Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

P ulling up in front of the duplex, he noticed that all the lights were on in one half of the building. He knew which one was the B side where Aspen Randolph lived. Jerico slid out of his truck and locked it. As he walked up to the front door, he heard barking.

Good, at least she has a dog.

He knocked on the door, noting the frame around it was splintered and battered. Jerico could see small bits of light shining through the gaps. The barking stopped and became muffled whining. He knew she was holding the dog's muzzle together to keep him or her from making noise.

"Aspen, it's okay. I'm just here to make sure you're okay. The police are holding that guy for as long as possible."

"Who are you?" she called back through the door.

"My name is Jerico. I pulled you away."

"You just made it worse. Now he's been to jail because of me. I have to leave now."

There was a trembling sob in her voice that tore at his heart. She was so scared.

"I'm here to help. Open the door, Aspen." Jerico put the full force of his dominance into the request, making it an order he hoped she couldn't ignore. To his relief, the door opened a crack. One blue eye peered out at him.

"Go away. I don't need your help."

"Everyone needs help in a dangerous situation."

The door widened, and a slim figure appeared in the opening. She scanned him and shook her head. "You've never needed help."

"I have a team that has my back. Unless I'm mistaken, you're by yourself," Jerico guessed. "What's going on?"

Her eyes shifted to the door in the duplex next door. "I couldn't let Eddie keep hurting Rexy." The massive dog at her side seemed to prance in place at the sound of his name.

"Rexy is the jerk's dog?" Jerico asked. If he had to guess, it was a combination of mastiff and Great Dane.

"His name is really Rex, but he likes Rexy better."

The dog confirmed this with a muted woof and a happy wag of his tail. He leaned his weight against the slender woman, visibly smitten with her.

"He's mine now. I'm not giving him back," Aspen stated.

Jerico could hear in her voice that she'd risk her own safety to keep the dog safe. He loved her fire, even if it had endangered her. There was something special about this woman. "Edgar abuses him?"

"He goes by Eddie. The jerk abuses everything and everyone. My life has been shit since he moved in. I can't sleep because he tries to break in. The police can't do anything. I can get a restraining order, but since Eddie lives here and pays rent, it doesn't mean a thing. The landlord won't kick out a paying renter."

Scanning the room behind her, Jerico noted a number of clues that confirmed his first suspicions about Aspen. There were no signs that Aspen had a son or daughter. Coloring book pages decorated her refrigerator. That was the only artwork or splash of personality in the area he could see. A tattered blanket was draped over a battered chair. Was that a sippy cup? She has to be little.

"You can't stay here," Jerico said.

"I can't go anywhere with Rexy. I have a contract here for three more months. Unfortunately, I can't afford to pay rent for two places and food for us both. I thought I could survive for a while if I was careful, but…" Aspen's voice faded before her shoulders slumped. She thumped on the big dog's sides as if to reassure him. "He's too big for a shelter. I won't leave him here."

"That's why he was mad tonight? Because you won't give his dog back?"

"He doesn't want to go with him. He hurts him. I've taken him so many times to the vet to get stitched up and treated for all sorts of abuse. They actually had me investigated," Aspen said, rubbing the dog's fur as the beast leaned against her.

"Gather some things for you and Rexy. Let's get you out of here."

"I've told you I don't have anywhere to go."

Her exasperated tone at his density almost made him smile. Jerico controlled the impulse and answered, "You do now."

"What? You're going to take me in?" she scoffed.

"Yes."

"I don't even know your name."

"My name is Jerico Adams."

Her blue eyes studied his face. "Are you going to hurt me?"

"No."

After a brief pause, she asked, "Do you like dogs?"

"I do. Especially those that come with fierce little girl protectors."

"I'm over eighteen," she said fiercely, but a flash in her eyes clued him in that she knew exactly what he meant.

"You're twenty-five. I'm not talking about a minor, but an adult little girl," Jerico clarified and watched her expression soften. If he'd had any doubt that she was indeed a Little before, he didn't now.

She hesitated, studying him as carefully as he watched her. "Can Rexy sniff you?"

"Of course." Jerico held his hand out to the immense animal, knowing that this was a test.

The dog seemed to take his job seriously. He sniffed Jerico's hand and snorted softly before trying it again. Did he smell the gunpowder from that day's range practice despite the number of times Jerico had washed his hands? Rexy looked up into Jerico's face for a few long seconds before lumbering forward to bonk his head against Jerico's thighs, seeking pets.

Jerico repaid the dog's acceptance with scritches. "Rexy is okay with me helping. How about you, Aspen?"

"I can't pay you and I don't sleep around," she told him bluntly.

The hint of pink in her cheeks and her downcast gaze after making that statement told him a lot.

"I want to make sure you and Rexy are safe. You aren't here. That's the only fringe benefit I'm looking for."

Her head lifted as he talked. Jerico was pleased to see the tension ebb out of her shoulders and spine. "I'm going to hold you to that."

"You have my word," Jerico promised.

"I'll get my bag." She disappeared for a few minutes before returning with a large bulging suitcase, a tattered backpack, a huge dog bed, and an equally large bag of food.

Taking the suitcase from her, Jerico suggested, "Grab anything you would hate to lose. Edgar's going to be angry when he's released and the two of you are gone. We'll come back to grab everything else tomorrow in the daylight."

She nodded and ran back inside. Jerico stroked Rexy's soft fur one last time before hauling Aspen's things to his truck. The dog followed his bed and hopped up in the back seat with a bit of a boost. Three circles later and Rexy was settled on the soft padding with a sigh. Rexy was ready to get out of there. He didn't have any second thoughts.

Jerico didn't allow himself to dwell on the past. He swore both Aspen and Rexy would have a much better future.

Heading back to the house, he picked up the next load that she'd set on the front step. After several trips to stow the possessions that appeared on the porch, Jerico found Aspen locking the sorry excuse of a door.

"Rexy's snoring in the truck. Let's go."

"I'm ready, but I don't want to leave my car here."

"Definitely not a good idea. Follow me. I'll go slow. It's best if you have my phone number. Can I borrow your phone for a minute?"

When she handed it to him, Jerico quickly added his information to her contacts and connected a call so he'd have her number as well. Finally, he took a picture of his ID on her device before handing it over. "Send that to someone you trust. They'll know where you are."

Nodding, she followed his instructions. "Thanks."

"Let's go. The police warned they wouldn't be able to hold him long. We're headed to the off-base housing."

"Do you have a family?" she asked.

"I didn't, but I think that just changed. Let's go, little girl."

Dangling his head out the truck window, Rexy woofed his agreement with that plan.

"He'll want to drive with me," Aspen told him, and Jerico returned to his truck to open the door and lift the massive creature down safely.

I'm either crazy or about to be the victim of one of those gruesome crimes on TV.

From the back seat, Rexy's head landed on her shoulder with a thump to reassure her, as if the dog understood her thoughts.

"I'm glad you're here, you big oaf," Aspen told the beast.

Who knew if she would have had problems with her neighbor if he hadn't had a dog? She amended that thought—if he hadn't had a dog he abused. The authorities had tried to help, but she knew they were swamped, and their hands were tied to a certain extent if there wasn't imminent danger to Rexy. Her neighbor would never have allowed her to take the dog or Rexy to be sent to the shelter. She shuddered at the scary thoughts of what he would have done.

Rolling her shoulders as she kept Jerico's taillights in view, absolute conviction draped over her like a blanket. There was no doubt this was worth the risk. She would have had problems with her neighbor without Rexy as a catalyst for conflict. He was loud and totally without an ounce of empathy—if he even knew anyone else had feelings, Eddie certainly didn't consider them.

A shiver ran through her body as she pictured the handsome military man who had come to her rescue. He hadn't hesitated to put himself in harm's way at the bar. No one else had dared intercede. She could remember his warmth and hard muscles from the brief brush of his body. Not even the terror of her situation had kept her from being aware of his appeal.

Jerico Adams could have any woman he wanted. She'd noticed that team when she'd walked to the back counter to pick up her to-go pizza. She definitely hadn't been the only woman in the place focused on them.

Following him into a nice neighborhood, Aspen looked around. There weren't big mansions or fancy manors. It was squarely middle class, but even in the dark, she could tell everyone took care of their houses. When they reached a plain white house without exterior decorations, Jerico pulled in front of the house and jumped out to point her into the driveway.

"You need some plants out here to fit in with your neighbors," she blurted as she slid out of the car to tilt her seat forward to allow Rexy out of the back.

"I do. Maybe you can help with that. Come on in and I'll show you your room. Then we can bring everything inside," Jerico said easily. He led the way to the door and ushered Aspen inside.

Rexy pushed past her to investigate, almost knocking her over. Without hesitating, Jerico reached out to steady her with a hand on her lower back.

The warmth of his hand sizzled through her shirt, and she struggled to hide her reaction as he exclaimed, "Whoa! We'll start some training with Rexy tomorrow. He's too big to not have better manners. Go on inside."

"Do you know how to do that?" she asked as she walked over the threshold.

"Yes."

"Are you good at everything you do?" she asked, before blushing enchantingly as she realized how he could interpret that.

He responded to the question she'd meant to ask. "I am good at coaxing the best out of everyone—hopefully, including myself."

Waving an arm around the small family room, he said, "I want you to feel at home here."

He looked at the room, trying to see it through her eyes. There was a couch and a chair—both brown and pristine. Trying to remember, he estimated he'd sat on either one combined maybe five times. No pictures hung on the wall. It was scrupulously clean and held the homey appeal of a doctor's waiting room.

"Do you actually live here?" she asked as she blocked Rexy from climbing up on the couch.

"I do. I'm just not here a lot. Come on. Your room is back here."

Jerico led the way down the stark white hallway to a door decorated with flower decals sprinkled all over it. "There's a twin bed in my spare room. You can use that." He opened the door and stepped inside.

He watched her face as she entered. Her head turned as she scoped out the room. He'd spent all his efforts to decorate and make it inviting. The dusty pink walls were soft and welcoming, with white rose outlines scattered randomly on the surfaces. The bed sat against one wall. A raised railing surrounded it on each side and there was a fluffy dark pink comforter and white ruffled pillows.

Jerico had carefully placed other pieces of furniture around the room. A dresser with a padded top sat against one wall. A huge toy chest occupied the space next to a bookshelf with games and colorful books. There was a large beanbag that could easily hold two people in front of that area.

Rexy lumbered over to give the bed a sniff before checking out the beanbag. It was obviously something new to the large beast. Aspen laughed as he checked it out, trying to figure out if it was a friend or foe.

"I don't want to take your daughter's room. Didn't you tell me you didn't have children?" she said, studying his face.

"This room was designed for a special little girl. Not a child," he explained softly. "I hope you'll be comfortable in here. Let's bring your things in."

"You're not kidding. Little girls and Daddy Doms really exist?"

"They do."

"Are you interested in me?" she blurted and then whacked a hand over her mouth as if she were appalled that she had actually said that.

"I've looked for my little girl for a long time. I won't ignore fate when one needs my help. How do you feel about me? Could I fit your idea of a daddy?"

"I really don't know much about daddies. I've never had one."

"You've read books about age play?" he suggested, smiling gently at her. Even after all she'd been through, Aspen showed so much courage.

"I like to read," she vaguely answered the question.

"I'm glad. It's late. Let's get you and Rexy settled in the house so you can be comfortable. Then we'll talk and get to know each other better."

A swoosh of Styrofoam beads sounded. Aspen looked back at Rexy, who had collapsed on top of his new find. The giant dog peeked at them as if afraid they'd make him move.

"Good dog, Rexy," Aspen praised the skittish dog before turning back to meet Jerico's gaze. "Okay. I'll admit it. You intrigue me."

"Intrigue, huh? I'll settle for that for now."

Waving a hand to invite her to join him, Jerico led the way back to the front door. In a few minutes, they had everything stored in different places in her room and elsewhere in the house. Jerico looked around the living room now with satisfaction. Already, she'd made it look more like a home.

"I feel like I've invaded your home," Aspen said softly.

"Our home now," he corrected. "Did you eat dinner?" When she shook her head, he walked into the kitchen and gathered food. "Take a seat."

"I splurged on a pizza tonight. That started the whole mess. Guess I won't do that again. I brought some food. I can just eat that," Aspen rushed to tell him as she slid onto a stool at the kitchen island.

"The snacks in that box?" he asked, remembering the jar of peanut butter, crackers, and microwaveable macaroni bowls he'd placed on the dresser in her room.

"Yes. I don't want to impose and eat your food." She hesitated for a minute before admitting, "I can't replace it."

"How about we consider this our food? Maybe I'm going to have a craving for cheesy macaroni. You'd share, right?"

"Of course," she rushed to assure him.

"Do you like eggs, cheese, and these veggies?" Jerico asked, watching her face. Her gaze flew over the ingredients and paused for a microsecond on the tomatoes. "No tomatoes?"

"I didn't say anything. You can put tomatoes in there. It's okay."

"Are you allergic, or just don't like the taste?"

"Um. It's just better that I don't eat them. I can pick them out," she rushed to assure him.

"I'm going to guess that means you're allergic. I will spank your bottom if you risk your health trying not to be a bother," Jerico told her firmly.

She stared at him with big blue eyes. "Sorry."

"It's not a problem. I can live without tomatoes." I can't live without you. Astounded by that thought, he busied himself with chopping vegetables. When he had everything ready, Jerico grabbed a skillet and turned on the stove. After spraying the pan with veggie spray, he threw all the ingredients onto the greased skillet to sauté. As he grabbed a small mixing bowl and whipped the eggs together, she had to ask the question whirling around in her brain.

"Were you joking about spanking my butt?" she asked as he added the liquid to the vegetables.

"Bottom. And no."

The eggs were almost cooked when she said, "Can you do that?"

"Spank you? When you decide you're my little girl, yes."

Jerico dished up the eggs on two plates and placed one in front of her. "Eat while they're hot. Let me grab you something to drink."

When he placed a glass of milk in front of her and another by his dish, she said, "I'm not a big milk drinker."

"Allergic?" He zeroed in on her face, watching for any reaction.

"No. It's just… Yucky."

Opening a cabinet below him, Jerico pulled out an unopened bottle of chocolate syrup and squeezed a good amount into her glass. He stirred it with his spoon, turning her milk brown. "Try that."

Jerico forked a bite of the eggs into his mouth as he watched her lift the glass to her lips. Funny. He'd never been jealous of milk before. Her expression changed, and she drank deeply.

"Yum."

"Eat, little girl."

They ate in silence for several minutes. He watched her look around the bare furnishings and then back to the bottle on the counter. Jerico could almost hear the wheels in her brain rolling at full speed.

"Rexy doesn't beg for food," he observed, breaking the silence.

He watched her shoulders ease down into a less stressed position as she answered. "That jerk would kick him if he got near while he was eating. Rexy gets far away when food's around."

"That's beyond being a jerk. Where should we put his food and water?"

"I had it in the bathroom," she told him.

"Perfect. The guest bath is too small. We can set it up in the one off the main bedroom," he decided.

"I'd have to go through your room to feed him," Aspen said hesitantly.

"I'm okay with that. You have my promise I'll never cross any lines until you decide you're my little girl."

"Then you will?" she blurted.

"Then there are no lines, Aspen."