“We can watch the news,” she offered.
He stared down at her. “I don’t think so. Nothing on the news for a Little girl to watch.” He settled on a popular cartoon and she snuggled in against him.
She could get used to this.
35
“I cannot believe Hunter wants me to go on some weekend training course for his newest hires,” Doc muttered irritably.
She sat on the bed, watching him pack. He was frowning. She felt sorry for everyone going on this overnight training course. Issy was not in the best of moods.
“Why does he need a doctor?” she asked, bringing her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. “Is it dangerous?”
“Knowing Hunter, possibly.”
Her eyes widened.
He sighed and leaned over to flick her nose. “Don’t stress, baby doll. All I’ll be doing is sitting on the sidelines, bored out of my brains until someone injures themselves.”
She bit her lip. She didn’t like the idea of him leaving, but he owed Hunter a favor. He had to go. He didn’t exactly have an excuse not to.
“Now, while I’m gone, I still expect you to follow your rules. And keep typing down to a minimum, understand?” Issy gave her a firm look.
She nodded.
“No working too long and no stressing about me.”
She nodded again.
“Hey, I’ll be here, remember?” Archer said, walking into the room. He had a cup of coffee in his hand. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of her.”
Issy grunted. “Only reason I agreed to this favor.”
Archer looked into his bag. “Man, that is a lot of protein bars.”
“Probably all I’ll be eating this weekend. Who knows how clean this place will be? Or who will be doing the cooking? I could end up with food poisoning and die.”
Caley took in a sharp breath and Issy winced.
“Good one,” Archer told him.
“Sorry, baby doll.” He leaned over and kissed her. “You know I’m exaggerating. I’m just in a grump because I don’t want to leave you.” He lifted his duffel bag and turned to Archer, picking up a piece of paper off the bedside table and handing it to him. “I’ve written out a list for her care. Rules are on the back.”
Archer gave him an exasperated look. “I’ve got this. It’s two nights. What could happen?”
Issy grumbled something under his breath about fire and hospitals. She blushed. His phone rang and he answered it.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming. What? You’re fucking kidding! I’m not happy about this. Fucking fine.”
He ended the call with a scowl. “They’re downstairs in a fucking van waiting for me. Apparently, we’re going somewhere with patchy reception so don’t worry if you don’t hear from me. I’ll be back sometime tomorrow afternoon.” As he spoke, he moved to the front door. Then he stopped and turned, opening his arms.
She dove into them, wrapping herself around him. He hugged her tight. Then he kissed the top of her head. “Gonna miss you, baby doll.”
“Miss you too.”
“Do as Archer says. Make sure he takes care of you. He messes up, you tell me, and I’ll beat him up for you when I get back. I can do it. I’ve got more muscle.”
Archer just snorted and set his empty cup down on the kitchen counter.