Page 19 of Daddy's Little Sunshine

“Yes, you did.” Laughing, he patted her bottom. “You can let go of the cloud now.”

“Awww.” She turned her attention back to the cloud. “But it’s so cute.”

“It is, but I don’t want you getting too worn out. I’m sure it takes a lot of effort to focus like that.”

Her head was starting to feel a little foggy. With a sigh, she let the cloud slowly disappear. “Bye, cloud.”

“You can make another one later. How do you feel?”

Sore. Exhausted. Thoroughly used.“I’m fine.”

If he knew she was lying, he didn’t comment. “Good. I’m starving. Did you eat anything?”

“Ice cream.”

“Seriously? You really do need a daddy. Up.” He punctuated the command with a sharp swat to her bottom.

“I don’t need a daddy. I have a – oh shit!” Guilt and panic churned in her stomach.

“What?” He was instantly on alert, running his hands over her like he was checking for injuries. “What happened?”

Slapping at his hands, she explained in a rush. “My parents. My friends. I lost my phone yesterday, everyone is probably losing their minds!”

“Oh.” Sitting back, he frowned up at her. “Jesus, you scared me.”

She yanked her shorts back up and blinked against the threatening tears. “I’m a horrible person. I didn’t even think about anyone else. They must be worried sick!”

“You’re not a horrible person, sunshine. Shit, I should have thought of it, too. But yesterday was a bit crazy.”

“Can I use your phone to call my parents? Please?”

He almost said no. She could see it on his face. But she watched him soften, enough to jerk his head up and down before reaching into his pocket. “Five minutes,” he said, unlocking his phone and handing it to her.

Growling, she stomped a foot. “I can’t tell them what’s going on in five minutes!”

“Sorry, sunshine. We can’t risk a longer call. Someone might be listening on their end. And you can’t tell them where you are or who you’re with.”

She snatched the phone out of his hand, no longer bothering to fight the tears. “Fine. I’m going to the bedroom.” Without giving him a chance to respond, she stomped to the bedroom and slammed the door. With trembling hands, she dialed her mother’s cell number.

“Hello? Lainey?” Her mother’s panicked voice twisted her stomach into knots.

“It’s me, Mom. I’m okay. I’m sorry it took me so long to call.”

“What’s going on? Where are you? I called your phone and some drunk man answered and then it just kept going to voicemail.”

“I’m…” She paused. How much should she say? Was it better for her parents if they didn’t know what was going on? “I’m safe.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Safe from what? Lainey, where are you?”

Her heart cracked right down the middle at the fear in her mother’s voice. “I can’t tell you. I’m sorry. Is Dad there?”

“Why can’t you tell me? Frank! Lainey’s on the phone, but she won’t tell me what’s going on!”

There was some muffled shuffling and then the sound of her father’s deep, soothing voice. “Lainey? Where are you? Why aren’t you answering your phone?”

“I’m safe. I lost my phone. Dad, some things happened, and I can’t tell you what, but I wanted you to know I’m okay. I-I don’t know when I’ll get to call again.” There was a long pause and she worried she’d lost the signal. “Dad?”

“I’m here, sweetheart. You’re safe? You’re with someone who can help?”

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