Page 11 of Cherishing Little Charlee

Charlee frowned like she wanted to tug her hand out from mine but didn’t. I hoped she’d offer some sort of explanation considering how upset she’d gotten last night in the parking lot. She didn’t have to explain, but I wanted to know. If I had her limits, wants and needs, it would be much easier to step into the role I thought she could benefit from: Daddy.

“Are you blind, Pierce? I’m not little in any way, shape, or form.”

“I’m not blind, sweetheart. Will you tell me why you think that being Little has anything to do with the things you just mentioned?”

If Charlee thought a Little needed to be smaller than his or her Daddy or Mommy it would make me very sad. Size didn’t matter at all. Age, race, gender, sexuality? None of it mattered when it came to the sort of dynamic or role you were seeking. That was one of the reasons why I loved visiting the Ranch. Acceptance not just of my kinks but for everyone and theirs.

“I told you last night that it’s a hard limit of mine,” she said under her breath. Her pupils were huge as they studied my face.

“I completely understand that, and I won’t call you anything with the word ‘little’ in it. Not on purpose. Will you please explain it so I can understand better?”

Her eyes darkened, a stormy blue-gray rather than the lighter shades they looked in the theater when the spotlights shined on them. Her dazzling eyes usually drew me away from whatever I was doing to talk to her directly. I should have approached her for a deeper connection before her accident.

She shook her head. “It’s too hard to talk about in a place where people might hear me.”

“Do you want to go to my house? I have a huge porch swing on my deck. It’s not that cold out and it will give us an excuse to cuddle.”

I seldom invited anyone over who hadn’t already been in my life for years. Colton, his wife Haven, her sister Tasmin and her boyfriend Kai, other friends from my crew. They attended game and movie nights when I hosted, but inviting Charlee meant something different. She chewed on her thumbnail. Her eyes flickered from each of mine down to my hands and back again. Though I worked with my hands, I didn’t think she was admiring them for that reason.

“We can sit out there and listen to music and talk about whatever you’d like. You don’t have to tell me why you like or dislike certain things, Charlee. But I truly believe I can help you better if it's in a different capacity.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea.”

I waited for her to elaborate or to give a reason why. When she didn’t, I let my mind fill in the blanks of where her hesitation might be stemming from. Nowhere good. Clearing my throat, I told her what I thought might be the issue. “I think you just don’t want to find yourself sporting a hot bottom as you elevate your wrist and ice it every night.”

“I’d freaking love that!” Her face lit up for a moment before her lips turned down in a pout. “That wasn’t fair, Pierce. You knew I’d respond excitedly.”

“I didn’t know how you’d respond. Do you want to hang out? I’ll give you a demo if you’d like so you won’t have to poke me for once.” I winked.

Flouncing up and out of her seat she didn’t stop until she reached the door of the cafe. “No demo. Not unless it’s… you know I… can we go now?”

“Come back here and pack up your treats.” I added a stern twinge of authority as I tapped my foot. She opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue. Why I’d ever thought Charlee wasn’t anything but a certified brat was hilarious. She claimed she wasn’t Little but she acted like it whenever she was around me.Her behavior, the banter, the way she listened when I told her to do something, most of the time, all pointed toward a younger mindset. Or at least a more submissive one. Glancing around the coffee shop, I confirmed it was empty as the workers had stepped into the back. Meeting her at the door, I took the top of her ear and gently dragged her back to the small table. She looked horrified. My actions would have been expected if we were on the Ranch. In public, I should have been more discreet.

“Pierce!”

“Don’t raise your voice, Charlene. Pack up your treats. No attitude.” Releasing her, I crossed my arms and watched her sulk as she picked up the delicious bakery items. She held the bags out. I hadn’t expected her to do what I’d asked so quickly. Smiling, I took them and pulled her against me. “Good girl. Thank you for listening.”

“I do try to do that sometimes. Plus, you give really great hugs.” She nuzzled into my chest.

“I enjoy hugging you, darling. Now, would you like to spend the afternoon together? I’d like to come up with a plan for the next few days at least. It’s vital that you aren’t taxing your wrist while it heals.”

“Yes, I brought my planner and my laptop.” She gestured to the crossbody bag. “But, I’m not sure how knowing more about something that has nothing to do with a dynamic or a relationship is going to help you in any way.”

“It’s important because your repeated refusal–”

“I’m not a Little. Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I don’t mean physically even though that’s part of it,” she insisted.

“Let’s go.” I kissed her temple.Damn it. The gesture surprised both of us. Yes, Charlee was my friend. But I hadn’t expected her to unravel my resolve. Not when we were both so guarded.Fuck. We should go back to my place and let our walls come down via my bed. I wanted to worship Charlee withmy mouth, my tongue, my hands. I longed to treat her like the goddess she was. And I was determined to make sure she always believed my actions as well as my words.

Charlee inhaled slowly, letting out a breath. “You smell really good.”

Her compliment made me smile again. “I’m glad you think so. Come home with me. I’ll make us lunch.”

She agreed verbally, albeit with a non-committal sound, but I took it. Charlee barely spoke as we crossed the parking lot and I helped her into my truck.

“I don’t think I can agree to being under your watchful eye without doing something truly stupid, Pierce.”

“Oh, yeah? What stupid thing do you think you would do? Push my buttons? Test some boundaries?”

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