“You hear that, guys? It was just a joke. Do you forgive him?” she asked her toys. She listened to what they had to say.
“They say you gots to give them both a kiss and tell them you’re sorry.”
She thought he might get impatient or tell her to stop being silly. Instead, he gave a serious nod and then kissed Bunnykins’ head. “I’m sorry BK.” He kissed Kiki next. “And Kikster.” Then he kissed Gigi’s forehead. “Are they okay now?”
She sighed, feeling relieved. “They feel much better.”
“Good.” He tilted her face up. “But just so you know, I might not spank them but that doesn’t mean your bottom is safe, understood?”
“Yes, Daddy.” She pouted.
“Now, I want you to sit on the potty and try to go, while I get the bed ready. You’re late for your nap.”
She sighed, setting her toys on the counter. But she got on the toilet and to her surprise, she did need to go. After washing her hands, she picked up her toys and walked into the bedroom.
“Take off your shorts, sweet pea,” Macca told her. “You can sleep in your panties and t-shirt. Do you want your bra off?”
Her bra was basically just a glorified crop top since she didn’t exactly have much to support so she just shook her head with a yawn. She climbed into bed, settling a toy on each side of her and he settled the blankets after her, tucking her in.
He set the bottle of water beside her. “Daddy has to go out for about an hour to run some errands. I want you to stay in bed while I’m gone. Sleep. If I’m going to be longer, I’ll send you a text. If you wake up before I get home, I want you to stay inside the house. No answering the door, no going outside and no using the oven, understand?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
He was so overprotective. And she loved it. But she was glad he no longer insisted of having Everly in the house while she was alone. She closed her eyes. She had no idea how she was supposed to nap when she wasn’t even tired.
That was her last thought before she fell asleep.
* * *
A loud knocking woke her.
She sat up, startled. “Daddy?”
No answer. She looked around. The curtains were shut but sunlight crept through the cracks. She grabbed her phone and looked at the time. She’d been asleep about an hour.
Another knock on the door. Obviously, Macca wasn’t back yet. With a yawn, she got up and slipped her shorts on. She wasn’t supposed to open the door while he was gone, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t peek out and see who was there.
“Come on, girl. Open the door. I have other things to do today.”
She jumped at the harsh, deep voice. Shoot. She knew who that was without peeking. She bit her lip worriedly. When Macca had told her not to open the door, she didn’t suppose he’d meant that she shouldn’t let his dad in. After all, he had more right to be here than she did.
She was still undecided as another knock rattled the door. Then she heard some muttering. Steps thundered along the porch. He must be going away. She peeked out the window and saw him lifting flower pots. Shoot. He must know that Penny kept a spare key out there. Soon he’d be coming inside no matter what and he’d realize that she had been standing here, ignoring him.
She quickly unlocked and opened the door, despite the feeling of misgiving in her tummy.
“Mr. McKenzie. Sorry I took so long. I was asleep.”
He stood up with a scowl. “Sleeping? I don’t pay you to sleep during the day, girl!”
Actually, he didn’t pay her at all. She kept her frown from her face, though. She didn’t want to antagonize him. Not after learning more about him from Macca.
“Can I help you?” she asked politely.
“Where’s my son?”
“He’s out. He’ll be back any minute.”
He muttered something under his breath. Then he stormed his way inside, knocking her back. She winced as her hip banged into the side table in the foyer. A vase on top of the table rattled.