Page 120 of Guardian Daddy

“I don’t know. It feels fine now. I was just feeling . . . weird. Antsy. I couldn’t relax. I . . . I think I wanted you.” Her gaze went to the bubbles.

“Hey, that’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not like I wasn’t standing outside the bathroom door just waiting for you to call out to me.”

Wonder filled her. “You were?”

“Yes. I am finding it very hard to be away from you right now. You could have been injured today and my protective instincts are screaming at me to wrap you up in bubble wrap and put you in my pocket where you’ll be safe.”

“I’d be safe in your pocket? Must be a big pocket.”

“Hmm, or perhaps I could put you in an adult carrier and just carry you around all day, against my chest. I just . . . I need to see you to know you’re safe.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I thought you might need some space to process everything that happened. But now I think that space is the last thing you need. That maybe everyone has given you far too much space.”

“I’m uncertain that you being able to read me so easily is such a good thing.”

“Well, I disagree. I need every advantage I can get when it comes to you.”

“I think you’re right though. Space is the last thing I need. Everyone gives me space. No one really wants to be around me. So I like that you can’t stand to be away from me.”

Ethan made a low, grunting noise. Was he angry? But his face looked calm when she studied him.

“Have you washed yourself?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Would you like to relax a bit more or have a play?”

“A play?” she asked as her gaze moved to his chest. She was just noticing how his wet T-shirt was plastered to his skin.

Wow.

He was so . . . muscular.

He cleared his throat. “Enjoying the view?”

“I really am.”

A low chuckle filled the room and she glanced up at his face. “I wasn’t joking.”

“No, I could tell. But you were being cute.”

“Again?”

“Yes. Always so cute.”

Good to know.

30

“Have you got any bath toys?”

“No.” She frowned.

“Hey, it doesn’t matter.” Ethan ran a finger along her forehead. “Don’t fret. I have an idea. I need to go to the kitchen, though. I’ll be right back. You will stay here.”

It wasn’t a request, but she nodded.

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