by Pepper North
“The book thing, that’s me exactly! I thought it was only my fantasy. Well, okay. I knew if there were stories out there for others to read, I wasn’t totally alone,” Rosie admitted. “But I didn’t know people lived as Littles.”
“Hope’s lived the longest as a Little. I don’t think you’ve ever told us how you and Sam met,” Cricket probed.
“My story is close to yours, but a bit different. I’ll explain sometime, but let’s focus on answering Ember’s questions,” Hope suggested. “I’m glad you’ve appeared in Jax’s life.”
“Do you live an ageplay life all the time?” Ember whispered in amazement. “Like not just for play? They spank you...? And do all those... things?”
River rubbed her small bottom with a wince. “I knew I was going to be in trouble when I refused to go to bed. I just had one more chapter in my book and I had to finish it.”
“That’s just wrong,” Hope asserted with a wrinkled nose.
“You go tell my daddy that,” River said, laughing.
“No way,” Hope backtracked before teasing, “I know what your daddy would recommend for an argumentative Little.”
Ember looked from woman to woman in amazement. This was actually their life. She realized that she was jealous. Peeking over her shoulder at Jax, she found him watching her. He flashed her a questioning okay sign, and she nodded quickly to reassure him that everything was fine. Turning back to the group, Ember discovered everyone looking at her.
“Don’t tell on us, please?” Cricket pleaded. “We didn’t know if you’d be one of us or not. The daddies decided it would be safer if we just didn’t say anything.”
Still flabbergasted, Ember had to double-check, “You live as a little girl? Or a... baby?” Her mind immediately flew to the endearment that Jax had been calling her. Baby.
A warm arm wrapped around her body. Her mind boggled that she recognized it already. Jax had come to check on her. “Baby, are you doing okay?”
“I messed everything up,” Cricket confessed. “I used the word Daddy. But Ember already knew about ageplay. She just didn’t know that people lived the lifestyle all the time.”
“Sounds like the conversation has been pretty intense. Ember, would you like to come sit with me for a while?” Jax asked. His eyes focused only on hers.
That warm feeling that blossomed inside her whenever she was around Jax rekindled. He was here for her again. “I’m okay. I burned my marshmallow,” she pointed out, trying to give herself some time to think.
Jax plucked the burnt marshmallow off the stick and popped it in his mouth. “Mmm! Just the way I like them.” After adding a fresh one, he announced, “Problem solved.” He leaned in and kissed Ember’s temple.
“Little girls, can I count on you to answer questions that Ember might want to ask? If she wants to ask,” he stressed. Jax made eye contact with each Little. When they’d all nodded, he turned to Ember. “Come sit on my lap if you need to be close. It’s okay here.”
When Ember nodded, Jax confiscated the perfectly golden-brown marshmallow on Cricket’s roasting fork. “I’ll take this is my bribe for not telling Mark.”
“Thank you.” Cricket sacrificed her treat with a smile. After making eye contact with Ember one more time, Jax returned to the noisy group of men.
“Let’s start this process over again. Suddenly, our marshmallows abandoned the s’mores they were destined for,” Hope laughed. “Let’s all share some random fact about ourselves as we try a second time.”
“I think margarine is the devil’s work,” Rosie blurted. Three seconds passed before the women laughed. That was definitely random. She’d set the challenge.
“I went to hot yoga and passed out,” Cricket admitted. “They had to carry me outside to cool off.”
Ember jumped in with, “I grew a square pumpkin on a bet.”
“I can do three cartwheels in a row,” River announced. “I fall down afterward, but I can do it.”
“My favorite sandwich is a fried egg with bacon and cottage cheese.” Hope let them think about it for a few seconds before adding, “It’s even better with Catalina dressing poured on the cheese.”
With that any tension was broken; soon everyone had created the perfect cookie s’more for themselves. Ember understood that the women would gladly share information but wouldn’t pressure her. With a treat in hand, they all sat down to eat.
As they all finished licking the chocolate from their hands, Hope volunteered, “I brought two new coloring books and my colored pencils. Would you like to do that next?”
“I love to color,” Ember confessed.
“We do, too,” Rosie chimed in.
With the tension broken, the five women washed their hands quickly with the hose before drifting over to a large picnic table. Hope ran to get her backpack before returning. They pored over the pictures together until each one chose their favorite. Tearing them carefully out of the book, they started decorating.
Jax appeared at Ember’s side to lay a small plate of goodies next to her and a napkin. He wasn’t the only man to visit their table. Every few minutes someone came to check on them, bring them something to drink, or just ooh and ahh over the pictures.
“I’ll be right back,” Hope excused herself. She picked up her backpack and ran over to Sam.
Curious, Ember asked, “Why did she take her backpack? She didn’t think something would happen to it, did she?”
River whispered quietly, “It has her diaper in it.”
Ember glanced over to watch Sam lead his little girl to a more private spot. As he helped her lie down, Ember averted her eyes. She didn’t want to be rude.
Opening her mouth to ask if everyone wore diapers, she hesitated as Cricket rushed to add, “It’s okay. Hope wouldn’t mind if you saw. She’s been a little girl for a long time. Sam didn’t even get mad when he found out she got a speeding ticket.” Cricket had spilled the beans again. “What? She told all of us.”
“Told you what?” Mark asked. One of his eyebrows rose quizzically as he looked at Cricket.
Chapter Eight
“Hmm. Okay, I told Ember that Hope got a speeding ticket,” Cricket blurted guiltily.
“Isn’t that Hope’s news to share or not, little girl?” her daddy asked with a stern look.
“Well... yes. I’ll apologize to Hope right now, Daddy.”
“You can apologize to Hope the next time we see her.”
“Next time?” Cricket’s face turned white as she searched Mark’s face. Ember even felt worried by his stern look.
“Go inside, Cricket, and wait for me in Tex and Rosie’s living room. Stand in the corner until I get there.” Mark instructed.
“With my pants down?” she fretted.
“Of course, little girl. Say your goodbyes. We’ll head home after your punishment. Now, go.” Mark headed back to where the men gathered.
“I’m sorry, everyone. I’ll see you next time. Ember, I’m glad to have met you,” Cricket mumbled with tears in her eyes.
“What’s he going to do? Beat you?” Ember blurted. All the little girls looked aghast at her.
“No, Ember. He’s going to spank me. I deserve it. I’ve spoiled people’s good and bad news too many times lately. Daddy warned me to think before I speak, but I didn’t,” Cricket confessed before slowly walking up to the back door. Pausing, she turned and waved goodbye to everyone.
Hope ran up to her before Cricket disappeared inside. Ember watched Cricket talk to her, knowing that she was apologizing to Hope. The other little girl just wrapped her arms around Cricket and gave her a bear hug. When they parted, Cricket looked relieved. She headed inside as Hope came back to join the group at the table.
Smiling, Hope slid onto the bench at the picnic table. “She’s going to feel so much better.”
“What? Why?” Ember asked, baffled.
“I didn’t care if Cricket told you I got a ticket, but she’s felt really guilty over some things she’s blurted out. Her spankin
g will help her feel less conscious-stricken,” Hope shared.
“Oh, so it won’t hurt,” Ember said, beginning to color again.
“Oh, it will hurt.” River shifted uncomfortably on her bottom. “Spankings are for real. Her heart will just feel better.” River wrapped her arms around herself and glanced over at Doniphan. Refocusing on Ember, she added, “Then, her daddy will hold her and reassure her that he forgives her.”
“Daddy cuddle time is the best,” Hope added with a smile. “Well, maybe not the absolute best time with Daddy,” she added, waggling her eyebrows up and down. The group laughed as Rosie passionately kissed the back of her hand to demonstrate.
Ember squeezed her inner thighs together as Mark walked to the back door to join his little girl. He didn’t look angry or vicious. He appeared concerned and caring. Suddenly, she knew why she liked the ageplay books she’d read so much. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have someone who cared that much about her?
Bending her head down to color, Ember hid the red blush she felt heat her face. She searched for anything to explain her powerful reaction to the thought of having someone care about her enough to discipline her. Even while deciding to blame it on her exhaustion, she knew being tired was simply a convenient excuse. She yawned behind her hand, trying not to be rude. Sitting here with the three women was nice. Ember didn’t want the evening to end.
“It’s time for us to head home, Ember. I want to talk to you a bit before it’s too late,” Jax appeared behind her.
Surprised that she was sorry to leave this group she’d just met, Ember nodded. Turning back to the other women, she said her goodbyes. “Thank you for letting me join the group. I was super glad to meet you all.” As Ember stood, she hoped she’d get to talk to them again. They had totally distracted her from her awful day.
“Wait! Don’t forget your picture. Do you want to take it with you to finish or should I hold onto it and we can color the next time we’re all together?” Hope suggested.
“Hold on to it for her, Hope. We’re going to have breakfast on Sunday at Rosie’s bakery,” Jax informed them.
Everyone at the table celebrated with cheers as Jax wrapped his arm around Ember’s waist. Steering her away, he asked, “You’ll come, won’t you?”
She remained quiet for several steps. As Jax helped her into the truck, Ember finally burst out with, “Jax, why do you think I’m your little girl? I don’t want you to spend time with me just because everyone else has a Little in your squad except you.”
“That is the last reason I want to be with you. I’ve searched for my Little for a long time. I could have settled for others, but I knew someone special was waiting for me. I just hadn’t met you yet. Now that I have, I want to spend my time with you,” Jax told her bluntly as he leaned into the truck. Wrapping one hand around the back of her head, Jax pulled her forward until their lips met.
Desire flared through Ember’s body as his lips wooed hers. Soft and tender, his lips teased hers apart. When she opened her lips, his low growl of approval fired the warmth between her thighs to a flare. Ember wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to get closer as Jax’s tongue dipped into her mouth to taste her.
They were both breathing heavily when he lifted his mouth. “Really? You’re that sure I’m your Little?” she asked in a squeak, disbelieving the passion that fueled their kiss.
“Really, baby. You feel it too, don’t you? The rightness when we’re together?” Jax asked.
Ember could feel his gaze examining her face as he tried to judge her reactions. She couldn’t lie. “Yes,” she whispered.
To reward her, Jax kissed her again. This time, he deepened the fire, allowing her to feel the intensity of his desire. Lifting his lips so they barely brushed hers, Jax growled, “I have to step away from you, baby, before I strip off your clothes.”
As she blinked at him, trying to digest his words, Jax stepped back, forcing her to release her hold around his neck. Ember gripped his broad shoulders, unwilling to allow him to distance himself.
“The second time I make love to you won’t be in a truck parked in front of our friends’ house.” Jax lifted Ember’s hands and held them before moving away. Squeezing her fingers before releasing them, he motioned behind him to help Ember remember where they were.
She glanced over his shoulder. Hope, Rosie, and River peeked around the edge of the house. The girls jumped up and down with excitement before giving Ember thumbs-up signs and scurrying away. She couldn’t help but laugh.
“They’re back there, aren’t they? Little girls. You just have to love them.” Jax leaned in to kiss her once again. Then, smiling, he stepped back and closed the door. Soon, he slid in behind the wheel and they were off.
Holding out a hand to her, Jax asked, “Will you come sleep in my arms tonight? I’d like to hold you close.”
Without hesitating, Ember nodded. “I want to be with you, too. I have to work tomorrow. Do you mind getting up early so I can go home to change?”
“Not at all, baby.”
A comfortable quietness filled the truck’s cab as Jax drove back to his house. She loved the feeling—the rightness of being with this man. Spending time with his friends had reinforced her opinion of him. Jax was just as he appeared.
“I enjoyed Rosie, Cricket, Hope, and River. Do you all get together often?” she asked.
“As often as we can. The little girls have fun together. I had a feeling you’d fit in well with them.”
“I didn’t believe being Little was actually possible,” she admitted, trying to stifle a yawn and failing miserably.
“How did it feel being part of the group?” he probed as he pulled into his driveway.
“It felt... right.”
Jax just smiled and squeezed her hand. “Stay there, baby. I’ll come get you.” He slid from the vehicle and circled to open her door. Scooping her up from the seat, he lifted her into his arms.
“I can walk.”
“I know. I want to take care of you, baby. Can you let me do that?”
Ember laid her head on his shoulder and looped her arms around his neck before nodding. “I’m so tired,” she confessed. “I haven’t slept well since you left.”
“I’m sorry I had to go before we talked. I think I’ll be here for a while now.” He kissed her temple as he walked through the hallway to the large bedroom.
“Can I see in here?” she asked as they passed the pink door. Her curiosity had grown after hearing that it was a nursery.
“I promise. We’ll explore it tomorrow when you get home from work.” Carrying her through the bedroom into the attached bathroom, he sat her on the countertop.
“I’m coming back tomorrow?” she asked, studying his face closely. Did he want her with him a lot?
“Yes.” Jax opened a drawer and withdrew a new toothbrush. Opening it, he spread blue toothpaste on the bristles. “Open,” he encouraged, holding the brush to her mouth.
“I can do it.” Ember reached for the toothbrush.
“Daddy gets to help you get ready for bed,” he corrected her, holding on to it firmly. “Open your mouth,” he requested again.
Slowly, Ember exposed her teeth. Jax brushed carefully. When he’d cleaned all her teeth, he handed her a small cup of water to rinse her mouth. His care felt so intimate. Drinking from his cup reinforced that feeling. Her toothbrush now sat in the holder next to his.
She watched as he warmed up the water before wetting a washcloth. Carefully, he wiped her makeup from her face. “Close your eyes, baby. Let’s get all this big girl stuff off you so your skin can breathe.”
Automatically, she followed his directions. Soon, he finished. Please don’t let my face be all blotchy.
“My beautiful Little,” Jax complimented softly before leaning in to kiss her softly. Before the kiss could gain fire, he leaned away and removed the hair ties from the ends of her braids. Releasing the woven hairstyle, he ran his fingers through her long, auburn hair. He picked up a wide-tooth
comb and drew it through her tresses. “Daddy will get a brush so I can take care of you better. Do you like to have your hair brushed?” he asked.
“I love it,” she confessed and closed her eyes to enjoy his touch. Sneakily, she pinched her arm to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming. The short burst of pain reassured her.
“This is real, baby.”
Opening her eyes, she saw and felt him press a kiss against her head.
“It’s past your bedtime, little girl.”
Jax lifted her to her feet. His fingers unfastened her clothing, folding them neatly on the counter. He caressed her bare bottom as he slid the skirt from her hips. “I’ve enjoyed knowing that you were naked under your big girl skirt. If I can convince you to be my baby full time, I’ll wrap you in a diaper.”
“Like Hope was?” she asked with a shiver. The idea of having him care for her like the Daddies had in those books aroused her. She squeezed her thighs together as heat built.
“Yes, baby. Like Hope. Go potty while I brush my teeth and I’ll tuck you into bed.”
Ember turned and walked to the toilet as Jax put toothpaste on his brush. Was he going to stay in here? Standing next to it made her need greater. Finally, she collapsed to the seat and peed. Head bowed in embarrassment, she looked at her bare feet on the floor.
His warm hand stroked through her hair. “Sometimes, it’s hard to be Little. Thank you for exploring our desires. You are so brave.”
Looking up at him in surprise, Ember echoed that last word. “Brave?”
“Yes, baby. Taking a chance to live your dreams takes courage. Stand up and let me take care of you.” Jax took her hand and tugged her gently to her feet. Quickly, he wiped her skin clean. “Bed.”
Soon he tucked her into bed with the soft covers pulled up to her chin. Ember watched him undress through lowered eyelids. When Jax slid into bed, she turned automatically to lay her head on his shoulder. “Snuggle close, baby. Sleep now.”
So much had happened today that thoughts had boggled her mind. Jax made her feel safe and like it was okay to take risks and be honest about her feelings. Ember pushed her worries away and relaxed. Protected in his arms, she drifted into sleep quickly.
