Page 17 of Her Hero Daddy

“Why do you say that?” she asked suspiciously.

“Because I read people. It’s what I have done for a living for many years. So, hiding stuff from me or lying to me is not going to bode well for you, little miss, because I will know, and I will find out the truth.”

Well, shit. That didn’t seem fair, considering she was usually in her own head about stuff that she didn’t always want other people to know about. She hoped he wouldn’t always be so tuned in to her.

“I will be okay. At least, I hope I will.”

He seemed to ponder her words for a minute before answering.

“You will be okay, Haylee. I won’t let anything happen to you. I can promise you that. But I need you to be honest with me when I ask you questions.” His gentleness disappeared, and he was back to being, well… Kane.

“What if I don’t want to answer your questions?”

He frowned. “Then I guess you tell me you don’t want to talk about it. But I can tell you this: I really won’t like it if you do that. But at least you won’t be lying. Deal?”

She nodded at that.

“We’re here.”

Haylee looked out the windshield at the large two-story house that had natural wood siding and a green metal roof. A porch ran along the entire front of the house, with several wooden rocking chairs spread out, along with a porch swing. It was a house that dreams were made of. Why did Kane need such a big house? How was she ever going to pay him back for letting her stay in this beautiful place?

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, eyeing him.

He smiled, but she could have sworn that she saw a tiny glint of sadness in his face.

“Thank you. I’ve only been here for four months, so I’m still getting settled in, but the apartment above the garage is all ready for you.” He pointed up to the huge windows above the three-car garage that overlooked the long, curvy driveway.

Okay, so she would be in a separate living space. A small pang of disappointment swept through her, knowing she would be so far away from the alligator man. It was probably for the best, even though the thought of being alone at the moment scared the daylights out of her. She had no idea why she was so afraid, but she was, and it sucked.

Suck it up, Haylee. He is doing you a huge favor.

Kane was out of the car and at her side, opening the car door for her before she could say anything else. The smell of Pinebrook hit her nose, and she smiled appreciatively.

Home.

She followed him up the path to the large deck. A massively large pair of boots sat near the door.

Holy cow. Were his feet really that big? Hmm… big feet, big…

Oh my God, get it together. You are being a hussy.

“This is the main part of the house. You can get to the apartment by going through the door over there, which leads you into the garage. There’s a staircase in the garage that leads up to the apartment. You will have everything you need in the apartment, though the kitchen space is just a small kitchenette with a fridge, sink, and microwave, so if you want to cook anything in the oven, which you’re welcome to at any time, just come use the main kitchen.”

Haylee nodded, though she wasn’t really paying attention to his words. She was too busy looking around the house. Realizing she was being snoopy, she brought her attention back to Kane.

“Oh… uh, I probably won’t cook. Tim always said I was the worst cook in the world, so I don’t even try anymore.”

She startled when Kane cursed. She was used to cursing but not when it came from such a deep, growly voice.

“I’m sure you are a great cook, and I would love to try your cooking sometime. Besides, there is no way you could be the worst cook in the world because I hold that trophy. I burn cereal.”

She smiled appreciatively at his attempt to make her feel better. He grinned down at her, his perfectly straight teeth nearly sparkling. He had a really nice smile for someone who fought alligators.

“Well, thank you. I need to use the restroom. Could you show me where to find one?”

His grin dropped, and he nodded quickly, leading her to a large guest bathroom. She stepped in and turned to see him standing in front of the doorway, staring at her. She looked around awkwardly, unsure of what he was waiting for.

“Uh… Kane. I really need to go.”