Page 12 of Lilly's Little Labor Day

She shrugged. “I mean, I’m not sure what to say. I met this guy online. He seems super nice and we’re going out tonight.”

Edward’s gaze wasn’t hard but it was focused. “Where did you meet him.”

“Like I said, online.”

“I’m asking what website or dating app.”

“Oh.”

She couldn’t think of a quick enough response. Her mind raced a dozen different directions. She was a lousy liar. But telling the truth wasn’t an option. Giving him the actual site would out her as a Little.

He’s probably never heard of it. But he’ll research it. Just think of something. Anything. First thing that comes to mind.

“Tinder,” she said.

“No good. That’s a hookup app.”

She laughed. “It’s not just a hookup app!”

He nodded. “This guy is going to expect sex.”

Her eyes went wide as she leaned back in her chair. “And so what if he does? Maybe I’ll expect sex, too. I’m a grown woman.”

His eyes flickered to the stuffie wearing the diaper.

She gulped.

Well, I’m grown-ish, she thought.

Looking back to her, he said, “Why did it take you so long to answer?”

“What?”

“When I asked you what app you met this guy on. You had to think about it. And your eyes darted up and to the right. That’s a sign of deceit.”

“That’s not real!” she said with another laugh.

“I hired a body language expert. I need to read people in the boardroom or during meetings. It comes in very handy when I meet with politicians. It’s coming in handy now. Your body language just told me you’re lying.”

“That’s not real,” she said.

But was it real? she wondered.

He’s just trying to rattle me. Totally bluffing. Don’t give him anything.

Still, she couldn’t help but grow nervous.

Gee whiz! If he’s a Daddy, he’s a tough one! I feel sorry for his Little. She couldn’t get away with anything.

“I didn’t lie. I just don’t think this is any of your business,” she said.

Guilt stabbed at her conscience. She hated being dishonest. She had to protect her Little nature, though. Not to mention the fact that Blake was a Daddy. It wouldn’t be fair to out him.

“You asked me to keep an eye on you while Mom and Dad are gone. That makes it my business,” Edward said. “And let me say this. I still think you lied to me about what site you met this guy on. That concerns me. Obviously it’s a site you know I wouldn’t approve of. Which leads to my next question. What do you know about this guy? Is he trying to recruit you for something weird? Like a sex cult?”

This time Lilly’s laugh was not quiet. She threw her head back. Her shoulders shook. When she looked at Edward once again, she saw that he did not appreciate her laughter. Nor did he see the humor in it.

“A sex cult?” she said, fighting off more laughter.

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