“Such a good boy,” I tease, as he pulls back my chair. “Mama raised you right.”
“She said good manners tricked people into thinking you were a good person.”
“Wise.”
Hayes sits in the chair closest to mine and takes the menu. We order steaks because nothing will improve his mood like red meat.
“Long day,” I say, running my index finger along his slightly burned nose.
“Your kids are well behaved. You did good, Candy. I was worried they’d whine, and I’d need to duck out and hide.”
“They’re happy to be here. They also like you.”
“Cricket isn’t sure about that,” he says, giving me a pouty frown.
“She’s afraid you’ll steal me away. I haven’t had a boyfriend since she was born, so this is new to her.”
“I’m glad I’m not the only one sweating shit.”
“Chipper thinks you’re a superhero.”
Hayes grins as if he feels like a superhero. “He's an easy kid to win over.”
“Don’t be fooled. He’s just sneakier than Cricket. My kids are well behaved, but they’re devious. Never assume they aren’t working an angle.”
Hayes loses his smile. “They’re kids.”
“So were you once.”
“True.”
“I adore them because they’re devious. They don’t sit around expecting life to hand them crap. The Wilburns never get things easily. We have to wade through the bullshit to find our happiness.”
“You're happy now, right?”
“Yes, Angus. I was nervous about the trip, but spending time with you and the kids today was magic.”
“Well, it is Disney World.”
“With anyone else, it wouldn’t be as good. You were really funny today with the kids. I liked when you held their balloons. In fact, I think I have a picture of you playing their mule.”
Hayes grins. “I love you, Candy. I’m not always going to be a pleasure to be around, and running White Horse can make me an asshole. Still I’ll always put you and the kids first.”
“Put yourself first too,” I say, taking his hand. “You’re not a machine. All these years, you’ve worked so hard and barely taken any time to enjoy what you’ve built. I see what the groups in Common Bend and Hickory Creek built, but they did it with a group. You made decisions alone. That’s fucking amazing, and I want you to sit back and let the success sink in.”
Hayes considers my words for a few minutes before speaking. “I’ve wanted to ease off the pedal the last few years, but I never had anything else to do with myself. Moot is the only guy I hang out with, and he was in prison. My dad never wanted to leave the house. No woman interested me. Work and Nightmare were all I had that gave me any pleasure. Then you walked into my office.”
“You were so hot that first day. I don’t know if I ever told you that, but damn.”
Hayes gives me one of his arrogant male smiles. I give him an approving glance. He looks pretty damn sexy tonight wearing all black with a buttoned up shirt and jeans. I let my fingers caress his strong thigh until he removes my hand.
“Spending the night with a raging hard-on isn’t my idea of comfortable.”
“Yes, but the kids will crash early tonight from all the walking. I can help you deal with your raging hard-on.”
“Then give it to me closer to the dealing with it part.”
I scoot my chair closer to him and lean my cheek against his arm. “I used to fear falling in love. I thought it would make me fucking stupid, but except for the one night when I wanted to hump you in the house while the kids were upstairs, I’ve remained relatively smart. And you protected me when I did lose control.”
“I’ll always protect you.”
His tone sends waves of heat through me. I admire the hard-fucking, ass-kicking, tough side of Hayes, yet always find his gentle side a welcome surprise.
Our food arrives, and Hayes eats like a man starving. I take my time with the steak and enjoy the chunky mashed potatoes. I moan approvingly about the food while stealing glances at Hayes. Tonight, when the kids are asleep in the next room, I plan to have raunchy fun with this man.
Halfway through the meal, Hayes places a small black box on the table and slides it over to me. He doesn’t look my direction or say a word. Once the box is next to my plate, he returns to eating.
I glance at the box but don’t reach for it. I’m nervous in a way I shouldn't be. I feel as if I open the box I will be forever changed. I know what’s inside. Hayes didn’t buy me earrings or a necklace. I don’t wear jewelry. He wouldn’t waste money on what I wouldn’t use. No, I know what he’s bought. If I open it, I will need to answer him, and I’m unsure of my answer.