“I agree.” Peter bit into his asparagus, then licked his lips, drawing Hailey’s attention to his mouth. All she could think about was feeling his soft, full lips on hers, tasting his kiss, and losing herself in his strong embrace. Her heart drummed a steady beat in her ears while delectable thoughts of kissing Peter circled round her head.
Peter looked up at her, making her realize she was staring and letting her mind go wild with all sorts of risky thoughts. She smoothed her hair and said, “Uh, yeah, I was just thinking that this dinner is so . . . good.” It was the best she could do. I’m so transparent. He totally knows I was thinking about him.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
“I am. Aren’t you? I mean, it’s delicious, don’t you think?” She sounded like a babbling teenager wrapped up in too many conflicting emotions.
Peter peered at her, making her feel dizzy. “I’m enjoying everything.”
The way he said it didn’t leave much doubt as to what he meant. “Me too,” she said, steadying herself against the impulse to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. Do not be impulsive.
After they finished dinner, the waitress brought them each a slice of cheesecake with strawberry sauce.
“Your dessert,” Peter said with a smile. “I’ve made good on the bet now.”
Hailey took a bite of the creamy goodness. “You have.”
“When we’re done, there’s dancing on the upper deck.”
“Dancing?” Could this night be any more magical?
He nodded.
They finished the decadent dessert and then headed up the stairs. The music hadn’t started so they strolled to the front of the boat. Hailey leaned against the railing. “What a beautiful evening.” Twilight was settling in and a soft breeze blew from the south. The water across the bay rippled, then lapped at the side of the boat. Peter leaned against the railing, his upper arm slightly touching Hailey’s arm. They stood there, gazing out on the water but not saying anything, while a peaceful, pleasant feeling encased them.
Some instrumental music began to play. Peter extended his hand and Hailey eagerly took it, loving again how his hand fit so comfortably around hers. They made their way back into the dance area.
A woman with long purple-streaked hair wearing a bright purple spaghetti-strap shirt lifted a microphone to her mouth and said, “Welcome to Moonlight Cruise on the Bay. We’re happy you’re here with us tonight. How about we get this party started?” The crowd clapped and a man in the back whistled. “First off, let’s dance to one of my favorites, Tim McGraw,” she said.
The guitar intro started to “I Like It, I Love It.”
Peter said, “Would you like to dance?”
“Do you know the swing?” Hailey asked. “Not the jumping out of kind, but the dance steps?”
“Yes, I do. My mom insisted I take dance classes when I was twelve. I hated it, of course, but she wanted me to be a gentleman. At the end of the class, we all had a big dance.” They stood at the edge of the dance floor holding hands and talking.
Hailey smiled at the thought of a twelve-year-old Peter at a dance. “Like a formal one?”
“Yeah. We dressed up in suits and had to ask girls to dance. It was quite the event.”
“Especially at that age.” She remembered being twelve and wasn’t so sure she would’ve been game to take dance lessons.
“It’s still seared into my memory.” He tapped his forehead.
Sure he was exaggerating, Hailey said, “That sounds a little daunting.”
Peter let out a whistle. “I think Carol Anne Stevens would agree.”
“Oh yeah?” She had to hear this story.
He drew his brows together. “I did mention the girls wore long dresses?”
Hailey shook her head.
“And that I was clumsy?”
She shook her head again.
“And that when I stepped on Carol Anne’s dress it kind of ripped.”
Hailey covered her mouth. “A big rip?”
“The biggest.” He pursed his lips and nodded.
“Oh no.” She pictured a young girl standing on the dance floor with a gaping hole exposing her underside.
“So, yeah, seared into my memory.”
“We can skip the dance. You know, if it brings back painful memories,” she said with a grin and a playful nudge with her arm.
Peter placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her out to the dance floor. They began to swing. Hailey wasn’t as graceful as she’d hoped and stepped right on Peter’s foot, but he acted as though it didn’t hurt. They scooted across the dance floor and did a two-step to the next song. Hailey was having so much fun and trying her best not to step on his foot again.
After some vigorous dancing, Peter said between breaths, “Let’s go outside.” He reached his hand out for Hailey and she readily took it.
The air wasn’t much cooler outside, but it was a welcome relief to get away from the crowd on the dance floor. Dusk had turned to night.
“You are quite a dancer,” Peter said.
“Better than your partner in dance class?”
Peter smiled. “Yes. And you aren’t a foot taller than me, either. That’s a bonus.”
Hailey stood on her tiptoes. “Not into tall girls?”
“Not in middle school. Way too intimidating.”
“You were intimidated by girls?”
He nodded emphatically. “Very much so.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
He turned around and leaned against the railing. “Let’s see. I don’t think I hit a hundred pounds until I was a sophomore, maybe even a junior, in high school. My nickname was Pee Wee Pete, thanks to a couple neighbor boys.”
“I see.” Hailey bit her lip so she wouldn’t smile.
“I’d like to think I don’t earn that name anymore.”
Arching a brow, she said, “Fishing for a compliment, Mr. Stafford?”
He straightened. “No. I wasn’t fishing. I didn’t mean . . .”
Hailey let out a laugh. She found his humility charming.
“Can I get you a drink?” he asked.
“I’d love an ice-cold lemon water. All this dancing has made me thirsty.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Hailey watched him walk away. He was the total package. Gorgeous. Funny. Fun. Kind. Compassionate. Their conversation was engaging, and she was having a wonderful time tonight. But how long could it last? She’d eventually go back to her life in Colorado and never see him again. Of course, they could enjoy some fun—except Peter wasn’t the sort of man you simply had fun with. He was the sort of man you made a life with.
“As you ordered.” Peter handed her a glass of water with a lemon floating at the top.
“Nothing quenches my thirst like water. And it’s so hot here I think I must drink two gallons a day.” She sipped the cool liquid, letting it slide down her dry throat.
“Florida heat and humidity are an acquired taste, I suppose, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
When the music slowed and Taylor Swift’s song, “Enchanted,” started to play, Peter guided Hailey out to the dance floor. Peter pulled her close to him—close enough she feared he could feel her heart beating furiously inside her chest. His hand was strong and certain against her back, and in the other hand he clutched hers, slowly bringing it to him, making the nerves up and down her arm start to twitch. Swaying back and forth, Hailey lost herself in his capable arms—the music, the dancing, the romantic setting—and felt as though she could stay here and dance like this all night. Like the title of the song, she was finding herself enchanted by this man and hoping he felt the same. Despite Hailey’s efforts to lock her heart, Peter had found the key.
When the song ended, Peter led her out to the deck. The warm breeze washed over her while the moon perched above them in the sky. Peter reached his arm around her as they gazed across the water. Neither of them said anything.
“T
his is a perfect night,” she said, breaking the silence. Everything about this date was flawless. In the Great Book of Dating, this would absolutely be number one. The only thing that could make it better would be a kiss under the moonlight.
As if reading her mind, Peter turned her around so they were facing each other and peered deeply into her eyes.
Her gaze was drawn to his lips as he moved closer to her. A whiff of his cologne awakened all her senses. He ran his finger along her neckline, inciting a mass eruption of goosebumps from her neck to her toes. Her breathing became labored as his lips hovered over hers. She’d never wanted a kiss as much as she wanted this one. Right here. Right now. His warm lips brushed hers softly, delicately, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. Once again, his mouth covered hers, gently at first, but then more confidently. Her lips tingled and sent ripples of energy coursing through her body. He brought her even closer, their bodies melding together as one while his strong hands caressed her back. It was as if no one else existed on the boat, or on the planet for that matter. Every part of her was consumed with desire to kiss him long and hard and never stop.
He finally pulled away, drew in a deep breath, and then brushed a tendril of hair from her face. “I don’t know what’s happening, but I like it.”
She nodded. Definitely enchanted.
“I don’t want this night to end,” he whispered.
Hailey loved his honesty. “Me either.”
They spent the rest of the boat ride arm in arm. Hailey wasn’t sure what all of this meant, but, at the moment, she didn’t care. She only wanted to be here with Peter. Nothing else mattered.
When the boat docked, they walked leisurely with arms around each other to the parking lot. Inside the car, Peter grasped her hand and held it in his. He drew it to his mouth and lightly kissed each knuckle, sending such a strong current through her body that she was afraid it might paralyze her limbs.
On the drive back, Peter asked,” What kind of music do you like?”
“I’m pretty eclectic. I like Twenty-One Pilots, Neck Deep, and Aerosmith. And I listen to Rascal Flatts, Boston, and I love a few of Taylor Swift’s songs.” Especially “Enchanted.”
“You’re right.” He laughed. “That’s quite a spectrum of music.”
“What about you? Besides the Beatles, what other music do you like?”
He glanced at her. “I used to listen to heavy metal back in the day.”
“Really?” That didn’t seem to fit him.
“In high school, I played the electric guitar. I was even part of a band.”
“Seriously?” She’d completely misjudged this man. What other surprises did he have? “What was the name of your band?”
“The Screaming Dolphins.”
She didn’t want to laugh out loud, but that was a ridiculous name. Instead she said, “That’s interesting.”
“Yeah. We didn’t make it too far down the road to fame and fortune.” He paused. “Plus most of our parents refused to let us practice in their garages. But, in our minds, we were legendary.”
“You ever play the guitar now?”
He shook his head. “I gave it up when I went to college. I needed all the time I could find to study and learn as much as possible about language and speech.”
Hailey gazed out the window. “Of all the things that could’ve been affected by his stroke, speech was the worst one for Gramps. I sure hope . . .”
“Harry is already beginning to regain his speech and have conversations.” Peter squeezed her hand as if giving her encouragement. “With you helping him, he can’t lose.”
“Thanks.” She appreciated Peter’s positive attitude and his encouragement, and she hoped he was right. More than anything, she wanted Gramps to regain all his speech, and for things to go back to normal.
“I was thinking we could plan a picnic at Cocoa Beach,” Peter said.
“That sounds awesome. We could—” Hailey’s phone started playing “Hello.” Worst timing ever. I don’t want anyone calling me right now. Why didn’t I turn off the ringer?
“You should answer it,” Peter said.
Hailey reluctantly pulled her phone out and looked at the caller ID. “Gran?” she said.
“Oh, Hailey,” Gran said through sobs.
“What is it?” Hailey’s stomach clenched and her pulse beat erratically.
“It’s Harry.”
“Gramps?” Please don’t say he’s had another stroke. Please!
“Something’s happened. I don’t know.” Gran wept. “I called 911. The paramedics are here.”
“I’ll be there as soon as possible.” Hailey’s eyes brimmed with tears and her throat swelled three times its size.
“Please hurry.”
Hailey ended the call, blood rushing through her veins.
“What’s wrong?” Peter asked with urgency.
“EMTs are at the house.” Dread filled Hailey’s lungs as she struggled to breathe.
“Another stroke?” His voice was thick.
Hailey wiped at her eyes, fear threatening to suffocate her. “Gran doesn’t know.”
“I’ll get us there as fast as I can.”
The drive over was a blur, a million thoughts pinging in Hailey’s mind. A lump formed in her throat and grew exponentially the closer they got to the house. Gramps has to be okay. He has to be.
When they arrived at the house, Hailey flung open the door of the car and jumped out. With each step, she felt as though she were swimming against an unrelenting current. Finally, she made it to the front door and went inside. The thick, stale air weighed heavy on her chest. Two women wearing EMT uniforms stood next to the door.
“What’s going on?” Hailey asked, her heart rapping against her ribs and adrenaline shooting through her veins.
The woman with black hair said, “When we arrived, we checked his vitals and couldn’t find a heartbeat.”
“You did CPR, right? He’s okay.” Hailey looked between the two women. “Gramps is okay, right?” A cold sweat began to envelop her.
“We’ve done all we can,” the other woman with short red hair said. “I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no. Do not say that. You keep trying.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Do you hear me? You keep trying.” Her voice felt rough and harsh, and her hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
Gran came over and draped her arms around Hailey.
“He can’t be gone. Tell them to keep trying.” Hailey buried her face in Gran’s neck. After several moments, she said, “This can’t be happening. He was fine when we left. You were going to bingo.” Hailey stepped back and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “What happened?”
Gran looked at her with red-rimmed eyes. “We went to bingo, and I even won a game.” She took in several breaths. “Dee brought us home and I asked him if he wanted anything to eat or drink. He wanted to watch TV.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “I was only in the bedroom for a short time. When I came back into the living room, he was slumped over in his chair. I couldn’t get him to respond.” Gran started sobbing, so Hailey hugged her close, refusing to look in the direction of his chair. “I had no idea he was . . .” Gran didn’t finish her sentence.
Hailey and Gran stood there locked in a tight embrace. Hailey wanted to comfort Gran. She wanted to comfort herself. He can’t be gone. He can’t be.
“I don’t know what I’ll do without him.” Gran seemed so tiny in Hailey’s arms—so fragile, as if she’d break at any moment.
“What can I do to help?” Peter asked, reminding Hailey he was still there.
Hailey stepped away from Gran and shrugged. Her eyes were on fire. This couldn’t be it for Gramps. Not yet. She wasn’t ready.
Peter caressed her shoulder, then pulled her to him. Through her tears she said, “This isn’t real. I don’t believe he’s gone.” Hailey gulped for oxygen like she was drowning. How could he be gone so fast?
“I’m so sorry,” Peter said softly.
Gran sta
rted sobbing, so Hailey went to her and held her.
“It could’ve been a heart attack or a stroke,” a male EMT with glasses and wearing blue gloves said. “We’ve put in a call to the coroner.” He gazed at Hailey with sympathy in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you,” was all Hailey could say to the paramedic.
The coroner, a dark-skinned man with gray hair, arrived a short time later, and spoke about arrangements for Gramps, but Hailey’s mind was so muddled and her emotions so raw, she could barely function. Pull yourself together so you can take care of Gran.
Peter stepped up and said, “I’ll make some calls.”
“You will?” Hailey had never been so grateful.
“Yes. You need to focus on June. I can take care of this.”
A flood of relief washed over Hailey. “Thank you.”
“I’ll be here as long as you need me.” Peter gave her a hug, then pulled out his phone.
It was surreal—Hailey was there but not there at the same time. The air was dank and clingy, enveloping her in disbelief and sorrow. Her heart was shattered for Gran, but also for herself. How could this have happened? He’d been fine and she’d been enjoying a magical date with Peter. Then, in an instant, it all changed.
She and Gran sat on the couch in silence for what seemed like hours until a knock sounded at the door. Two men in dark clothing came in and loaded up Gramps to take his remains away. A piece of Hailey’s heart left with them.
She turned her attention back to her grandmother, who was silently crying in Peter’s arms.
“Let’s get you a glass of water and then you can lie down,” Hailey said.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do. Harry was everything to me,” Gran said. “I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Hailey gave her some water, then guided her down the hall to her bedroom. “I don’t want you to worry about anything. Please try to rest.”
Gran sniffed. “I’ll try.”
Hailey made her way back to the living room feeling like she wore cement boots. Her whole body ached with sadness.
“Thank you for being here, Peter.”
He pulled her into an embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
Hailey let the tears flow as she hung onto him. “He was fine when we left. How did this happen?”
Speak to My Heart Page 23