Page 36 of Koa's Little Girl
Immediately, Giana followed his instruction. “So? Are you the only son?”
“I am. I’m twenty-seven. My sisters are twenty-five, twenty-three, and twenty-one.”
“I’m older than you?” she asked, shocked.
“Age doesn’t matter to me, Flame. Is it important to you?” he asked.
She noticed he didn’t ask how old she was. “Well, it kind of matters. Twenty years from now when I’m talking about the music I listened to in high school, you won’t recognize any of the artists.”
“I like that thought. I’m glad you’re planning to stay with me for twenty years,” he commented, totally missing her point.
“No, I mean we won’t have anything in common.”
“We’ll have twenty years in common,” he pointed out before adding, “besides, these were probably your favorite groups in high school.” Koa named off four bands she’d loved.
“That’s impressive. How did you know?”
“Lean back. Let’s rinse the suds away. Do you like conditioner?”
“No, thank you. I have a leave-in one that I like,” Giana answered before following his directions. His fingers swishing her hair through the water felt magical. Giana could feel her tight shoulder muscles relaxing.
After the stressful day, she’d tensed up even more when she’d realized she was five years older than Koa. He oozed confidence and control—probably a result of his training and skills. Perhaps he was right—the difference in their age didn’t matter.
“Up you go, little girl,” he said, lifting her easily to sit in the tub. Koa steadied her before wrapping her wet hair in a towel, turban-style, like he’d done that a million times.
“You’re thinking too hard, little girl. Are you okay?” Koa asked, pulling the washcloth away from her eyes.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to get lost in my head.”
“Being quiet is fine, Flame. Unless you’re worrying about something that isn’t important.”
“Like our age?” she asked.
“Exactly. Our private business is ours.”
Koa dipped the washcloth into the water, saturating it. He added some floral-scented soap and stroked the cloth over her back. The sensation of the pull of the terrycloth over her skin mesmerized her. She leaned into his touch.
“That’s it, little girl. Just let me take over.”
After the day she’d had, releasing control to him was surprisingly easy. Giana realized she trusted Koa. She couldallow her inner self to come out safely around him. He kissed her forehead, making her heart melt.
“I’ve got you, Giana.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
By the time he’d washed every inch of her body, Giana was half asleep. Koa dried her skin and wrapped her in a towel. She lolled against his hard muscles as he carried her to the bedroom and tucked her under the covers.
“Don’t leave,” she whispered as he eased off the bed.
“I’ll be right back, Flame.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, little girl.”
She hovered on the brink of sleep, fighting to stay awake when he returned. “Daddy,” she whispered. “I thought you’d forgotten me.”
“Never, Giana.” He settled on the pillows next to her and wrapped an arm around Giana to slide her closer to him. “I want you to try this, little girl. You need some nourishment. Then you can sleep.”
