Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

B y Sunday afternoon, Aspen felt so much better. When she complained about the medicine and being woken up to take her temperature, Jerico didn't budge.

"No way, baby. The medicine Zale made for you is working. Your temperature rose twice yesterday. Remember? You needed the extra liquid medicine as well."

"But none today," she pointed out.

"That's a good thing. We'll ask him this afternoon if that means you're out of danger and we can stop."

"Promise?"

"Yes, Aspen. I will ask him. Now, sit at the island and talk to me while I marinate chicken wings for the grill."

"How come you all got to come home so fast?" Aspen asked. "I should have asked that before, but I was a bit loopy."

"Sometimes it works that way. The problem is solved diplomatically or otherwise."

"Is your job dangerous? I heard some people talking about the special teams," she revealed.

"Don't worry about what others say. People are chosen to be on teams through a very careful process. We receive different training from others to prepare us to do our job efficiently and safely," Jerico assured her.

"So… I shouldn't worry while you're gone? It's just like you're going on a business trip?"

"Teams are sent into very challenging situations. There is danger. I will always do everything I can to return to you," he promised.

"I'm going to worry," she admitted.

"Concentrate on sending me all the good vibes you can, baby. We'll celebrate each time I come home," he promised with a look that explained just what kind of celebration he had in mind.

Aspen felt her cheeks heat and knew she was blushing. Jerico had shown her just how good he was at wooing her body. She didn't know if there was something magical about him because he was a daddy. He certainly took care of her.

He'd made her wear a diaper all day on Saturday. She'd never had such a lazy day. Aspen pressed her hand against the padding between her legs.

"Does your diaper need to be changed?"

"No!" Looking down at the swirls on the counter to avoid his knowing gaze, she was horrified at the idea of him thinking she couldn't control herself. The accidents she'd had before were because of the extra medicine that made her so sleepy.

The water ran briefly as she tried to figure out what to say. Rexy nudged her leg instinctively, knowing that she was upset. Aspen tangled her fingers in the dog's fur.

"I've got this, Rexy," Jerico told the dog. Rexy moved away without argument, abandoning her.

Traitor. Rexy paid way too much attention to Jerico.

Automatically, she wrapped her arms around Jerico when he plucked her off her stool. She hid her face against his broad chest as he walked to the couch where they'd lazed around watching movies. Well, she'd napped off and on as the animated characters had cavorted on the TV.

He sat down and arranged her on his thighs so she couldn't avoid looking at his handsome face. He looked concerned. "Little girl, I think maybe you don't understand what makes me happy as a daddy."

"I'm trying hard to be good. I'm sorry I got sick," she rushed to tell him.

"I'm sorry you got sick because I don't want you to feel poorly. I'm absolutely not sorry that I got to take care of you intimately. That's what daddies are supposed to do. Feeding you with a bottle, changing your diapers, and taking care of your health are all things that make me happy. If you think you are a bother, you couldn't be further from the truth," he assured her.

"But… Who wants to do those things?" she whispered.

"Many daddies. Not all of us are the same, of course—just like Littles range in needs and wants. But your daddy wants to take care of you completely. It satisfies a need deep inside me to nurture and protect you. What happens between us is only our business."

Aspen stared at him, trying to digest his statement. She could be as little as she wanted? He seemed to wait for her to say something. "I don't know that I'm that brave."

"You are. When I first saw you, you were willing to put yourself in harm's way to protect Rexy. He's safe here now. His old owner won't be back in his life again. Now, it's time to use your courage to be who you want to be. How would you feel if I help you be courageous?"

She nodded quickly.

"Then Daddy will make the rules and you will follow them to explore your little side. First rule, diapers only on the weekend."

"What if we go out? Or your team is coming here. I can't wear a diaper then."

"You can. Daddy has some slim fit diapers that no one but you and I will know you're wearing."

"Do I have to use them?"

"I won't mandate that. Just know that taking care of you is my greatest joy."

She stared at him as his words sank in. Jerico really meant it.

"Okay," she whispered. "I'll be brave."

"Good girl." Jerico pulled her close in a giant bear hug. He patted her bottom, just as he did every time he treated her. "Give Daddy a kiss."

She puckered her lips and pressed her mouth against his. "Wait," she protested when he lifted his head a few scorching kisses later.

"You're distracting Daddy. Besides, Daddy has another rule: No sex until you're recovered."

Aspen tried to be mad about that, but she did still feel a bit itchy. "You like making rules," she muttered.

"I do."

After she had a short nap, Jerico dressed her in a cute outfit of leggings and a tunic. Standing in front of the mirror now, Aspen turned back and forth, checking to see if anyone could tell what she was wearing underneath. Everything looked normal. She was a bit more rounded, but the team wouldn't realize that.

"I hate to tell you, but I told you so," Jerico teased, reminding her of how much she fussed while he had gotten her ready.

Thankfully, the doorbell sounded, saving her from having to answer. Jerico took her hand and headed to the front of the house to answer it. Aspen tried to hang back, but he wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close as he opened the door.

"Jerico. Thanks for hosting us. I must be the first to arrive," a muscular man guessed.

"Hi, Hank. Come on in."

As the man entered, she shifted back slightly to make room.

"Hi," she said, hearing the shyness in her voice.

"Hi, Aspen. I'm very glad to see you again." Hank held his hand out and shook hers gently.

"You're a daddy?" she blurted, remembering something Jerico had said to her.

"I am. I lost my little girl a few years ago. She was a precious gift that I didn't get to keep for very long," he told her.

Aspen could see the pain in his eyes even now. "I'm sorry. I hope you find a new Little."

"If I'm lucky," Hank said with a nod.

"You big lug, get out of the doorway," a gruff voice called, capturing her attention.

"Sorry, Caden," Hank said, shifting further inside so the next man could enter.

"Hey, Aspen. I'm Caden if you don't remember."

"You make them run," Aspen said, thinking of all her daddy told her about the team chief.

"I do. I also make sure they're ready for anything," the man with wrinkles across his forehead agreed.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Aspen. Would you show me where to put these poppers?" Caden requested.

Staring at the stuffed peppers, Aspen suddenly was ravenous. She held out her hands to take the appetizer-laden container.

"This is too heavy. I'll carry it. You show me where."

"Put it on the kitchen island, baby," Jerico requested.

Shocked, she glanced up to make sure the men didn't react to that telling nickname Jerico always called her. She realized others could use that in an entirely conventional relationship. Waving the two men to follow her, Aspen led them the short distance to the kitchen.

When she looked back at Jerico, he winked. How does he always know what's going on in my mind?

The other three men arrived and seemed to take up all the space inside. All were in peak physical condition and oozed I can handle anything vibes. The largest, Max, had brought a huge platter of brownies balanced on one hand. She looked over the island and imagined it groaning under the weight of all the food. Her tummy growled ferociously and all the men turned to look at her.

"Sorry!"

"Let's get this barbecue started before Aspen faints from hunger," Jerico suggested, winking at her.

In just a few minutes, the grill sizzled with poppers and wings. Aspen munched on the raw veggies and dip her daddy had scattered on a plate for her while he cooked.

She loved the dynamics between the teammates. Koa was the youngest and a bit of a rebel. He kept the team on their toes. They responded to his grousing with good-natured ribbing. Everyone looked at Caden when he spoke. He didn't say much, but when he did, the team immediately paid attention. Max Zion was unflappable and exuded a calm bubble of space around him. Even Koa was chill when talking to Max.

Her eyes strayed to Hank as he talked to Zale. He seemed quiet, but almost like he was holding a part of him back from the team. Aspen wondered if it had something to do with losing his little girl.

Looking at Zale, she blushed slightly. She'd wondered if he would treat her differently since he'd seen almost all of her intimately. He had scanned her face when he arrived and checked her forehead for a temperature. She didn't get any sexual vibes from him. He just wants me to be well.

As if sensing she was looking, Zale turned and met her gaze. She watched him excuse himself and walk to her side.

"Are you feeling better, Aspen?" Zale asked, extending a hand for hers. When she placed her fingers on his palm, he stroked her arm, watching her. "This doesn't itch?"

"All the hives are gone," Aspen assured him.

"I'm glad. The medicine is working. Your daddy will keep giving you medicine for a little bit to make sure you're completely better."

"It makes me sleepy. I have to go to work tomorrow," she worried aloud.

"He'll give it to you at bedtime only now. Just a few days," Zale told her.

"Okay. That's better."

"You'll find there's a new protocol for cleaning up unknown spills from now on," Zale told her. "Always get a protective suit if you are wary."

"I don't like to rock the boat," Aspen told him. "I'm new."

"Your health is the most important thing, Aspen."

"It definitely is," her daddy echoed Zale's admonishment, coming up behind the medic. "The wings are ready. Let's make you a plate," he suggested.

"Oh. Your guests can go first," she suggested and looked at the two men in confusion.

"These aren't guests, Aspen," Jerico explained. "This is my team. They're family."

Zale nodded. "Just consider us a bonus you got with your daddy."

Aspen stared at the medic as she internalized this information. She looked over at her daddy and he nodded.

"The team will take care of you if anything happens to me, baby."

Tears burst from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Blindly, she walked forward with her arms held up toward her daddy. His strength wrapped around her and held her tightly. Aspen buried her face against his chest as he reassured her. Immediately, she felt Rexy leaning against the back of her legs.

"I'm not going anywhere, little girl. Consider them your backup."

"Promise?"

"I can promise you that now that you're in my life, I'll do everything to get back to you."

Aspen tried to regain her composure. She pressed a kiss to his chest. He eased her away from him to wipe the wetness from her cheeks before tilting up her chin to kiss her lightly.

"I'm sorry. I'm being silly," she apologized.

"Feelings are never silly. I want to know what you're thinking or worrying about. Never hesitate to talk to me, baby."

She nodded. His words registered on her heart. She didn't need to pretend with her daddy. He wanted her.

"I'm hungry, Daddy."

"Let's get you fed."

When she turned around, Aspen discovered the team ranged in a semi-circle behind her. Their expressions looked concerned and oh-so protective. She understood what these men meant to each other already. And that they'd do anything to help her. The last of the fear that had wrapped around her for so long dissipated a bit more. Eddie didn't stand a chance against these guys.

Petting Rexy, she asked, "Can I have a brownie first?"

"Little girl," Jerico warned with a shake of his head and a grin that transformed his face.