They started down the street. The air was still hot and muggy, but, at this point, it was preferable to staying in the house with her grandparents. Who knows what else Gran will say? “I’m glad you came over,” Hailey said, hoping it didn’t sound too forward.
“You are?” Peter sounded relieved.
He was a good man. Hailey didn’t want to play games or make him feel bad, so she decided it was time to be honest. “I didn’t come to the appointment today because I had some thinking to do.”
“Oh yeah?”
“My ex-boyfriend called earlier. Before the appointment.” She paused while they continued to walk for a few moments. “It’s a long story.”
“I like long stories.” The way he said it encouraged her to continue.
“Maybe I can give you the short version.” She drew in a breath. “Kevin and I dated for a little over a year. I thought we were going to get married because we’d talked about it. We’d made plans. I expected a proposal, but instead I discovered he was cheating on me with at least two other women.” The razor-sharp memory sliced through her. “He ripped my heart out with his betrayal. I felt so broken. So sad. I realized it was all a lie, and my world came crashing down around me.”
“I’m sorry,” he said in a compassionate tone.
“It was rough.” She bit her lip, trying to keep the painful images from seeping into her mind. “When Gramps had his stroke, it seemed like a good opportunity to get away and heal. But then Kevin called, and it all came rushing back.”
Peter nodded, but he didn’t say anything.
They walked to a nearby park. Peter sat on one of the swings. “Would you like to swing with me?”
Hailey hadn’t been on a swing in years. “I don’t know.”
“Come on,” he encouraged. “Life’s greatest problems have been solved while swinging.”
She gave him a skeptical look. “Oh, really?”
“Absolutely.” He pushed himself back and then lifted his feet and started to swing.
Hailey did the same, the thick air lifting the ends of her hair.
“I have to warn you,” he said as he passed her in the air. “I’m the Lakeridge jumping champ.”
“You don’t say.” She was never one for jumping out of anything, especially a moving swing.
“I could out swing and out jump anyone. We used to have contests every week at our neighborhood park. I always won.”
“I hadn’t pegged you as a swinging champ.” She laughed.
“Kids came from other neighborhoods to try to beat me. But I won every time.”
“Did you end up with some kind of trophy or something?” She imagined some bronzed swing as his prize.
“Nah. Just the recognition. I almost went into it professionally, but decided to go to college instead.” He said it as if swinging were a real profession, and Hailey had to purse her lips to keep from grinning.
“That was probably a wise choice.” She tried to sound authoritative.
“My mother agreed,” he said as he swung past her. “Now I only swing for the enjoyment of it.”
This conversation bordered on the ridiculous.
“I’m glad to learn this about you, Mr. Stafford. It engenders a whole new level of respect and admiration.”
“Admiration?” He flashed her a smile.
Oh no. Did she say admiration? “I mean, acknowledgment of an amazing skill.”
“I could be coaxed out of retirement for the right incentive.” He leaned back in the swing.
“You mean a bet of sorts?” Hailey watched him. This man was competitive, but in an endearing way.
“Yes. If you’re okay with losing again.” He said it with so much confidence it could’ve been mistaken for conceit, but somehow it captivated her.
“I didn’t lose,” she reminded him. It was a little odd trying to have a conversation while swinging. She’d never done this before.
“Yeah, you did. And you owe me,” he said as he whooshed past her.
“Wasn’t it dinner?”
“I believe so,” he said over his shoulder.
She was quick to say, “And you ate dinner tonight.”
“Wait a minute . . . I guess, technically, that’s true.”
“Then the debt is paid.” Hailey one, Peter zero in this match of wits.
He swung a few times, then said, “All right, let’s bet again.”
In her most innocent tone, she said, “I’m not sure about all this gambling, sir.”
“Not gambling. It’s more like a friendly wager. No money is involved.”
She smiled. “That does sound better.”
“Are you game?” He looked back at her.
“Sure.” I wonder where this will lead.
“Winner owes the loser a dessert,” he said.
Hailey scrunched her nose. “Don’t you mean the loser owes the winner?”
“Nope.” With that he jumped out of the swing. “See if you can beat that.”
Hailey pumped her legs and then catapulted forward. She was at least a couple of feet short of where Peter landed.
“I win.” He did a little dance that made Hailey start to laugh.
“Which means you owe me a dessert,” Hailey said, pointing to herself.
“Yep.”
She blinked a few times. “Somehow, this seems backwards.”
“You got me.” He held his hand up. “I want to take you out for dessert.”
“That’s coincidental. Because I love dessert.”
He gazed at her with his inviting eyes. “I guess that makes us a good pair.”
Suddenly, her heartbeat sped up—like four times. The air felt even heavier. Was he implying something? That they could be a pair, as in a couple? Was she ready for that? Feeling anxious, Hailey checked her watch. “I better get back to Gran and Gramps.”
They began walking back toward the house, a sweet, flowery scent floating in the air. As they approached the front porch, Hailey’s mind shot back to the night before. Would Peter try to kiss her goodnight again? Did she want him to? Even after Kevin’s call? She hadn’t kissed anyone since Kevin, and her feelings were still a little jumbled. Yet the thought of kissing Peter erupted into tiny sensations that congregated in a twisting motion in her stomach, and all she could think about was his lips on hers.
“I enjoyed spending this time with you, Hailey,” Peter said with a frankness that left no doubt he meant it.
“Me too. Although,” she paused, “I still think I could’ve beat you jumping out of the swing.”
“And I still owe you dessert.”
He stepped closer to her. The back of her neck warmed and her heart thudded with each movement he made as the anticipation grew.
Suddenly, her phone started to ring. I thought I silenced that stupid thing. She wanted to throw it across the yard and never see it again. But she couldn’t. Because it wasn’t just any ring—it belonged to her boss.
Peter stepped back. “Do you need to get that?”
Hailey wanted to scream. Her boss had the world’s worst timing. “I probably should. It’s my boss.” She pulled it out of her pocket and tapped accept.
Peter gave her a wave, turned and left.
“Hello?” she said.
“Hailey, I need some figures right away for the Henderson account.” Mr. Michaels seemed frazzled.
“I can get those to you,” she said with assurance, trying to leave out the irritation she felt.
“When?”
“Now.” She was grateful she’d updated the Henderson file earlier.
“I need everything from the last quarter.” He sounded almost frantic.
“Yes, sir. I will send that to you.” You couldn’t have called any other time for this?
“Thank you.” He ended the call. No time for pleasantries. Mr. Michaels was all business, especially when he was stressed. She glanced down the street at the lost opportunity with Peter, then hurried inside to retrieve the information for her boss.
After sending him what he requested, Hailey walked into the living room where Gran was knitting and Gramps was snoozing in his chair. Hailey flopped on the couch next to Gran.
“Tell me about your walk,” Gran said with eagerness.
“You mean the one you set up?”
Gran put down her knitting. “I merely made a suggestion.”
“It was fun.” Actually, it was awesome. Hailey played with the fringe on one of the couch cushions.
“He’s a nice young man.”
“That he is,” Hailey said, feeling wistful.
Amid the clicking of her needles, Gran stated, “And you are falling for him.”
“I don’t know.” Hailey closed her eyes. “Maybe.”
“You deserve to be happy.”
“It’s so easy to talk to Peter.” Hailey leaned her head on Gran’s shoulder. “And we have fun together.”
“Sounds like there’s a but in there.”
“I’m not sure where it can even go.” If she let her mind wander even the least little bit, it settled on all sorts of possibilities.
Gran stopped knitting and held Hailey’s hand. “How will you know unless you give it a chance?”
“I’m afraid. My heart is still fragile. And Kevin’s call has me all sorts of mixed up. I don’t want to be hurt like that again.” That kind of heartbreak didn’t need to be repeated.
“Peter doesn’t strike me as a man who would hurt you.” Gran patted Hailey’s hand.
“I don’t know.” She hadn’t thought Kevin would hurt her, but he trounced all over her heart.
“Did he kiss you tonight?”
Hailey’s head popped up. “Gran. Really?”
“Well?”
A smile edged across Hailey’s lips. “I think he wanted to, but my boss called. Great timing, right?” She shrugged. “But I’m not even sure I wanted him to. I mean, I wanted him to, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea.” Once she kissed Peter, she feared there would be no turning back.
That night Hailey lay in bed going over the second almost-kiss. This was starting to be a pattern. If Mr. Michaels hadn’t called, she would’ve kissed Peter, but she didn’t want to leave a piece of her heart here in Florida. Her career and her home were in Colorado. His home was here in Florida. This was doomed before it even started.
Hailey rolled to her side. She could enjoy some dates with him knowing it had no future, but that wasn’t what she wanted. She moved to her back and stared at the revolutions of the ceiling fan. Could she do a long-distance relationship? If Peter was even interested in a relationship—maybe he wanted a fling. Wait, did he think she wanted a fling? No, he didn’t seem like a fling kind of guy.
And what about Kevin? How did she feel about him? Did he deserve a second chance when she returned to Colorado Springs?
Her head hammered with questions, and Hailey didn’t have any answers. She’d never had so many conflicting emotions ping-ponging inside her, making her whole body ache. Somehow, she needed to figure it all out.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Peter sat on his leather couch and stared into the inky darkness. The moment had been right to kiss Hailey. Why did that phone have to ring and ruin it? He massaged his temples.
On the other hand, maybe it had done him a favor. What was he doing getting involved with Hailey? She’d go back to Colorado and leave him here. Missing her. That wasn’t what he wanted. Or needed. Sara had already left one gaping hole in his heart; he wasn’t anxious to have another one.
He laid his head back. Thoughts and images of Hailey swirled around his mind. Her contagious smile. Her dark hair, long and soft, falling past her shoulders. Her flawless face. The vulnerability in her voice when she shared her painful breakup. The way her mesmerizing eyes danced when she spoke about her grandparents. And to top it off, she was easy to talk to. To be with. It felt so relaxed.
It wasn’t fair to compare her to Sara. Even in the short time he’d known Hailey, he could tell she was nothing like his ex-wife.
But his heart still struggled to believe it wouldn’t be shredded. He’d thought his dream life was with Sara. He’d planned on it and dreamed about it, but it wasn’t. His life was shattered when she left.
Now, in the dark, all his fears rose again, making him realize that he wasn’t ready for this.
***
Early Monday afternoon Peter received a frantic text from Laura asking him to pick up Benji after school and take him to karate.
After they arrived at Seaside Martial Arts School, Peter sat on a chair inside the large, industrial-looking room and watched his nephew throw kicks and punches at a large punching bag. Benji then started sparring with a partner. Peter grimaced a few times and hoped no one would get injured. When the instruction concluded, the students bowed to the sensei. Benji came bounding over to Peter.
“Hey, buddy, good job out there.” Peter held up his hand for a high-five.
“Thanks, Uncle Peter.” He slapped Peter’s hand and then glanced around the room. “Is my mom coming?”
“I think she’s planning to meet us back at my place. We’ll get some dinner to bring home.”
Benji’s eyes widened. “What are we having?”
“I don’t know.” Peter knew exactly what his nephew wanted because it was always the same thing.
“Oh, oh. Pizza? I love pizza.” Benji licked his lips.
Peter laughed. “Then pizza it is my young padawan.”
“Huh?” Benji wrinkled his nose.
“You know, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin.”
Benji stared at him blankly.
“You gotta be kidding me. Star Wars?” Where has my sister been keeping this kid? Underground?
“Oh, yeah. I’ve heard of that.”
“You and I need some serious man time together. What’s your mom got you watching? Chick flicks? Love stories?”
Benji shrugged.
Peter patted his deprived nephew on the back. “We shall remedy this immediately.”
After they picked up a pepperoni and sausage pizza, Peter and Benji made themselves comfortable on the couch in Peter’s condo and started watching The Phantom Menace.
“You are going to love these movies, I’m telling you.” Peter bit into a piece of pizza.
“Maybe we should wait for my mom,” Benji said.
“No way. This is our time. We are going to eat pizza, watch Star Wars, and bond.”
Benji smiled.
About halfway through the movie, the doorbell rang.
“Probably your mom,” Peter said. He went to the door and let his sister in.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t think I’d be this late. Thank you so much for getting Benji.” She gave him a hug.
“No worries.” Spending time with his nephew was more like a reward than anything.
Laura kicked off her shoes, then wound her hair up into a bun. “He went to his karate class?”
“Yep. And we got some pizza and now he’s watching Star Wars.”
“You’re the best.” Laura smiled. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you. My boss is being so unreasonable lately.”
“Do you want some pizza?” he asked.
They walked into the kitchen. Laura grabbed a piece and took a big bite. “I’m starving,” she said with her mouth full of pizza.
Peter opened the refrigerator and pulled out a jug of chocolate milk. He poured a glass for Laura.
“You and your chocolate milk.” She took a swig. “How was your weekend?”
“Good.” He wasn’t sure he wanted to get into specifics.
“Have you seen the woman from the restaurant?” She took another bite. “Heidi?”
“Hailey.” Mentioning her name made him smile.
“So have you seen her?” Laura’s eyes grew wide.
He nodded, knowing full well she would press for more information.
“Details, bro.” Laura motioned with her fingers.
Peter leaned against the counter. “We went
to the karaoke bar, and then I had dinner accidentally at her grandparents.”
Laura quirked her eyebrow. “Accidentally?”
“Her grandmother left her knitting bag when they came for Harry’s appointment. So I returned it and she invited me to dinner.”
Laura gave him a suspicious look.
“What?” It was completely innocent. He was simply trying to do a nice thing for June.
“You had to return it personally?”
“I thought she’d want to have it.” Why was Laura questioning his motives?
“You like her.” Laura smiled and nodded at the same time. “A lot.”
He shook his head. “I was only . . .” He let it trail off, because Laura was right. He did like Hailey—more than he wanted to admit—which was why his insides were like pretzels.
“When are you going to see her again?”
Peter put the milk back in the fridge.
“Well?” Laura asked expectantly.
“I don’t know.”
Laura sat atop the barstool. “What? Why don’t you have plans?”
He had no answer. Except that he was afraid Hailey would work her way deep into his heart and then abandon it.
“You can’t spend your life being scared that history will repeat itself,” Laura said as if reading his mind. “You have to take a chance one of these days.”
“I did. I took her out. Like you suggested.” What else did she want?
“No. I mean a real chance.” She took a swallow of milk. “At love. At commitment. At a future.”
“But—”
“But nothing. Don’t be stupid.”
He crossed his arms in front of his chest. “She’s going back to Colorado when her grandfather recovers.” Laura would obviously see the futility of future dates.
“That’s easy,” Laura said.
“It is?” What did she mean?
Laura gave him a do-I-have-to-explain-everything kind of look. “Make her want to stay.”
“I can’t ask her to move here.” Was his sister crazy?
Laura shrugged. “This is the first woman that’s gotten your attention in years. Don’t let her slip away.”
Peter sat on the barstool next to Laura. “I’m not even sure she’s interested in any kind of relationship.”
“Why wouldn’t she be?” Laura grabbed another piece of pizza.
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