by Amy Cummings
Chapter One
Kinsley stepped back from the fence and covered her mouth in awe.
Had she really seen what she thought she saw?
Surely not. Perhaps she was misreading the situation.
She pressed her eye to the hole and checked again. The rough wood felt knotty against her skin, a thin splinter rubbing against her cheek. She ignored the pain and stared on. She had to confirm.
She nearly gasped when she realized her eyes had not deceived her. It was no trick of an overactive imagination, nor a product of reading too many steamy romance novels.
There, in her neighbor’s yard, was a woman prancing around in quite an interesting outfit.
The small skirt she wore flapped as she ran, revealing a pair of pink panties complete with frilly ruffles. Her hair was in tight pigtails. She held a stuffed bear that she took into the oversized play structure. Once she had disappeared, the second woman came into view.
She was dressed much the same. She squealed and laughed as she bounced through the yard. She joined her friend in the playhouse and the two carried on as if having a grand time.
“Just a few more minutes,” the man said.
His voice was strong and confident. His sexy tone matched his appearance.
He was rising from the water, wet beads glistening on his muscular, cut body as he stepped out of the pool. Water fell from his jet-black hair and slid down his face, rolling through the hard stubble on his cheeks before dripping from his granite-cut jaw.
Kinsley licked her lips.
Yummy.
“But Uncle Braxton, we want to play some more!” one of the girls said.
She was now out of the playhouse. She crossed her arms and stuck out her bottom lip.
“What did I tell you earlier about whining?” the man said.
“Not to,” the woman said.
“And what happens if you do?” he asked.
She kicked at the ground. “You’ll spank my bottom.”
The man nodded. “Do I need to? Because I have no problem lifting that dress up and pulling those cute little panties down. I’ll take you over my knee right here.”
She gulped. “No, sir. I’m sorry.”
“That’s better,” he said. “Watch your step.”
Kinsley realized her breathing had increased. She couldn’t believe how she felt as she watched the exchange.
She was so…aroused.
She felt slightly guilty for watching. She was totally spying on her neighbors. But she could not tear herself away from the drama. It was positively riveting.
“We’ll be good,” the other woman said. She was on the second tier of the play structure, looking down on the other two.
“I hope,” the man said. “I’d hate for our fun time to end with spankings.”
“Yes, sir,” both girls said in unison.
Kinsley was so lost in watching that the man had nearly closed the gap between the pool and the fence before she realized he was approaching. She fell back, landing on her bottom, and stifled a yelp. She half expected to see the guy’s head poke over the top of the fence to see her. He would have to climb since it was an eight-food high privacy wall. She was relieved when he never peeked over.
She finally worked up enough nerve to look again. When she was once again in position, the man’s back was to her. He worked a towel over his body while the girls came to him.
“Inside, cuties. I need to get you both back home.”
He swatted each one’s bottom as they trotted by. That small simple gesture turned Kinsley on even more.
What happened next, though, nearly took her breath away.
He started walking for the patio but stopped and looked back. He cocked his head to one side. His eyeline went straight to Kinsley. He gave a wry smile, winked, and then turned away.
This time Kinsley did gasp.
She covered her mouth once more and froze in embarrassment. She had been caught red-handed.
She hurried into her own home and quickly shut the backdoor behind her. It took her a moment to catch her breath. The air conditioner pumped a cold breeze that swirled around her, offering a nice reprieve from the hot summer sun. She had the chills, but it had nothing to do with the temperature change.
It had everything to do with what she’d just witnessed. It was like a dream. Something she’d never thought she’d see firsthand.
Kinsley had just seen a Daddy and his Littles.
Chapter Two
“You’re never going to believe what I saw!” Kinsley said.
Her boyfriend had just arrived home from work.
Late, as usual.
Raymond Knox sat his briefcase on the tall bar chair that rested by the granite-topped island in the kitchen. He looked tired and frazzled.
“Hey,” he said. “What did you see?”
He leaned in and gave Kinsley a half-hearted kiss on the cheek. She waited for something more, at least a hug, but it never came.
She brushed it off and continued her story, eager to share the day’s excitement. “I saw our neighbor with two ladies. They were dressed, uh, very interesting. I think he’s a Daddy Dom!”
Raymond was quiet as he browsed through the stack of mail he’d collected from the countertop.
“Hello?” Kinsley said. “Did you hear me?”
She was smiling wide as she waited for a reaction.
A few beats of silence passed.
“A Daddy Dom?” he said. “That’s interesting.”
It was evident he wasn’t paying attention. Kinsley turned away in frustration and headed for the bedroom.
It took Raymond a minute to realize she’d left.
“Hey, where are you going?” he called. “And what’s for dinner?”
Kinsley stopped and faced him. She thought of voicing how she felt—lonely, ignored, and merely tolerated—but she kept it inside. Why open up those cans of worms? It would only result in a fight.
“What would you like for dinner?” she said.
“Kinda thought you’d have something made,” he said.
She glared at him. “I’m sorry. I can whip something up really fast.”
“Nah, we can get takeout.” He swallowed hard. He shrugged. “Look, I know I haven’t been around much lately. I’m sorry. This case is big and it’s an all-hands-on-deck sort of thing.”
She nodded. “That’s what you said about the last one.” Her voice was meek.
“I know,” he said. “I didn’t think we’d jump so quickly into more litigation but…you know the pharmaceutical cases…this is big.”
Kinsley chewed on the inside of her cheek. “I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be selfish. I just miss you.”
Raymond finally walked to her and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head.
She sighed. The embrace felt nice.
“It will be over soon. And just think, when I’m named the newest partner at the firm, it will all be worth it.”
Kinsley thought about Raymond’s words. Was it worth it? Would he finally propose to her then? Once they were married, would it be more of the same—him working countless hours, not even giving her most weekends? How could they start a family under those conditions?
She once again opted not to voice her concerns. It wasn’t worth rehashing that evening.
She wanted to get her mind off it all. She thought once again about their neighbor.
The Daddy Dom.
She grinned. Maybe she could get lost in a steamy romance that night. Raymond would probably do some work from home after dinner. She could spend some time with a hunky, caring, stern man on her Kindle, at least.
That was how she spent most evenings. Her life wasn’t all that exciting. It certainly wasn’t kink
y. At least she lived vicariously through her beloved books.
And as guilty as she felt, she might also sneak in a fantasy or two about that mysterious man next-door.
Because he fit the bill quite nicely.
Chapter Three
Raymond yawned as he put the last document of the evening on his nightstand. He’d put in a couple hours of work after dinner. He felt bad. He knew Kinsley was starving for his attention. He missed her, too.
He’d started off telling himself he’d only work for thirty minutes. Long enough to check his email. That had turned into an urgent request. A written deposition needed to be reviewed. The senior attorneys wanted it quickly. Two hours later and he was beat.
And Kinsley was still lonely.
Raymond barely noticed when Kinsley came into the bedroom wearing a sheer red negligée. Her thong panties matched.
He’d already closed his eyes when he felt the bed sink. He opened them to see Kinsley on her knees, coming toward him with a wide smile. Her eyes were cast low in a come- hither look.
He yawned again.
Not the reaction he wanted to have.
Nor the one Kinsley was looking for.
She froze. A look of absolute dejection soured her face.
“I’m sorry, honey,” Raymond said. “I’m beat. I can barely keep my eyes open. I didn’t realize you wanted to…”
Kinsley thought of pressing on and trying her luck, but she realized she would not get far. Conceding defeat, she shook her head to indicate she understood and turned away. She got off the bed, feeling embarrassed that she’d even tried.
“Honey, I’m sorry! We usually only do this on Saturday, and I didn’t know you wanted to…”
“Don’t you ever want something more exciting?” She was facing him now, her arms crossed, casting daggers with her eyes.
“What do you mean?” Raymond said.
He almost yawned once more but fought it off. He was sharp enough to know it was not a good time for that.
“We’re in a rut. Only on Saturday nights, and that’s not even a guarantee. Don’t you ever want to have a little fun? Maybe do something different? Daring? I mean, it’s not like lingerie on a Thursday is kinky, but I’m trying here.”
An uncomfortable silence hung heavy in the air.
“Do you not find me sexy?” Kinsley said.
“Honey! Of course I do. I’m trying my best. I work really hard! I’m doing this for us,” Raymond said.
“Sometimes it doesn’t feel like there is an us,” she said. “There’s you and your work and then there’s me.”
Kinsley turned away and went into the bathroom. She closed the door before she started crying. She studied herself in the mirror. She felt foolish in the lingerie. She’d tried, at least.
It was more than Raymond had done.
She changed into her regular sleep clothes. She took a few more minutes to gather herself and then went back into the bedroom.
Raymond was asleep. From the looks of it, he’d tried to wait up for her. He wasn’t laying down all the way, instead propped up on a pillow laying against the headboard.
She nudged him. He stirred but only slightly.
“Scoot down,” she said softly.
He did so.
Kinsley looked at him once more, pulled the blankets up to his neck, and kissed his forehead.
She then grabbed her Kindle from the nightstand and opened the cover.
Looked like she’d be spending another night with a Daddy Dom.
Picturing Raymond’s face the entire time.
Chapter Four
Nothing was mentioned about the exchange the following morning. Raymond and Kinsley ate breakfast together and she saw him to the door. They embraced and kissed before he left, but it was nothing too passionate.
Kinsley busied herself cleaning house. Her mind flashed often to Raymond and the events of the night before.
But it also flashed to their neighbor and that interesting little scene she’d watched unfold.
Kinsley giggled as she thought about it. Watching them had made her feel dirty—but more than a bit excited.
She was lost in thought, thinking of all the naughty things that might have taken place inside the man’s house, when the doorbell rang. Kinsley snapped back to reality and went to the front door.
Her heart raced after she looked through the peephole.
Oh crap! It was him! He was at her house!
She checked again, realizing that it was the second time she’d spied that man through a small hole. It would be nice to see him up close and not through a hole in the fence or the peephole of her door. But what could he possibly want?
Maybe it was as simple as their mail mistakenly delivered to his house.
It’s no big deal, she told herself silently. This isn’t one of those novels!
She drew a deep breath and steadied her nerves.
She wondered how she looked. She’d been cleaning the better part of the morning.
The doorbell rang again.
“Okay, okay,” she said aloud, not even realizing she was talking to herself. “Just open it up. This is no big deal.”
She slowly turned the deadbolt and then the doorknob. She exhaled loudly and then pulled the door open.
Gosh, he looks so freaking sexy just standing on the porch! He somehow makes even that look hot!
For a fleeting moment, Kinsley was worried she’d voiced that thought. She realized it had remained in her head, but she vowed to be careful. She didn’t want to totally humiliate herself by blurting out something ridiculous.
Kinsley looked through the glass storm door and appraised the man. The full view was even better. That man was absolutely scrumptious.
He was tall and owned the dark slacks and dress shirt he wore. He was immaculately put together and radiated confidence.
Kinsley’s entire body tingled as she opened the door. An excitement swelled in the pit of her stomach.
And a drop of arousal dampened her panties.
“Hi,” he said. His grin was charming and infectious. “My name is Braxton Rhodes. We’ve never officially met. Forgive my rudeness. I never intended to be unneighborly.”
He extended his hand.
Kinsley, frozen in excitement, was slow to react. She finally brought her hand to his and shook.
“Hi,” she said.
It was all she could say.
Braxton smiled even wider. He looked into her eyes with a gaze that was somehow both disarming and intense at the same time.
“May I come in for a moment?” he said.
“Uh-huh,” she said. “Wherever you want.”
Kinsley turned red with embarrassment as she stepped out of the way.
Get ahold of yourself, Kinsley!
“I hope I’m not bothering you,” he said as he followed her into the kitchen. “I just wanted to clear some things up. I fear I might have alarmed you yesterday.”
Kinsley winced.
So he had for sure seen her. That little grin he’d flashed hadn’t been her imagination.
“May I get you a drink?” she said.
She motioned to the chairs at the island. Braxton pulled one out and sat.
“No, thank you,” he said.
Kinsley remained standing, across the island, leaning against the opposite counter. She nervously ran a hand through her hair before letting her arm fall to her side.
“It seems as if you saw me having some fun with Sydney and London,” Braxton said. “Two very good friends of mine.”
“They’re named after two international cities,” Kinsley said with a chuckle. “That’s cool.”
She felt lame.
That’s all you can think of? Seriously? she silently chided herself.
“Indeed they are,” Braxton said.
Kinsley grew even more nervous under his appraising eyes. She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but his facial expression seemed to say, “You’re pretty cute.”
She di
smissed it as wishful thinking.
A pang of guilt shot through her as she remembered Raymond.
Remember him, Kinsley? The boyfriend you live with?
“I shouldn’t have spied,” Kinsley said with a dismissive shrug.
“No, you shouldn’t have,” Braxton agreed.
She was taken aback by his reaction. She had expected him to let it go or tell her it was no big deal. Instead, he called her out on it.
Something stirred in Kinsley. She didn’t understand why, but she liked it.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
It was an honest statement. Kinsley was truly remorseful.
She also had a sudden burst of confidence. There was something about Braxton’s presence that had her feeling a bit daring.
“Are you a Daddy Dom?” she said.
She pushed off the counter and stepped to the island. She rested her palms on the cool granite surface and leaned in slightly as she awaited his answer.
He smirked slightly. His eyes twinkled.
Now Kinsley was for certain that he found her cute.
“I am,” he said, without the hint of apology or embarrassment in his tone. “Although I eschew labels, Daddy Dom is probably the one that most closely describes me. I just consider myself…me.”
Kinsley was a bundle of nerves. This was possibly the most exciting thing that had ever happened to her. She was actually meeting one!
“Do you know what a Daddy Dom is?” Braxton asked.
Kinsley tried to appear nonchalant. As if this was any ordinary Friday for her. Just another day for the worldly Kinsley Norris.
“Of course,” she said with a head shake and dismissive wave.
“Wonderful. Then do explain,” he said.
Kinsley stood up straighter. A lump formed in her throat.
“Umm, like, tell you my definition?” she said.
Her tone was not nearly as confident now.
“Yes, please.”
“Well,” Kinsley said. Her mouth felt dry. She wracked her brain trying to formulate the right words. “You, like, sorta…call the shots with those girls. What you say goes.”
“I see,” Braxton said.
He stood from the chair and walked halfway around the island. Kinsley froze, waiting on him to move closer.