Little Women Box Set

by Chloe Carpenter

  "Intimate touching sounds good to me." The smile came back so strong he was almost blinded by it.

  Tom gave her a hug and a squeeze. "So be it. This all feels so right. Now come on upstairs, princess. It's bed time for you.

  ---oOo---

  Ruthie used a new pink Hello Kitty toothbrush to clean her teeth. She brushed them until they sparkled, then washed her hands and face and put on a cute little pair of pyjamas. They were lightweight cotton and had yellow ducks on; very childish but just what she liked.

  Tom was waiting for her in the bedroom. He had already turned back the covers, closed the curtains and switched on the bedside lamp. The room was suffused in a warm pink glow.

  Just like my bottom! she thought as she climbed into bed.

  "There we go." Tom drew the quilt up over her. "Comfortable?"

  "Yes thanks. This bed is soft as a feather." She watched with surprise and delight as Tom went to the bookshelf and came back with a book. "You're going to read me a bedtime story?"

  "Of course. You'll love this one about the princess and the unicorn."

  He was right. She did. She listened, entranced not only by the story, but by their physical and emotional closeness, the timbre of his voice and the way he kept pausing to look at her.

  "That was the best story ever," she declared as he closed the book.

  "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now it's sleepy time for you - we have a busy day tomorrow."

  "I can hardly wait. It's going to be just wonderful."

  "It is," he agreed and bent to kiss her brow, then tucked the quilt under her chin. "Good night, pet. Sleep well."

  "Night night, T- I mean Daddy."

  He smiled. "You'll soon get used to it, princess. Sweet dreams."

  Ruthie sighed happily, suddenly very tired. She flicked off the bedside lamp and only minutes after she closed her eyes she was fast asleep.

  ---oOo---

  She awoke with a start in the early hours of the morning. The room was in darkness and then there came a sudden flash of lightning, illuminating the whole room through a tiny chink in the curtains. Ruthie sat up in bed in alarm, pulling the quilt up around her chin. Moments later came the sound of thunder ... first as a low and ominous rumble, and then deepening into an angry growl as it became progressively louder. A huge thunder clap boomed, loud as a drum. Ruthie shrieked and stared wide-eyed into the darkness, then buried her head under the duvet.

  She remained there trembling for a moment, then when the next thunderclap sounded right overhead she squealed, flung back the quilt and jumped out of bed. She raced as fast as her feet would carry her and stumbled into Tom's bedroom just as he was reaching out to turn on the lamp.

  "Daddy!" The form of address came naturally.

  "It's all right, Ruthie. It's all right." He held out his arms and she flew into them, and without being invited, clambered into bed beside him, clinging to his chest like a limpet.

  "I was so sc-scared," she said, trembling.

  "It's only a thunderstorm, pet. It will soon pass." He soothed her with words and stroked her trembling body.

  "Can I stay a while? Please?"

  "Of course, little one." He drew the quilt up around her and held her close. As Ruthie nestled against his warm chest he could feel her heart pounding, but gradually she began to relax.

  "Sorry," she said eventually. "I know I'm a wimp."

  "Nonsense. Most people are afraid of something."

  The storm quietened, with just a residue of rain pattering on the window panes. Ruthie was grateful for Tom's innate understanding and his comforting presence. She sighed, cursing herself for her fear of thunderstorms. She wanted to explain to Tom, and once she began, the words came effortlessly.

  "When I was little - maybe five or so - I was playing out in the garden and I got my foot tangled in a bramble and couldn't get free. I did so much kicking and wriggling I was scratched to ribbons. I yelled for my mom but she never came. But the thunderstorm came, and I was out there for two hours until the neighbour arrived home from work and heard me. I was hysterical by then. They found Mom passed out on the sofa next to an empty bottle of whisky. I was taken into care for a few months while Mom went into rehab."

  "That explains so much." Tom stroked her hair. "You can't have had much of a childhood."

  "I suppose it could have been worse. Anyway, that's why I'm scared of storms."

  "There's no need to be afraid any more."

  "I'm not afraid now," said Ruthie. It was true. She felt safe and secure in Tom's arms. She closed her eyes, marvelling at the bond that had already developed between them. There was so much to think about... so much to talk about ... but now was not the time. Tiredness overcame her and she slept soundly, her head cradled against Tom's chest.

  ---oOo---

  Saturday dawned clear and bright. When Ruthie awoke, Tom was gone and the delicious smell of fried bacon wafted up from the kitchen. She headed for the bathroom and then ran downstairs in her pyjamas and slippers.

  "There you are." Tom grinned. "Bacon roll?"

  "Oh yes please." She sat at the table and looked at him sheepishly, embarrassed now that she had made so much fuss and got into bed with him. Whatever would he think of her?!

  But Tom didn't refer to it. Instead he set a glass of fresh orange juice and a plate containing two crisp bacon rolls in front of her. "Breakfast. Bacon rolls are my speciality. What do you think?"

  She bit into one. "Mmmm, it tastes even better than it smells."

  "That's a good enough compliment for me." He seated himself opposite her and began to eat. "We'll take a few provisions with us, and we'll buy whatever else we need when we get there. After breakfast I'll finish my packing, and we'll pack a case for you too. It's about time those clothes in the wardrobe got an airing."

  "This is so exciting," said Ruthie with her mouth full. She demolished both rolls in record time and had two glasses of juice.

  "Hmm, for such a little person you sure have a big appetite." Tom grinned as he cleared away her empty plate.

  They spent the next two hours packing, and in Ruthie's case, trying on half the contents of the wardrobe and drawers. First she filled a big carrier bag with cuddly toys, including the big rabbit who she named Boris, and a pink Elephant she named Martha. Then she filled a large suitcase with underwear, shoes, and all manner of sleepwear and day clothes. There was even a pink polka dot bikini and a pair of flip-flops. The case was bulging so much she had to sit on it to squish everything flat and make it fasten.

  "It's a good job I have a big car," said Tom as he hauled the overstuffed case downstairs. But there was a twinkle in his eyes. Having Ruthie share his holiday was an unexpected bonus and he knew he was going to enjoy it immensely. There were such possibilities, and he had so much to teach her.

  When they had secured everything in the car, Tom locked up the house. "Ready to roll," he said. "We'll go to Brad's and you can get your things and make that phone call."

  "Ok. I've already phoned my girl friends. They say they want a full report!" Ruthie giggled at the implication.

  "And will you tell them everything?" he teased.

  "No way. I'm not sure how they'd handle it if I told them I enjoy being little and getting spanked."

  "Maybe it's something you can confide at a later stage," he suggested.

  "Maybe. Anyhow, they think you sound very nice and because of your position in the community they reckon I'll be safe as you aren't likely to do anything that would jeopardise your public reputation."

  "I gather you didn't tell them I spanked your bare bottom last night then?" quipped Tom.

  Ruthie blushed, shook her head and giggled.

  "And while we're on the subject of spanking, how is that naughty bottom this morning?"

  "It's fine now - not even pink."

  "No worries. We'll soon change that." It was Tom's turn to grin. Oh yes. It wouldn't be too long before he had her bare-bottomed over his lap again.

  He pulled up out
side Brad's house and switched off the car engine. "Want me to come in with you?"

  "It's ok thanks. I won't be long."

  "Fine, I'll wait here - but don't forget to make that call to Brad."

  "I won't," she said as she got out of the car.

  Once inside the house she went up to her room and changed into a faded pair of blue jeans with turn ups, and a pale blue short-sleeved blouse with white spots. Given that she had so many clothes from Tom's house already packed, she didn't need much else to wear. She picked up a couple of 'grown up' outfits, her laptop and a new box of toiletries, and a book on the reading list for next term ... and then pulled a face and put the book back. "Stuff that," she muttered, and went back downstairs.

  Opening the fridge door revealed a few bits and pieces inside that needed throwing out, so she did that and emptied all the rubbish into the outside bin, and then went round the house checking to make sure all the windows were securely closed and locked.

  Then she glanced at the telephone and her heart sank. She really couldn't face telling Brad. She knew he'd be livid at the idea of her going on holiday for three weeks without even asking his permission - and when he found out she was going with a man, he'd have a fit! No, she couldn't tell him. Wouldn't tell him. But he'd be bound to phone her mobile when he couldn't reach her on the land line.

  And then she had an idea.

  She resolved to wait until Tom was occupied and then send Brad a text, just saying she was going to the coast with Chrissie for three weeks and that she'd be in touch again when she got back. Then she'd make sure her phone was switched off for the remainder of her trip. It seemed like a good plan. It would have to do.

  "All done?" asked Tom as she slid back into the car.

  "Yep."

  "And how did Brad take it?"

  "Oh he wasn't at all pleased," lied Ruthie.

  "That's predictable. What did he say?"

  "He was very cross that I didn't ask his permission first. So I told him the reason I didn't ask his permission was for two reasons: first that I don't NEED to ask his permission to do anything, and secondly because even if I did, there'd be no point anyway because he'd have only said no."

  Tom chuckled. "Good answer. Did he ask where you'd be staying? Because I've just realised I haven't given you the address."

  "I just told him it was up in North Yorkshire on the coast, and I gave him your telephone number in case of an emergency." Oh the lies came so easily. This was a breeze. "And I also told him not to contact me during the next three weeks."

  "And how did he respond to that?"

  "He said a very naughty word. I'd best not repeat it as you don't like me swearing," she said with a grin.

  "Very sensible. Well done. See - it wasn't so bad was it?"

  "No." She felt the first pang of guilt at deceiving him. But it couldn't be helped.

  ---oOo---

  Tom called at the garage to fill the tank up with diesel. He returned to the car with a bag of sweets. "Don't eat them all at once," he said, handing them over to Ruthie. "I don't want you being sick."

  "Thanks. I love these!" She immediately opened the bag and popped a strawberry fizz into her mouth.

  "Right. Now we're really on our way," said Tom. "Filey here we come!"

  "Oooo - we're going to Filey?! I've heard of it but never been there. What's it like? Is the beach good? Oh - and will there be donkeys on the beach? I just love donkey rides! What's the cottage like? How long will it take us to get there? What-"

  "Whoa!" Tom laughed at her barrage of questions. "One question at a time! Filey is lovely, it's a generally unspoiled holiday resort - the sort of place that isn't too commercial. It's been a seaside resort since Edwardian times and a fishing village for much longer. It's smaller and more refined than resorts such as Bridlington and Scarborough and there's significantly less noisy development on the sea front, which is all part of the charm of the place. It has a lovely beach - an expanse of fine sand, not the pebbly shale beaches you can sometimes get. Can you swim, Ruthie?"

  "Of course I can!" That was a fib, but she wasn't going to let on that she was hopeless in the water.

  "Great, because it's a good safe place to swim, providing you don't go too far out. As for donkey rides, yes I do believe I've seen donkeys on that stretch of the beach. We shall see!"

  "Are we nearly there?"

  "No, silly. We've only just set out. If we stop for a quick drink en route, we should arrive in about three hours."

  "Oh that's ages," pouted Ruthie.

  "It will soon pass, and we have a lot to talk about. When we get there we'll be able to walk on a rocky outcrop known as Filey Brigg, and you can see the fishing fleet at the Coble Landing. You'll love the hundreds of rock pools - we'll get nets and catch baby crabs if you like?"

  "Yes!" Ruthie had only ever had one holiday with her mother, and she had a dim recollection of a sandy beach, a bucket and spade and sandcastles, and a net for catching little crabs from small rock pools. It would be terrific to experience all that again with Tom.

  "Although I love the sea, there are plenty of things to do inland. The cottage is located close to the start of many beautiful walks. We can hike or hire ponies to go trekking?"

  Ruthie's eyes lit up. "Yes! Cool," she said.

  "There's lots of interesting places to go to - including an animal park and Playdale Farm in nearby Cayton village."

  "Oh I'd love that too! And the cottage? Tell me about the cottage."

  "Ok. It's nowhere near as big as my house, but it's big enough as a holiday home. It's quite old and has been renovated over the years, and I had a new roof put on just after I bought it. It needs other things doing but I haven't had time to sort them yet. There's a kitchen/diner, and a sitting room downstairs, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and a bathroom - but the third bedroom is tiny. I haven't got any furniture in there yet, but the other two bedrooms are kitted out. I think you'll like them."

  "I'm sure I will. Does it have a garden?"

  "Yes, there's a tiny front garden, and round the back is a bit more space - not huge, just a lawn and shrubbery, and a paved area with a small table and sun umbrella where we can sit on hot days. It doesn't have a garage, but there's plenty of room for the car on the road. And another perk of the cottage is that it's detached and very private. It stands on it's own, tucked into the elbow of the hill, with the woods and cliffs beyond, and you can see the sea from the front windows."

  "Oh wow. I can hardly wait! And did you say it was near the beach?"

  "Just over half a mile that's all. An easy walk."

  Ruthie went quiet for a moment. Tom sensed her hesitation and glanced at her.

  "What's up, poppet?"

  "Nothing. I was just ... wondering ... um, did you take Daisy to the cottage too?"

  "No, she never got to see it. I bought it last year, and since then I've only had chance to visit on two weekends. It's been neglected, I'm afraid." He looked at her curiously; an expression of relief wavered over her face before she broke into a radiant smile. Ah ... she's jealous of Daisy, he thought, then added, "You are the first guest at the cottage. You'll love it."

  "I just know I will." She beamed happily and helped herself to another strawberry fizz. It mattered, somehow, that Daisy hadn't stayed at the cottage with Tom.

  "I've been giving some thought on how to play things for the duration of our trip. Three whole weeks as a little girl may be too much, so here's what we'll do. When we arrive we'll unpack and settle in, and have lunch. Then I think it would be a good idea for you to hand over to me temporarily all the accoutrements of your adult self - your handbag, watch, laptop and mobile phone - anything that reminds you of being in the adult world. That leaves you uncluttered and will help you get into the 'little' head space. Does that make sense?"

  "Yes. It makes perfect sense. And if I want to be 'adult' again, I ask for them back?"

  "Right. Or maybe I'll sense that's what you want. We'll see. So for most of the
time, I'll be your Daddy and you'll be my little girl. You can be any age you want, at any time you want. But," he paused and looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes, "if you are a naughty little girl, you will be punished accordingly, and I may treat you as though you are younger than you actually want to be."

  Ruthie sucked in her breath. His words made her all squirmy. "I understand. I'm cool with that."

  "Your bottom won't be cool by the time I've finished with it," said Tom. He gave her a rakish smile. "Anyhow, we'll take things slowly, but if at any time you want to revert to an adult, all you have to do is tell me."

  Ruthie nodded. "I'll remember that, but you know, I don't think I'll want to very often, because there's so much I want to experience." She gave him a sideways look. "I expect you have a few surprises planned for me."

  "Too right I have." He grinned. "And you might not enjoy them all, but I will."

  "You're a wicked, wicked man," she said, and grinned at the thought.

  "Oh I am, you'll see. Once we're there I'll set down a few rules. And if you disobey them, you'll pay the penalty."

  Once again Ruthie experienced that delicious sensation of anticipation and arousal. They spent the next hour and a half talking about her fantasies and things she'd like to try. Ruthie was surprised at how easily and naturally they talked about such highly personal and intimate things, though she did blush furiously when the conversation centred around butt plugs and anal play. And the more they talked, the more Ruthie wanted to give herself completely to this wonderful man who understood her so well.

  "It's a bit like opening Pandora's Box," said Tom. "Once you have the lid off, something is freed ... and you'll never be able to fully close the lid ever again."

  "I won't want to," she said. "This is who I am and I need to come to terms with that and simply be."

  Tom reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. "Well, with all that talking, I'm parched. How about we stop for a quick drink?"

  ---oOo---