A Guide to Being Just Friends, page 20
“Are you okay?” Hailey turned to him. In the soft glow of twinkle lights and large paper lanterns that decorated the room, he could see concern etched into her features.
“Fine. My breath caught. That’s all.” He couldn’t look at her while he was feeling this much. “I’ll get us a drink.” He pulled his arm from her hand and walked toward the bar.
Chris had rented a loft that people used for a variety of events from weddings to parties like this one. He’d hired a bartender, a couple of waitstaff, a caterer, and a DJ. There’d been serious arguments over the DJ among his staff.
“You okay, man?” Chris asked, coming to meet him at the bar.
“Yeah.” He couldn’t get more words out than just the one.
Chris clapped him on the back. “Hailey looks gorgeous.”
Wes grunted, asked the woman tending bar for a shot of whiskey.
“Whiskey? What’s wrong with you? Make it two, please, Stella,” Chris said.
“Nothing. Just need a drink. Let it go.” If he couldn’t sort it out in his head, he couldn’t talk about it with one of his brothers.
“Okay,” Chris said, drawing the word out like he used to do when they were younger.
The shot burned, making his eyes water. It was a moment. That’s all. He got caught up in … what? Hailey? He’d been caught up in Hailey for months now, but tonight felt different. If he was being honest with himself, which he usually was, things had been feeling different for a while now.
“Anything else?” the bartender asked, watching him carefully.
“Red wine and a beer, please.”
“I’m glad you guys came even if you’re being weird. The girls really like Hailey.”
Wes’s head whipped toward his brother. “Of course I like Hailey.”
Chris just stared, his jaw working but no sound coming out.
“That’s not what you said, is it?”
Chris shook his head slowly, his eyes wide.
The bartender put up his drinks. Wes set some money down, gave Chris a warning look, and walked away. All he had to do was get through tonight by reminding himself what they were building as friends was a hell of a lot sturdier than any romantic relationship could ever be. But her body in that dress, her gaze locked on his, her smile. He should have ordered two shots.
Stacey and Everly were asking about her dress when he brought her wine.
“There was no card?” Everly asked, smiling at Wes.
Hailey held his gaze even after he passed her the wine. “Nope. No card.”
Stacey looked at him, whistled through her teeth. “You Jansen boys clean up good. How’s it going, cutie?”
Wes was glad to be in a room that was mostly lit by strands of white lights. Warmth swamped his skin, particularly his face. “I’m good. You ladies look beautiful.”
Everly wore a pale pink dress that was pretty yet understated. The real statement came from the pink Converse she wore on her feet. Stacey’s dress also reflected her personality. It was vibrant and bold.
“Thank you,” Stacey said. “I love getting all dressed up. What do you think of Hailey’s dress?”
Wes swallowed but couldn’t erase the feeling that he had something lodged in his throat. “It looks amazing on her.” He’d seen the look in her eyes when he zoomed in on the pictures she’d sent him from the changing room.
She’d clearly wanted that dress and it was easy to see why. She wasn’t the type of woman to splurge on herself even if she had the money. He knew because her gift to herself for her rise in sales had been buying ad space.
It brought him great joy to buy the dress for Hailey, have it delivered, and know she’d be coming with him tonight wearing something she loved.
“I love that there was no tag. It means the gift giver just wanted you to enjoy it. It’s not about them. It’s very thoughtful,” Everly said, her voice barely audible over the instrumental Christmas music. She smiled at Wes like she could see through him.
Wes shook his head, took a long drink of his beer.
“Hey, how was your date?” Stacey asked as Rob joined them.
Wes choked on his drink, coughing loud and rough.
“You okay, bud?” Rob put an arm around Stacey, pulling her close to his side.
He nodded because he couldn’t speak just yet. Hailey’s eyes were filled with concern before she pinned Stacey with a much clearer one. “It wasn’t a date. It was dinner with him and my cousin and her husband.”
Stacey nodded, leaned her head on Rob’s shoulder. “But he asked you out again.”
Everly sent her friend a warning glance. Wes could feel Stacey pushing his buttons as surely as if her manicured red nails were poking through his skin. Or maybe she believes what you’ve been selling. You keep saying you’re friends. Why wouldn’t they ask her about her date?
“He did?” Wes sounded like he’d swallowed gravel.
Hailey nodded. “He did. He came into the shop but honestly, I was so swamped thanks to Fiona’s tweet, I was barely able to acknowledge him. I had my best day of sales ever.”
The others cheered, raised their glasses. Everly smiled, darting glances between him and Hailey. Chris joined them. Noah and Grace would be a bit late but were joining as well.
“Why are we all huddled in the corner? Mari and Mason want to get the Secret Santa going right after some food,” Chris said, taking Everly’s hand, bringing it to his mouth, pressing his lips to it.
“We’re watching your brother learn how to drink beer,” Rob said, his smile wide.
Wes glared at him. “I’m hungry.” He turned, walked toward the buffet table of finger sandwiches and appetizers.
Hailey joined him a moment later. “Are you really okay?”
Her shoulder brushed his; he nearly winced with the current that zipped through his bloodstream. It was the perfect storm. That’s all this was. Beautiful woman who made him laugh, had a little piece of his heart as a friend, and Christmas—the sappiest time of the year. Those things were working against him, making him feel things he didn’t. Then how do you explain that this isn’t the first time?
“I’m fine. Sorry. I just felt a bit off. That dress does look beautiful on you,” he said, loading his plate with little bacon-wrapped pastries.
When she put her hand on his arm, he stopped, turned toward her.
“They were teasing, you know.”
He swallowed past the rawness in his throat. “I know. I think you should believe what Everly said. Someone just wanted you to enjoy something you deserved.”
“I’m not sure what they think I might have done to deserve it. But I’ll stop wondering about the gift and just enjoy it.” Her gaze told him they both knew the truth and somehow it made him feel closer to her. Like her secret coded messages. IAU.
He smiled, his chest loosening. “Exactly.”
There. Tonight would be fine. She understood him. This wasn’t one of her movies—he’d sat through The Holiday and Love Actually the week before. He wouldn’t admit it to her but he’d enjoyed them both. He could enjoy them with her because she knew he wasn’t built for a ring on his finger and a white picket fence.
“Thanks for bringing me tonight,” she said, before picking up a small plate.
At least, with this, he could be honest. “There’s no one I’d rather be here with.”
* * *
Wes pulled up to Hailey’s building. She insisted he didn’t have to walk her to the door but he ignored her protests. He’d stopped after his shot and beer. Hailey and the other girls had carried on.
“You are a very good dancer,” she said as he came around to help her out of the passenger side.
“Thank you. My mother insisted we have lessons,” he said.
He held out a hand to her but she sort of slipped off the seat instead of stepping down. She misjudged the curb, her foot dropping between the sidewalk and the car, making her lurch forward. She gripped his shirt. He’d removed his jacket earlier during the aforementioned dancing.
She looked up at him, her fingers twisting in his shirt and pinching some of his skin. “Oops. The sidewalk moved.”
He laughed. “No. It didn’t.” He helped her right herself, ridiculously charmed.
As he shut the door, she murmured something he didn’t catch. He turned, bent his head to hear her but almost lost his ability to listen when her breath whispered over his ear. “Did you see the way Rob and Stacey hurried out of there? Where do you think they went?”
He smiled, put a hand on the small of her back. He’d definitely seen the way Rob was eyeing Stacey as the night went on. “I’m not sure I want to know where they went or why.” They’d been dating for months now and the attraction between them was palpable. “Are you okay? You should have water when you get in.”
He held her arm as they walked up the cobblestone path to her small complex. There were twenty-five units. It was a decent neighborhood but he knew she wasn’t particularly attached to her place. If the deal they were hoping to make in the new year went through, he could offer her first shot at one of the apartments over her shop. She loved his place.
“I’m fine. Don’t go all mommy-hen. I’m tipsy at best. I could probably drink you under the table.”
He laughed at the bravado in her voice. “Maybe if you were sitting under the table with your drinks.”
“Ha. Challenge accepted.”
He took her hand as she walked up the stairs. She dug through her purse, her hand nudging him because they were standing so close. When she looked up, keys in hand, her gaze drifted farther. She kept tipping her neck back.
“Oh.”
Brows arched, concern brewing, he followed her gaze.
The wrought-iron lighting cast only a small glow but other than being old, he saw nothing wrong with it.
He looked down at Hailey, ignoring the way his breath hitched from the look in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Why was he whispering?
Her body pressed closer. There might have been a chill in the air but Wes felt like he was insulated with wool blankets. Hot. Uncomfortable. In need of shedding the rest of his clothing.
Hailey gave a wistful sigh. “It seemed like a perfect moment for mistletoe.”
He closed his eyes, tried to breathe past the moment that had been building for longer than he’d admit.
Her hand settled on his chest. He’d finally put all those damn pieces back into the right place and now she was touching him, looking up at him with those eyes, standing in that dress.
He’d never felt this aching need with any other woman. He’d truly believed it was because he had control of his emotions. Now, he knew the truth. No other woman had inspired this type of need. His control had been an illusion. He swallowed. Fine. He couldn’t control his feelings but he still held the reins on his actions. Small peck. Friendly. That’s all. Somewhere between maiden aunt and don’t-hurt-her-feelings.
That was the last thought he had before Hailey went up on tiptoes, the fingers of one hand tightening in his shirt, tugging gently to pull his mouth down to her own.
At first it was just the press of her very soft lips, which tasted vaguely of chocolate. But then it was her mouth opening under his, moving, making it impossible for him to be still, for him to be sensible. He slanted his head, his hand moving to her jaw, his thumb caressing the smooth skin of her cheek. When she made a low, humming sound in the back of her throat, his other hand went to her hip, squeezed, and she pressed her body tight to his with enthusiastic agreement.
When her tongue touched his, his skin all but vibrated, like electricity was rushing through his veins and Hailey was the source. He couldn’t get close enough and from the way she tangled her fingers in his hair, she felt the same. His hand slid around, down, pulling her up tight against his body.
It wasn’t until she whispered his name so sweet and soft on her lips that he came out of the trance. He pulled back gently, listening to her labored breathing as his heart tried to jump over to her chest and take up residence there.
“Hailey.” His tone was jagged.
She inhaled a shaky breath, dropping down from her tiptoes.
“Don’t say it,” she whispered.
He had to. One of them had to. They couldn’t do this. It could ruin everything. “I’m sorry.”
She closed her eyes, laughed humorlessly. “You said it.”
He did. But worse, he’d felt it. Felt the magnetic pull of everything about her tugging on his common sense. She could make him forget that over 50 percent of marriages ended with not just broken hearts, but unfulfilled promises, resentment, and court-ordered spousal support.
She opened her eyes, looked at him with a sadness he hated. One he knew would pale in comparison to the heartache she’d feel when it ended. Because it would. When whatever they tried to build out of one passionate kiss fizzled, it would destroy a very special friendship.
“When I reimagine this, I’m going to pretend you didn’t.”
He reached out to stroke her jaw but stopped, shoved his hand in his pocket. He didn’t trust himself to touch her again. “Please don’t. I don’t want to lose you.”
Her smile was a watered-down, dim version of its real glow. “Why would you lose me? I’m right here.”
Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingered for a second longer than he should have before pulling back.
“Our friendship means so much to me.”
She stared at him long enough to make him want to look away. Then she nodded. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said, her voice crisp and clear, like the tipsy fog had cleared.
His shoulders relaxed a small fraction. “Then we’re okay?”
“We’re okay. What happens at Christmas stays at Christmas.”
He laughed. “Goodnight, Hailey.”
“Goodnight.” He thought he saw a sheen in her gaze but she turned to unlock the door.
He stepped down one step, waiting for her to go in. Once she’d stepped inside, she held the door and looked at him again.
“Wes?”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you for the dress.”
He smiled, unsure why he felt like such an ass for doing the right thing.
28
Hailey was worn out by noon on Christmas day. How on earth did kids get up that early and still have that much energy? It was like Piper and Nick had let them down chocolate-covered caffeine tablets.
“So?” Piper asked, coming up beside Hailey. She was dressed in reindeer pajamas that matched everyone else’s. Including Hailey’s. Her first gift from them today had been a pair that made her feel more included than they could ever know. “Want kids?”
Hailey laughed, leaning her head on Piper’s shoulder. They watched as Alyssa and Cassie circled around the tower Jason was building with their oversized stuffed animals. Nick was “reading” on the end of the couch. With his eyes closed, the book open on his chest.
“One day. I thought watching them while you guys shopped gave me a good sample but Christmas is a whole other beast.”
Piper nodded. “Instead of just sex ed in school, teens should spend Halloween, a birthday, and Christmas with a pack of kids.”
Hailey laughed again, lifted her head. “That would be highly effective. But honestly, I love your kids and I appreciate you guys letting me crash your day.”
Piper turned, fixed Hailey with one of her “mom” looks. “You didn’t crash. You’re family. This is where you should be.” She poked her in the shoulder, the mom brows lowering. “Understood?”
“Yes, Mom.” Hailey bit back her grin.
“Come help me dress the turkey,” Piper said, turning toward the kitchen.
“Surprisingly not the weirdest thing you’ve said to me.”
They worked in tandem, chopping spices, potatoes, and other items for a stuffing that made Hailey’s mouth water. She’d forgotten how much she loved cooking with her cousin.
“Remember when we used to bake cookies and sell them to your neighbors?” Hailey cleaned up the cutting board, dusting the scraps into the sink.
“I can’t believe people paid us for them. Though, they were pretty good, if I remember.”
“You’ve only gotten better at them.” Hailey snagged a gingerbread from the pretty plate on the counter.
“You used to make those coconut ones I loved. Are you ever sorry you went with salads instead of baked goods?”
Hailey leaned against the counter. “No. I think what I have going is unique. Plus, I would not want to be in competition with Tara. She’s a genius.”
“Speaking of geniuses.” Piper gave her another pointed look, making Hailey wish she had not confided about the kiss.
“We weren’t.”
“Have you seen him?”
“Of course. It’s like nothing happened. Except it did. But I just need to put it out of my head. Onward. I’m not pining after a guy and honestly, I was a bit tipsy, he was all dressed up, it was romantic. It’s Wes. He drives me nuts and makes me laugh in equal parts but it wasn’t like that between us before and it’s my own fault I made things messy.”
“Are they messy?”
Hailey shrugged. Not really. But every now and again, she caught him looking at her in a way that made things feel … messy.
“No. They’re good. I’m seeing him tomorrow with his family. I’m excited. I can’t wait to give him his gift.”
She’d worked hard to choose just the right image from his drawings to have inked and framed. In addition to that, she’d bought him a gorgeous leather-bound art book with high-quality pencils. She hoped he’d love it. He didn’t put nearly enough stock in his own talent.
“I’m sure he’ll love it. I’m glad to hear you’re not pining away for him.”
Hailey smiled. “He’s my friend. There’s no room for pining.” Keep saying it. Maybe it’ll feel true.
Piper made herself busy, putting the turkey in the oven and not meeting Hailey’s gaze. Like a sixth sense, Hailey’s skin prickled.
“You know what would make tonight perfect?” Piper met her gaze finally.
“What did you do?”
