Page 10 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“Nothing to be sorry for. You were having a nightmare. I heard you cry out as I was making my way to bed.” He took hold of her wrist, taking her pulse. Fast and light. “You’re safe, sweetheart. Nothing bad is going to happen to you here.”

She took in a shuddering breath and nodded. “I-I know.”

“Want to tell me about your nightmare?”

“No.” She sat and pulled her legs up against her chest, holding them tight, looking so small and helpless that it hurt. She placed her chin on her knees. He leaned down and grabbed Inky, passing it to her. He knew Clint had bought her several stuffed toys, but she loved Inky the most. It was one of the fewthings she had left from her parents, who’d died when she was young.

“You sure? I’m a good listener.”

“I… it was just old shit about my aunt. I don’t really want to talk about it. Please.”

“All right,” he soothed. Poor little darling. He thought over what he should do. It was obvious she wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep straight away. And neither was he. “How do you feel about some hot chocolate and a movie?”

She was silent and he didn’t think she was going to answer. Then her head rose. “What kind of movie?”

“Your choice.”

“All right. That-that sounds good. Unless you need to go to bed? I’ll be all right.”

No, she wouldn’t. He shook his head and stood, holding his hand out. “Come on. Let’s go find some marshmallows and eat our weight in sugar. Just don’t tell Clint.” He winked at her and she smiled. Then she reached up and slid her hand into his.

5

He switched off the television. If he never had to see Patrick Swayze gyrate his hips again it would be too soon. But he’d sat through the entire thing, and he hadn’t moaned once.

Clint owed him big time.

He looked over at Charlie who was curled up at the other end of the couch, snoring softly. He smiled. He’d been surprised she hadn’t chosen a kids’ movie, rather thanDirty Dancing. But then she didn’t really let her Little out around him.

Just as he was trying to decide how to move her without waking her, his phone rang. He frowned as he saw his sister’s name on the screen.

“Eden, everything okay?”

“Can you come pick me up please?” There was a strange note to her voice.

“Are you all right? What’s happened?” he demanded.

“Nothing’s happened. I just need you to come get me. Please. I’m at the diner in town.”

“Are you safe? I can send Ed to you.”

“Kent, Ed’s the sheriff. He has better things to do than come babysit me.”

Not as far as Kent was concerned.

“Kent. Really. I’m sitting in the diner. I’m fine.”

“Who else is there?” he demanded.

“I didn’t call for an interrogation.”

“Eden,” he said in a warning voice.

“Abby is working. Old Pete is sipping on his fifth cup of coffee. There’s no one else around. But they’re going to close soon and I’ve drunk too much to drive home.”

At the mention of Abby’s name, his body flooded with heat. He didn’t know why. She was so shy that she could barely manage to look at him, let alone talk to him. He forced his mind back onto his current problem. He glanced over at Charlie sleeping. He couldn’t leave her after that nightmare.

“I’ll arrange someone to come get you. Stay there.”

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