Page 216 of Giddy Up, Daddy

“Well see, we were painting and Reese kept bumping my arm when she reached for the paint, so I bumped hers hard and made her spill the red paint, and her hand got all full of paint and she smeared it on my picture to get it off, and then I tried to get hers back but hit Ripley’s instead and everything sorta went downhill from there.”

I watched Master Derek’s face the entire time Wren was explaining, and his expression didn’t change in the slightest. But his eyes shimmered and creased at the corners like he could see the ridiculousness of the entire scene playing out and was trying not to laugh. It should have been comforting that he wasn’t super angry, but it wasn’t, really. I mean, we hadn’t done any damage to anyone or anything, as the bulk of the mess had ended up on ourselves, but still.

“Either of you have anything else to add?” he asked.

“No, Sir.” Reese shook her head.

“Only that it was silly, and we shouldn’t have done it, and I’m sorry.” I felt my face heat with embarrassment.

He gave a single nod. “Wren and Reese, you two run along. I’ve already talked to your Daddies, and they’re both waiting for you out at the barns.”

“But what about Ripley? She doesn't have a Daddy.”

Master Derek raised a brow. “I’m well aware of the status of my guests, Reese. Ripley and I are going to chat privately. Go.”

“But—”

“Now, please.” His voice was firm, but he didn’t raise it in the slightest. He didn’t have to.

Reese whimpered as she gave me one last look before leaving, and Wren reached over and grabbed my hand. “I wouldn’t leave you here alone if I didn’t know Master Derek wasthe safest man on the planet. We’ll catch up later.” She gave my hand a squeeze before letting it go and leaving me alone with the most intimidating man I’d ever met. I wasn’t scared, but I was definitely nervous, as I had no idea what was about to happen.

“I see you’re finding your place here.” Master Derek smiled.

I nodded.

“Are you enjoying your visit thus far?”

“It’s been a little bit strange, if I’m being honest.”

“I always want you to be honest with me. Can you elaborate on that?” His brows furrowed in concern.

“The Ranch is great. It’s nothing against you or your staff, or anything like that,” I hurried to reassure him. “The strange part is inside me. I…” I looked around to make sure we were still alone. “I’ve only ever been Little with my late husband, and even with him it was very limited, and more like stolen moments.”

“Ah, I see. I do remember reading your paperwork and not seeing that you were an ageplayer.”

“I’m not… or I wasn’t? I don’t know. It's all very confusing. And now there’s stuff with Cade.”

“Oh? Is everything okay? I can get you your own room if there’s ever any issue.”

“Oh, no, no. Nothing like that. The opposite, really.” I had no idea what about this man just had me wanting to share my life story with him, but talking to him was like talking to that big brother or best friend who you just knew wanted what was best for you, and would give you all of the love and acceptance he could, no matter what you told him. It was very comforting. “I think Cade and I have been dancing around each other for a long time, but when we got here something made it impossible to ignore any longer.”

“That would be the Ranch Magic.” He grinned from ear to ear. “It’ll get ya every time. No one is safe from its effects.”

“You’re not lying.” I sighed and looked at the clock. It was almost noon, which would mean it was getting close to lunchtime and Cade would be waiting for me.

“Does he know you’re exploring this side of yourself? And if any of my questions become too invasive, feel free to tell me. I will not get my feelings hurt.”

“He doesn't know, no. And I’m not sure I’m ready to tell him. I don’t know how he’ll respond. We’ve never… He has topped me, and I have seen him play in clubs, but this has never been on the radar.”

“Well, he’ll certainly have questions about the paint,” Master Derek pointed out. “And these relationships must be rooted in trust and communication, so what will you tell him?”

“I don’t know.”

My stomach twisted. I had no idea how I was going to explain my state of disarray without coming clean or lying, so there really was only one choice. I wasn’t willing to lose Cade’s trust over anything. I’d have to tell him the truth.

“Usually when one of our Littles gets sent to me there’s a punishment attached, either at my hand, or the hand of one of my staff, or a personal caretaker.”

“I kinda figured,” I mumbled.

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