Page 32 of Shattered Secrets

“Here you go, Otter Pop,” he said, returning to the living room and handing Mr. Slothy over to Daisy.

“Thank you,” she murmured, squishing the fuzzy sloth in a massive hug.

“Sweetie,” Scarlet said, running a hand over the top of her daughter’s head, “can you sit here with Mr. Matt and Mr. Slothy while I pack us a bag?” At Daisy’s nod, she turned to him. “Sorry, do you mind watching her? I’ll be fast.”

“It’s not a problem. Take your time.”

“Thank you,” she said, setting her daughter onto the couch with Mr. Slothy and Daisy’s small fuzzy blanket before hustling to her room.

Matt grabbed the larger blanket he’d shaken out earlier. “How about another one so you don’t get cold?” he asked Daisy, holding it up to her.

She shrugged, then perked up. “Mr. Matty?”

“Yes, ma’am?” He draped the blanket over her tiny legs and sat at the opposite end of the couch, giving her plenty of space.

“When we were hiding, Mama said we could get Otter Pops because Mr. Slothy was so brave. He was all by himself in the bedroom.”

“I’m sure you were brave, too.” The idea of them hiding on the balcony, terrified out of their minds, fucking killed him. “I’llbe sure to pick some up at the store when it opens. Then you can eat as many as you like.” He’d buy this sweet girl a fucking truckload of Otter Pops if that’s what she wanted.

Daisy’s mouth fell open, and she shook her head, hair flying around her face. “But, Mr. Matty, I’m only allowed one a day.”

He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. This kid was too damn cute. “Tell you what? How about I talk to your mama? Because I think tonight was a very special case of extra bravery, and I’m pretty sure she’s gonna let you have five.”

“Five?” Scarlet snorted. “Yeah, right.”

He and Daisy turned their heads. Scarlet was leaning against the doorway to her bedroom with a large duffle bag at her feet. There was a smile on her face that was part sweet, part shy, and it had every inch of his body buzzing. He’d do whatever he could to keep that smile on her beautiful face.

“How about four?” he asked.

Scarlet shook her head. She pressed her lips together, but they quirked up at the edges.

“Okay, fine. Three Otter Pops it is,” he said, shooting a wink to Daisy. “One for the brave Mr. Slothy and two for the brave Miss Daisy. What do you say, Mama?” He flashed Scarlet his most charming grin.

Just as he’d hoped, she laughed. “Fine. Three.” Daisy cheered, and Scarlet approached to drop a kiss on top of her daughter’s head. “But only after you have a good sleep and finish all your breakfast.”

“Maybe one after breakfast, one after lunch, and one after dinner?” Matt knew he was pushing his luck, but that seemed like a fair and responsible-ish negotiation.

Scarlet rolled her eyes and smirked. “We’ll see.”

He nodded. Message received. No more pushing.

“I’m gonna have two blues and a red,” Daisy declared. Her smile was blinding, and she was positively glowing. “But one of the blues is for Mr. Slothy.”

“Of course,” he said, holding out his fist to her. When she simply stared at him, he slowly reached out and took her left hand in his. Guiding hers into a little fist, he bumped their knuckles together. Daisy let out a small giggle, and he couldn’t stop his grin from growing even if he’d tried. Catching Scarlet’s eye, he nodded to the duffle. “That everything?”

“No, not yet. I got sidetracked by your unlimited–Otter Pop conversation.”

“It’s for bravery.” He winked at Daisy. “Right, kid?”

She beamed at him. “Right, Mr. Matty.”

Scarlet shook her head and waved down the hall. “I still have to pack some stuff for Daisy.” She caught her daughter’s eye. “We’re having a slumber party at Mr. Matt’s place for the next day or two.”

“We are?” Daisy’s excited gaze swung to meet his. “I’ve never had a slumber party before!”

His lips twitched. “Maybe later tonight, after the Otter Pops, we’ll have popcorn.”

She looked at her mom. “Mama, can we? And can Baby Unicorn come, too?”

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