Page 54 of Finding Little Fiera

Sniffling, she nodded. “Y-you’re the b-best D-daddy in the wh-whole w-world.”

With a kiss to her forehead, he said, “Thank you, babygirl. I’m glad you feel that way. Now, let’s get you into these dry clothes.”

Reaching down, he pulled off her soaked shoes and socks before tucking the quilt around her feet. His reward for that was a contented sigh.

“Tell me, firefly. Just how many pairs of Converse do you have?”

Throwing a sheepish grin his way, she shrugged. “I stopped counting at fifteen. A bunch, though.”

Once he had her dried off and dressed in the softest, most adorable pink t-shirt with a kitten on the top that read “Time For A Cat Nap,” he carried her to their spot. He grabbed Sniffles before sitting in the rocking chair with her settled on his lap, making sure her back was to the window. Her beautiful eyes had been in bright light most of the day.

For several minutes, he didn’t say anything. With a gentle tug, he had her leaning against his chest. Rubbing her back, he just rocked, slow and steady, and hummed a low tune without thought. It took time, but the reward for his patience was her body relaxing against him.

Had anyone ever felt so perfect in his arms? Never. He had to find out what she wanted before he got any more attached. She might be his little firefly. But he wasn’t going to trap her in a jar and keep her. She had to want to stay.

With as conversational a tone as he could manage, he said, “I want to talk about what happens after camp.” The words landed between them like a stone in still water.

Fiera tensed. He hated the way her body instinctively braced for harsh words and actions rather than believing the best. In her experience, talking about the future meant bad news and blame games.

He tightened his hold just enough to reassure her. “Look at me, firefly.”

His brave girl did as he asked, and for a moment, he wished she hadn’t. Her eyes were wide, searching for clues in hisbody language or expression that would tell her how bad the conversation would be.

He held her gaze and smiled, anything to erase the fear from her eyes. “I like you, Fiera. No, I more than like you. I’m drawn to you in a way I haven’t experienced in a very long time.” This wasn’t the time to pussyfoot around. “Being your Daddy here at camp isn’t just about having fun. Not for me.”

Tucking her hair behind her ear, he gave her a moment to think about that. The tension remained in her body, but a flicker of something crossed her face. Something that looked like hope.

“When camp is over, and it’s time for everyone to leave,” he continued. “I’d like to keep seein’ you. Back in the real world, I mean.” Could he sound any more like a jackass?

Thunder rumbled again, closer this time. Her fingers twisted in his shirt. He tapped his ear, the signal they’d agreed on for her to check her hearing aid and see if an adjustment would help.

With a quick shake of her head, she said, “No, Daddy. I want to hear more about back in the real world.”

Thank god for that. Maybe he wasn’t blowing this completely. “You need to know I won’t be angry no matter what you say,” he added. He needed to be clear on that. “If you don’t want that, you tell me. I won’t blame you or pressure you in any way.”

It pissed him off that he even needed to say that, but given her recent experiences, he wanted her to understand that he wasn’t that kind of man.

She nibbled her bottom lip, so he gently pulled it out of harm’s way. Her gaze dropped to his shoulder. Not making eye contact didn’t seem like a good sign.

“The only thing I ask,” he went on, firming his voice just a fraction, “is that you be honest with me. That’s the only thing that’s fair to both of us.” Even though their time together hadbeen short, he hoped she knew him well enough not to pretend just to please him. He needed the truth.

Chapter Nineteen

The rocking chair creaked softly beneath them as he gave her time to think. At least she was taking it seriously. Her thigh tightened under his hand, and her breath hitched. Was she searching for her safe word? Damn it, he was handling this all wrong. But they only had one more day.

If only he could take away her nervousness. He did his best to keep his body relaxed, wishing he could shield her from the memories whispering that wanting something good led to losing parts of herself.

Trying to reassure her, he brushed his thumb along her leg. “You don’t owe me the answer I want,” he said. “You owe both of us the truth.”

Her voice came out small at first, then she met his eyes. “You want… I mean, you’re asking if I want this to keep going?”

The disbelief in her voice broke his heart. “I am.”

Turning her gaze to his hand on her thigh, she asked, “What if I say no?”

Still stroking her thigh, he answered her honestly. “If you say no, I’ll still walk you to breakfast tomorrow. I’ll still be your Daddy all day tomorrow.” His jaw tightened slightly, but hisvoice stayed steady. “I’ll still make sure you get home safe. I don’t punish people for bein’ honest, little one.”

Her eyes searched his again. If she was looking for lies, she wouldn’t find any. He didn’t lie, especially about what mattered.