm going to pick you up, okay? Shake your head if that's not okay. I won't be mad."
She gives me the slightest nod of approval, sending me rushing forward. With her slight form in my arms and us tucked into the corner of my couch, I push down the rage at whoever hurt my baby.
"Okay, shh," I coo, rocking side to side when her trembling reaches new heights. "Lulu, can you please tell me what happened? Help Daddy, baby."
Nothing. Not even a whimper. An idea hits me fast. Drawing my phone out of my pocket, I shift around and place it in her shaking hands.
"I know you just want to play, and I know it will help you feel better but we can't until I know some things. Please type out your limits and we'll talk about the rest later. Now, Lulu," I say with a little more authority. I need to get through to her and if I need to be a bit more strict, I'll be that.
She takes a shuddering breath and starts typing. As much as I want to read over her shoulder, I close my eyes and dip my nose into her hair. Her strawberry shampoo settles my thundering heart just enough that I can take a full breath.
"Da-Daddy?"
Oh jesus fucking christ. Just when my heart is settled, she goes and reconstructs it completely. "Yeah, my little girl?" I don't give a shit if my voice croaks, because holy hell she just called me Daddy.
Lulu raises the phone over her shoulder, almost knocking a tooth out of my mouth. I laugh and pluck the device from her fingers. "Blocks?" she murmurs, wiggling on my lap.
I hum, and kiss the top of her head. "Sure, baby. But if I need to talk to you about this list, you'll come back to Daddy's lap."
She nods and crawls off of my legs. I watch, transfixed as she pads over to the low bookshelf filled with everything she might ever want. Just like she asked for, she pulls the tub of blocks down.
My eyes linger on her for an extra moment. She looks so sweet with her legs criss-crossed as she builds a colorful wall. I'm aware she was quick to get away from me because she’s nervous. If she weren't in Little mode, I would have told her to stay and talk it out with me.
