Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 146666 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 733(@200wpm)___ 587(@250wpm)___ 489(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 146666 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 733(@200wpm)___ 587(@250wpm)___ 489(@300wpm)
Hack frowned.
“I promise this isn’t any man’s T-shirt.”
“Fine,” he grumbled, slipping his T-shirt back on.
Jeez. Greer might need her head read. Why was she getting him to put his T-shirt back on?
Take it off. Take it off.
She slammed her hand over her mouth.
“Oh, what are you thinking now, Ladybug? Want to let me know?”
“No. I don’t want to let you know,” she said behind her hand. Was he insane? “That’s why I have my hand over my mouth.”
He removed her hand and with a tender smile, leaned in to kiss the tip of her nose. “Okay, Little girl. Now, it’s time for bed. Did you brush your teeth?”
“Yes.” Sheesh. Was he forgetting that she was a big girl? Obviously.
“And did you pee?”
“Yes, I peed!” she said in a high-pitched voice. Even as happiness danced inside her.
She liked having Daddy Hack taking care of her.
Even if he asked her ridiculous questions.
“Good girl,” he told her.
She wanted to do whatever would make him smile. And look at her like she was his world.
A yawn caught her by surprise.
“Time for sleep. I want you to lie with your arm on a pillow so you don’t jolt it, understand?”
“It feels fine, though.”
“Do as you’re told, missy.”
Yes, Daddy.
“I didn’t get my treasure,” she said suddenly as he was tucking her in.
“You didn’t? Hmm. Have you been a good girl, though?” He stood, staring down at her thoughtfully. “I don’t know.”
“I was too!” He couldn’t take her treasure away.
“How about we do it in the morning, all right? You can have your treasure, and then after your x-ray, if you’re good, I’ll take you for a treat.”
“Donuts? Ice cream? Donuts and ice scream?”
“We’ll see. Is there anything else I can get you? Where’s Wally?”
“Here.” She positioned him, so his little worm face was peering from the top of the blankets.
“He really does have an unfortunate face, doesn’t he?” he mused.
“Hey! Be nice to Wally. Don’t listen to him, Wally.” She kissed his handsome worm head.
“Sorry, baby.”
“Uh-uh, it’s not me you should be apologizing too. It’s Wally.” She held him up. “Say sorry, Wally.”
“Sorry, Wally.”
“Kiss?”
“Fine.” But instead of kissing Wally’s face, he leaned in and kissed her forehead. Heat and pleasure filled her. She guessed that was acceptable. “Sleep well, Ladybug. If you need anything, then call out. I wonder if I should put Wyatt’s baby monitor in here. Or I could sleep on the floor. Or maybe—”
“Hack!”
“Yes? What?”
“I’m fine. Really.”
“Sure?”
“I’m sure. I’ll call out if I need you. I promise.”
“All right, baby girl. Sleep well.”
29
Three hours later, Hack was staring up at the ceiling in Sav’s living room. He’d debated texting the other man to tell him he was staying, but decided not to since he was on vacation.
And he didn’t really want Sav knowing he was here, not yet anyway.
Anger stirred toward her other brother. What right did Cash have coming here and scaring Greer half to death? Plus, he’d hurt her feelings.
He’d need to have a firm word with Cash next time he saw him. And if he continued to hurt her, well . . . he’d have to do something more than have words with the jerk.
Hack rolled over with a groan. Christ. Could Sav have a more uncomfortable sofa to sleep on?
Sighing, he listened for her. He felt on edge. She’d handled everything thrown at her so well.
Maybe too well.
Was that a cry?
Or was he imagining things? Fuck, he was like a dad with a newborn. This was ridiculous. He needed to get some sleep.
Fuck. He wanted to take over so badly with her. It was a constant itch under his skin.
He sat up. That was a cry. His heart raced as he jumped to his feet and ran toward Ethan’s room.
He slapped open the door without meaning to, making her scream.
Fuck! Idiot.
“Greer, baby, it’s me. It’s Hack.”
A sob came from the bed, pushing him forward. The hallway light had been left on, so he could easily see her sitting up in bed, her hand against her chest.
“H-hack?
“It’s me.”
“I . . . I . . .”
He settled in next to her, feeling her trembling. “Nightmare?”
“Y-yes.”
“It’s all right, baby girl. You’re safe. I’m here. I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you.”
“Can I . . . can I have a hug?” she asked in a small voice.
Fuck. Didn’t she know she could have whatever she wanted?
“Come sit in my lap, baby,” he said. He was beyond holding back. He needed her, and even more importantly, she needed him.
She climbed into his lap and he held her tight. “You need your weighted blanket. Where is it?”
“I spilled coffee on it,” she said with a sad sniffle. “I had to wash it yesterday and it’s not dry yet.”
“Where’s Wally?” He found him in the bed. “Here he is. You hold him tight and give him all your worries.”