Page 17 of A Very Naughty Christmas

Daddy-Dom-Little-Girl, she deciphered instantly in her head. She knew what theacronym meant all right. She’d been researching the DDLG lifestyle since her second year in college, when she’d begun to be able to piece together what the ache in her heart had been telling her. She’d realized from the time she’d begun to date, back in high school, that none of the relationships she’d been in had ever felt ‘right’ to her. She always longed for a little something more. A guy who did more than kiss her and try to feel her up—an action she always rebuffed, which was why by her senior year she was single, and stayed that way, not that she much minded. She wanted a man who opened doors, who was a gentleman, but who was also more than that. She wanted someone who made her feel safe, protected, loved and cared for, in ways that most women found themselves too grown for. She wanted a man who held her hand when she crossed the street, who not only didn’t want her to wear revealing clothing, but who discouraged it. She wanted someone who encouraged her playful, kid-ish side, and helped her to stay grounded when she found herself falling apart from emotions too grownup and real.

She didn’t know the exact name for what her heart craved, but DDLG had come the closest to answering it. She’d joined one or two support groups for other ‘littles’ like her, but had never met anyone else in real life who she’d been able to identify with in those terms. She’d kept her fervent desire to find a daddy secret, buried it deep in her heart and truly never expected to find anyone who fit the bill. She was only twenty-two, but she often suspected that she’d either settle for some guy who could never really satisfy her desires, or else be a crazy cat lady. And now that there was no one around to plead for grandchildren, it would probably be the latter.

“Why?” It was the only thing she could think to ask, though her mind was filling with questions that she very much hoped he’d answer.

“Why doyouknow what a little is?” he countered.

Sara’s cheeks flushed anew, but this time she forced herself to keep her eyes on his face. “Because… because I think I’d like to be one. Or, at least I’d like to try.”

“You’ve never had a daddy before? I mean…”

“I know what you mean. And no, I haven’t. Have you… have you ever…” She found herself suddenly feeling shy and simultaneously jealous of any other woman fortunate enough to have been Alex’s little, even in the past.

“No, I’ve never found the right woman.”

“Oh,” she said, letting the word hang between them, knowing it was inadequate.

“Except…” Alex reached out and gently cupped her chin, his smile stretching as he searched her face. “Except now, maybe I have. Are you ready to eat?”

Sara shook her head without hesitation. Like she could eat after he’d said the words she’d been waiting for what felt like forever to hear! No, her hunger had evaporated and she didn’t think she could eat a bite, even if she tried.

“Now, none of that,” he told her, his voice gently scolding as he dropped her chin and reached for one of the foil-wrapped burgers. “I heard your stomach growling. There will be plenty of time to talk later, but for right now, you’re going to eat.”

When he unwrapped it and held it up, Sara obediently opened her mouth.

* * *

Daddy’s Rules for Sara

Good little girls don’t talk back.

Good girls don’t curse or ever talk badly about themselves.

Lying is not acceptable.

Always show immediate obedience when an order is given.

Daddy is to always be shown respect.

Use your manners—always say please and thank you.

Hold Daddy’s hand to cross the street.

Tell Daddy if you feel sad or scared for any reason, at any time.

Allow Daddy to make it better.

Accept punishment when Daddy says it is earned—no arguing.

Always ask permission to come.

Sara had taped the list that Alex had given her on her mirror and it gave her butterflies every time she looked at it. She found herself checking her reflection a lot more since he’d presented her with it last night. And today they were going on their first ever daddy-daughter date! She was so excited that she was beaming as she read and reread the list over and over again. She’d memorized it yesterday, but she just liked looking at it, knowing that there was someone out there who cared enough to make her dreams come true. And she didwantto be his good girl. Not just to avoid punishment, though the spanking she’d received at his hands had been nothing short of cheek-stinging agony. But more important, she didn’t want to disappoint him.

He knocked on the door right at ten, as promised. She’d already been dressed and waiting for the last fifteen minutes, hopping around the living room in eager anticipation. When she heard the sound of his knuckles rapping against the wood of the door, a piece of advice her dorm-mate had given her rang through her mind.Keep ‘em waiting, she’d said.It makes the first time you see each other that much more exciting.

She’d followed that advice on several first dates, but she discarded it now and ran to the door, refusing to downplay her eagerness. She threw open the door with a big, wide smile, which only grew when Alex offered her a bouquet of bright wildflowers.

“How pretty,” she said as she accepted them, immediately burying her nose into the bouquet and inhaling deeply.

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