He blushes, then shrugs. “I’ll explain soon. Let’s get where we need to be, ok?”

I give him a firm nod, then follow again as he takes us to get our bags. It’s an entire process that’s far too long and annoying.

Eventually, we have everything we need and then he’s looking at me again. “Where are you headed, little one?”

His voice is soft enough so only I can hear him. While I wouldn’t have minded before, the fact that he’s getting so much attention definitely changes things. I’m glad there won’t be some viral video of him calling me that on the internet anytime soon.

I pull out my phone and open the email with my hotel confirmation. Is it insane to share this with a stranger? Absolutely.

Does Little me care one bit?

N - O - P - E.

That spells nope if you’re confused.

DD’s face lights up as he reads the screen. “Well I’ll be damned. Looks like we’re headed to the same place. Want to share a car?”

“Yes, please!” I nearly squeal in reply.

More time with him sounds like a dream come true.

CHAPTER 4

Duval

The trust this sweet boy has given me is amazing. Every glance he throws my way, every moment he allows me to lead him, is one I’ll never forget. Check in is a breeze once we reach the resort.

Unfortunately, we don’t wind up on the same floor. I was kind of hoping we’d be side by side. It would make it easier to check on him without creating excuses.

Part of my stipulations for the trip were that I get a suite to give me plenty of room to spread out. I’m too introverted in my personal life to worry over hosting large groups or anything like that. It’s more that I want the space to be open and welcoming when I come back to it.

Cramped hotels are not my idea of a proper vacation.

We reach Foster’s room first. He’s been less Little since we left the airport, and now standing at his room, I realize I’m looking into the eyes of big Foster rather than the boy I’d been spending time with.

“Thanks for helping me,” he says plainly.

I miss his babble speak. Does the big version of him always use an adult tone? Or is there a chance I could get him to blend the two worlds?

There’s no chance of me forcing him into anything he doesn’t want. I’d really love to find out who he is in all forms. And there’s something about slipping in and out of Little space that really does it for me.

I once had a friend tell me it was like being a switch, except instead of them becoming dominant, it was like pulling down a shield to be Little, then putting it back up when big. My brain finds the back and forth attractive.

To each their ownis what I always say. I refuse to be judged for my preferences.

“I’m happy we met, Foster. It’s been fun spending time with you.” I pause to see if he’ll agree. At his nod, I add, “Maybe we can continue? Would you like to come see my room? It’s supposed to have a great view.”

He bites his lip. I have the urge to yank it free, but that’s not something for me to do now that he’s not in his Little frame of mine.

It takes him a few seconds of thought before he nods his cute head again. “I’d like that.”

Turning back to the elevator, I tug him behind me at a rushed pace. He giggles softly, some of that softer side slipping through.

“Where’s the fire?”

“No fire. Just didn’t want to give you a reason to change your mind,” I admit.

He smiles at me sweetly. I want nothing more than to pull him into a kiss. Nothing deeply sexual. Just a soft meeting of the lips to show him how quickly I’ve become infatuated with him.