Page 65 of Tangled in Temptation

John studied my face for a moment before sighing deeply. “I just don’t want her to get hurt again,” he said, the stern façade breaking momentarily to reveal the desperate concern of a father.

“I don’t want that either,” I replied earnestly, meeting his gaze. “You have my word; I will never intentionally hurt her.”

He snorted. “That’s not exactly a promise you won’t.”

“She’s my world too, John,” I said. “I love Catherine.”

“So do I,” he said.

“I hope we can learn to share,” I said with a half-smile. “I know you’re her father and easily one of the most important people in her life. She’s quickly becoming that to me.”

John’s eyes met mine in a silent, unblinking stare. He seemed to be assessing me, probably wondering if I was being sincere or spinning another tale to get my way.

“After all she’s been through, Catherine deserves someone who truly loves her,” he said slowly, still not breaking eye contact. “And I want to believe that’s you, Timothy.”

“I hope you can,” I said, holding his gaze.

“It’s not about hoping,” he said. “You have to prove it. I want to see it in your actions. Don’t give her a bunch of lip service. She doesn’t need that garbage. Catherine is the kind of woman that will give everything and leave nothing for herself.”

“I’ll take care of her,” I said. “Without holding her back. I just want to be a part of her life.”

“Don’t make me hate you,” he said. “I can’t watch her go through another bad relationship. Scott had me fooled in the beginning. I won’t fall for that again.”

“I’m not Scott,” I assured him. “Come on, let’s go inside and get some lunch. You can tell me all about Catherine. And I will spend my time trying to convince you I’m not a bad guy.”

He chuckled. “Lunch, huh?”

I grinned. “Yes, lunch. I make a mean sandwich.”

He followed me inside. I felt like I had just defused a bomb. Halfway to the kitchen, the housekeeper came rushing out of the living room.

“Mr. Hastings! Thank goodness you’re back.”

“Yes, I’m back.” The panic in her eyes concerned me. “What’s going on?” I asked.

“Paisley,” she said. “We got a call early this morning from her friend. She’s not there. She’s not here. We haven’t been able to find her.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Catherine

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THE HOT SHOWER FELT good and was just what I needed. I couldn’t wait to see Timothy again. He was supposed to be talking to Paisley today. We were going to celebrate with pizza for dinner. I knew the kid was going to be ecstatic that she got to stay. He was including me in their little family celebration, which made me feel special. Last night had changed everything.

Timothy was mine. We were going to be together. All that up and down and heartache was forgotten. It was worth it to get to where we were now. I couldn’t wait to tell Amber and then my dad. Hopefully my dad could be happy for us and not a grump about things. He had it in his head Luke was the man for me, but it wasn’t going to happen. Timothy had my heart.

I turned off the water and reached for my towel. I had just wrapped it around myself when my phone rang. I dashed into my bedroom to check the screen and saw Timothy’s name. I smiled when I saw it.

“Hi gorgeous,” I answered in a flirty tone.

“Is Paisley there?” He blurted out the question without bothering to say hello.

“No,” I answered. “Is she supposed to be?”

“I can’t find her. She left her friend’s house. She’s not here. She’s not answering her phone.”

I could hear the panic in his voice. “No, I haven’t seen her,” I said, my voice barely hiding the fear. “But I’ll start looking right away. I’ll look around here. Meet me at the coffee shop. Maybe her other friends know where she is.”