by Amy Cummings
“Please, sit down.” He waved his hand at the chair.
He waited until she was situated and then sat on the sofa. His movements were graceful and exact, as if no energy was wasted.
“What’s on your mind?” he said with a pleasant smile.
Kinsley wanted to blurt everything out but purposely remained silent for a moment while she collected her thoughts. She thought hard but still had no idea how to say it, so she just came right out with it.
“Raymond has given me permission to, uh, have…you know. Like…Doms and all that.”
Braxton pursed his lips together.
Reading his confusion, Kinsley offered more. “What I’m trying to say is I can have a Dom. A Daddy Dom. I want to explore and he said I can and…yeah…so here I am.”
“I see,” Braxton said. “Are you asking me to be your Dom?”
“Yes,” she said. “I would like that very much.”
She tugged on the hem of the summer dress she wore, trying to stretch it down to her knee. It wasn’t even close. She was suddenly very aware of her body and wished to be covered.
Braxton smiled wide. Kinsley nearly melted when she once again read that “You’re so cute” note his eyes held.
“And Raymond is sincerely alright with such an arrangement?” he asked.
“Uh-huh,” she said. Her ponytail swayed as she shook her head. “He’s great.”
“Great?” Braxton said.
“Terrific,” Kinsley said.
“Hmm,” Braxton said.
Kinsley tugged at her dress again. She hated the silence!
“And why do you want this?” he said.
“I don’t know if I want this as much as need this,” she said quickly.
Her brutal honesty caught even her off guard.
Braxton studied her another minute, as if he had a window into her soul.
“You do,” he finally admitted.
It wasn’t a question.
“I need you to understand,” he continued, leaning forward, “that I have no desire to take you away from your boyfriend.”
“I don’t want to leave him,” she said.
Braxton leaned back and scratched his angular jaw. “I believe you.”
A few more beats of silence passed.
“You know, if you are under my care one of the first things I’ll do is spank your little bottom.”
Kinsley gasped. “Why?”
“Spying. Lying. You’re wracking up quite a list, young lady.”
Her stomach turned somersaults. Images of her bending over to receive corporal punishment flashed on the canvas of her mind.
“Okay,” she said weakly.
Braxton clicked his tongue several times as he thought it over.
“I want to talk with Raymond first,” he said.
Her eyes opened wide. She hadn’t expected that.
“You think I’m lying again?” she said.
“No, but I want to make sure he is absolutely on board with this. That he knows what this will entail. He is your boyfriend, after all. Most likely the man you will spend the rest of your life with. I hope, anyway. I wish you both much success in your relationship. I need to make sure he is at peace with this before we proceed.”
“O-okay,” Kinsley said.
She couldn’t imagine how that conversation would go. She was terrified it would cause Raymond to change his mind.
“And you have some homework,” Braxton said. “I want you to think of a safe word. Something you can say if our…play…ever becomes too intense. I need you to think of your hard limits and commit them to writing. I also want you to think of what you hope to achieve and areas you would like to work on—things you’d like to improve. Do you understand me?”
Hard limits? What all did he have in mind? Kinsley wondered.
“Yes,” she said.
“Very well,” he said, standing up. “You best run along and get to it.”
Chapter Eight
Kinsley paced the living room nervously as she waited for Raymond to come in. He had arrived home from work, walked to the mailbox to retrieve the mail, only to be greeted by Braxton.
Kinsley had watched through the kitchen window as the two had shaken hands. They chatted on the curb for a moment before Raymond followed Braxton deeper into his yard. That’s when Kinsley had lost sight of them. She assumed they’d gone into Braxton’s house.
Kinsley was a ball of frazzled nerves as she waited on Raymond to come home.
An hour later, he did.
“Hey,” she said.
She wasn’t sure how she should greet Raymond. Was he angry? Did he now hate her?
He seemed to be relaxed—a far cry from how he usually came home after a long day at the office.
“Hey,” he said.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Their lips met for a brief but intense kiss.
“Just had a beer with your friend next-door,” he said. “He’s a cool guy!”
Kinsley stepped back and searched Raymond’s face for cracks in the façade.
“What?” he said.
“Are you being sarcastic?”
“No,” he said with a laugh. “Like he’s actually a cool guy.”
He put his briefcase on the counter, grabbed a glass from the cabinet, and pulled out the pitcher of lemonade from the fridge.
“He wanted to make sure I’m down with the arrangement.”
“And are you?” Kinsley said.
Her body tensed. This was the moment it could all come crashing down.
“I am,” he said as he poured a glass.
He failed to mention that he was more than okay with it. He had spent the entire day aroused beyond belief. He’d only heard half of what was said in the meetings, if that. It was concerning since the case was so important, but Raymond could not help himself.
He knew conventional wisdom and long-held societal norms told him he should be jealous. But he wasn’t.
He was so turned on he couldn’t stand it.
He kept that part to himself, though, as he still wasn’t comfortable with the fact.
“Cool,” she said as casually as she could. She didn’t want to seem too eager. “I made dinner. Lemon pepper chicken and green beans.”
“Smells wonderful,” he said.
Both were thankful for the change in subject. Neither knew quite what to say regarding the new dynamic in their home.
Kinsley got the plates ready and the two walked to the dining room table. Just as they were about to sit, Raymond’s phone buzzed.
Kinsley saw the lock screen and knew who was calling.
The office.
As usual.
Even on a Saturday evening.
What was unusual was the fact that Raymond scooted it aside, ignoring the incoming call.
He pulled Kinsley’s chair out for her.
She smiled and sat down, approving of the change in pace.
“Aren’t you going to answer that,” she said.
“Dinner first,” he said with a wink. “With you.”
She giggled.
That Saturday had shaped up to be full of surprises.
Chapter Nine
Kinsley’s heart felt as if it was beating out of her chest. She stood on Braxton’s porch, waiting on him to answer. She checked herself for the umpteenth time in the reflection of the glass storm door.
Jeans. A stylish shirt. Nothing over the top, but not sweatpants and a tee, either.
She thought of Raymond. He was at work, promising to return by lunch time. That was considered “taking Sunday off” at his office.
The two had talked an hour after dinner had ended the previous night, just chatting about this and that. Then the office had called again, and he’d accepted the call. She wasn’t mad, as the evening had been a marked improvement over most nights. She had been disappointed, though, when she’d drifted off to sleep alone. She’d tried to wait up for him, but that blasted call took over an hour.
But that memory faded as the door opened to reveal the ever-handsome Braxton. He smiled warmly.
“Come in, my dear,” he said.
Kinsley was shaking but managed to walk.
“Hi,” she said.
“Thank you for the text,” he said.
Kinsley had sent him the information he’d requested. She’d tapped it out on her phone while Raymond took his after-dinner call.
“Was that good enough?” she said with a shrug.
“Yes, of course,” Braxton said. He led her into the living room. “It’s not about being good enough. It’s about you, Miss Kinsley. You are actually in control here. I’m simply here to help you push yourself. To explore new possibilities.”
Kinsley nodded.
Her knees were weak. She thought of walking away. Going home. It wasn’t that she didn’t want it. She absolutely did. She feared she was not strong enough to go through with it.
That was, until Braxton took her hand and peered into her eyes.
“I’m proud of you. This is a big step you’ve taken. A bold adventure. Good for you.”
He winked.
Kinsley cooed softly as he ran his thumb atop her fingers.
She relaxed slightly and smiled.
“Those are cute little dimples,” he said.
She giggled.
“See? Everything is okay,” he said as he motioned to the coffee table. “Why don’t you color a pretty picture?”
Kinsley looked at the coloring books and crayons spread before her. That was not at all what she had expected.
“But I thought I was going to get a spanking,” she said demurely.
“We’ll tend to those sort of things later,” he said.
Braxton’s hand lightly caressed her face, sending tremors of excitement throughout her body.
“Right now, you be a good girl and color that picture,” he said.
“Yes, sir,” Kinsley said.
Was she supposed to address him that way? She wasn’t exactly sure, but he didn’t correct her.
So far, so good. Although she’d seen events play out differently in her mind. She had imagined some room with a sawhorse and restraints bolted into the wall. An area designated specifically for kinky shenanigans. She supposed the room might still exist. She hadn’t seen Braxton’s entire house.
But the coloring books reminded her of one crucial aspect of the man—Braxton was a Daddy Dom. There was nothing intimidating about the coloring books. And truthfully, Kinsley was happy for it.
Her nerves steadied. She selected the picture she wanted and set about shading it in.
Braxton let her work a few minutes before speaking again.
“Have you eaten yet?”
“No.”
“I bet you’re hungry,” he said. “Were you too nervous?”
Kinsley shrugged but kept coloring.
“Princess, look at me.”
She stopped what she was doing and looked up at Braxton.
“Why didn’t you eat this morning?”
“I’m trying to lose weight,” she said.
“Did a doctor recommend this?” he asked.
“No,” she said. “I’m tired of being the fat girl.”
“Oh my,” he said with a shake of his head. “That certainly won’t do.”
“What?” she said.
“We’ll talk about it another time. Right now, I’m going to make you something. How do you feel about classic PB&J?”
She smiled, her nose crinkling cutely. “I love them!”
“Coming right up,” he said. “Finish that picture. It looks amazing. Maybe the prettiest one I’ve ever seen. I think I’ve found the best little artist in the world.”
She giggled and continued filling in the page.
“It’s ready, cute girl,” he called from the kitchen.
Kinsley tore the picture from the book and ran to join Braxton.
“Do you like it?” she said.
He took it and held it before his eyes. “I love it!” he said. “I’m going to hang it on the fridge and every time I see it, I’ll think of the little cutie who colored it.”
Kinley looked away bashfully.
“Now, I think you should make tinkles before you eat,” Braxton said. “Since you need to wash your hands anyway, it would be the perfect time.”
“But I don’t have to go,” she said.
“That’s what they all say,” he said. “I know you Littles. Come on, princess, to the potty we go.”
Kinsley didn’t consider herself a Little, but she did not argue. She had just colored a picture and was about to eat the peanut butter sandwich that was made for her. Anything she said wouldn’t be very convincing.
She did not protest when Braxton took her hand in his and led her down the hallway to the bathroom. He flipped the light on and ushered her in.
“Do you need help?” he said.
Kinsley blushed hard. “No,” she said as she looked away.
“Okay, sweetie. Get all the tinkles out like a good girl and then wash your hands. Use plenty of soap.”
“Yes, sir,” she said.
She closed the door. As she pulled her pants down, she thought of how she’d responded. There was something about calling him that—sir—that excited her. Perhaps it was that she felt ultra-submissive. Maybe that was their stand-in for Daddy. Whatever the case, she loved the warmth she received from uttering that title.
Kinsley looked at her panties to see a giant wet spot. She then pulled them away from her jeans and made sure it hadn’t soaked through. Thankfully, her pants were dry.
But for how long?
She was dripping like a faucet.
She exhaled sharply as she gingerly inserted a finger into her passage. She moaned quietly and marveled at how wet she was. She wanted to go farther—to finish the job and break free of the pressure that was building up within—but she knew it wasn’t the right time.
So, she obediently did what she’d been told to do and then washed her hands. She found Braxton waiting on her.
“All done?” he said.
“Yes, sir,” she said.
“Big girl! I’m proud of you.”
He took her hand in his once more and took her back to the kitchen. She sat at the kitchen table and he placed the food before her. It was in a bright plastic, partitioned plate. There was a sandwich, cut in half, along with diced oranges and cheddar flavored Goldfish.
Kinsley was halfway through the sandwich before she realized what she’d done.
She’d entered Little Space.
That magical place she’d only read about—the state of mind that she hadn’t been sure actually existed—was squarely where she found herself.
And it felt really good!
She wasn’t sure when her nerves had settled. Maybe it had been when she was coloring. That was supposed to be a stress reliever. Or maybe it was the food or Braxton’s caring demeanor. Either way, she was glad that the fear and doubt had left her mind.
What replaced them was a peaceful Zen like she’d never experienced.
She finished her lunch and looked to Braxton.
“How was that?” he said.
“Yummy,” she said.
“Good.” He stood up and took the dishes. Once they were put away, he took a wet paper towel and cleaned Kinsley’s face and fingers. She kept her eyes trained on his the entire time. His touch was so smooth and gentle. She was disappointed when he finished.
“Okay, cutie. Come with me. Into the living room we go.”
He picked Kinsley up and carried her to the couch.
As excited as she was to be held by him, she became nervous at the realization that it might be time for that spanking.
“What’s wrong, cutie?” he said. “You’re shaking.”
She was on his lap, curled up against him, her head resting on his jagged chest.
“I’m scared. The spanking is going to hurt!”
He chuckled and squeezed her ev
en tighter.
“We’ll get to that. Right now, I think snuggles are more important,” he said.
Kinsley eased a bit. The dread of the sting was replaced by excitement. She was more than a little aware that part of that excitement was from the fact that what she was doing was taboo.
She thought of Raymond. How would he react if he knew she was cuddled close to another man? He hadn’t seemed to mind when they’d discuss all having a Dom would entail. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder if Raymond was under the impression, like she had been, that Braxton was more of a Dom and less a Daddy. The way Braxton was caring for her was so intimate. It added a whole other layer to the already unique dynamic. Would Raymond mind?
She made a mental note to tell him. Cheating was the last thing she wanted to do.
Oddly enough, the situation she was in did not feel like cheating. Raymond had given his blessing. He seemed surprisingly on board with it. It wasn’t as if she was lying.
So, she remained on Braxton’s lap and enjoyed the feeling of absolute care and protection he offered.
“What has been your favorite part of the day so far?” Braxton asked.
“The favorite thing we’ve done?” she said.
“Doesn’t have to be. Just your favorite thing.”
“Hmm,” she said as she thought. “I liked coloring the picture.”
“You’re very good at coloring,” he said.
He rubbed her back. Kinsley’s heart skipped a beat. The events unfolding were nothing like she’d imagined but she loved it more with each passing moment.
“What other crafts would you like to try? Maybe I could have some here for the next time you come over,” he said.
“I want to paint!” she said. “And make things out of Play-Doh.”
“Those could be arranged,” he said. “Would you ever want some Little friends to come and play?”
Kinsley gulped. Oh my, she thought. The thought of being Little around others was intimidating.
“Maybe,” she said in a shaky voice.
“I understand. It’s all so new for you. Don’t worry. We won’t go too fast.” He smiled and winked, knocking through all of Kinsley’s nerves. “You know I’ll always protect you, right? I have your best interest at heart.”