She sighed, knowing she wasn’t going to win.
“What are we having for dinner?” she asked as they pulled into his driveway.
“I’ll fix something for you. I want you to relax on the sofa.”
He came around and opened her door, undoing the seat belt and lifting her out. But instead of setting her on her feet, he held her against him, his arm under her ass. She wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Daddy!” she squealed. A giggle escaped her as he shut the door. She turned her head, resting her face on his shoulder as he walked towards the house.
“Hello! Duke!”
Sunny stared over at where Paisley stood by Duke’s mailbox. She was dressed in her usual work-out gear.
Duke half-turned. “Yeah? What do you want?”
“Duke,” Sunny scolded.
“Oh, well, I just wanted to see if you wanted to come over for dinner tomorrow night. I’m making smoked salmon potato cakes over a crème fraiche mash.”
Seriously? She was actually inviting him over to her place while he had Sunny in his arms?
“He’s busy,” Sunny told her.
“Well, I’m sure he’d like to decide that for himself,” Paisley said in a snotty voice. “Duke, darling?”
Sunny rolled her eyes at the simpering tone.
Duke just turned and walked away.
“Duke? Aren’t you going to reply?” Paisley called out.
“Sunny already gave you my answer,” Duke called back. “I’m busy.”
“A different night then?”
“He’s busy every night,” Sunny said with a grin. Not very nice of her, but then how many ridiculous fines had that woman given her?
Duke unlocked the door and then set her down to deal with the alarm before he drew her back into his arms. “Thank you, little rebel.”
“For what?”
“For saving me. That woman has been trying to get at me ever since I moved in here.” He gave an exaggerated shudder. “Could you imagine what she’d do to me if she got me in a room alone?”
She had to giggle. “I think you could defend yourself.”
“I’m glad I never have to find out. Because I am most definitely busy every night.” He cupped her face and kissed her sweetly. “And so are you.”
Her heart raced as her insides danced.
“Now, let’s get my little rebel into her pajamas so she can relax on the sofa while I make her dinner.” He took hold of her hand and led her down to the bedroom.
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He pulled a pair out that had a picture of a grouchy looking crab on them and the words, Crabby in the morning.
He silently helped her into her pajamas. Then he picked her up and walked into the living room, setting her on the couch. He turned the T.V. on to one of the shows she liked.
“Stay here on the couch.” He tapped her nose and she wrinkled it at him, but settled in. Truthfully, she was still a little drained. She was watching one of her favorite shows when she became aware of the scent of smoke. She sniffed. What was that? Was something on fire?