Page 9 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“Yep. I just miss Clint.”

“I know you do. Come on, let’s get you home, fed, and into bed. I bet you’ll sleep like the dead after all this excitement.”

“I’m really sorry, Kent. I can just stay at home while you work tomorrow. I won’t try to go out or anything.”

“I’m afraid that’s not happening, sweetheart. I want you where I can see you.” He tapped her nose. “Besides, I’ve got all sorts of fun activities planned for you.”

“Somehow I think my idea of fun and yours might be very different,” she said suspiciously.

His grin just widened.

Nearly two hours later,after a quick dinner of ham and cheese sandwiches, she was loading the dishwasher when Kent walked into the kitchen. “Right, it’s time for bed. You go on up and I’ll come in and check on you.”

She looked at the clock on the wall. “Bed? It’s only eight.”

“Yep, and you’ve had a big day. So, no arguments. Bed. Now, young lady.”

“How did I ever think you were the easygoing one?” she grumbled.

He smiled. Kent was a gorgeous man. Not for the first time, she wondered why he didn’t have a girlfriend. He was handsome, fun, smart, the whole package.

“Charlie,” he said in a warning voice.

“I’m going. I’m going.” She turned around and sped off.

“No running in the house!” he called at her. “You could fall over and hurt yourself.”

“Sheesh, who knew you were such a worrywart!”

“Damn brat is goingto give me gray hairs,” Kent muttered to himself.

He ran his hand over his face. Shit. How did Clint do this so effortlessly?

He picked up his phone from the table, seeing the text from Eden.

Stayin at J’s 2nite

He sighed and shook his head then grabbed a glass of water before headed upstairs. When he got to Charlie’s room, she was fast asleep, hugging Inky, her stuffed octopus. She was adorable, all curled up in bed, hugging her soft toy.

He put the glass of water on the bedside table and pulled the covers up, tucking them around her. Looked like she’d gone off to sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. He went downstairs and grabbed a beer, before settling himself in the den to watch some mind-numbing television.

A few hours later, he decided to turn in. He checked over the house, made sure the doors were locked and the alarm on. As hewalked past the open doorway to Charlie’s bedroom, he heard her cry out.

Adrenaline pumped through him as he rushed inside and saw her thrashing around on the bed. Nightmare. Shit. The bathroom light was on, but he switched on the lamp on the bedside table as he sat on the bed.

“Charlie! Charlie, it’s Kent. Sweetheart, you’re safe. It’s Kent.”

“No. No, please! Not the closet… no… scared of the dark.” Her voice was childish and filled with terror. Fuck, he knew how her aunt locked her in a closet for punishment. If he ever met that old bitch, he’d…

Well, he’d have to get in line behind Clint.

“Charlotte! Open your eyes,” he demanded sternly. “Now.”

Thankfully, she stilled and opened her eyes. Her face was pale, her breath coming in sharp pants, but at least she was awake.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here. You’re safe.” He ran his hand up and down her arm, wanting to hug her but unsure if that would frighten her more.

She whimpered, then bit on her lip, obviously trying to pull herself together. “S-sorry.”

---