Busted. Maybe she should have stopped talking while she was ahead.
Like Clint was going to forget that you’re down here in the kitchen when you’re meant to be upstairs sleeping.
“Come here, little darling.”
She swallowed as he held out his hand. She stepped forward and took it.
He tilted her chin up. “Are you supposed to be out of bed yet?”
“No.”
“What were you searching for in here?” he asked, even though he’d already correctly guessed at what she was doing.
“My phone.”
“You’re not supposed to have your phone, are you?”
“No.” She pouted.
“It was very naughty of you to leave bed without permission,” he scolded. “Come on, let’s get you back into bed.” He picked her up, holding her on his hip and climbed the stairs. When he’d first done this, she’d worried about him tripping and falling. But there’s no way Clint Jensen would ever trip and risk hurting her.
As he carried her into the bedroom, she stiffened. Shoot. She’d forgotten about the pillows under the bed!
He set her down.
“I’m okay, Daddy! You can go back to work now!”
He frowned at her then down at the bed. “Why is the bed so lumpy?”
He drew back the covers, his eyes widening. “Why are all these pillows under here? Why would you…”
She sighed.
“You put these here so it looked like you were sleeping if I glanced at the baby monitor.” He put his hands on his hips as he glared down at her.
She peeked up at him. “Sorry, Daddy.”
“Not as sorry as you’re going to be in a minute, little miss.”
Charlie gulped. “I thought you weren’t going to punish me while I wasn’t feeling well!”
“Weren’t you just telling how much better you’re feeling?”
“Umm, yes, well. Maybe I’m not as well as I thought I was.”
“Is that so? Well, if that’s the case we better get Doc here to examine you. We’ll need to extend your bed rest, of course. And cancel your bridal shower.”
“No! You can’t do that!” she protested.
He gave her a stern look.
She caved. “I feels a lot better, Daddy.”
“And if you’re well enough to get into mischief like this, then you’re well enough to get your butt roasted.”
Bummer. She really hadn’t thought this through.
Clint sat on the bed then he crooked a finger at her.