Thirty-One

Haley stared at Sullivan, trying to take in everything he said. Part of her screamed to run because he was only saying what he needed to in order to get her to do what he wanted. Another part of her believed he meant every word, and that he was different than all the other guys.

Her eyes misted as she stared into his hopeful eyes. She blinked the tears away. “Why did you say those things the other day? At the art studio?”

“What do you mean? I’ve been trying to figure out why you were mad at me.”

“Because of the things you said.”

His eyes widened with confusion. “What things?”

She cringed as his words ran through her head. “When you were on the phone. Y-you said I was ungrateful and that there’s no pleasing me.”

Sullivan’s brows came together. “I never—when did I say that? Honestly, those thoughts have never crossed my mind. Not once.”

“You said there was a list a mile long of things you’ve done for me.”

He glanced to the side, like he was trying to remember.

“I overheard you on the phone. You said all of those things and more.”

“The phone?” He turned to her, still looking perplexed.

“Outside the art studio.”

“The…? I was talking with Nancy—my secretary.” He paused and scratched his chin. “Wait. I was complaining about a client who was driving me nuts. Nothing I did was good enough in her eyes.”

Haley’s mouth gaped. Sullivan hadn’t been talking about her—he’d been talking about someone else completely. Haley’s face burned. She glanced away. “It looks like I owe you an apology. It sounded like you were talking about me, so I assumed…” She took a deep breath. “I just…” How could she explain how his words had hit her where she was weakest? She blushed hotter, deeply embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”

He put his fingertips underneath her chin and guided her gaze back to him. “It appears we’ve both made mistakes, and I’m really very sorry for mine.” His eyes were kind and gentle, like he meant what he said. 

Haley’s pulse raced. What was she supposed to do now? She’d never received such a genuine apology. Was he really saying sorry with no strings attached? No bigger blowup coming later? She glanced around. He had no gifts. Maybe he meant every word. She wanted to believe him, but the part of her screaming to run was still fighting to be heard.

Sullivan pulled some of her hair behind her ear. “Are you willing to tell me why the necklace upset you?”

Everything spun around her. She gasped for air. Her fingers clenched the bench.

“You don’t have to if you’re not comfortable.” He leaned back.

She bit her lower lip. It was only fair for her to tell him. She took a deep breath and played with a nail. Her heart pounded like a jackhammer. “This is probably going to sound stupid—”

“Never.”

Haley glanced up at him. His eyes were still kind, full of… what was that? Love? She took another deep breath. “Whenever my dad gave us gifts as an apology…” Hot tears flooded her eyes, blurring her vision. She blinked, letting them fall to her face. “Those gifts always meant that a bigger blowup was coming. They were more of a warning than a nicety. I-I know you’re not him, but when you gave it to me…”

He wiped a tear from her cheek. “You flashed back to some of your most painful memories?”

Her throat closed up. She stared into his understanding eyes and nodded.

Sullivan pulled her close and wrapped his protective arms around her. “Now it all makes sense. I’m really sorry. I had no idea, and I would never do that to you.”

Haley nodded, not trusting her voice. She shook, and he rubbed her back.

“I only wanted to show you how sorry I was, and how wonderful I think you are. That backfired.”

“It’s not your fault.” 

“At least I know what happened now.”

“I’m sorry, Sullivan.”

“Don’t be.” He leaned back and looked her in the eyes. “I’m sorry you went through everything you did. I can’t imagine growing up in a home like that.”

She frowned. What more was there to say?

“So…” He paused, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. “Will you give me another chance? I’ll do everything in my power to be the man you need me to be. I’ll spend each hour of every day trying to make up for all the injustices you’ve ever suffered.”

Haley stared at him in disbelief. 

He ran the backs of his fingers gently across her jawline. “I mean it. You’re the most wonderful person I’ve ever met, and you don’t deserve anything that’s happened to you. It would be an honor if you would let me try to make it all up to you.”

“I… I…” More tears filled her eyes. Could he be for real? It didn’t seem possible, yet there he was, waiting for her response.

“Just stay in Enchantment Bay for the rest of the summer and see where this goes. No pressure. Let me pamper you and take care of you. I only ask for the rest of the summer—the time you were planning on staying in the first place.”

Haley threw herself into his embrace. 

Sullivan held her tightly. “Is this a yes?”

She nodded.

“Good. I don’t want to make any assumptions.”

Haley laughed and wiped some tears away.

“Let me get those.” Sullivan leaned closer and trailed kisses along the path from her eye down to the corner of her mouth. Then he covered her lips with his, reminding her of their first kiss on the beach.