Page 5 of Daddy’s Accidental Shy Little

"That sounds like something Paul would do," she commented as we watched Matthew and Paul set out snacks for the party-goers. "He's not a bad guy or anything. Maybe a little misunderstood, but who isn't when it comes to people like us." I frowned as I looked at her.

"People like us?" I asked, and she nodded.

"Littles and Daddies," she elaborated, and my frown deepened at the unfamiliar phrase. Seeing my response, she raised an eyebrow at me. "You know? Like the kink?" When I didn't respond, her eyes widened. "Oh… You're not one of us, are you?" I winced at the accusation.

"I don't know," I admitted to her. "I never really heard the terms before. Also, I can't even land a proper date with anyone, so kinks are a bit out of the question right now." The embarrassed look on her face vanished, and she gave me a mischievous smile.

"Oh, I see," she began, and I realized my mistake. "Remember that blind date I told you about the other day?"

CHAPTER SIX

Paul

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Matthew told me as we served up the snack I had brought for their baby shower. "What's going on?" I sighed as I watched the woman in the living room next to Jenna.

"I gave that woman a ride home yesterday," I admitted, and he gave me a strange look. Before he could get the wrong idea, I continued. "Someone hit her car in the parking lot of the store, and I helped her get to the sidewalk after she went into shock. When they had her vehicle towed away, I offered her a ride home." Matthew went silent for a moment, processing this as he arranged the platters and bowls around the kitchen.

"That was kind of you," he commented as we worked. "Never thought you would be the type to do something like that." Raising an eyebrow at him, I scoffed.

"You're one to talk," I retorted. "I never expected you to settle down and have a baby." Ignoring my remark, Matthew leaned against the counter and crossed his arms.

"So, are you pursuing her?" he asked. "Trying to indoctrinate her into the world of Littles and Daddies?" Immediately, I shook my head, and he shrugged. "Well, that's too bad. Jenna was hoping to set the two of you up on a blind date." My jaw dropped, and I stared at him for a moment, trying to determine if he was serious.

That was the woman Jenna wanted me to meet? The world must have had a pretty wicked sense of humor if it had already brought us together the way it did before Jenna could work her magic. As far as I could tell, I had blown my chance with her.

"That's her?" I finally managed as I stared at him in disbelief. "Jenna wants me to date her?" Matthew looked a little concerned as he stared at me.

"Is that a problem?" he asked, his voice low and a bit threatening as he spoke. Immediately, I shook my head, not wanting him to get the wrong idea.

"No, of course not," I reassured him. "As much as I would love the chance to get to know her, I have a feeling my chances are already ruined after yesterday." He sighed and shook his head, and I had a hard time figuring out if he agreed with me or not.

Why did this have to happen? Of all the things that could have happened, I had met the perfect Little who had tainted my mind ever since I met her the day before, and she was who I was supposed to be with? I wouldn't blame her if she threw away my number immediately.

"You could still have a chance," Matthew reassured me. "The way I see it, you're a hero. Littles love Daddies who act like knights in shining armor, saving them from the dangers of the world." I looked from him to the woman and back as I considered this.

"You mean it?" I asked, and he nodded.

"How do you think Jenna and I met?" he asked. "She was dating some dirtbag who constantly abused her, and she went searching for help. I came to the rescue and scared him off, and she was mine in a second." I crossed my arms and looked back at the woman, who was already staring at me.

Had I been looking at this all wrong? Was this a gift from heaven, not some sick joke? I wanted to believe things could work out. As I considered this, the doorbell rang, and I watched Matthew make his way over to the door.

It was Natalie, and she wasn't alone. She had arrived with several other women, claiming they were her friends, and she made her way into the room, wishing Jenna good tidings and everything as she stared me down from across the room. Part of me wanted out as soon as possible, especially after the warnings Derek had given me.

I couldn't believe I had forgotten Natalie was a friend of Jenna's as well as a Little. I should have known better than to come to this party without expecting Natalie to pull something, and I cursed my shortsightedness. Seeing my obvious discomfort from across the room, Matthew frowned and started towards me.

"Are you okay?" he asked again, clearly concerned by my pale expression. Before either of us could respond, Jenna and the woman from the day before made their way over to the kitchen.

"Paul, have you met my friend, Annabelle?" Jenna asked, a smug expression on her face as she spoke, and I noticed the venomous look Natalie was giving me from across the room.

"Sort of," I admitted sheepishly, and Annabelle looked equally embarrassed.

"I didn't get the chance to thank you for helping me out yesterday," Annabelle continued. Think nothing of it," I told her. "Just doing my civil duty is all." Jenna smiled as she watched the two of us.

"You know, you should join us for dinner tomorrow," she suggested suddenly, her old troublemaking grin returning to her face. "Kind of my way of thanking you for saving my best friend." Annabelle turned to look at Jenna.

"I don't know if I can," she protested as she stared at her friend, desperate to convey some kind of message. "I still have to make arrangements for Father's things to go to storage now that he's settled in the nursing home. Besides, I still have to find a job." I smiled as I looked at her.

"It's funny you mentioned that," I told her, testing my luck as I spoke. "My company just recently lost our receptionist, and we've been looking to replace her. If you need a job, I would be happy to consider you for it." Across the room, Natalie looked as mad as hornets, and I knew I had struck a cord as Annabelle smiled at me.