“I’d like to take you out to dinner.”
She looked at him over the flowers, a wry smile twisting her mouth. “Because it went so well last time.”
“I’m sorry for that. I was so nervous and I got defensive and I was an ass. That’s why I went to the cabin to think. I was so afraid I’d say something stupid again and I thought if I could just lay it all out in my head, like a script, I’d get it right.”
“All I wanted was for you to talk to me. Getting called out for emergencies and never knowing exactly when you’re going to be home is part of your job. I was learning to adjust to that. But running off to your cabin because you don’t want to have a conversation? I’m not dealing with that.”
“I know that, and I’ll never ask you to again. I’ve never felt what I felt that morning. I realized I was in love with you and I was so afraid I’d ruined everything, so I ran. I should have stayed.”
Tears glistened in her eyes, and she shook her head. “Don’t tell me you’re in love with me when I’m mad at you.”
“Okay.” He wasn’t sure he understood that, but he was prepared to do anything she asked of him. “I’d still like to take you out to dinner. A nice dinner, tomorrow night. I’ve missed you. You became my best friend and, even if I’ve ruined any chance we had of being together, I’d like to at least try to save our friendship. Please.”
Her sigh was heavy, shuddering a little with unshed tears, and Matt watched Bear drop his head on her lap, wondering why she was sad. She scratched his ears idly, then nodded slowly. “Dinner tomorrow sounds okay.”
“Thank you.”
It was a second chance—or maybe third—and he intended to make the best of it. He had twenty-four hours to figure out how to convince her he could make her happy.
*
HAILEY SMOOTHED HER dress over her hips and faced her reflection in the mirror. It wasn’t a sexy dress like last time, but the dark blue fabric and more modest cut suited the occasion. It wasn’t meant to be a fun date this time. Matt obviously had things he needed to say and one way or another, nothing could be settled until he’d said them.
I realized I was in love with you...
If only he’d stayed in her bed the morning after the accident and told her that instead of sneaking out while she was still asleep.
She was ready when he rang the doorbell, which was jarring in its formality. She wasn’t prepared for the sight of him in a suit and tie. It was obviously one he’d had for a long time, though the classic cut wasn’t really out of style. His face was smooth and he smelled delicious.
“You’re wearing a suit.”
His smile was tentative rather than the cocky grin she loved so much. “I knew you’d look gorgeous tonight.”
She drove, since they were taking her car and they weren’t a couple anymore—official or otherwise—and when he gave her the final few directions which led to a restaurant so fine she didn’t know anybody personally who’d been there, she softened a little. He’d obviously put a lot of thought into this dinner out.
They were seated at a very private and romantically set table, almost as if he’d prearranged it, and she tried not to hold her breath as the waiter handed Matt the wine menu.
“We’ll have a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, please.”
When the waiter left, Hailey couldn’t help smiling at him across the table. “You’ve been holding back on me.”
“I’m a man of many skills. It’s best not to reveal them all at once.” When she arched an eyebrow at him, he laughed. “Okay, I called my brother-in-law. My sister likes wine so I figured he’s had to order it a time or two.”
“And you came up with the Sauvignon Blanc?”
“Well, I know you like seafood, chicken and pasta more than beef, so white was the obvious choice. Then he told me the top three most likely to be on the menu, and then I made him call my voice mail and say them all so I could practice.” His grin returned in full force. “If you order the prime rib, I’m going to look bad now.”
She laughed, and felt herself softening inside. Though it seemed a small thing, she knew asking his brother-in-law to teach him how to pronounce wine names was a big deal. And yet he looked relaxed, without the shadows in his eyes that suggested he felt judged and found wanting. It was progress.
Dinner was delicious and they talked about inconsequential things. His work. Her work. Paige and Mitch’s argument because Mitch was convinced Sarah smiled at him first, while Paige said it was gas. Hailey found herself relaxing, enjoying the evening more than she’d anticipated. This was the Matt she’d fallen for, and she’d missed him.
“I love the way the candlelight reflects in your eyes,” he told her while they waited for their dessert and coffee to be brought out.