Page 30 of Daddy's Heart

She blew out a breath. “I forgot my phone. I was already at the lake when I realized it.”

His eyes narrowed. “How long have you been walking?”

She scrunched up her lips. “A little over an hour.”

“How far?”

She saw the trap, but there wasn’t any help for it, she had to answer.

“I don’t know, about half an hour one way, then I turned around.”

“If you didn’t have your phone, and you aren’t wearing a watch, how do you know how long you walked one way?”

“I don’t know. I walked until I figured I’d gone far enough and turned around. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

He shook his head. “Next time you want to go for a walk, at least leave a note. I didn’t know where you were.” He walked to her and pulled her into a hug. “I’m serious, Samantha. You don’t know this area yet, and I don’t want you getting lost.” He patted her ass before letting her go. “And if you forget your phone, you come back for it. I don’t care how far away you are when you realize it.”

“That’s a lot of rules,” she huffed.

He laughed.

“That’s two rules. Keep your phone with you and leave a note if you’re leaving.” He tapped the tip of her nose.

“Are there going to be many more?” She tilted her head, feeling the snark starting to rise up. She liked structure, thrived on it really, but it was early, and she’d already had to deal with enough stress.

“As many as you need, Sammy.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m waiting to hear if the job is delayed another day or not. Why don’t you grab some breakfast?”

“I’m going to shower first. I have an interview at eleven.”

“Where’s this one?” he asked, following her down the hall.

“In the suburbs. Park Ridge? It’s north.”

His brow wrinkled. “Park ridge is at least a forty-minute drive from here with traffic.”

“I know.” She sighed. “Not ideal. But it’s a job.”

A jingled alarm rang from the living room. “My text.”

She watched, and enjoyed, him jog to the open living room and snatch up his phone. Even in the loose-fitting jeans and shirt, she could make out his physique. The bulk of his muscles didn’t inhibit his easy movements. Agility must come from his work; he hadn’t mentioned a gym.

He groaned. “Delayed another day.” He tapped out a quick message and tossed his phone back on the end table. “Corrupt assholes.”

She laughed. “The government is getting in the way of your work?”

“They’re messing with budgets or something. We’ve been stalled. This is why I hate taking government contracts.” He shook his head. “Never mind all that. Since I’m off—again—why don’t I take you to your interview. We can grab lunch after.”

“I’m sure you have better things to do,” she said.

His head angled to the right. “I do. After your interview, we’ll get lunch, and then go shopping. There’s a store up that way that’s perfect for what I have in mind.”

Heat rose up her neck. “What sort of store?”

“The sort that carries panties more fitting for you than those cotton briefs you were wearing yesterday.” He grinned.

“You didn’t like them?” She put on a fake frown.

“I liked them off. But the ones I have in mind…well…you’ll see.” He winked.

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