Page 54 of Single Dad's Second Chance

“I didn’t judge, Dad. I was surprised and defensive of her. Ann was irritating me, showing up and bothering me. I suspected she was making up shit and slandering Mia because even she realized that my heart belonged to her.”

“I’m extremely disappointed in her. Her and her father.” He slashed a hand through the air. “I’m never speaking with him again. Raising a spoiled girl like that?” He grimaced. “Thank God you didn’t care for Ann.”

I gave him a stern look. “Because I wasn’t looking for anyone. I had Mia right here all along.”

He furrowed his brow. “Then why the hell didn’t you ever say something?” With a look to the side, he sighed heavily. “Jason adores her. She puts up with your nonsense. And… Why, Henry? Why?”

I tilted my head to the side. “Gee, I don’t know. Because the last time I actually got involved with a woman, she burned me and left me with a newborn she wanted nothing to do with. And she threatened so many lawsuits and bullshit that we put no-fraternization policies into effect.”

He winced. “I can see how that’d be an obstacle…” He rubbed his chin. “But this is Mia we’re talking about. You could’ve just told me, said something.”

“I couldn’t when I wasn’t sure how she felt about me.Ifshe felt anything for me. Past friendship or a working relationship. She’s always been slightly guarded to get too close.”

“I can’t blame her.”

“Dad.” I sat forward, keeping the framed photo on my lap. “What did she do? You had to have done a background check on her. You have to know, and still, you hired her.”

“Of course, I did. Regardless of any record she could’ve had, I knew from the moment I met her that she had a good heart and a sweet soul.”

“Then what?—”

It was his turn to hold up a hand and stop me from speaking. “You have to ask her. When I hired her, we agreed that it would always be up to her to share the details of her past. I won’t betray her trust in that now, even when she’s not here.”

But how can I get her back here?I needed her in my life. Every second that passed that we were apart felt like hell.

“While I respect that you were rash to defend her, you should’ve minded your temper, Son. I heard how you lashed outand reacted. You could’ve toned it down, could have given her more of a chance to explain rather than act so angry.”

How many times would I have to repeat this? “I was angry at Ann. Not Mia. I was surprised, yes, but fuck. I hate that she could even think that I’d want to hurt her.”

“Then if and when she comes by, I truly hope you can convey a sincere apology to her.” He stood, looking around the colorful room again. “Did you know that I tried to talk her out of taking this office when she started?”

I shook my head. “No.”

He smirked. “No windows. It feels so confined and small.”

“She loves this office.” I mentally groaned, catching myself on that tense slip. She didn’t work here anymore. “Shelovedthis office.”

“She told me that she liked it, having privacy and feeling secure here. Like she belonged here and nothing could trespass on her happiness here.”

I exhaled a long breath, hating myself more for taking that away from her. I hadn’t fired her, but I took blame for her quitting.

“And if you do find her…” He walked back and leaned over to place a small ring box on the desk. “Don’t waste another minute.”

I smiled at the container housing his mother’s ring, a family heirloom. My mother wore it until she passed. And now, it was back in the family to be used again.

His implication was clear, and I accepted the offering without a word. After looking at the antique piece of jewelry, I snapped the lid shut and put the box in my pocket.

If I could have a second chance with her, I wouldn’t waste a single second to make her mine forever.

“Thanks.”

He left, but I didn’t linger for long in this office. Her absence felt too acute in here. Instead, since Laura was with Jason, I took the opportunity to return to Danger.

It was where I’d first kissed Mia.

It was where she’d shown an artistic critique of dancers.

It was where I’d asked her why we couldn’t consider being together.

---