Brea
“Oh my gosh. I love love that dress,” Amy exclaims a week later when I step into the kitchen to help her prepare breakfast.
I’m grinning, and I twirl around a few times to show it off. It’s bright purple and pink and green and yellow. All the colors are in a swirly pattern on the material. I’ve got on bright purple leggings that match underneath. It’s soft cotton. So comfortable.
“Thank you. Niko helped me shop online.” That was an experience in and of itself. I’ve had very little exposure to computers in my life. My father owns one, but no one is allowed to use it but him. I’ve sometimes watched him type on it, but it’s not the same as doing so myself.
Niko immediately added computer lessons to my growing list of objectives. He showed me how to navigate through the stores and how to use the mouse, and then he patiently sat next to me while I scrolled through all sorts of clothing.
It took me a while to get the hang of how to use the mouse and what to click on and whether to click with the left or the right, but I caught on fast. At least that’s what Niko said. That’s what Niko always says when I’m learning something new. I don’t know if he’s just being kind or if I really am a quick learner.
The man is a saint. He never complained while I spent over an hour scouring through styles and colors until I finally settled on this purple dress with the leggings.
Niko chuckled. “Kitten, you need to choose several things. Not just one.”
It felt like Christmas and I was shaking as I picked out a new wardrobe. Not any Christmas I’ve ever experienced, but the sort I imagine other people do.
The most I ever got for Christmas was a plain gray dress that came from a thrift store and reached down to my calves. This is the first dress I’ve ever owned that was above my knees. I’d probably feel self-conscious if it weren’t for the leggings.
Amy steps closer and grins. “You have great taste. Those colors look perfect on you.”
I flush. Until this week, I wouldn’t say I had any fashion sense at all. I didn’t have a taste. I was just me, wearing whatever other people handed me. This is the first time I’ve picked out my own clothes. I’d never even owned something new until I arrived here. Most of what Leah gave me was new, but I still didn’t choose that original wardrobe.
There’s an extra bounce in my step as I help Amy get breakfast on the table and then clean up afterward. I head upstairs to put the guest rooms back in order for most of the morning, hurrying through my tasks because I want to find Niko and thank him for my pretty dress.
I can hear pounding in the basement, so I know he’s down there working, and I descend the stairs late in the morning, looking for him.
He’s in one of the unfinished rooms, and he happens to step out as I reach the bottom of the stairs. His face lights up. “Hey, kitten. Don’t you look pretty?”
“Thank you, Sir.” I grin and twirl around. I don’t even care if my actions are childish. Niko doesn’t care. No one else living here or visiting cares. In fact, it’s the norm. So if I want to spin around in a circle and show off my new dress like I’m five, who’s going to stop me or judge me?
When he reaches me, he carefully leans over and kisses my forehead, something I’m growing to look forward to and cherish. “I don’t want to touch you, kitten. I’m covered in sawdust and my hands are filthy.”
“That’s okay. I finished all my chores for the morning. Can I watch you work?” I bite my lip, uncertain he will honor my request. I’ve never bothered him while he’s working. I’m also aware that Craig and Foster have specifically told their Littles not to come down here and get in Niko’s way.
“Mmm. I guess. But only because I’m still working on the drywall. I don’t want you to know what the finished room is going to be used for.” He nods over his shoulder. “Come on. I’ll find a clean spot where you can sit. Watch where you step.”
I follow him, careful not to step on any nails or loose boards. There’s a folding chair and table in the corner of the room, and Niko points at it. “You can sit there.” He snags the huge piece of paper on the table and flips it over, flattening his palm on it.
I sit on the chair and fold my legs crisscross in front of me, tucking my new white tennis shoes under my knees.
His eyes are dancing with mirth when I meet his gaze. “Don’t peek at the blueprints, kitten.” He winks.
“What are blueprints?”
He pats the large paper. “The drawings of what the room will look like when it’s finished.” He taps my nose. “It’s a secret.”
I grin. I think I like his surprises. I can’t wait to find out what he’s planning.
“Don’t move from this chair, kitten. It’s not safe.”
“I won’t.”
He kisses my forehead again before returning to his work.
I’m mesmerized as I watch him. He’s wearing a blue T-shirt that stretches tight across his chest and his back. The sleeves are snug against his biceps too.
My gaze travels down to his lower half next. His jeans fit him perfectly, making his butt and thighs look spectacular. He’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. Every time I look at him, I get tingly. Butterflies jump around in my belly.
When I’m not with him, I miss him. When I am with him, I feel calmer and happier. I have no experience with men at all, but I’m not ignorant. I know I have a giant crush on Niko. He’s dreamy. I don’t care that he’s twenty years older than me.
I’m pretty sure he feels the same way about me because he tells me every day several times how pleased he is with me. That could simply refer to my progress with my studies of course, but he lights up when he sees me in the same way I imagine I do.
Niko is definitely a Daddy through and through. He gives off the same vibes as Craig and Foster. He’s slowly been dominating me more each day too. He told me last night that he was planning to go full Daddy on me today.
I hardly slept from the anticipation, but I tried to keep from moving around much and I didn’t get out of bed after he tucked me in between my pillows. I didn’t want to wake him, plus I know he hates it when I don’t sleep well.
I’m mesmerized as I watch him. He’s so strong. His brows are often drawn together in concentration. I wish I could cup the sides of his face and kiss his forehead like he does mine. I’d like to ease those creases with my lips.
I’d like to kiss his mouth too. He hasn’t given me any indication he intends to take our relationship to that level yet. I think he’s holding back for my sake, but I kind of wish he wouldn’t.
I’m coming out of my shell more every day, but I’m not bold enough to ask Niko to kiss me. What if he turned me down? I’d be too embarrassed to look at him again.
The one and only time we discussed that kind of thing Niko insinuated he’s interested in me that way. But what if he changed his mind? I’m a lot of work. I have a billion issues. He might get tired of me soon. Tired of how ignorant I am about the world. It must be exhausting.
“Hey, kitten.”
I jerk my gaze up to find him strolling toward me. “Something wrong? You looked pretty happy sitting there for a while, but now your expression has become sad. You okay?”
I sit straighter, gripping my knees with my hands. “I’m fine.”
“You sure?” His brow furrows with concern as he lifts my chin with one finger. “If something’s bothering you, I want you to be able to talk to me.”
I shake my head, but my cheeks heat.
His brow flattens out and he chuckles. “I think my Little kitten is fibbing.”
More heat rises across my face and my bottom lip trembles. “Please don’t make me tell you, Sir. It’s embarrassing.”
He squats down in front of me, putting us at eye level, serious again. “Don’t worry, kitten. You don’t have to tell me everything that pops into your mind. You’re permitted to have your own private thoughts. I was just teasing you.”
“Okay.” I glance at the door. “I should probably go help Amy get lunch ready.”
“Sounds like a good idea. I’m going to head to my cabin and take a quick shower. I’m covered with sawdust. I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a few minutes. Okay?”
“Yes, Sir.” I slide off the chair and reach out to touch his beard, cupping his cheek. “I like this beard, Sir.”
He smiles. “Do you? I’m not sure about it yet. It’s getting longer than I usually let it grow. It gets hot when I’m working in the gym.”
“The gym?”
“Yep. I don’t actually do this sort of construction work all the time. When I’m in Seattle, I run a philanthropy, but I also help coach a few local football teams.”
“Football?” I didn’t know this.
He chuckles as he stands and leads me toward the door. “Until a few years ago, I was a professional football player.”
I gasp. “You were?”
“Yes. That’s how I met Foster. We played football together in college. Foster got injured and didn’t go on to make a career out of it, but I played for many years.”
“No wonder you’re so big and fit.” I look up and down his frame.
He laughs. “I’m also beat-up and sore most of the time.”
“Oh. That’s a bummer.”
He shrugs. “It’s part of playing sports. We get beat-up and spend the rest of our lives with sore joints and muscles. I didn’t do too bad. I retired before I ever suffered any severe injury. I was one of the lucky ones.”
I turn toward him before heading up the stairs. “My father always grumbled about professional sports. He said they make too much money and it wasn’t fair.” I slap my hand over my mouth after I speak. Why did I say that?
He chuckles again. “He’s not wrong, kitten. Professional sports players make a lot of money. It’s probably not fair. But I try to use my money to do good things in society now that I’m retired and I have the time.”
“Like your philanthropy?”
“Yes. Exactly.”
I haven’t asked him what his philanthropy is yet, but another thought bothers me. “Is helping me one of your good things?” My voice is soft. I’m not sure I want to hear the answer to my question. I need to learn to think before I speak.
Niko shakes his head. “No, kitten. Helping you is one of my greatest life’s pleasures. You’re not a project. You’re my Little girl. I sincerely hope you’ll grow to see me as your permanent Daddy and want to stay with me even when I’m done with this basement.”
My mouth falls open and I blink at him. My heart beats faster. I wasn’t sure he saw me that way. I’m both relieved and scared at the same time. Niko doesn’t live here. He lives in Seattle. Probably in a mansion.
I live here. This is my new home. I’m just finding myself. I can’t leave here when he’s done with this project. Is that what he wants?
I stare at him for a moment and then turn and run up the stairs. I’m panting by the time I reach the kitchen. I’m so stupid. Why didn’t it occur to me that this crush I have on Niko can’t last? He doesn’t live here. I do. He’s only here for a few more weeks.
I shut the door to the basement and lean against it, trying to catch my breath.
“You okay, Brea?”
I jerk my head up to find Amy watching me from the kitchen table. She has a handful of silverware. Duh. She’s getting everything ready for lunch. I should have been helping her instead of mooning over Niko in the basement.
“I’m so sorry.” I rush forward and grab the napkins, hurrying to put one at each spot at the table.
“Why are you sorry? Nothing to be sorry about. You’re not obligated to help me in the kitchen. I enjoy your company and I don’t mind teaching you how to cook, but you don’t have to break your back working here, Brea.”
I hustle around the table, shrugging her off, not meeting her gaze. “Oh yeah. I know. I just like to stay busy.”
She hasn’t moved an inch since I arrived even though I’m scurrying around her. I head for the platter of sliced tomatoes and onions next and take it to the table.
Amy clears her throat as she slowly adds the silverware to each place setting. “I know you’re a hard worker. We all do. You have nothing to prove to anyone here. You know that right?”
“Yeah, sure.” I grab the lunch meat next. It’s create-your-own-sandwich day, though I know Amy has also made an amazing broccoli cheese soup from scratch. It smells so good my mouth was watering all morning every time I came near the kitchen.
She keeps talking. “It’s okay if you want to spend some time with Niko. He’s a good guy. Foster wouldn’t have asked him to come here and help with the construction if he hadn’t been positive he was one of the best.”
“Yeah, he’s nice.” I’m not sure when I started saying yeah all the time, but it’s become part of my new vocabulary.
“Who’s nice?” Leah’s bubbly voice fills the room as she enters from the front of the house.
“Niko,” Amy informs her while my face turns ten shades of red.
“Yes, he is. Hey… Did he let you watch him working downstairs?”
I jerk my gaze to Leah to find her pouting dramatically, arms crossed. Thank God. For a second, I thought she was mad at me.
“That meanie. He won’t let either of us watch him work. You must be pretty special.” She breaks her pout to grin and wink at me.
“I’m not,” I argue. “Special, I mean. I’m not.”
Leah frowns. “Of course, you are. Why would you say that? I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He’s smitten.”
Amy is back at the island and she sets her elbows on the counter, her expression dreamy like she’s Sandra Dee and we’re on the set of Greece. I only know this because I watched the musical with Leah and Amy last week. “He definitely is.”
“I love that dress by the way,” Leah says. “Jeans weren’t right for you at all, were they? You look more comfortable today.”
“Thank you,” I murmur. They’re both talking so fast and I’m overwhelmed all of a sudden. Everyone seems to think Niko and I are a thing. And why wouldn’t they? We spend all of our free time together, usually alone in his cabin. When I’m not working, I’m with him. Of course, they all think I’m…
What do they think? My face heats to a thousand degrees. I need some space. I can’t face my friends and coworkers right now. “Uh, I need to… I’ll be right back.” I spin around and exit the kitchen, heading toward my cabin.
Maybe if I take a few minutes to collect myself, I’ll be able to return. Maybe I’ll slide into my seat in a while after everyone is settled and no one will notice. Or maybe I should not eat lunch at all. I’ll say I don’t feel well or something.
I’m rushing down the path so quickly with my head toward the ground, not paying attention to the world around me, which is why I slam right smack into a huge body.
Niko.
He grabs my biceps to steady me. “Brea? What’s the rush? Where are you going?”
I look at him and then back down. “I just need some space. Please.” I shake free of him and step around him, jogging now. When I reach the door to my cabin, I fumble in my pocket for my key, taking too long.
My hands are shaking as I finally attempt to put the key in the lock. Suddenly larger hands are on top of mine. Niko is surrounding me from behind. He gently takes the key from me and opens my door.
I can’t speak as he urges me to enter. I want to tell him to go away, but that’s not the kind of person I am. I’m too polite to be rude to him. He’s been nothing but kind to me. After all, I’m his pet project. That’s what I am. His pet. His kitten.
I purse my lips, fighting back tears that threaten to fall for no reason. I know I’m being irrational. I’m not a project of his. He just told me so not twenty minutes ago. It would probably be easier if I were. It would hurt less when he leaves.
He shuts my door and then hands land on my shoulders from behind. “Brea, talk to me.” His voice is so kind.
“Why are you so nice to me?” My voice lifts, shocking me. I’m not a confrontational person. I never raise my voice. Why would I do so with the first person I’ve known who cares enough about me to help me get my GED and find myself?
“Kitten, what’s going on? I need you to talk to me. I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s happening in that gorgeous head of yours.”
I lurch forward, yanking myself out of his grip and spinning around. “Maybe you should stop helping me. I can take it from here. I know what to do. I can do my studies and find a way to get my GED. I’ll be fine. I’m taking up too much of your time anyway. You’re probably behind schedule because you spend so much of your day helping me.”
“Brea? Sweet girl. My goodness. You’re very worked up. Did something happen?”
I shake my head, not meeting his gaze. I can’t. If I look into his eyes, I’ll lose my resolve and end up crying, probably in his lap. “Nothing happened. I’m just being realistic. I can’t be your Little. I don’t even know if I’m Little at all. What if I’m not? You should find someone who doesn’t need as much work as I do. Someone who’s sure she’s right for you.” I take a few steps back.
Niko doesn’t follow but he does set his hands on his hips and sighs. I can see that much without lifting my gaze. “Is this because I told you I live in Seattle, kitten? Did that freak you out? I didn’t mean to make you think I intend to leave you. I don’t. I told you you’re mine. I know that deep in my heart. I don’t have all the answers, kitten, but we’ll figure it out.”
I shake my head. “I think it would be better if we stop spending so much time together. Easier. Don’t you?” I take another step backward. If I could just turn and run into my room, I could shut and lock the door, shut out the world. Burrow under my covers and cry until I purge myself of Niko.
Niko eases farther into my cabin and lowers himself into the armchair. He leans back and meets my gaze. “Come here, Little one.”