Big Daddy Sheriff (Big Cedar Daddies #1)

Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

That evening, Alyssa was still tired but managed to stay awake, fearing she wouldn’t sleep through the night if she napped any longer.

Apparently, her sleepiness was evident, because Quinn said, “What do you want to do? I would take you up into the mountains and show you some of the sights, but you’re too tired to do any hiking. Even light hiking.”

Sitting on the couch, she smiled. “Is it that obvious?”

“You look a little sleepy. And I don’t mean that as a knock. You’re beautiful. But those yawns are still coming frequently. I’ve noticed you leaning against those pillows, too.”

She smiled. “Thank you. But I’m far from beautiful.”

Quinn frowned. “Why the negative talk?”

“Because it’s true. I’m too chunky.”

Standing before her, he shook his head. “I’m wondering if we need to lay some ground rules.”

The statement gave her pause. What exactly did he mean by that?

He didn’t pursue it any further, and she could tell by his change in posture and facial expression that he feared he’d overstepped.

Part of her was disappointed.

The other part was glad. For a moment, she’d been worried he was going to spank her. Surely he wouldn’t. But it was obvious he was a Daddy. And it was already established that she was a Little.

Was something developing between them?

Mmm. That would be nice.

She tried to shake such notions from her mind. She was just here to hide out. She’d have to return to Little Rock eventually.

The thought made her shudder. But it wasn’t like she was very far from Little Rock as it was.

It was less than three hours away. It seemed too close. Though Big Cedar was tranquil, she would have preferred more distance between her and Lana Foster.

She needed an ocean between them!

Still, even given the close proximity, she knew she was safe with Quinn.

He sat down on the couch and angled himself until he was looking into her eyes. “What’s wrong? I’m sorry if I was too forward. It’s just… well, it’s hard not to Daddy sometimes. Know what I mean?” He chuckled. “Guess you wouldn’t, since you’re not a Daddy.”

She giggled. “No. But I sorta know what you mean. It’s hard not to Little sometimes. But that’s not what’s bothering me.”

“The reason you left Little Rock,” he said. It wasn’t a question.

She opened her mouth to respond but held her words inside. How much should she tell him? Would he judge her? She hadn’t done anything wrong. But still… would he understand?

Finally, she realized she owed him the truth. He’d opened up his home to her. She was a complete stranger and he’d taken her in. He deserved to know.

“The lady I worked for ended up being… bad. Like really bad. She sells drugs. And is into lots of other shady stuff.”

“Okay,” Quinn said with a nod that was obviously meant to encourage her to keep going.

“I didn’t know when I took the job. I was just office help in the used car lot she runs. But I started noticing weird things. I saw some stuff, too. At first, I told myself it was just my imagination. Soon, though, I realized what was really going on. So, I went to the police. Then the FBI got involved. I helped them and was going to testify, but…”

“Let me guess,” Quinn said. “Prosecution didn’t go as planned.”

“Yes! They freaking dropped the charges! I found out this morning. The detective in charge of the case recommended I get out of town quickly. Before Lana could get her revenge. That’s why I came here.”

There was more she could say, but now wasn’t the time. She’d told him most of it. Of course, the piece she held back was pretty big, but perhaps she’d grow comfortable sharing it. Eventually. For now, she’d explained enough.

Quinn chewed on the information for a while. “Do they have any way of knowing where you went?”

“No,” she answered, shaking her head. “I wasn’t followed.” She laughed. “I don’t have experience like that—what do they call it in the movies—looking for tails? But some of those roads were so deserted I think I could’ve seen a mile behind me.”

Quinn laughed too. “That’s right. Welcome to Southeastern Oklahoma.” He reached out and took her hand. “You’re safe here, Alyssa. I’ll make sure of that.”

She felt much of the anxiety drain from her body as she looked into Quinn’s dark eyes. It was as if his touch transferred warmth and strength. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel anxious or afraid.

It felt as if everything was going to be alright.

“I’ve got an idea,” Quinn said. “If you’re up for it.”

“Sure.”

“Sounds like you’ve been under a lot of stress recently. You need to have some fun. How about I call some of the other girls and we meet up at the park? That is, if you aren’t too tired. I know it’s been a long day.”

Playing with other Littles? Alyssa tried to keep her cool, and not show how excited she was at the prospect. Inside, she was screaming, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

But she kept her elation in check, instead saying a simple, “Sure. Sounds fun.”

Boy did it ever!