"That's what you have solicitors for, Rick," he finally says. "You did nothing wrong. Now you know about it, and I'm sure you'll take care of things the best way you can."
"What if the company folds because of my mistake?"
"You haven't made a mistake. That woman conned you. Now go enjoy your holiday and worry about this when you're home."
"But I've let you down."
"No, you've never done that, and you never will. I'm very proud of the job you've done since taking over as publisher."
"Thank you for the vote of confidence, but I've only done my job. No more, no less."
"Hogwash."
The fact my father is proud of me lifts a weight off my shoulders. Maybe I haven't bollocksed everything up after all.
We talk for a few more minutes until Maddie walks out of the bathroom, then I say goodbye to my father. Maddie and I help each other get back into our costumes from last night since that's all we have to wear. My clothing proves much easier to reassemble than hers. It has so many strings and clasps or whatever they are that I'm amazed she managed to get into it in the first place. An employee at the costume shop helped her the first time. I clearly lack the expertise to get it done, though, since the task takes me fifteen minutes. At the shop, it took five minutes at most.
"That was a workout," Maddie says when she's finally dressed. She twirls once, making her skirts flutter. "How do I look?"
"You're always lovely, even when you're drooling and snoring."
"Did I really do that? I know I drooled, but the snoring…"
"Yes, you did that. But it was endearing."
"Maybe you're full of shit, but I've decided that's part of your appeal." She slips her arms around my waist. "Let's go snorkeling first."
"Anything you want. We'll need to go back to the resort and change out of these clothes, though."
My mobile chimes. Reluctantly, I step away from her so I can dig it out to check the new text.
Have you signed him?my executive assistant asks.Board waiting to hear.
She's referring to Dexter. I type my response:Working on it. On holiday now.
Then I stuff the mobile in my pocket.
"By the way," I tell Maddie, "I took your advice and rang my father. He's not angry. He says he's proud of me."
"That's wonderful. Aren't you glad you ripped that scab off?"
"Yes, you were right about that."
She slips her hand into mine. "Let's go downstairs and tell Dexter to bring that chopper back here for us."
I wrap an arm around Maddie and tug her close. "Thank you for coming here with me. This was intended to be a business trip, but you're making it the best holiday I've ever had."
"You're doing the same for me. Thank you, Rick."
While I lead her out of our room and downstairs, I can't help smiling. This woman makes me feel lighter, like all the duties that used to weigh me down have evaporated and all that matters is living life to the fullest.
About damn time.
Chapter Fifteen
Maddie
We find Dexter on the veranda, relaxing on a porch swing and admiring the view from the sheltered peace of this outdoor haven attached to the house. I hadn't really known what a veranda was until today. It's a fancy word for a wraparound porch as far as I can tell. This one stretches the entire length of the house and seems to continue around the backside. While Rick guides me toward Dex, I gaze out at the beach and the blue waters of the inlet. A balmy breeze whispers over my skin. The smell of the ocean surrounds me, and I inhale a deep breath to appreciate that unique scent.