“Better.” She ran a hand over her face. “How long have I been asleep? What time is it?”
“Five-thirty.”
“I slept for two hours?” She gaped up at him and tried to scramble off his lap but he held her still. “Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Because you needed some sleep. You’re exhausted.”
“Shoot. I need to get back to work.”
“Nope.”
“Nope?”
“We’re leaving a little early. Madden is going to close up. I just came to wake you up.” He set her on her feet and stood, holding her until he was certain she was steady. “Go to the toilet while I get our stuff.”
“I don’t need to go.”
He snorted. “And as soon as we start home you’ll have to pee.”
She blushed slightly but just nodded. He raised her chin up to lightly kiss her lips. Then he turned her and gave her a smack to the ass. She yelped and rubbed her bottom, glaring at him over her shoulder.
He just grinned. “Go.”
* * *
He lifted her up into the truck, and she scooted along into the middle seat. He climbed in and shook his head at her. “Back in the other seat, little rebel.”
She pouted. “But I want to sit next to you.”
He tapped her nose. “And I want you to be safe. The middle seat is just a lap belt. Not safe enough. Scoot over. Now. Or you’re gonna see a good use for a bench seat.”
“Sex?”
He let out a surprised bark of laughter. “No, baby girl, our first time is not going to be on the bench seat of Spike’s truck.”
“This is Spike’s truck?” She looked around, slightly surprised. She’d expected something all black and chrome from the surly man.
“Yeah. It’s his baby. Don’t think he’d appreciate us breaking it in like that. He’d have no objections to me putting you over my lap for not listening, though.”
“You wouldn’t!”
He just stared at her. Oh. He totally would. She slid back into the seat. He reached over and fastened the seat belt. She was feeling pretty good after her nap.
“Can we watch a movie tonight?”
“Figured I’d make us some dinner, you can get in your pajamas then go to bed straight after, little rebel.”
Her jaw dropped open. “But that’s so early!”
“You need to catch up on missed sleep.”
“I had a two-hour nap!”
“Which is a good start. But you’re still a little too pale for my liking. I want you in bed early.”
“I’m fine, Daddy. I promise,” she said softly.
“You’re still going to bed early.”