A month later…
Niko
I’ve been at Blossom Ridge less than an hour when my gaze lands on the petite auburn Little standing near the hot tub. It takes me a moment to realize she’s not joining the three Littles in the hot tub. She’s fully dressed and adding a stack of towels to the shelves near the pool.
She glances toward the giggling Little girls with a mixed expression. She’s almost smiling, but not quite. She seems slightly startled. Envious maybe? She stares at them for several seconds before glancing in my direction.
I’m on the other side of the pool, getting a tour of the Ridge from Foster. My breath hitches when she sees me, and my heart leaps in my chest when her cheeks turn pink and she lowers her gaze. In a flash, she scurries into the main house without looking in our direction again.
I watch her as she disappears before turning back toward Foster. “Sorry. What were you saying?”
He’s grinning and he doesn’t answer my question. “Cute, isn’t she?”
“Who?”
Foster chuckles. “I’ve known you for twenty-seven years. Don’t play dumb with me. Her name’s Brea.”
I draw in a breath and rub my jaw. My chin is scruffy. I haven’t shaved in three days. Every time I consider letting my beard grow out it starts itching about day three and I end up shaving it off. Today is that day.
“Does she work here?” I ask. No sense pretending I didn’t notice her. I could probably lie to Foster for a few hours, but I can’t lie to myself. It’s been a long time since a Little has caught my attention. Hell, I’m probably going to have to rein in my reaction. She undoubtedly has a Daddy already. After all, this is a resort for guests who practice age play.
“Yep. She’s been here three weeks. And no, she doesn’t have a caregiver. She didn’t even know what age play was before she joined our team.”
I flinch. “Seriously? She’s not Little?”
“I didn’t say that. I’ve thought she was Little from the moment she arrived. Hell, Leah and Craig thought so when they went to Seattle to interview her. They wouldn’t have hired her if they hadn’t thought she would fit in. I’m just saying she’s learning.”
“Sounds like she got tossed into the pool and she’s having to sink or swim.” And fuck me, but the vibes she put off were very Little. The way she smiled longingly at the girls in the hot tub. The way she ducked her head when she saw me. The way she skipped into the house with a youthful bounce to her step.
“Yeah. About that…” Foster begins, glancing at me. “I’m pretty sure she can’t swim. Literally. I’ve watched her with Amelia in the pool a few times. She stays close to the zero-entry edge. I doubt she’s ever been in a pool before.”
“Jesus. What’s her story?” I ask as we head for the house. So far Foster has given me a tour of the grounds and the cabins where the employees live. I’ve been assigned one for the next few weeks while I help Foster with a construction job.
“Not entirely sure. I didn’t want to pry, so I didn’t ask Leah and Craig many questions. Amelia knows her a bit too. They were both working at a café in Seattle. Amelia was the chef there until Leah and Craig stole her to become the main chef here. Brea was waiting tables.”
I glance at Foster. There is a shit ton he hasn’t said.
Foster shrugs. “I know she’s had a rough life. She’s like a bird with a broken wing.”
I inhale deeply. “Did you ask me to come here to help build an addition in the basement, or did you invite me because you know I have a soft place in my heart for damaged souls?” I lift my brows. Even though it’s been a long time since I last saw Foster, he knows me well.
“Both?” At least he doesn’t lie about it.
We stop by the entrance to the kitchen at the back of the mansion and face each other. I rub my hands together. I’ve been anxious to take on the project he has in mind since he first told me about it. This new side project is far more delicate. “It’s been a while since I last had a Little,” I point out.
“They haven’t changed.” He chuckles. “I was hibernating for five years before Amelia showed up and knocked me on my ass. It took about ten seconds for me to remember how to care for a Little girl. It’s like riding a bike. It comes naturally to me. I know it does for you too.”
I rub my scruffy chin again. There’s no denying Brea grabbed my heartstrings and I haven’t even heard her voice. But… “Taking on a broken Little is a huge responsibility.”
“Yep.”
I smirk at him. “By the way, why am I not shocked that you call your Little Amelia while everyone else calls her Amy?”
He grins. “It’s her name.”
“Uh-huh,” I tease. “I bet she flinches and jumps to attention every time you use it.”
“Yep.”
I roll my eyes. “Show me this unfinished basement. I can’t focus on your secondary project right now.” I shake my head. Damn friend setting me up. Already I’m twisted and raw from spotting Brea from afar.
I hope I’m not in over my head.