“Does Dr. Eric have his own little girl or little boy?”
A line appeared between Mr. Fox’s brows like he was trying to make a decision.
“He’s had a little girl in the past, but he doesn’t right now. I’m telling you this in the strictest confidence and I expect you to keep it to yourself. Some of his pediatric patients’ families wouldn’t understand and they’d leave his practice, maybe even try to get his license taken away. Which is ridiculous. Eric is a very smart man, went to the very best schools, is an excellent doctor. He can absolutely tell the difference between grown-ups who enjoy age play and actual children but… Some people are very judgmental and they can’t see past what they don’t personally understand.”
“I promise I won’t tell anyone. I like Dr. Eric, he was so nice to me.”
“We’ve been friends since I moved here. He’s a really good man.”
She stared at Mr. Fox for a moment, blinked at him, and the corner of his mouth tipped up.
“Did you have other questions?”
“Not that we have to talk about right…now.”
She’d been interrupted by her own yawn and she was so tired. She just wanted to curl up in bed and stay there forever and ever. Wouldn’t hurt if Mr. Fox was next to her either.
“Then I’m going to fasten your diaper, get you a new shirt and then tuck you into bed. Would you like to sleep in the crib in here, or…”
“Could I sleep in your bed with you? I want…” She wanted to say it, but asking for things was scary. Almost all the time she got a no, and in a lot of cases got laughed at too. Not that she thought Mr. Fox would laugh at her, but she didn’t know if she could take being rejected. It was easier to never ask than to ask and be told no. “Never mind. I can sleep in the crib.”
Mr. Fox applied a little more pressure to her belly as he fastened the diaper and Twyla had to bite back a moan. What the hell was going on with her? She couldn’t explain why but the feeling of being swaddled in the diaper, thick and warm and soft was nice in a way. Comforting. Made her feel nice inside, and maybe even turned on?
She lay there trying not to think too hard about it while Mr. Fox went into his room and returned with another shirt for her. He helped her sit up and then buttoned her into it before rolling the sleeves up until her hands were free. Then he set his hands on her knees and looked her in the eyes.
“You asked if you could sleep in my bed because you wanted something. What is it?”
She rolled her lips between her teeth, which hurt so she let go and swallowed. “I like it when you hold me. I wanted, if it won’t bother you too much… I wondered…”
Why was this so hard to say?
“You want me to cuddle you?”
Cuddle was such a sweet word. Almost saccharine on her tongue where it waited to be said, like something unnatural. But yes, that was exactly what she wanted. She wanted to be held, cuddled, nuzzled, petted. She wanted the heat and strength of his body wrapped around her, so she nodded.
“I have a few things to do before I can come to bed, but how about I tuck you into my bed and when I’m done I’ll join you?”
“Okay.”
It was more than okay. How could a single day be both the worst and best of her life?