Page 23 of Small Town Daddy

“Don’t think too hard about it,” I said. “But, uh, it’s all fixed now. Like I said . . . pipes.”

We gathered around the kitchen table, the rich aroma of fresh-baked bread and fruit filling the air. I couldn't help sneaking glances at Lucy as we ate. She seemed more relaxed now, laughing at Marie's animated stories.

"You two seem to be making great progress," Marie observed, her eyes darting between us.

Lucy smiled, a hint of pink coloring her cheeks. "Couldn't have done it without Marcus."

"Teamwork makes the dream work," I quipped, sharing a conspiratorial smile with Lucy. Our eyes locked for a moment, and I felt that spark again.

After lunch, I headed to the basement to test the newly repaired pipes. Water flowed smoothly through the system, no leaks in sight. Relief washed over me – at least one thing was going right today.

I climbed the stairs, finding Lucy in the hallway. "Looks like the house is back in working order," I told her. "You should be all set to stay here tonight."

She hesitated, biting her lower lip in a way that made my heart skip. "Actually . . . if it's alright with you, I'd prefer to stay at your place a bit longer."

Warmth spread through my chest. "Of course," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "You're welcome as long as you need."

Her eyes met mine, gratitude and something deeper reflected there. "Thank you."

The air between us crackled with unspoken tension. I wanted to pull her close, to protect her from everything that had hurt her. But it was too soon. We'd only just begun to understand each other.

Instead, I offered her a gentle smile. "Ready to tackle the living room next?"

She nodded, determination replacing the vulnerability in her eyes. "Let's do it."

As we walked side by side down the hall, our hands brushed. Neither of us pulled away.

Chapter 7

Lucy

Icould be inmy house now. I could be alone, trying to process the news that Marcus definitely was a Daddy Dom, and that he knew I was a Little. The pipes in my house were fixed, the place was safe. And yet, I’d asked Marcus to stay with him again.

I couldn’t stay away.

I didn’t want to stay away.

In fact, I felt like I didn’t want to be apart from Marcus for even a second.

The gentle creak of the front door welcomed us back. I breathed in deeply, the now familiar scent washing over me like a warm embrace.

I shrugged off my jacket, muscles aching from a long day of tidying and painting. The living room glowed invitingly, flames dancing in the fireplace. As I sank onto the plush couch, I couldn't help but smile. Being here with Marcus, it just felt right somehow.

He sat down beside me with a contented sigh. Our eyes met and something flickered between us, an understanding that ran deeper than words.

"You're amazing, you know that?" he said softly, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. "The way you're handling everything with the house, with your dad . . . I'm in awe of your strength."

I leaned into his touch, soaking up the comfort and reassurance. But even as warmth blossomed in my chest, I felt a familiar tug, an ache for something more. The day's stresses weighed on me heavily and I longed to let go, to shed the burden of adulthood for a while.

Littlespace called to me, a whimsical refuge where I could just be, free of expectations and sorrow. I hadn't retreated there in so long. Part of me feared Marcus would think it childish. And yet, I sensed he'd understand. There was a gentleness to him, a nurturing side that made me feel safe and cherished.

As night fell outside the windows, I took a shaky breath. "Marcus . . . there's something I need. A way I find peace when things get overwhelming. It's called Littlespace . . ."

I explained it all, my voice trembling slightly. How embracing my inner child allowed me to process and heal. How I craved the innocent joy and carefree wonder of youth.

He listened intently, blue eyes soft with compassion. When I finished, he took my hand and squeezed it gently.

"Lucy, I'm honored you trust me enough to share this. I want you to feel free to be yourself fully with me, in every way. Your Littlespace is a beautiful part of who you are. Please, don't ever feel you need to hide it. In fact, I might be able to help you slip in. . ."

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