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What gave her a reason to breathe each morning. It used to be diving and treasure-hunting with her Dad.
Now, it was Dylan.
And, she didn’t care what they did together. Shit, she would sit and knit sweaters all day with him. It made no difference. As long as they were together, that’s all that mattered.
As scary as it was, Hollis decided to follow her heart. And, it led her straight to Dylan Ford.
She just prayed he was feeling some of the whirlwind of emotions that were consuming her. She knew he enjoyed the sex. Because, let’s face it, it was amazing. They also made a great team whether they were diving, solving a 300-year old mystery or on the run from bad guys.
He was a perfect partner for her.
The question that nagged at her, though, was did he reciprocate her feelings?
God, she hoped so. Otherwise, heartbreak loomed on the horizon and she didn’t think she’d ever get over it.
The next morning, Hollis parked her Jeep in front of Dylan’s boat then went up to the door and knocked. She was nervous, but hopeful that they could move forward together.
After a minute passed, the door finally opened and Dylan stood there, shirtless, jeans unbuttoned and hair a dark brown mess. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Is it too early?”
The edge of his mouth lifted. “It’s never too early for you, Doll. C’mon in.”
Hollis walked past him and took a deep breath, trying not to stare at his chest and all those enticing tattoos. Fisher padded over and nuzzled her hand.
“Hello, Fish.”
“I just made some coffee,” he said. “Want some?”
“Sure. Thanks.”
“You didn’t mention a time to dive, but I wasn’t thinking the crack of dawn,” he teased.
Hollis glanced down at her watch and frowned. “It’s 9:15.”
He just gave her that trademark crooked grin, poured her some coffee and motioned for her to have a seat at the small kitchen table. “Sometimes Fish and I like to sleep in a little.”
Hollis accepted the mug and felt her nerves kick in. “I’m sorry I ran out so fast last night,” she said.
“Yeah, I felt pretty used,” he said.
Even though his tone was light, she wondered if any truth rang in his statement. If the situation were reversed, she would’ve felt used. “Dylan…” She bit her lip and he waited patiently. “This isn’t easy for me. Opening up to you.”
He leaned a hip against the counter, listening closely.
“I suck at relationships and I’ve never been in love. Honestly, it scares me.” Hollis looked up and met his dark gaze. “You scare me.”
Dylan set his mug down, pushed away from the counter and dropped down in front of her. He took her hands in his larger ones. “Then that makes two of us.”
“What do you mean?”
“Baby, you scare the shit out of me.”
Her mouth dropped open as she tried to process his words. “Me?”He was scared, too?Then that meant he must be falling for her just like she was falling head over heels for him.Right?
Dylan’s dark eyes swam with emotion and he squeezed her hands. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted you? And, now you’re right here, so close yet still so far away.”
Hollis felt her heart thump harder and she blinked in surprise.
“Your walls are damn high, Hollis Quinn.”
