Kissed and Missed (Daddy Issues #2)

Chapter 11

11

JULIAN

SIX WEEKS AGO

F or a man accustomed to being alone, It’s been surprisingly easy to get used to having someone else in my house.

Technically, there is always support staff or security on site, but this is different.

None of them are my daughter’s inconveniently attractive ex-girlfriend. Not just attractive, either. If she were only beautiful, I wouldn’t have spent so much time over the last day or so thinking about Honor Vogel. Beautiful women aren’t uncommon, but I can’t remember the last time I wanted to be around someone like this.

Even now, standing in the living room, which is lit only by the first, hazy, bluish light of sunrise, my heart lifts at each perceived sound in the house. Every little creak or rustle, the thump of the air conditioning or caw of a seagull outside on the beach has me glancing over my shoulder in hopeful anticipation.

It’s barely five in the morning, and she just came from another time zone. I shouldn’t expect to see her for hours, and the fact I’m hoping to is just one more concern to add to the growing list where Honor Vogel is concerned. She could have ended up my daughter-in-law for fuck’s sake.

Warning bells are going off in my mind. I have no business thinking this way. I can’t be looking for ways to spend time with her, or things to say that might get her talking. She’s my kid’s ex, and, for all I know, not attracted to men. Riley is bisexual, but obviously, that doesn’t mean Honor is.

Not that it matters, of course.

What is wrong with me?

This loaded question is interrupted by the sound of quiet footsteps and, without thinking, I turn just in time to see Honor creeping around the corner. She starts at the sight of me, standing alone in the darkened space.

“Hi,” she breathes, breaking the silence with a shy smile. Against the cool, minimalist space, she stands out vividly in her pink sweatshirt and cut-off shorts. Her feet are bare, and I can’t stop looking at her.

“You’re up early. Did you sleep alright?” I manage to croak.

Honor nods, tucking a lock of blonde hair back behind her ear. “I did, yeah. And you?”

“Yes, actually. Which isn’t like me.” I chuckle halfheartedly, drumming my fingers on the mug in my hands. For fuck’s sake, decades of experience in high level business negotiation, and my poker face is shit where this woman is concerned. Right now, I need to walk out of here and get my head on straight. She’s here as a guest, I could make any excuse, and yet, when I open my mouth, I express another sentiment entirely.

“I was going to go for a walk. On the beach, I mean. If you’re interested in joining me.”

Honor’s shy, polite smile widens to something full and genuine, just as the first light of dawn spills through the windows behind her, catching in her golden hair. “Oh! Yes, please. That sounds great.” She reaches for the hem of her sweatshirt and pulls it over her head, preparing to step out into the sun.

What she’s wearing beneath it makes my mouth go dry—a white T-shirt with a tiny blue, pink, and purple flag embroidered over her chest, accompanied by the words bi pride.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

“Ready?” asks Honor brightly, already moving past me toward the back door.

No. I am most definitely not ready, but I follow her anyway.