Wes glanced at his brothers. He wanted that property more than he’d wanted any acquisition in a while. He couldn’t help wondering if that was because he saw its potential or because of the woman sitting next to him. It’s okay if it’s both.
“Well, I would be happy to accept a job at your shop,” Dolly said.
“Excellent. We’ll exchange information and get you set up for training.”
They chatted back and forth a bit more before Grace clapped her hands together. “Present time.”
Noah laughed, kissed the side of her neck, agreeing with her.
It wasn’t until later that evening, when he was dropping her back at her place, that he and Hailey exchanged gifts. He hadn’t wanted to do it in front of everyone else. He’d spent the last three weeks working all the kinks out of the app he’d created for her store.
On her couch, in the dim glow of her Christmas tree lights, she stared at it, pressing the options, squealing with excitement every time something popped up. “I cannot believe you made this. How will I know when someone orders something?”
Her legs were crossed but she was bouncing on the couch, making his weight shift. He laughed, explaining how he’d connect it to her server and computer at the store.
“It’ll print out the orders. You’ll designate a pickup spot, just like other restaurants. You have the extended options of having them pay in advance. It’ll take some time to get used to it but it’s got a lot of capability.”
Without warning, she threw her arms around him, her phone still in hand. She smelled like Christmas cookies and Hailey. He hugged her back, his chest tightening as his heart beat harder.
He’d already accepted the fact that she was an important part of his life, that he was more attached to her, even as a friend, than he’d planned. But when she was close like this, he wanted more. He wanted to keep holding her and forget all his worries. He wanted to fully immerse himself in her and forget it was in his genetics to fail in this particular area of life. Your brothers didn’t. They hadn’t seen the full depths of what he had.
It was more difficult than he imagined to pretend they hadn’t kissed. To not relive it constantly. They’d made the right decision. They were friends. No matter how she looked at him sometimes.
“I’m glad you like it,” he said, stroking a hand down her hair. It was so soft, smelled so good.
Hailey leaned back, her hands resting on his shoulders. Their faces were close enough that they shared the same air. Their eyes locked. He had a flash of watching the first of a series of rom-coms together—When Harry Met Sally. What had Harry said about being with the person you wanted around for good? Sure, he meant it in a romantic sense and that wasn’t them but he wanted Hailey with him. By his side. He wanted to see her succeed, share that success with her. She was the only person he’d let see into his soul with his art.
Though, he hadn’t known she looked so deep. The framed print of a colored version of one of his sketches was still sitting on her coffee table.
“What are you thinking about?” she whispered, brushing his hair to the side.
Wes bit back the groan trying to escape. He liked her fingers in his hair. “I love my Christmas gift, too.”
She dropped her hands, sank back into her seat as she looked at it. “I didn’t want to cross a line. I know your art is personal but between that and the app, Wes, you’re selling yourself short.”
He ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the tingle of awareness lingering from her touch.
“I’m working on a number of other things right now. I love this picture. I love that you had someone ink it and you framed it. It’ll remind me I have an outlet when things are difficult. But that’s all it is, Hailey. Just like kickboxing for Chris or surfing for Noah.” He thought about his brothers telling him to do what he loved. What was stopping him?
She nodded. He could see in her gaze that she accepted his words, his reasoning. She wouldn’t push but that didn’t mean she believed in him any less. Yeah. He wanted to start his year with her by his side. Clearing his throat, he tried to think of how to phrase it to make sure there were no mixed signals.
“I was wondering if you wanted to spend New Year’s together. We could have dinner, hang out. Maybe watch some movies?”
Hailey unfolded her legs, set her phone down on the table. “That sounds really nice. I wish you’d asked sooner.”
“Why? You have a date?” He grinned.
She looked at him, the answer clear in her gaze. His stomach sank at the half smile she offered.
“I do.”
Well. How about that. No need to worry about mixed signals. Her going out with another man—and he was pretty sure he knew who—was loud and clear.
Careful what you wish for.
30
February
Hailey didn’t like the word “resolution.” Instead, when the new year started, she’d written an “aspiration” on a little note card and tucked it into the pocket of her purse.
The difference between the two words, in her mind, was one was inflexible—like a grand declaration with no substance. The other, the word she’d chosen, was a wish. A good intention. She was hopeful that she’d achieve the outcome but wouldn’t beat herself up if she didn’t.
Do what makes you happy. That was her wish. In light of that, she hit send on the email reply turning down the latest catering job.
Her heart beat heavy, rattling her ribs. She reminded herself that even with a few days of post-Christmas lull, she’d been busier than ever. She couldn’t keep splitting her attention. The app Wes had designed for her for Christmas was a major hit and pushed her sales up dramatically.
“Why do you look worried, dear?” Dolly carried a large rectangular bucket of smaller tubs filled with veggies she’d just cut. She put them into their holders in the counter.
Hailey closed her laptop, pushed it to the side of the counter, and washed her hands, donned her apron. “Not worried. Just hoping I made the right choice.”
“About anything in particular?” The older woman had dyed a chunk of her white hair pale purple. It was a striking contrast that few could pull off. Dolly managed with flair. Hiring her had been one of the best things Hailey had done and not just for the business. Being with Dolly was like having a doting grandparent with a bit of a wild side hanging around. She had fun stories and a lot of wisdom that only came with age and experience. As someone who didn’t have many adults in her life growing up, Hailey had a soft spot for the woman.
“I turned down a catering job.” Saying it out loud made her second-guess herself.
“Good. You’re too busy to be running all over the place trying to meet everyone’s needs. You keep saying every side job is the last one. It’s time for that to be true or you’ll wear yourself out. You have a successful shop right here. Focus on that.”
Dolly didn’t mince words. Hailey patted her shoulder. “That’s the idea. I still have the one this Saturday. It’ll be the real last.” An old “friend” of a “friend” had recommended Hailey to an actress hosting a pre-awards party. Or, as she’d called it, a gala.
“How’s it going with that charming young man?” Dolly set the empty tub on the counter, grabbed an apron.
She’d gone on two dates with Seth since Christmas. She hadn’t told anyone other than Fiona because Piper was too invested. She liked Seth. He was very nice. He’d kissed her once and all she’d been able to think about after was how Wes may have ruined her for any other man’s kisses.
It was no good trying to get Wes’s kiss out of her brain either. It was permanently engraved in the memory bank. Every single nanosecond of it. She was probably making too much out of a kiss. They’d gone back to normal, like nothing had happened, the day after the party. Mostly.
“Seth is fine. I think you and Piper are more enamored with him than I am.” When he’d shown up for dessert on Christmas evening, it should have been awkward but she’d found herself at ease with him. He was funny, kind, and good-looking. When he’d asked her to dinner, she said she’d think about it. Being with Wes, realizing he didn’t have any lingering thoughts about their kiss that she could tell, pushed her to say yes. Because the best way to move forward was to move on.
“Well, he’s not interested in either of us so if he doesn’t make your blood heat, your heart pound, and your head spin, don’t waste your time, my dear. Life is shorter than all you young people think.”