Page 29 of Protecting Little Phoebe

He shook his head and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Little girls don’t get out of bed without their Daddy’s permission.”

“They don’t?”

“No. They don’t.”

“But what about if their Daddy isn’t in the bedroom and they have to go to the toilet?”

“Then they should call out for help.”

“What if he’s not around?”

“Then the rule doesn’t apply, and you can get up and go to the bathroom. But I am here and you’re not to get out of bed without asking for my permission. Understand?”

“Um, yes.”

“I know I can come on strong. If I’m pushing too hard, then tell me. Say ‘red’ if you like. And we’ll stop and talk. The last thing I want is to scare you away.”

“I don’t see how you could ever scare me away.”

Well, he’d done it in the past. “Promise you’ll tell me.”

“I promise.”

“Good girl. I’m so proud of you for being so brave.” Sitting on the bed, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

Okay. What the hell? “What is that on your skin?” he demanded.

“Oh, it’s this new night cream I’m using on my skin. It’s so creamy and smooth. It’s got lavender in it to help me sleep.”

Yeah. That might be what he was tasting right now. Obviously the lavender wasn’t actually doing its job, either since she didn’t sleep well.

“Wait here while I get the things for you.”

Unless she doesn’t want you in her bathroom.

He turned. “If that’s all right with you.”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” she asked with a smile.

“Some women wouldn’t want a strange man in their bathroom,” he explained.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re not that strange.”

Barren shook his head at her. “Sassy.” He walked into the bathroom, searching for her hairbrush and hair ties among the bottles of face cream, lotion, and bits of make-up that were scattered around. Ignoring the urge to tidy it all up, he returned to find her fidgeting on the bed.

“Are you all right, little girl?” he asked her, worried.

“I forgot to use the toilet! Can I go?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Yay!” she cried, jumping off the bed and racing into the bathroom.

She was so open with her thoughts and feelings. It was so refreshing after his life with Krystal. There was a part of him that wasn’t sure whether to believe in her reactions, though. It was hard for him to comprehend how anyone could be that bubbly and excited over such simple things.

He shook that thought off as she returned. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed a pillow, setting it on the floor in front of him.

“Come sit down and I’ll do your hair.”

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