“Well, you did offer to plant some flowers for me.”
“You. . .you want me to plant you a garden?”
“Yeah. Like I said, never been able to keep much alive. But figure that’s your job now.”
She smiled at him. “I’m okay with that.”
He undid her belt and pulled her across the bench seat. “Means you’re gonna have to stick around. For a long, long time. After all you can’t let the poor plants die.”
“No, got to think of the plants,” she said solemnly.
He snorted then kissed her lightly. “Move in with me, Sunny.” He watched her carefully, almost as though he was worried about her reply.
He needn’t have. “Yes.”
He kissed her. His mouth hard. Possessive. When he pulled back. “Thank God for that.”
“You were really worried I’d say no?”
“Course not,” he replied arrogantly. “How could you say no to the man who buys you toys and flowers?”
“You’re forgetting the spectacular orgasms,” she noted.
He grinned. “Believe me, I could never forget those.” He cupped her face between her hands. “Love you, Sunshine River Bright.”
“I love you too. So much.”
“Good. Now let’s go get some fucking plants and go home.”
* * *
“Hello, Sunny-girl, what you playing there?”
Sunny started then stared up at Ink, her eyes wide. What was he doing here? She looked down at the picnic blanket Duke had spread out on the floor. She had her toys, including Sparkle Pony, gathered around the blanket and was pouring out tea into the small delicate cups of the tea set Duke had bought her that morning.
Duke had popped out of the playroom after his phone rang, telling her to stay there. She hadn’t really thought much about it, continuing to play happily.
“Oh, um, Ink.” She knew her face had to be scarlet. What should she say? Do? Ink knew she was a Little. He’d helped get this room ready, but having him see her like this was different than him just knowing that about her.
“Can I have a cup of tea?”
She blinked at him. He just smiled. Then the heavily-tattooed man with the shock of blond hair and the party-guy, surfer vibe sat crossed legged across from her. She still didn’t know what to say. Did Duke know he was here?
“Duke is. . .he’s. . .”
“He’s talking to Spike. He doesn’t know I’m here. I had to go to the toilet and the door was open so I peeked in to check out your room. You like it?”
“I love it,” she whispered.
He studied her. “I can leave if you like, Sunny-girl. I don’t want to make you feel self-conscious. It’s just been a long time since I was at a tea party.”
“Have you had a Little?”
“Yep. While ago. I miss it. Taking care of someone that way, having their total trust, it just fucking does it for me.”
There was a hint of sadness in his voice that tugged at her. He went to rise and she reached out and took hold of his hand. “You can stay.”
“You sure?”