Page 94 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“But you can’t call him. He’s busy at work.”

“You think he puts anything ahead of you?” he replied incredulously.

She shook her head, then immediately regretted the movement. “No, I know I come first. But I’m all right. Just tired.”

“Exhausted,” he countered.

“I’ll be fine after some coffee.”

“No coffee for you. That will only mess your body up more.”

“Please don’t call him, Sav. He’s so busy getting prepared to leave, and I don’t want to add more to his plate.”

“Why can’t you sleep? Someone messing with you?” The dark look in his eyes might have scared her if she didn’t know he would go on a rampage in defense of her.

“No, of course not. I’m just worried about going away, I guess.” She glanced down at where her hand was twisted up in her pajama top.

“Scared of the unknown?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“And you’re keeping it from Duke because you don’t want to worry him,” he added.

“Um, yeah.”

“Girl, I hope your ass heals up by the time you have to go on that long flight. Right, here’s what’s happening. I’m calling Duke to tell him that you’re tired because you didn’t sleep well-”

“What? No, Sav, you can’t-”

He held up his hand to stop her from saying anything more. “But I’ll tell him I’ll stay home with you until he gets back and take care of you.”

That wasn’t ideal, but she guessed it was the best offer she would get. With a sigh, she nodded. “But tell him he doesn’t have to come home.”

“I can tell him that, girl. Doesn’t mean he’ll do it. You know what’s a good cure for sleeplessness?”

“Lavender? Hot bath? Warm milk?”

He grinned. “Not quite what I was thinking of.”

She gulped. Somehow, she didn’t want to know what he’d been thinking of. Sav moved into the kitchen, and she heard him talking on the phone. Coming back into the living room, he frowned at her as he held out his phone.

“Duke wants to talk to you. I’m going to make you some breakfast.”

Sunny wasn’t certain she could eat, but she didn’t think he was giving her a choice. She’d never seen such a bossy side of Sav. And she wasn’t sure she liked it.

“Sunny?” Duke asked, sounding worried. Son-of-a-peach. She hated that she’d added to his stress.

“Hi,” she said cheerfully.

“Little rebel, what’s going on? Sav said you’re exhausted.”

“He did, huh?”

“Well, they weren’t his exact words,” Duke said dryly. “What’s the matter? Didn’t you sleep last night?”

“Ah, no, not exactly.”

“Sunny? I know there’s got to be something more going on than a restless night for Sav to be concerned.”

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