Sheriff Daddy (Montana Daddies Book 10) by Laylah Roberts (good book club books txt) 📗

“It’s a surprise. Wait there while I come around and get you.”

She’d already been told off for trying to get into his truck on her own, the scolding accompanied by a sharp slap to her ass.

After opening the door, he leaned over to undo her seatbelt. “Might have to see about a booster seat for you.”

“I’m not that small.” Although her feet didn’t touch the bottom when sitting in his truck. “Your truck is just too big. Maybe you should consider getting something smaller. You know, like a Mini.”

Disbelief filled his face as he lifted her down out of the cab of the truck. He took hold of her hand. “A Mini? Do you seriously think I could fit in one of those?”

“Well, then at least my feet could reach the bottom when I was sitting in it.”

“Not happening. Come on. Aunt Marie will be waiting for us.” He started pulling her towards the barn.

Wait. Aunt Marie?

“The nudist?”

“Yep.”

“But . . . but . . .” Where would she look? What would she do? Her mother had never covered etiquette around meeting a nudist.

“Don’t worry, she won’t be nude today.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s Monday.”

Right, it was Monday. Of course she wouldn’t be nude on a Monday. What was she thinking?

Ed stopped. She froze and looked around. “What is it? What’s going on? Is she around?”

“Eyes on me.”

Darn it. She raised her eyes to his, knowing that she’d be in trouble if she didn’t.

He gave her a calm look. “There’s nothing to be concerned about, even if she was naked. Which she isn’t.”

She flushed, realizing that she was being an idiot. “Sorry, of course not. My mother just didn’t cover what to do if you meet someone who is naked.”

His lips twitched. “No, I guess not. But Aunt Marie is a kind person. And a business person. She doesn’t work naked in her shop.”

“Her shop? There’s a shop here?”

“Yep. Come see.” He moved his arm around her, placing his hand at the small of her back. His fingers were splayed wide, almost covering her entire back.

She shivered at the mark of possession. Branded by him.

They reached the barn doors and he knocked twice before sliding the door open and guiding her inside. Her bottom lip fell open as she took in what was inside. She’d expected some dark, dusty old barn. Instead, inside it was lined and the walls were painted white. The floor was wooden and it was surprisingly light. She looked up to find four large skylights cut into the roof.

And in the barn? Well, that was the biggest surprise of all. It looked like a children’s toy and clothing store. Except none of the clothes were small. There were adult-sized onesies and dress-up clothes. Short skirts, long socks, overalls. Colorful sweatpants and jeans. Cute dresses. Ruffled pants that she thought were adorable. Bright T-shirts. A mix of boys and girls.

Then there were rows of toys on the other side.

“What is this place?” she whispered.

“A store for Littles and their mommies and daddies. Out here are the clothes and toys. Over on the far side are things for younger Littles, cribs that are made-to-order, diapers, pacifiers. Out towards the back are more practical things. Bottles, sippy cups, cutlery. There’s also some bedding and things towards the back. However, most of that can be ordered in.”

“Why is this place here?”

“Well, I saw a need for it, that’s why and at heart I’m a businesswoman.”

She turned at the female voice. An older woman, with gorgeous silvery-white hair that curled into ringlets around her head, walked towards her. She was dressed in a long turquoise shirt, black top and black boots. She looked stylish and chic.

“Like I said, there are lots of Littles around these parts,” Ed said.

“And while everything can be ordered online,” the woman added. “Sometimes people want things instantly. And I thought it would be nice to provide a shopping experience. A safe environment where people could be themselves without judgment.” The woman looked her up and down. “Hello, I’m Aunty Marie.”

“Everyone calls her Aunty Marie,” Ed reminded her. “This is Georgie.”

“Welcome,” Aunt Marie said brightly. “What are you after? Toys? Outfits? Things for the nursery?”

Panic made her breath come in sharp pants.

This woman now knew about her. What if she told others? What if it got back to her boss? It was hard enough as a woman to do her job, the old boys club was still around. If they found out about this . . .

Why hadn’t she thought this through?

“Georgie-girl, what’s wrong? What is it? Shit, she’s panicking. Look at me. Take some deep breaths.” Ed stepped in front of her.

How had she thought this would work? She’d trusted him to keep her safe.

Shock then hurt filled his gaze. Crap. Had she said that out loud? She was guessing she had.

“Did you tell her about me?” Aunt Marie snapped at him.

“What? What do you mean? Georgie, you need to slow your breathing. You’re going to pass out.” He placed his hand lightly on the front of her neck, his fingers going to her pulse. She let him touch her this time.

Yeah, like she didn’t know that.

“Georgie, do you know why I started this shop?”

“This isn’t the time, Aunty,” Ed snapped.

Aunty Marie sent him a glare. She was a brave woman. Even though Ed wouldn’t hurt her, he wasn’t happy looking right now.

Blackness started creeping around the edges. Her legs gave way and she started to collapse. Ed grasped hold of her, picking her up. She thought about fighting him, but she didn’t have the strength.

She hated this. Hated being so weak.

He sat and tucked her up tightly in his embrace. Her panic started to ease at the feel of his arms around her.

“I wanted to provide a safe place for Littles,” Aunt Marie said, kneeling in front of her. “Where they could come without judgment. This is a safe zone. Nothing that happens here will ever be spoken about by me. I know what it’s