Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

W atching Aspen at breakfast, Jerico noted she didn't seem too sleep-deprived after finishing one job late and starting her new day job. It underlined for him how her body must have gotten used to operating without sufficient rest. That lack of refreshing slumber would have greater effects the longer it extended.

"You have a new bedtime to go with your new hours," he told her.

"I haven't had a bedtime since I was ten," Aspen answered and laughed.

When he shook his head, signaling to her he was serious, she added, "Wait. You're not joking?"

"Eight-thirty."

"I can't go to bed at eight-thirty. It's not even dark then."

"We'll also set up some rules and consequences. I'd like you to think about those books you've read. I would bet most daddies in those stories had guidelines for their Littles."

He watched her jaw drop as her gaze became unfocused above his head. Jerico suspected she was replaying a few choice scenes in her mind. When she looked back at him, he loved the delightful hint of pink on her cheeks.

"As you're thinking about this, Aspen, make sure you consider anything you need from our relationship. There can be rules for daddies as well."

"Like no spanking?" she blurted.

"I won't take that off the table unless there's been some trauma in your life that makes that inappropriate."

She opened her mouth and then snapped it closed when he skeptically raised one eyebrow. "I'll have to concentrate on my new job today," she told him.

"Definitely. Eat some more cereal. You'll need all the energy possible to wow them at work. I have to report for duty. I should get home tonight before you."

Jerico leaned close and pressed a kiss to her lips. "Have a good day at work. They're going to think you're amazing, just like I do."

As he stood, Aspen wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight. Jerico noted the lines on her forehead. "Is something wrong?"

"Did you tell them to hire me?"

"The base?" From her worried look and tone, Jerico suspected this thought had rumbled around in her head for a while.

"Yes."

He shook his head and reassured her, "I did not. I checked the paper to see if there were any on-base openings and circled the ad. You got the job totally on your own merits."

This time, she kissed him. "Thank you. I'm very excited."

"If I get kisses, I'm excited, too," he teased.

She pressed another quick kiss on his lips before releasing him. "Go to work, Daddy. I'll see you tonight and tell you all about my day."

"Perfect."

At the door, he remembered. "Hey! Saturday, the team is coming over for a barbecue."

"Okay, Rexy and I can stay in my room. Or we could go hang out in the park if you'd rather."

"I would not. The barbecue includes you, little girl. You're part of my life now. My team accepts that I'm a Daddy Dom. I know that I am not the only one wired this way in my group."

"Do they know I'm little?"

"They know I have a little girl. When they meet you, they will know you're mine. I guarantee they won't judge you. If anything, they'll be jealous."

"Of me?"

"Of our relationship. Don't stress. It will all be okay. What do you love to eat at a barbecue?"

"Wings?" she suggested as a question.

"Definitely. I'll make wings. Spicy?"

Her crinkled nose told him what she thought of that. "Maybe teriyaki or honey mustard?" he suggested instead.

"Mmm! I'd like to try honey mustard."

"Have a good day, little girl." Jerico paused at the door and plucked something from the key rack. "I forgot. Grab this pink key as you leave. I'll leave it here for you."

He was gone before she could thank him.

Jerico let Rexy outside to do his business before hitting the shower when he got home. Caden had worked them hard today, but he'd loved it. Everyone on the team knew that the better prepared they were, the better the next mission would be. It always took a while when a new member joined a team for everyone to get a handle on where that person would fit best.

Pulling on shorts, Jerico slung a T-shirt over his shoulder for later. He was still too hot to wear it now. In the kitchen, he checked the refrigerator. Salad? Fish?

The picture of the contents in her box of food popped into his mind. In a few minutes, he had macaroni boiling on the stove. She deserved to enjoy her favorite dish, made from scratch rather than a microwavable version. Jerico was mixing everything together when the front door opened.

"It smells so good in here!" she said, before hanging the key back on the rack. Leaning over, she pet the large dog who'd raced to press against her legs.

He smiled. "That's yours, you know."

"Rexy? I think he's always been my dog."

"I agree. I was talking about the key. It's yours."

He saw her eyes become shiny before she turned away. Immediately, he put the large spoon down and joined her. "Are you okay, little one?"

Still facing away from him, she nodded. He watched her wipe her cheeks before putting her hands on her hips. "I'm good."

That quavering voice confirmed his belief that she was not. Rexy whimpered, trying to console her.

"Come here, Aspen," he instructed, turning her around and pulling her into his arms. "What's going on in your brain?"

"All day long, I kept thinking of what I wanted to remember to tell you. Funny things, weird things, and some just first day of work things. I kept telling myself not to read too much into last night. That this really wasn't my home, and you weren't really my da…"

Her voice disintegrated into sobs. Rexy jumped up to lean his weight against them. The huge dog wiggled his snout between them to slobber kisses on Aspen.

"Rexy, down. Good boy. I'll take care of this. You go find your ball so you and Aspen can play."

The large animal bounded away, eager to follow Jerico's instructions.

"This is your home now. I am your daddy. You've slept in my arms for two nights. I wouldn't have let you go after the first. I'm never letting you go after the second."

"Because you know I'm a mess and I need someone to take care of me?" she asked, peeking up at him.

"Because you're my Little and I want nothing more than to take care of you."

She stared at him for a few minutes, as if digesting his words. "You really mean that. You're not just saying that."

"I do. You belong here with me." Jerico leaned down to kiss her lips softly, before deepening the exchange.

When he lifted his mouth from hers, she launched herself forward to press her cheek against his chest. Her arms slid around his waist, holding onto him as if he were her stability.

Squeak, squeak, squeak!

Jerico couldn't help but laugh as Rexy pranced around, chomping on his ball. Aspen exploded into giggles seconds later. It felt good to him to have someone for the tough discussions and worries as well as the fun times. He wanted to have it all. With her.

"The pink key is all yours," he repeated.

"Thank you."

He kissed the top of her head before stepping back. "Dinner is almost ready. Would you like to take Rexy outside and throw his ball for a few minutes?"

"I'd love that. But I can help you."

"Daddy's job. Go play with Rexy. You both need some playtime."

Nodding, Aspen ran to the back door. "Come on, Rexy. Let's play ball."

Keeping an eye on them through the kitchen window, Jerico watched the two having fun together. After getting the main course mixed, he placed it under the broiler to brown. Pouring milk into a new sippy cup decorated with puppies, Jerico stirred in chocolate. He'd just set everything on the table when Aspen and Rexy came inside.

"Wash your hands and come sit down. Do you have a preference where you sit?" he asked, watching Rexy exit the kitchen. How many times had that poor dog been hit to cause him to hightail it out of the kitchen when food was on the table?

"Oh, I don't care," she answered, completing her task.

"Then I choose this one. That's my normal spot. Tell me about work. Sit down, and you can talk to me."

She slid onto the chair with a sigh of relief and picked up her cup to take a big drink.

"Tired, huh? Or was it a tough day?" he asked, settling into his chair.

"I was definitely busy. The other maintenance people were so happy to have help."

"Too busy, or did the time fly past? I hate not having things to do," Jerico commented, trying to draw her out.

"It was okay. Once I know what's going on, it will be even better. I enjoyed having other people around. I kept an eye open for you but didn't see you."

"We were on a training hike."

"All day?"

"Yes. I did you a favor and took a shower when I got home."

"Maybe I should go shower?"

"Let's see." Jerico leaned close to dip his face into the crook of her neck. Pressing his lips to her skin, Jerico kissed a trail of light butterfly kisses. He loved her shiver and the arch of her neck to give him greater access.

"Mmm," he hummed against her skin. "I think I'll just eat you for dinner. You smell better than the macaroni."

"Daddy!" she said, giggling. "Nothing smells better than macaroni and cheese."

He caged her in front of him by gripping the counter on each side of her torso. "Say it again."

"Nothing smell…"

"Not that. The first thing. Call me that again," he demanded.

"Daddy? I thought I was supposed to…"

Jerico didn't let her finish. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer. "Say it again."

"Daddy," she repeated, with a bit more enthusiasm this time.

Cupping the back of her head, Jerico claimed her with a kiss that made her curl her fingers around the hard muscles of his shoulders. His mouth explored hers, never rushed but definitely thorough. Jerico kissed every thought from her brain. She could only cling to him as he showed her exactly how intimate this exchange could be.

When he finally lifted his head, she inhaled sharply and stared at him with wide eyes. "That was some kiss."

"It definitely was." Jerico slid a hand between their bodies to adjust himself. "I'm very glad I found you, little girl."

"Me, too."

Her stomach grumbled, interrupting their discussion. Aspen plopped a hand over her tummy.

"Enough kisses. You need food, Aspen. Let's eat." He ushered her to the table and pulled out her chair.

"Then more kisses?" she asked, blushing an adorable shade of pink as she looked up at him.

"Yes, little girl. More kisses are definitely in our future. Drink your milk. I'll get us some food."

Keeping an eye on her, Jerico filled up a divided plate with the delicious cheesy dish and some bites of grilled chicken that he'd already cut up. "Try that. Be careful—it's hot."

He watched Aspen fork up a small bite and blow on it carefully. His mind immediately created a mental image that was similar, but much hotter as he dished himself up a large portion. He usually watched his diet, but after that grueling run, he needed to recharge. At least he'd tried to make it as healthy as possible.

"What's that green stuff?" she asked, pointing to a small piece of spinach. "Is that a carrot?"

"It's vitamins. Try it. I think you'll like it."

"I'm not big into vegetables," she said as she plucked the green sliver out of her food.

"Take three bites. If you still don't like it, I'll help you," Jerico stated, laying down the law.

"Spinach tastes bad," she said and wrinkled her nose adorably.

"Three bites."

With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Aspen dropped the food from her fork and picked up one macaroni noodle instead. As if daring him to say anything, she put that in her mouth and swallowed. Jerico controlled his smile when her eyes opened wide.

"One."

She scooped up a few noodles and ate those. This time, she wiggled happily in her chair as she chewed.

"Two."

"This is fantastic. I can't believe that I can't taste the veggies. It's the best macaroni and cheese I've ever eaten."

"I'm glad. Daddies know a few things about keeping little girls happy and healthy. Try some more," Jerico encouraged before saying, "I found Rexy on my bed this afternoon. He's not too much of a guard dog, is he? He didn't even wake up until I rubbed his belly."

"He's too meek for that. Eddie played a real number on him."

She looked so sad. Jerico mentally kicked himself for reminding her of that jerk. "But you always made his life better. And now, he's in dog nirvana. I figured he needs to catch up on sleep just like you do."

"Are you really going to make me go to sleep at eight-thirty? That's like three hours from now," she protested.

"I am. Have a bite of chicken too. Your job requires muscles. It's important to fuel your strength."

"You're going to make me eat healthy meals all the time, aren't you?"

"Yes. I used to eat healthy so that I didn't let my team down when they needed me. Now, I'll eat a balanced diet so I can live for a long time."

"Because of me?" she asked.

"Because of you."

He watched her take a bite of chicken and repeat that adorable wiggle in her chair. "Good, huh?"

"You're an amazing cook. We can alternate making meals."

"Not going to happen. It's Daddy's job to take care of you. I'll package up a few frozen meals for you to eat when I'm deployed. Then I'll get to take care of you even when I'm not here."

"Does that happen often?"

"Does the team get deployed often?" he asked. When she nodded, he continued, "I'm new to this team, so I don't know how frequently they're sent somewhere. This team has some specialized skills, so I'm sure we'll be tapped to go regularly."

"Is it dangerous when you're gone?"

He met her gaze. "My team trains at the highest level to survive everything that is thrown at us. Every mission is dangerous, but we work together to make sure everyone makes it home. I have even more reason now to succeed."

"Because I'm here?"

"Because you're here."

She smiled and then looked down at her food. As she pushed around a few noodles, he suspected she was imagining the worst. Jerico reached out to wrap his hand around hers. Instantly, she met his gaze.

"I could get hurt here, crossing the street. No one has any guarantees in life. Being apprehensive about something that could happen won't help. We're going to enjoy every moment we have together. Okay?"

She nodded. "Okay. I'm still going to worry."

"You're allowed to do that as long as you don't spend too much time consumed by tomorrow's risks that you don't live for today."

"You're pretty smart," she said with a nod.

"I've had longer to process all this. Eat. I thought we'd discuss your rules and consequences after dinner."

"And yours," Aspen added quickly.

"And mine."