“You did? Do I look good in it?”
She giggled. “You look like you. I’ll show you. Hang on, I put it in my room.”
She wriggled out of his arms and took off toward her bedroom. Eastern immediately set his eyes on Sadie, one side of his mouth lifting. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey.”
The smile dropped from his lips, and he quickly crossed the room. “What’s wrong?”
How could he tell something was wrong with a simplehey? “I’ve just got a headache.”
He pressed his hand to her forehead. “You’re not hot.”
“I think Elle and I food poisoned ourselves last night. The headache’s probably from being sick all night.”
Concern flickered over his face. “You were sick last night? Why didn’t you call me?”
She shrugged. “I didn’t want to worry you. You already have so much going on.”
His growl was soft. “Sadie. It doesn’t matter how much I have going on. If something’s wrong, I want to know.”
She nodded, and even that small movement hurt.
His frown deepened. “You need to lie down.”
“Yeah, I’ll go home and—”
“No, here.”
“Eastern—”
“I need eyes on you so I know you’re okay. I already feel like shit that I couldn’t do that last night. Let me look after you.”
His soft words eased some of her pain. How that was possible, she wasn’t sure. But itwouldbe nice to have someone looking after her.
Then he added, “Please?”
How could she say no to that? “Okay.”
CHAPTER 20
Eastern closed the book. Usually by this stage, Avery was asleep. But right now, her eyes were wide open and a deep frown etched her brow. “What’s on your mind, princess?”
Her gaze shifted from the door to him. “I’m worried about Sadie.”
He was worried about Sadie too. She’d slept through dinner, and the last he’d checked, she was still fast asleep.
“Do you think I tired her out with all the playing when we got home?” Avery asked.
“Definitely not. She loves playing with you. If anything, I’m sure that made her feel a bit better.”
“Maybe you should go cuddle her. That always makes me feel better when I’m sick.”
His sweet girl. He shifted a lock of hair behind her ear. “As soon as you’re asleep, that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
“But I’m not tired.” The second the words were out, she yawned.
He chuckled. “Humor me. Close your eyes and let’s see what happens.”
