Page 18 of Visions of You

I forced myself to slow my stride, to lengthen each breath.

After my first meeting with April, I’d convinced myself my reaction to her—the raw, crushing attraction—was due to the effects of my night in jail. And because of that, I’d be able to treat her with more courtesy the next time.

“Yeah, look how that went,” I muttered under my breath.

Earlier, I’d walked into my cottage and found no sign of Hailey. No one at the Big House had seen her either. Panic became a real, slithering creature inside me as I imagined every awful possibility. I tore down the hill, and when I’d seen her safe with April, my relief had been so great I’d just lashed out. At both of them, but mostly at April.

That first day, our new divemaster obviously hadn’t known who Iwas, and being caught out like that had only made me more defensive. And she hadn’t backed down one inch—the challenge in her gorgeous blue eyes had been unmistakable.

Goddamn if that wasn’t hotter than hell.

I knew I was big and intimidating, and yeah, I could be grouchy too. A woman who would stand up to me was my kryptonite. But that didn’t matter—I couldn’t be a complete dick every time we interacted. She’d quit.

And I just realized I didn’t want that.

Tomorrow, I’d make a concerted effort to start over with her.

By the time I reached the cottage, my mood was somewhat improved. I opened the front door and Hailey was stretched out on the couch, leafing through a tourist magazine we kept around for the guests. She put it aside when I shut the door. I set Hemingway on the wooden floor.

“He followed you back, huh?” she asked, and that made my flush come back. I was too embarrassed to admit I’d acted like a petulant child and stomped off with him, so I just nodded. Hailey folded upright as I sat down next to her, and I drew her into my arms, holding her tight.

“I’m sorry I snapped at you,” I whispered against her soft hair.

“I didn’t mean to run off like that. I should have left a note. I was just wandering over the grass when I saw April. Then I got distracted.”

“It’s okay, angel. You know you’re the most important thing in my life, right?”

She snuggled tighter. “I know, Daddy.”

I smiled. She called me that less and less as she got older, and I treasured the word every time she said it. “What’s our rule about where to go in the resort?”

“I can go to any of the public areas as long as staff are there, but I have to stay away from the guest bungalows.”

“Good girl.” I closed my eyes and kissed the top of her head.

“Do you want me to stay away from April and the Barn?”

My eyes snapped open. “I don’t know her well enough to answer that.”

“She was really nice, and she’s a friend of Maia’s.”

I was well aware of what an outgoing, gregarious child Hailey was, which was why I wanted her far away from the guest quarters. I couldn’t vet those people, and none of them were going to be alone with my daughter. But staff was different.

I hadn’t exactly covered myself in glory either time April and I had met, and if Hailey were her child instead of mine, April probably wouldn’t want her anywhere near me. And Maia would never allow anyone on the resort she wouldn’t vouch for. “April’s fine, as long as she doesn’t mind your visits.” I poked Hailey several times in the side, earning myself a fit of giggles. “But I don’t want you buttering her up so you can move back into the Barn and leave old Dad here by myself.”

“That will never happen! We’re a team, right?”

“Always. What do you say we head to Marathon and look for some stuff to decorate your room?”

She bolted upright, staring at me. “Now?”

“Why not? You have a pressing engagement?”

Her grin warmed my soul.

“Of course not! But I didn’t think you’d have time.”

My smile faded and I held her gaze. “I will never be too busy for you. Never.” Then I pushed to my feet and lifted her into my arms. “Come on. Let’s go decorate your room.”

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