Page 4 of Daddy Next Door

Inside, with my door safely closed, I leaned against it and exhaled. Ethan Hayes was nothing like what I'd expected in a new neighbor.

He was so much more dangerous to my carefully separated worlds.

***

Ilockedthedoorbehindme and leaned against it, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My skin still tingled where Ethan had almost touched me. I kicked off my sandals and headed straight for my bedroom, needing to process the afternoon in the only way I knew how.

My hands trembled slightly as I peeled off the star-patterned sundress. I stood in my underwear, catching sight of myself in the mirror—flushed cheeks, messy hair, eyes bright with an emotion I wasn't ready to name.

In my dresser, I bypassed the "normal" pajamas and reached for the bottom drawer—my special drawer. I pulled out soft purple leggings covered in tiny moons and a oversized t-shirt with a cartoon character on the front. The fabric was worn from washing, buttery-soft against my skin as I slipped it on. Already, I felt my breathing slow, my shoulders drop.

I padded to the bathroom and washed my face, removing the light makeup I'd applied for my neighborly visit. As I dried my skin with a plush face towel, I studied my reflection. Without makeup, I looked younger. More vulnerable. More me.

Back in my bedroom, I gathered my comfort items—Mr. Hops the bunny from my desk, a fuzzy blanket in pastel blue, and the sparkly scrunchie I'd removed earlier. I pulled my hair into a messy bun, securing it with the childish hair tie that no one but me would see.

The living room was quiet as evening settled in. I curled up on my couch, wrapping the blanket around my shoulders, Mr. Hops nestled in my lap. My little ritual: breathe in for four, hold for seven, out for eight. With each breath, I let adult Lily—professional, composed, always in control—fade to the background. I let myself be small.

But thoughts of Ethan wouldn't fade with my adult persona. If anything, they intensified.

His hands, so careful with the books, so strong with the furniture. How would they feel on my skin?

I hugged Mr. Hops tighter, confused by how these thoughts followed me into my little space.

What would he think if he knew? If he saw me now, curled up with a stuffed bunny, wearing clothes from the juniors department? Would those kind blue eyes turn confused? Disgusted? Would he see me as broken? Childish?

Or would he understand?

I couldn't risk it. Couldn't risk having those eyes that made me feel so seen turn away in discomfort. He was my neighbor. We shared a wall. If things went badly, there would be no escape.

My laptop sat on the coffee table, its notification light blinking. I pulled it onto my lap, careful not to disturb Mr. Hops, and opened the screen. The LittlesOnline forum was still up from earlier. There was a message from ProtectorE.

The green dot beside his name showed he was online now.

Starry? Still there? Hope I didn't lose you. Just wanted to check in.

I smiled at the screen, comforted by his concern. E had been my confidant for nearly a year—the one person who knew this side of me, even if he didn't know my real name or face. I began typing.

Sorry for disappearing! You won't believe what happened. Remember I mentioned a moving truck outside? Turns out my new neighbor is this really interesting guy. I brought him a welcome basket (super adult of me, right?). Just got back inside.

I paused, fingers hovering over the keys. How much should I share? E and I had never discussed our personal lives in great detail. Our connection existed within the safe boundaries of the forum—discussions about little space, caregiving dynamics, the challenges of balancing adult responsibilities with our desires.

But something about today's encounter with Ethan made me want to share more. To try to understand the confusing feelings swirling inside me.

He's not what I expected,I continued. He's a psychologist.Tall, kind eyes, really calm energy. The type who makes you feel safe just by being in the same room.

ProtectorE's response came quickly:

Sounds like you made quite an impression on each other. Tell me more about him. What stood out to you?

His interest encouraged me. I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders and kept typing, the words flowing easily now.

Everything about him is careful but not rigid. Like how he directed the movers—firm but kind. And he's so TALL. But not in a scary way. In a way that made me feel... I don't know... protected? When we were moving the bookcase, he kept checking if I was okay, but he didn't treat me like I was fragile. He listened when I said I was stronger than I look.

I sent that message, then immediately began another, unable to stop now that I'd started.

Sometimes people recognize kindred spirits without knowing exactly why. Do you think you'll get to know him better?

I hugged Mr. Hops closer, considering the question.

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