Daddy in Cowboy Boots (Montana Daddies #9) - Laylah Roberts Page 0,33

idea of being in trouble made her shiver in delight?

11

Linc was grateful not to encounter Marisol’s aunt on the way out. That woman was a predator. He could handle that bitch staring at him like he was a snack and she was starving.

What he couldn’t handle was Marisol having to deal with the unfeeling bitch day-in, day-out. He had a feeling there was more going on in that house than Marisol was letting on.

He didn’t like it. Didn’t like that he didn’t know what was happening and that Marisol didn’t yet trust him enough with the truth.

Soon.

He started his truck, feeling a curious wrenching in his chest. Something that told him not to leave. To go back there and gather Marisol in his arms, carry her down to his truck and take care of her.

He sighed. Unfortunately, with Clint leaving on his honeymoon, he wouldn’t have a lot of free time over the next two weeks. Still, he was sure he could carve out some time for another date, maybe they could go into the city, take in a movie.

Do a bit of toy shopping.

She needs to know what you are, first. What you want. Need. And she may not want the same things. Perhaps she isn’t a Little.

There had been a few signs, but he’d hoped for something more concrete today. Especially when he’d walked into her room. But there had been nothing to hint at a Little side. No toys, no stuffies, no coloring stuff. Not that that meant anything. She could have a Little side and not know. Or maybe her Little was older, or didn’t like to play or . . . Christ, he didn’t know.

He’d enjoyed himself today. She was fun. Sweet. Funny.

Turning into the driveway for Sanctuary Ranch, he headed up towards JSI headquarters and veered off to where Kent and Abby lived. Parking, he got out and walked towards the door. Laughter hit his ears as he knocked. Sounded like someone was having fun.

“Daddy, no! Put me down!”

There was a smacking noise that made his eyebrows rise and his lips twitch. The door opened and Kent stood there. There was a glob of something on his forehead that dripped down his face. And he held a wiggling Abby over his shoulder.

“Well, hello there, Kent. Miss Abby. You’re looking beautiful today,” he greeted them.

“Eek! Kent let me down!”

“Hmm. Let me think about that. How about no?” Kent smacked her ass as she tried to get down.

“Kent!” she cried, the embarrassment in her voice clear.

“Linc, come in,” Kent told him, stepping backwards with Abby.

Walking in, Linc shut the door behind him. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“Not at all. Abby here just thought it would be funny for me to wear the cookie dough rather than bake it.”

“Pfft.” Abby let out a breath of air in frustration. “You were teasing me first. Don’t believe a word he says, Linc.”

“Why, Little girl, do you think it’s a good idea to call me a liar?” Kent flipped her over once they were in the kitchen and set her on the benchtop. Then he placed both hands on the counter and leaned in with a stern look.

Though Linc thought he caught the other man’s lips twitching.

“Well? Hmm?”

Abby was bright red as she gazed from Kent then back to Linc. “No, Daddy.”

Kent turned to look at him. “Linc, what can I do for you?”

“I just need a quick word. I can meet you in your office in ten?” Linc offered, trying to give them some privacy.

“No, stay,” Abby said quickly. “Please. No need to go to Kent’s office when you can talk here.” She was a total sweetheart, even though he’d interrupted their Sunday together.

Abby looked a bit tired today. There was a paleness to her skin that he didn’t like. And dark patches under her eyes.

“What do you say?” Kent asked her.

“Sorry, Daddy,” she whispered.

Leaning in, he kissed her lightly. “Good girl.” He stepped back and grabbed a towel to wipe off his face. “Linc, you want a drink or anything? Coffee? Something stronger? Beer?”

“Beer would be good.”

Kent nodded and helped Abby down then he went to the fridge and pulled out a couple of beers. Abby moved to the sink where there was a pile of dirty dishes, obviously from their baking. Some cookies lay out on the tray, waiting to go in the oven.

Kent handed him a beer, then wrapped his arm around Abby’s waist. “Leave these, sweet girl. I’ll tidy up soon. You go on up and have