Fiery Fighter Daddy by Scott Wylder

CHAPTER NINE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hazel

I explored Scott’s house while he was gone. I was tempted to turn on the TV to see how his press conference was going or to look at social media, but I didn’t dare just in case it wasn’t going well. I had avoided reading about the rumors so far, and I didn’t want to start now, although I could only imagine after the call with Sharon.

I occupied my time by familiarizing myself with the house. It was huge and cheerful with spacious rooms. The living room had a brick fireplace and a throw rug over a hardwood floor along with comfy leather couches. There was a bookshelf in the corner. I went over to peruse it. There were some thriller novels on the top shelf, but I was surprised to see most of the books were middle-grade and children’ books. I smiled. I loved reading when I was a kid. It looked like Scott did too and kept some of them around. I grinned when I saw some of my favorites from childhood. I had always wanted to reread them, but Todd always mocked me whenever I even glanced at the kids’ section in a bookstore, telling me I was acting like a baby.

But surely Scott wouldn’t think like that. He called me little one and a good girl. He was so patient when I woke him up, and he didn’t even care how much trouble I caused him with the press. He wouldn’t care if I read a book from childhood. Right?

I pulled out a book before I could overthink it even more. Settling onto the couch, I opened the book and was soon absorbed in it.

I didn’t even hear when Scott came in.

“Hazel?” He called. “Where are you?”Panic sliced through me, but I pushed it down and took a deep breath. Scott wasn’t Todd. I needed to remember that. “I’m in the living room,” I called back.

He entered the room and smiled when he saw me.

“Hey,” he said. “It’s good to see you relaxing.”

Relief burst through me. Of course, he wasn’t mad. Why would he be? “How was the press conference?”

He grimaced. “I don’t want to talk about it. But I ended up sparring and talking with a friend. And that helped.”

I sat up on the couch to make room for him. He sat down next to me, smiling faintly when he saw the book I was reading. “That’s one of my favorites too, little one,” he said.

I felt a small warm flush. Not only did he not mind me reading a children’s book, but he called me little one again. I loved it.

“What did you and your friend talk about?” I asked. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“We actually talked about you,” he said. “And me. There’s something I need to tell you.”

I tensed, waiting for him to kick me out. He had to realize by now his impulse to protect me was more trouble than it was worth. “Okay,” I said quietly.

His brow furrowed as he studied me. “It’s okay, little one. You’re not in trouble. I promise.”

I gave a hesitant smile, feeling a little reassured but still worried.

He ran his hand through his hair, looking suddenly nervous. “I want you to know that no matter what, you always have a safe place here, okay? I’ll never hurt you or kick you out or do anything, no matter what your response is. Do you understand that, little one?”

I nodded, still not sure what he was getting at.

He sighed. “I wasn’t sure if I should tell you but talking with Jesse helped me get a new perspective. The thing is, I’m attracted to you. A lot. I almost told you this morning, and I don’t think I can keep trying to hide it. If you don’t feel the same, that’s fine. I’ll never bring it up again, I promise. But I just wanted you to know, especially because you’re so worried about owing me something even when that couldn’t be further from the truth. Understand?”I bit my lip. “You’re attracted to me? Why?”

He snorted slightly in disbelief. “What do you mean? Why wouldn’t I be attracted to you? You’re beautiful and adorable and so incredibly sweet. Everything about you makes me want to take care of you and spoil you and that’s what I want most in a partner.”

I frowned. That couldn’t be right. “Wouldn’t you rather have someone take care of you?”He shook his head. “No. Not like that. I like taking care of my partner and making sure they’re comfy and happy and free to be themselves. That’s what being a Daddy is all about.”

I bit my lip. “A Daddy?”

He nodded. His expression was wary as if he was trying to assess how I would react. “Have you heard of DDLG before?”“The term sounds a little familiar.”

“It means Daddy Dom, Little Girl. Basically, I enjoy being the caretaker. And I want a partner who feels safe and comfy and is free to express herself, especially if it’s in an innocent way.”I bit my lip. It sounded too good to be true. “So, you just want to take care of me and let me act like a kid around you?”

“Only if you want to,” he said quickly. “Or we never have to talk about this again. If you want to leave and never see me, then I’ll understand. I’ll never pressure--”

I quickly cut him off with a kiss before he could finish the sentence. Scott let out a small groan as his hands wrapped gently around my back. I melted into his touch. He was so gentle with me, so affectionate and caring. I felt safer with him than I had ever felt with anyone before.

Finally, he broke off, breathing hard. “Are you sure?” He said breathlessly. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

I nodded. “I want you, Daddy.” I blushed. The name felt more normal than I had expected. “I’ve been wanting you for a while now. I didn’t let myself think that you would want me too.”“Of course I want you, little one,” he murmured. He brushed the hair out of my face. “You’re so perfect. So incredibly perfect.” He kissed my forehead. “We’ll have to talk more about what this means. About what I expect from you and vice versa. But for now, can we go upstairs to my room? Would that be okay?”

I nodded, feeling a flutter of joy.

“Yes, Daddy,” I said. “I would like that very much.”