“Pfft.” Abby let out a breath of air in frustration. “You were teasing me first. Don’t believe a word he says, Linc.”
“Why, Little girl, do you think it’s a good idea to call me a liar?” Kent flipped her over once they were in the kitchen and set her on the benchtop. Then he placed both hands on the counter and leaned in with a stern look.
Though Linc thought he caught the other man’s lips twitching.
“Well? Hmm?”
Abby was bright red as she gazed from Kent then back to Linc. “No, Daddy.”
Kent turned to look at him. “Linc, what can I do for you?”
“I just need a quick word. I can meet you in your office in ten?” Linc offered, trying to give them some privacy.
“No, stay,” Abby said quickly. “Please. No need to go to Kent’s office when you can talk here.” She was a total sweetheart, even though he’d interrupted their Sunday together.
Abby looked a bit tired today. There was a paleness to her skin that he didn’t like. And dark patches under her eyes.
“What do you say?” Kent asked her.
“Sorry, Daddy,” she whispered.
Leaning in, he kissed her lightly. “Good girl.” He stepped back and grabbed a towel to wipe off his face. “Linc, you want a drink or anything? Coffee? Something stronger? Beer?”
“Beer would be good.”
Kent nodded and helped Abby down then he went to the fridge and pulled out a couple of beers. Abby moved to the sink where there was a pile of dirty dishes, obviously from their baking. Some cookies lay out on the tray, waiting to go in the oven.
Kent handed him a beer, then wrapped his arm around Abby’s waist. “Leave these, sweet girl. I’ll tidy up soon. You go on up and have a lie down for a bit, okay? I’ll come in and check on you later.”
She looked over at Linc then up at Kent. “Are you sure? I can get these done quick.”
Kent shook his head then kissed her on the forehead. “I’ve got it. Off you go.” He turned her around and with a soft pat on her ass, sent her off.
“Come into the living room. Take a seat.”
Linc sat on one armchair while Kent sat opposite, both of them took a sip of beer.
“Abby okay?”
Kent nodded. “Yeah. Just tired. A nap and an early night and she should be fine.”
“She’s been busy lately, helping out with the wedding.
“Too busy for my liking. Everything okay with you?” Kent asked him. “Do you need something?”
“Ah. I’m fine.” He tapped the cap of the beer against his leg. “Have you spoken to Ed lately?”
“Saw him at the wedding last night. Why?”
“You know the new spa in town?”
Kent nodded. “Eden likes going there. Abby said that the woman who came out and did their nails and facials from there was nice.” Kent gave him a sly look. “Abby wondered if she could be a Little.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Charlie said the same thing. Course, they could be wrong. Said she was beautiful too.”
“Marisol is beautiful. And sweet. Funny.” His lips twitched.