Fuck. Even that damn dog gave him a reproachful look. Great, he was likely to end up with something disgusting in his shoes later or under his pillow or between the sheets on his side of the bed.
Stay strong.
Fuck it.
“Wait,” he said on a sigh. “We’ll go.”
She half-turned. She shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I’m sorry. I should never have asked. I’m gonna take Mr. Fluffy to play outside for a while, okay?”
“Doll, come here.”
She shook her head.
Oh, being stubborn was she?
“Gonna count to five, and if your cute butt isn’t over here in that time then it’s gonna be a cute red butt.”
Her eyes narrowed and he could tell she was thinking about defying him.
“One.”
She didn’t move.
“Two.”
Nothing.
“Did I mention you’ll be standing in the corner with your butt on display for ten minutes after? Th—”
Before he even got the number out, she was flying across the room and flinging herself into his lap. She placed her hand over his mouth.
“I’m here. I’m here.”
He carefully removed her hand. “Here’s what’s happening. No arguments. I’ll take you to the store but you’ll follow the rules.”
“What rules?” she asked suspiciously.
“You do exactly as I say when I say.”
“Well, that sure covers a lot of ground,” she muttered.
He gave her a stern look.
“Okay, but are you sure? Because I don’t want you to think you have to take me. I’ll order the material online and just wait.”
He placed a finger against her lips. “Hush.”
She pretended to zip her mouth and throw away the key. Right. If only he believed that.
“You won’t be out of my sight. At all.”
“What if I have to pee?”
“Pee before we leave.”
“But what if I still have to go? I have a rebellious bladder.”
A rebellious bladder?