The mistakes Kelly had made in her essay were all pretty obvious. So, she scanned the newspaper next. The circled jobs were office-based. Some were for receptionist positions, others for administrative assistants. She didn't know anything about any of the companies, so she selected three based on the hours and salary range. Convincing herself that the ultimate reward was going to be worth the pain of the process, she took her choices into Daddy's office, sat down and waited while he finished whatever he was working on.

When he was ready for her, he motioned for her to come over, lifted her back up on his lap, and glanced through her marked selections. "So, tell my why you picked these three."

Since none of her reasons had to do with what the businesses sold or offered, he suggested they next check to see if each company had a website. All three did, but the one that manufactured different lines of famous products stood out from the rest. Problem was, it was located in New Jersey rather than New York City.

"I don't want to move so far away," Kelly declared.

"All right, we'll put that one at the bottom of the list, but I still think we should consider it. Looks like a sound company, and I suspect they offer more benefits than any of the others. What did you think of the one that sells computer equipment?"

She shrugged. "It's okay, I guess."

Graham jotted down their physical address and web address. "And the one that makes and sells fancy women's shoes?"

"Their website had some nice features, and the shoes are pretty."

"Good. All three will require different skills, so you'll need a separate résumé for each one.

Her back tense, she gaped at him. "Résumé? I don't know how to put together a résumé."

"Relax. I'll help you do that. What I want you to do is go back to your computer and make a list of the things you think they'd want in an associate. Doesn't matter if you've got the skill or not, write it down. When you've done that, come into the kitchen, and we'll start making dinner."

"What if I can't tell what they want?"

"Their ad lists the skills they're looking for, so start there. Then do a search for them on the Internet and see what else you can discover. List the positives and negatives. If you can't find anything except their own website, comb through it, and take note of what they say about their employees. You're likely to read sentences like 'Our staff is always available to help you make your selection.' So, what does that tell you?"

When Kelly shrugged, he pinched her thigh.

"This will require some thought on your part, Kelly. Break the sentence into parts. What does 'always available' mean to you?"

"That they don't expect you to have a life outside of your job."

He took a deep breath and gave a reluctant nod. "If taken literally, I suppose that's true, but let's assume they are referring to their employees' attitude during office hours only. That tells me they want eager, observant people who put customers first. So, those are the qualities you'd list for that company. See what I mean?"

"I guess."

"You guess. All right, let's take the next phrase: 'to help.' I'd say that means they want their employees to be helpful to their consumers, which translates to friendly and willing to assist. Would you agree?"

"Probably. Sounds right."

"So, what qualities or requirements would you transcribe to 'make your selection'?"

"I don't know. Offer recommendations?"

"Exactly, but, to offer recommendations, their staff needs to be familiar with their product line. So, you'd put that down as a requirement. Understand?"

"I guess so."

"You can do this, Kelly. You're a smart girl. You have two hours before I'd like you to join me in the kitchen. If that's not enough time, you can complete your work tomorrow. Acceptable?"

Kelly agreed even though she doubted she was equal to the assignment. She'd never worked for a company before, so how was she to know what they wanted in an employee? All the same, she returned to her work area and made notes. She'd managed to make a small list for each of the three organizations before Graham called her to join him.

Despite her initial reluctance, she had to admit he made their cooking venture fun by teasing and kissing her a lot as they made the sauce and boiled water for the pasta. The sauce was relatively easy since it came from a jar, but Graham had her add cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic to the tomato and mushroom base to make it what he called Bolognese. They baked some garlic bread and tossed a green salad to go with it.

He helped her serve the meal onto plates and carry everything to the dining room. She couldn't say she'd actually made the dinner, but he gave excellent instructions, and she'd caught on far more quickly than she'd imagined she would. Then, at dinner, he allowed Kelly a glass of red wine. The vintage he chose was light, fruity, slightly effervescent, and sweet, but Kelly wasn't sure she liked it. Still, it did make her a little tipsy, so, rather than work anymore that day, Graham suggested they watch a movie and relax.

They started the romantic comedy but ended up kissing more than watching. So, before it was over, he carried her into his room where he slowly stripped her clothes off, brought her to orgasm with his talented mouth, and made love to her. She reveled in his attention and fell asleep safely cuddled in his arms. It was only Tuesday, so he broke his own rule by sleeping with her on a weekday, but Kelly had absolutely no complaints.

The next day, Graham took Kelly shopping and purchased a new wardrobe for her. None of the outfits was even a tiny bit girlish although they were all modest in that they didn't show too much leg or chest area. In addition, she was permitted to buy a few pairs of low heels to go with them. He encouraged her to purchase stockings and other grown-up things like makeup. He even had the lady at the cosmetics counter give her a lesson in application, explaining that he wanted a light, fresh look, easy on the eye shadow, with only a hint of blush that was complemented by a nude or barely pink lipstick and no foundation.

Next, he ushered Kelly into a salon to get her hair styled but ended up suggesting a trim since it would allow her more options. As he watched the stylist work, he requested she show Kelly the numerous ways she could fashion her hair for varied looks. By the time they returned to the apartment, Kelly felt like a different person. She walked with more self-confidence and appeared her true age. Though she appreciated the change, she regarded their shopping trip with mixed emotions. She knew enough to realize each step she took toward womanhood was one step further away from Graham.

Tired, elated, and yet sad, she worked at Graham's side while they made meatloaf, baked potatoes, and broccoli for dinner. Graham teased her as he had the night before, and Kelly giggled at his antics, but she couldn't help think her days with him were numbered.

That night he recommended she stick to ginger ale because he wanted them to work later. "You got a little tipsy last night. What did you think of the wine?"

She shrugged. "It's not as sweet as juice or soda."

"No, it's not," he agreed. "However, I suspect you'll want to go out for drinks with your new friends."

"I can't. I'm not of legal age, yet."

"You will be, soon, and I want you to learn your tolerance levels while you're here with me, so you don't find yourself in an awkward position with a young man you've decided to date."

She glanced at him. "I don't intend to date anyone."

"Not now, perhaps, but I've no doubt you'll change your mind. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that you'll be going out on a date your first week at whatever job you choose to take."

Kelly didn't take him up on his bet, but when she considered how drastically her life would differ once she'd left him, her thoughts didn't offer much comfort.

After eating, they cleaned up together before going through her lists. Graham praised her results, added a few suggestions of his own, then helped her draft a separate résumé for each position. Fearing he meant to start sending her out on interviews, Kelly pretended not to understand when he suggested she continue to practicing on her own. However, her "dumb act" didn't fool him for a second.

"You know very well what it is I expect, but if you need another spanking to refresh your memory, I'll be happy to oblige."

"My inability to sit does not improve my thought processes."

"Perhaps not, but it does wonders for your attitude. Your choice, Kelly. I won't ask again."

Sighing, she walked back to her area to continue the exercise.

Each evening, for the next two weeks, Graham reviewed her daily efforts, made suggestions, and helped her craft résumés. Admittedly, the process did grow easier with repetition, but she still didn't enjoy it.

Then the day she'd been dreading came to pass.

"That's really good, Kelly. I'm pleased by how much you've improved. So much so, in fact, I'd say you're primed for the next step."

"And what's that?"

"Practice calling these companies to set up interviews."

Kelly jerked to her feet. "No way! I'm not ready to talk to anyone. "

"Calm yourself and sit down, Kellian. That's not what I'm suggesting at all."

Slowly retaking her seat, she glared at him. "So, what are you suggesting?"

"I want you to pretend to make a call. I'll serve as your employer, but I'll also help coach you through the dialogue. I have no intention of insisting you do anything you can't handle. I'm not setting you up to fail, Kelly. I want you to succeed."

She still didn't like the idea, but the thought no longer panicked her. As they pretended to call each other on the phone, Graham corrected Kelly when she misspoke. Though his suggestions were gently offered, they still pointed out how clueless Kelly was about applying for a job, and the more recommendations he made, the worse she felt until she finally burst into tears.

"It's hopeless. I'll never be able to do this, and you're foolish to think I can."

He sighed. "I believe we've done enough phone calls for the day. Let's work on your typing instead."

"What's the point? I'm too stupid. I'll never get it."

"No, you won't." When she blinked at him, he added, "Not with that attitude. It's self-defeating and will do nothing to help you."

"I'm just being realistic."

"No. You're whining. There's a difference. You're also tired, so I suggest we stop for the day, have dinner, and pick things up again tomorrow."

"I'm too upset to cook."

"Fine. Then I'll show you how to heat up one of Nanny-cook's ready-made meals in the microwave."

Though Kelly didn't protest outright, just going into the kitchen seemed like a chore. Up until these past few weeks, all she'd had to do was exercise, play, eat, and sleep. She did what she was told without giving it much thought. Now, she had to weigh every word she said as he coached her all day long. She wanted to give up, but knew that wasn't an option as far as he was concerned.

* * *

He spent the next morning coaching Kelly on her phone manners, making sure she answered the calls properly, spoke correctly and clearly. He remained calmly unflappable throughout, while Kelly lost patience with herself and him several times. Lunch was strained, and her mood didn't improve in the afternoon. Finally, he took the phone out of her hand and put the receiver down with a bit more force than was required.

"Enough. You're making this far more difficult than it should be, but I'm not going to argue with you anymore. Go to your room and take a nap."

Kelly stared at him. "But—"

"Go, unless you'd rather have a spanking first."

"Why?"

"Because you've done nothing but complain all day, and I can't take any more. Sending you to bed for a nap is the least drastic option I can think of. So, stop arguing and do as I say. I'll wake you up for dinner."

Miserable, but realizing he was right, Kelly trudged into her room and cried herself to sleep. She woke up several hours later with her opinions unchanged and her nose clogged.

Recognizing she was acting like a child, she trotted into Graham's office and announced, "I'm not good at these things."

He leaned back in his chair to regard her carefully. "You're learning, Kelly, and that's what's important."

"But I'm not. If you weren't coaching me, I couldn't do any of it."

"That's not true."

"It is," she insisted, stomping her bare foot on the floor.

"Attitude," he warned softly.

"Yeah, well, I know it sucks because that's how I feel."

"You're talking like a disgruntled six-year-old. I thought we were past this."

"You might be, but I'm not."

He checked his watch. "We have an hour until we need to do something about dinner." Standing up, he walked over and grabbed her hand. "Come on. I'm giving you a bath."

"What?"

"You're getting a bath tonight."

He hadn't bathed her for weeks. She'd been taking showers in his bathroom. "Why?"

He glanced down at her. "Do I require a reason?"

Tugging her hand back, she scowled at him. "Maybe not, but I'd like to know your purpose all the same."

"All right. I intend to give you a bath because I think you need a little extra pampering tonight."

"Oh." Making no further objection, Kelly let him run the water, add a capful of bath bubbles, take her clothes off, and lift her into the bath. Once again, she was his little girl as he washed every inch of her, and yet there was a distinct difference. His stokes against her more intimate areas weren't as detached as they'd been before. Rather, they were intended to arouse, and he brought her to climax several times before he lifted her from the tub and dried her off. Boneless and relaxed, she was almost asleep by the time he dressed her in shorts and a T-shirt.

"Better?" he asked, giving her a gentle kiss on the lips.

She smiled at him. "Much."

"Good. Now, let's do something about dinner."

* * *

They spent the following few days going through the want ads again, researching the companies, and preparing résumés.

Then, after they'd rehearsed making calls over twenty times, Graham told her to set up an interview for real. Fear stiffening her spine, Kelly instantly balked, but Graham merely reached for her hands and gave them a reassuring squeeze.

"We've practiced and practiced. You're ready, sweetie."

She shook her head.

"All you have to do is call the businesses we worked on yesterday and ask if they are still interviewing for the position they advertised. If they're not, move onto the next. If they are, request an appointment."

"I don't want to."

"What was our agreement?"

Kelly's shoulders slumped. "That I do what you ask regarding finding a job and a new place to live, and you'll let me stay with you on the weekends."

"Exactly. I've lived up to my end, haven't I?"

He had. She'd spent every weekend in his bed where they'd played sex games she found thrilling and a little scary. Still, she relished the way he took charge, and as long as he wasn't hurting her, she gave herself over to the game.

"Haven't I?" he asked again.

"Yes, sir."

"So, now it's your turn. I'm not throwing you to the wolves, Kelly. I only want you to try. No grades, but we'll discuss each phone call afterward so you'll feel more comfortable. Go ahead and call the first company."

Though Kelly had strong reservations, she did as he asked. The phone calls went better than she'd imagined they would. Everyone seemed eager to talk to her, but she felt like a phony. She hadn't actually lied on her résumés, but some of the things they'd put down were definitely stretching the truth. Her first interview was set for the next day with a Manhattan company known for making athletic footwear.

After dinner, Graham helped her pick out an outfit then insisted she practice a few more mock interviews. She did well, and he was pleased.

"Will you go with me, tomorrow?" she asked when he suggested she change for bed.

"You won't need me with you, sweetie. You're going to do fine."

"But I'm not even sure how to get there."

Grabbing a map of the city, he guided her through the best route to take, which included riding both the subway and a bus. He even wrote the information down for her and made sure she had enough money for the fares and something to eat afterwards if she wanted to stop someplace. Finally, he handed her a cell phone with his number already programmed inside, in case she needed to speak to him.

Kelly knew he placed a lot of faith in her. She only hoped she wasn't about to let them both down, even though a part of her didn't want to succeed.

* * *

Despite all of Graham's preparations, Kelly felt cast adrift. She went the wrong way on the subway and got so lost, she couldn't make her appointment on time and ended up calling Graham in tears with no idea where she was.

"Kelly, calm down. I'm here. You're not alone. Are you still in the subway?"

"No. I didn't like it there, so I walked out."

"Do you remember the name of the stop where you got off?"

"No. A man was looking at me strangely, so I got away as quickly as I could."

"That was very smart of you. So, are you on a sidewalk?"

"Yes." She sniffed. A part of her knew she was being ridiculous, but, for the past two and a half years, the most complicated thing she'd had to do was decide what she wanted to eat when they went out. Two years ago, getting lost wouldn't have fazed her a bit. Today, one wrong subway stop, and her entire world turned upside-down.

"Good. Okay, look around and tell me if you see any street names or identifying signs."

"I don't know. All I see are a lot of numbers," she wailed, frantically looking about her.

"Deep breath, Kelly. Look more closely at the surrounding buildings and the corner. Is there a sign that tells you what street you're on?"

"I don't see one."

"That's all right. Are there any stores near you? Restaurants or cafes?"

"There's a McDonalds across the street."

"Good. Walk to the nearest corner and press the button to cross. Even after the light turns green, make sure you look both ways before you cross. Then go into the McDonalds and ask them the name of the street they're on, along with the nearest cross street. Got it?"

"Yeah. Okay. Will you stay on the phone with me?"

"I'm not going anywhere. Be careful."

When she stepped into the restaurant, several men stared at her, making her self-conscious, but she walked up to the counter and asked for the information Graham needed.

When they told her, Graham said, "Hold on. I'm looking it up. Okay, found it. Go ahead and take a seat. I'll come for you."

"But—"

"Kelly, you'll be fine. You have my permission to buy yourself a treat then sit down and eat it. I'll probably be there before you've finished. I'm going to hang up, but I'll carry my phone. Call me if anything happens."

"Okay."

Though it couldn't have taken him more than twenty minutes, by the time Kelly saw Graham stride through the door, she felt guilty, helpless, and miserable. He spotted her right away and walked over to place a kiss on her forehead.

"What did you have to eat?"

"An apple pie."

"All right, I'll get us both a Coke then we'll sit here and talk for a bit."

Kelly gazed at him in surprise. "Cokes? Really?"

"I think you could use the sugar. Stay there and relax. I'll be right back."

She watched him walk up to the counter and order. He looked so confident and in command. Of course, ordering soft drinks wasn't a major heroic feat, either. Had it really been that long since she'd been on her own that she'd forgotten how to think?

Her head lowered, she heard him return to their table then push her drink and a straw over to her.

"Go on. Take a sip."

"I'm sorry," she murmured, slipping the paper off her straw.

"You don't need to apologize, sweetie. Looks like I should have come with you after all. I guess I didn't realize how terrifying it would be for you to do this alone. It's not like you weren't on your own before I met you."

"I know, but those days are little more than a foggy memory for me. Like an unrealistic dream. That wasn't a happy time for me, so I guess I blocked the events out of my mind."

"Perhaps. After we finish our drinks, I want to take you on a little tour. Seeing the city laid out might remind you how it's set up."

True to his word, when they left the restaurant, Graham hailed a taxi and told the driver he wanted to ride around the city a bit to show his girl the sights. When the cab driver started to protest, Graham handed some crisp bills to the man. "Consider them a tip in addition to your fare."

"Right," the driver said, quickly pocketing the money then smoothly directing the car into traffic. "Where to first?"

"Grand Central Station then the library." He turned to Kelly. "We've been to the library before, so look around to gain an idea where it's located and see if you can find your bearings." Speaking to the driver again, he said, "I'd like to go along Fifth Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and Park Avenue, then you can drop us off in Central Park near Tavern on the Green."

"No problem," the driver replied as Graham stretched out a map to show Kelly where they were and where they were headed. As they rode along the city streets, he pointed out the various landmarks he thought she'd recognize and indicated them on the map.

"I'm giving this map to you, since you're familiar with it. Tomorrow, we'll check the bus map again and compare it to this one, so you'll get a sense of the different routes. If you want, we can also ride the buses for a bit so you become used to the routine. After we've done that, I'll take you down into the subway system and explain how it's laid out so you won't panic again."

"Are you upset I called you?"

"Not at all. You did the right thing. I'm just sorry you got so flustered you lost track of where you were."

By the time they got back to the apartment, Kelly had a much better idea as to where she'd gotten confused and how to find her way in the city, at least by taxi, but she still felt shaky. Despite being treated to a fancy dinner, she couldn't get her hands to stop trembling. So, Graham ran a bath for her, pampered her shamelessly, then had her crawl on his lap where he rocked her until she fell asleep.

* * *

The next morning, Graham insisted Kelly call the business where she'd missed her interview and apologize. "Just explain to them that you're new in town and got lost."

Though she dreaded doing it, Kelly called and explained. The woman she was supposed to meet seemed very understanding and scheduled another appointment for her. Graham was pleased but held little hope she'd be hired, so he had her set up a couple more.

They spent the day traveling around the city by bus and subway until Kelly felt more confident. Still, the day she left for her next interview, Graham instructed her to call him if she got lost again and he'd help her. "Don't wait until you're frantic before you reach out, all right?"

Kelly agreed, but her new understanding of the city held her in good stead, so she didn't become lost again. Her interviewing skills improved with practice, but it took several weeks before an interview resulted in a job offer and she was hired for the company's secretarial pool.

Despite everything Graham did to prepare her, Kelly was unaccustomed to the rigors of working nine to five, so the company let her go after only a couple of weeks. Kelly wasn't all that unhappy about being unemployed again, but Graham insisted she begin the job hunt routine all over. Feeling daunted by the task, Kelly immediately challenged his decision.

"Why should I? I'm clearly not cut out to work in an office."

"You have the skills, Kellian. You just need a little more self-discipline."

"What if I don't want to be disciplined?"

"You will be punished instead. Would you prefer that?"

"No, sir."

"Then I suggest you stop whining and start looking for another job, young lady."

Knowing what the result would be if she didn't obey, Kelly had started the process all over again by the time Graham surprised her at breakfast a few days later.

"I have something to tell you that I hope will make you happy."

Kelly glanced up from her cereal to regard him with curiosity. "What is it?"

"A birthday present of sorts."

She'd be twenty-one shortly. Afraid of what that meant, she murmured, "My birthday isn't for two weeks."

"I realize that, so this will be a little early, but I think you'll like it all the same. It involves a trip."

The thought of going on a journey with him made her perk up a bit more. "Where?"

"To Connecticut."

She frowned. "Why there?"

"Because I have a close friend who happens to be president of a company in Derryton, and I mentioned you were looking for employment. Their receptionist is due to go on maternity leave in a week, and his Human Resources department was planning to contact a temp agency, but he said he'd be willing to hire you if you had the proper qualifications. You'd still need to interview for the job, but he considers that more of a formality and doesn't think you will have any problems at all. You can start next week."

"But I don't want to work in Connecticut."

"Why not? It's a great state. What's more, Derek has agreed to keep an eye out for you to make sure you stay out of trouble."

"Is he a daddy?"

"Yes, but literally. He has a boy about nine and a little girl around six."

"Oh. So, he doesn't have a Little?"

"No. But I believe his wife is also his submissive."

"What's that?"

"Long story. He's a dominant, like me, but with different tastes and needs."

"Well, I'm not going. Connecticut is too far away. I want to be closer to you."

He regarded her with a raised eyebrow and waited. Kelly knew that expression well. He could make things very uncomfortable for her if she didn't at least try to do as he asked.

"When are you thinking we'd go there?" she asked after a few minutes

"I thought we could head up after breakfast."

Her heart sank. "Today?"

"I don't see any reason why not."

"Because I'm not ready."

He turned and faced her. "Kelly, you've been on interviews before, so this one will be no different. J.C. Medical is an excellent place to work, and Mr. Johnson is a close friend of mine. I will rest much easier knowing you're being looked after. Jobs like this aren't easy to come by. We're lucky their current receptionist is going on leave. Derek told me he doesn't think she'll return, but even if she does, he's assured me they'll have a place for you. You'll like Derryton. It's already thriving, with a growing population of upwardly mobile young adults. It'll be perfect for you."

Realizing she had little choice but to do what he wanted, she asked to be excused to change. Kelly could tell from Graham's expression that he wasn't fooled, but he gave her permission to leave the table. Once she was in her room, she shut the door, went into her bathroom, and burst into tears. She'd known this day was coming; she just hadn't expected it to be today.

Fifteen minutes passed before she heard him knock at her bedroom door. "Kelly?"

"I'm fine," she called out, drying her eyes. "I'll be out in a bit."

"May I come in?"

"It's not necessary. I'm in the bathroom. I won't be long."

The door to her bedroom opened, and his firm steps approached the bathroom, but he remained outside the door. "Kelly, why don't you come out, and we'll talk about this. I don't like seeing you so unhappy."

"There's nothing you can say."

"I disagree. Come out to the living room, and we'll discuss it."

"Why? You're only going to tell me all the wonderful reasons why I should be happy about this opportunity, and that's only going to make me feel worse."

"Because you're not looking at the positives of the situation. You're too focused on what you think you're losing rather than what you'll be gaining."

"I'm not gaining anything."

"That's not true. You're entering a brand new phase of your life. You'll be making new friends closer to your age, going out and having fun."

Realizing talking through the door wasn't solving anything, she opened it to stare at him. "I'll go with you. I don't want to, but I will."

He ran a thumb along the line of her cheek. "I know you don't believe me, sweetie, but you will thank me for this in a few months."

Though she doubted his words, Kelly nodded. Arguing with him would only upset her more.

"I'd like you to come into the living room with me so we can talk about this some more, but I won't insist. You decide."

"I'll get changed."

"All right. I'll be in my office. Come to me when you're ready."

"Yes, sir."

He smiled and gave her chin a light pinch. "I do love you, Kelly. Never doubt that."

With those words, he walked out of her room.