“Thank you for this.” I glanced up to see his eyes boring into me. I swallowed as I went back to looking at the choices for dinner.
“You’re welcome. I should have done this years ago,” he murmured. That statement alone made me abandon the task at hand, and look at him.
“What are you talking about?” I folded my hands in my lap so he wouldn’t catch me picking at my cuticles, a nervous habit I’ve had since I was a kid.
“This date would have happened right after graduation if I’d manned up and stopped trying to bury my feelings.” He sighed. “I’ve wanted this,” he motioned between us, “for a long time, Hails. I’ve just been too chicken to admit it. When you came home that Christmas with Jared, I knew I’d lost. I backed off because I’m not that guy who steals another man’s girl. I never have been, and I didn’t want to start then.”
“And my wedding?” I tipped my head to the side and gave him a knowing stare. Had he forgotten about telling me that marrying Jared had been a mistake?
“I’d like to think that it was my broken heart talking that night. I knew then that the idea of being with you was out of the question. I think in some way I was just trying to make you hurt like I was. It was stupid, and I’ve regretted it every day since then.” He sighed.
I glanced away as I thought about all the times I’d dreamed of hearing these words. When we were in high school, I’d lay awake at night pretending that Max really wanted me. That he’d said these words to me. I’d had all these fantasies, and now it was happening only it was so much more complicated. At least I thought it was; Max, on the other hand, didn’t.
“I’m sorry if that upset you, but I decided a few weeks ago that I was done hiding things. I want to be upfront with you. I want to tell you what I’m feeling, and I want you to do the same. We need to do that for this to work, Hails.” He reached out across the table, and I lifted my hand to place it in his. “Deal?”
“Deal.” I smiled as he squeezed my hand.
Our server seemed to pick that moment to come back with our wine. He opened the bottle, and poured a small tasting amount for Max. His face pinched slightly as the sweetness hit his tongue. “You like the sweet stuff, huh?” He laughed.
“I love sweet wine. I compromised with that one for you, though. I usually go sweeter.” I giggled as he nodded his approval to the server.
After we both had a glass in front of us, our server turned to me. “And what will the lady be having tonight?” He waited patiently as I froze. I hadn’t made a decision yet. I’d set the menu aside when Max started delving into our past, and I hadn’t picked it back up.
“Um, I’m not sure yet. Sorry.” I cringed.
“I can come back.” The server started to step away, but Max held up his hand.
“Do you trust me enough to order your food?” He squeezed my hand as I smiled at him. “We’ll both have the lobster ravioli.” He handed the menus to the server.
“I’ll get that right in for you, sir.” He nodded as he jotted down our order and then discreetly slipped away.
“Lobster?” I tipped my head to the side as disbelief shone bright on my face.
“I remember things.” Max chuckled.
“Seriously?” I shook my head as I searched my memory. We couldn’t have been more than sixteen when I told Max that dream. We’d been sitting at the pond talking about our prospective significant others when he asked me what my ideal date would be. I’d told him lobster at a nice restaurant. Of course, at sixteen it was a dream. Most guys couldn’t afford that, and you want them to offer. When the guy asks you where you want to go, and you have to practically plan the date, it’s not as magical.
“So does this count?” He grinned as he looked around. “Nice place. Check. Lobster dinner. Check. Good looking guy…”
“Check.” I squeezed his hand. “You did good, Stanton. You did good.”
Chapter 21
Max
I’d been waiting for this night since I was about fifteen. As soon as Hailey had started growing boobs, I’d noticed her as more than my best friend. Back then, I’d been too stupid to do anything about it. I’d waited too long, and one of my good buddies asked her out instead. When Hailey married Jared, it did something to me. I can’t really explain it. It was just like something inside me turned on. It made me see what I’d truly lost. I guess the universe had wanted to give me a second chance; I can’t say I agree with the way it happened though. Hailey’s been through a lot over the last year. Between losing Jared and having a baby, I wasn’t sure if starting something with her was really the best idea, or what she really needed.
I knew she needed something though. Watching her fade away as she fought through her grief was one of the most painful things I’ve had to do. Now, I’m just hoping that this isn’t some mean trick. Since I kissed her at the pond the other day, all I can think about is doing it again, only this time it’ll last longer.
“How’s your dinner?” I smiled across the table. The sun had set now, and the low lighting around us made the ambiance very romantic.
“It’s delicious. You made a good choice.” She scooped up the last bite of ravioli and popped it in her mouth.
“Got any room in there for dessert?” I grinned. Sweets were a weakness for Hailey, and by the way her eyes flared, I knew that habit was still alive and well.
“Maybe.” She grinned coyly. “Depends on what the choices are.”
I motioned for our server, and pointed at the dessert tray that had been circulating around other tables. He nodded, and went to retrieve it. When he approached our table, I pointed to the choices, “Pick any one you want.”
“I think I’ll get that one.” She pointed to a piece of chocolate cake that had raspberry sauce dribbled around it, and fresh raspberries on the plate. “That looks good too though,” her eyes swung to a lemon concoction.
“That’s our tiramisu.” The server smiled. “It’s very popular.”
“We’ll take both.” I laughed when Hailey peered over at me in shock. “What?” I shrugged as the server disappeared to put in our order.
“You didn’t have to do that.” She leaned back in her chair.
“Yes, I did. I saw the look on your face. You wanted them both. Besides, we can share.” I picked up my wine glass and polished off the last of the sweet stuff. I may have to break the whole sharing a bottle thing and get my own next time. I feel like my teeth are rotting with every sip.
We sat there enjoying our surroundings until our server came back with our treats. “For the lady,” he placed both desserts in front of Hailey, “and for the gentleman.” He handed me an extra fork.
“Thank you.” I picked up the fork, and cut a bite of the chocolate. “Here.” I lifted it to her lips and watched. When she closed her mouth around the morsel, her eyes closed and a satisfied hum came from her lips. “That good, huh?” I chuckled.
“So good.” She groaned.
When she reached for her own fork, I slowly shook my head at her. “Let me. It tastes better this way.” I picked up a different fork, and cut a bite of lemon. Following the same motions, I slipped it into her mouth.
“Mmm.” She hummed as she wiped at her bottom lip where some of the cream had slipped out.
“I’m right, aren’t I? I chuckled again.
“Un huh.” She reached for the fork by the chocolate cake. Before I could stop her, she lifted a bite to my mouth. “Try it.” She nibbled her lower lip.
I opened up for her, and she slipped it in. She was right, but watching her stare at my mouth was so much better than that cake tasted. I could see all the things she was thinking about playing across her face. She was just as curious as I was about what we would be like.
We went back and forth feeding each other the dessert until every last crumb had been eaten. It was so good, and I was now wound tighter than any spring ever was. I needed to kiss her so bad, and by the way she kept staring at my lips, I knew she needed me to kiss her too.
oo
ooooooo
“Where to now?” She glanced out the window. We were back in my truck, and as much as I didn’t want the night to end, I was taking her home.
“I was thinking we’d head back now,” I murmured as I turned onto the highway.
“Oh.” She sounded dejected as she sat there. Her demeanor changed from carefree to reserved, and I knew I’d have to explain my actions.
“Listen, Hails.” I sighed. “Taking you home is the last thing I want to do right now, but I promised myself that I would go slow. We have all the time we need, and I want to make sure that as this thing between us grows, we’re ready for it. You have to know that I want you, but you also have to know that I’m doing the right thing.”
“Sure,” she murmured as she continued to stare out the window. Silence filled the cab of the truck, and a knot began to form in my stomach. Was I making a mistake here?
When I passed by our old high school, I turned into the drive that led down to the field house by the football field. “What are you doing?” She jerked her head toward me.
“I’m fucking this up, and I’m going to try and fix it,” I growled as I jerked the shifter into park, and cut the engine. “Come on.” I opened my door, and rounded the back to meet her by the passenger side. When she hopped out, I led her around back, and lowered the tailgate. “Here.” I patted a spot, and then reached to help her up. After she was situated, I jumped up to sit beside her.
“What’s wrong?” I turned slightly to face her.
I watched as a myriad of emotions played across her face. Her mouth thinned, turned down for a moment, and then she shook her head as if she was clearing it. “Screw it,” she grumbled before turning to look me in the eyes. “I thought you wanted me.” She flung her arms up.
“Are you serious right now?” My head jerked back.
“Yeah.” Her eyes widened as she gave me a ‘duh’ look. “I can’t figure you out. You say you like me. You say you want to try this, that you can’t stand back and watch anymore. Then we go out and have an evening I’ll never forget, and now you want to take me home.” Her face was pink as anger seemed to surface. “I agonized all day over what to wear tonight. I buffed and shaved every square inch of my body. I even made sure that I had on my sexy underwear and not my mom panties. I did all of this for you, and you want to take me home.” Her head swung sideways as she turned to face me, and she never looked more beautiful. The fire inside her was what always attracted me to her. She was explosive and beautiful, and now she was mine.
“Yes!” I jerked my head in a quick nod. “Yes, to all of that.” Before she could pull away, I leaned in and pressed my mouth to hers. She stiffened at first, but as I let my tongue trace the seam of her lips, she opened and relaxed into my arms. Her hands rose and fisted the front of my shirt like she was hanging on for life. I pulled her closer, almost into my lap. One arm wrapped around her back while the other cupped her cheek. She tasted like the chocolate cake we’d had at the restaurant.
I knew I needed to keep myself in control, but Hailey was like a drug. The longer we kissed, the more I needed it. The soft pants coming from her as my tongue massaged hers, the feel of her body as she scooted impossibly closer to me, the way her hands felt as she ran them down my chest. I pulled back panting, “You’re never gonna forget this evening, huh?” I smirked.
“No,” she whispered. “That was…wow.” She sighed.
“Don’t you ever think that I don’t want you ever again. I want to do this right, Hails. I want you to be sure that this is something you want, but you don’t ever have to worry about me not wanting you. Understand?” I rested my forehead against hers.
“Can we stay here a little longer?” She trailed her fingers down my stomach, stopping at my belt buckle. The muscles jumped under the fabric of my shirt.
“In the parking lot?” I glanced around. “Don’t you think we’re a little old for making out at the high school?”
“I missed this part with you.” She shrugged. “I kinda like pretending that I’m seventeen again. Besides, don’t you want to kiss me?” She tipped her face up, and gently brushed her lips over mine. It was like a fuse had been lit, and even though I had no plans of letting the bomb explode, it was fun to explore this side of us.
We stayed there making out like teenagers until I deemed it time to go home. I knew Hailey’s mom didn’t mind, but I didn’t want to keep her there late because of a date. I was thankful that she was able to babysit because I know that’s not always going to be the case.
When we reached the door, I pulled her in for one last goodnight kiss. It was short and sweet, not like the passionate ones we’d shared in the back of my truck.
“What are you doing this weekend?” Hailey smiled up at me. She had a ‘love drunk’ look on her face.
“I don’t know. What are we doing this weekend?” I chuckled.
“How about you come over for dinner on Saturday. I’m off, and we can spend time with Nora until she goes to bed. Movies and dinner?” She tipped her head to the side and grinned at me.
“That sounds perfect. I’ll bring some DVDs; otherwise I have a feeling we’d be watching some chick flick,” I grumbled.
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “You pick the movie, I’ll pick the meal. See you at six?”
“Can’t wait.” I stepped back and squeezed her hand at the same time.
“I had fun tonight, Max. Thanks.” She pressed her lips together and swayed on her feet.
“Me too. Goodnight, Hails.” I turned and started to walk away.
“Night, Max,” she called in almost a whisper.
When I got into my truck, I sat there and waited for her to go inside. I watched her silhouette through the window as she talked animatedly with her mom. It was in that moment that I knew she was it for me. I don’t know if she knew it yet, but we were meant to be. Tonight was something that should have happened years before, but timing was our problem and that’s something that hasn’t changed for us.
I’d give her the time she needed, the space, the support, whatever it took I’d give it to her, but in the end she’d see. She’d see that I was it for her too.
Chapter 22
Hailey
Last night seemed like a dream. When I woke this morning to get ready for work, I almost didn’t believe that my date had really happened. Max was the perfect gentleman, which both relieved and annoyed me. I was ready to date again, but Max and I had been circling each other for so long that I wanted him to literally want to rip my clothes off. I’m hoping that Saturday night he’ll see that I’m not as fragile as he thinks.
Work today will be interesting. Watermelon season is in full swing, and the stand has been a buzz of activity. The summer heat has been sweltering and even with the fans I installed running on high, I still feel like I’m sitting in a sauna most days. Today, I’m working the stand in the morning, and then going over some paperwork in the office during the afternoon. Mama’s been keeping Nora during the day, so I might even have lunch with her. Max is supposed to be balancing the books today. It’s payday for the hourly staff, and those days keep him in the office quite a bit.
After dropping Nora off, I walked over to the Stantons’. It’s just easier to leave my car at Mama's. She sometimes takes Nora for a drive if she gets fussy, and this way she doesn’t have to move the car seat. There was already a line at the door to the stand, and a hum of conversation. “The tractor hasn’t brought today’s harvest up yet, guys,” I called out as I pushed my sunglasses up on my head.
A collective groan filled the air. “When’s it comin’?” Brittany Fisher pushed through the small gathering.
I rolled my eyes, “Not sure. Micha is usually here before eight, though. He’s late today.” I sighed as I glanced at my watch. It was almost nine. I unlocked the door, and began setting up for the day. There wasn’t much to do other than bring a few crates out front and open the covers on the windows.
Just as I was grabbing the cash box, I heard th
e tractor. I made a mental note to give Micha a piece of my mind about this. Showing up late was going to throw my whole day off. I liked to be set up before the crowds. I stepped outside to direct the crowd out of the way, but it wasn’t Micha sitting atop the tractor. It was Max. I furrowed my brow, but went about my business as he moved closer. When he stopped beside the stand, he cut the engine and hopped down.
“Fancy seeing you here.” I smiled at him, and he winked in return.
“Had an errand to run. Figured since I was coming here anyway, I’d help out.” He shrugged as he rounded the trailer, and started lifting out crates of melons. We had cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelons.
I watched his arms flex as he lifted the crates and carried them into the stand. Trip after trip he stalked through the crowd, ignoring the fact that customers kept trying to dig through what he’d brought. I guess he was used to it. It annoyed me.
“Is this it for the day?” a customer shouted.
“Yep!” Max called over his shoulder.
“Where’s Micha?” Brittany whined as she followed along behind Max.
“Uh, working?” Max removed the baseball hat from his head and ran his fingers through his hair before putting it back.
“Where?” Brit pushed.
“Cornfield, I think.” Max shrugged.
“Oh.” Brit’s shoulders dropped as she turned to walk away.
“Didn’t you want a melon?” I called to her back in confusion. She’d been here since I had, and seemed really concerned about getting one.
“I’m good.” She shook her head as she climbed into her car. That was weird, but she and Micha had been circling each other since Christmas. Something was going on there, but I wasn’t going to worry about it. Not my problem. I had my own love issues to worry about.
As customers began to bring melons over the checkout area, Max wandered around helping. He offered suggestions, and carried produce out to cars. I was a bit shocked that he stayed as long as he did. I appreciated the help, but Micha never hung around like this, at least not since I had Nora. When I was pregnant, they both smothered me but now it was like they realized I wasn’t broken.
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