But maybe.
* * *
She yawned as Spike carefully lifted her out of his truck.
“Someone’s tired.”
She scowled. “Am not.”
He raised his eyebrows at her as he grabbed hold of Mr. Fluffy in one arm. “And grouchy.”
“I’m not tired and I’m not grouchy.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Urgh. Daddy, I’m not tired.”
“Right.”
Oh, he could be so infuriating sometimes. Taking her hand in his, he led her inside. He set Mr. Fluffy down on the floor then helped her remove her shoes.
“You missed your nap.”
“I don’t needs a nap. I’m a big girl,” she complained. Only, she wasn’t right now. It had been a long time since she’d been able to let her Little side free. But finally, the house was free of people.
“Nope, you’re my baby doll. You need some Little time.”
Yeah. She really did.
He glanced at his watch. “Too late for a nap now, though.”
Yes!
“But if you’re too grouchy, Daddy will just have to put you to bed straight after dinner.”
Her lower lip dropped. He wouldn’t. “But Daddy we were gonna sit out and watch the fairy lights twinkle tonight.”
“Hmm, well you better be on your best behavior.”
“I will. I promise.”
Leaning in, he kissed her gently. “Such a beautiful girl. Got a present for you.”
He was always buying her gifts. “Daddy, you didn’t have to get me something.”
“Course not. I wanted to.”
They walked into her playroom. Instantly, she felt more relaxed. She loved it in here. Maybe she couldn’t really play with a lot of the stuff yet, sitting on the floor was a problem, but it still fed her Little’s soul with happiness.
Her gaze was immediately drawn to the big wooden desk and pink velvet chair set against the opposite wall.
“Daddy, when did you get this?”
“Ordered it last week. It arrived one day while you were busy with your friends. Snuck it in here as a surprise. Thought you could sit at it and craft.”
“It’s amazing.”
“Also thought you could sit at it and write lines when you were naughty.”