“I’m young enough for people to question my resolve, to think I don’t know what I want and when I want it. Young enough to be dismissed or set aside or not be taken seriously,” she answered softly before glancing his way. “Young enough for you to call me little girl. You think that helps?”
“Young enough that I wonder what you do wasting your time with an old man,” he murmured, fingers dragging idly through her hair. “Too young, maybe, but you know.... I trust you and think you’re smart enough and strong enough to push through. When people push you aside or dismiss you...” His lips pressed to her temple. “But, little girl, you’re mine and I refuse to have it any other way. And you might be young... but you have maturity.”