Ryan felt like Carter had just taken the clock off his desk and chucked it at his chest. The guy was right. There was no way Jo would offer Hailey a contract and allow her to remain on the east coast. She’d be needed in LA nonstop for the next year at least, maybe even longer. It was inordinately unfair that the perfect woman seemed to drop in his lap the moment he got to Manhattan, only to be headed toward a life in LA.
But he wasn’t about to do anything to jeopardize her future.
“Good job with the shoot yesterday, though,” Carter said, moving on as if he hadn’t just dropped a major bomb on Ryan—a bomb he totally should have seen coming. “You saved it, man.”
Ryan nodded. He hadn’t really done anything. The real star had been Hailey. She had known exactly what they needed, and she’d killed it. She was going to do really well when she hit the music world, and Ryan couldn’t wait to witness the whole thing.
Even if he had to do so from New York.
Ryan watched his friend leave then returned his attention to the photos on his desk. He had to give notes on which ones to use for which pages, but his brain wouldn’t focus on the task. It was too busy thinking of Hailey in the open brick loft yesterday and how commanding and intuitive she’d been.
He pulled out his phone and sent her a message.
Ryan: The photos turned out amazing.
Hailey: Wow! That was super fast. Can I get a sneak peek?
Ryan: Hang on, let me just send you a non-disclosure agreement first.
He leaned back in his chair, chuckling to himself. Then he sent another text.
Ryan: Just kidding. I trust you.
He spread the images over his desk and snapped a photo, then sent it to her.
Hailey: Those are even better than I imagined. I’d watch your website when it launches. The sheer volume of fans dying for this information could crash it.
Well, that was a valid point. He made a note to check with IT and make sure they were equipped to handle an overload of traffic. Hailey’s video and the speed it had gained traction was proof that things on the internet could go from zero to a hundred with the snap of a finger.
Ryan: Good point. So, what are you and Kenny up to today?
Hailey: Kendra is spending the day with your mom, so I’m working on my song list.
Ryan: How’s it coming along?
Hailey: Better than I imagined. Thanks for taking me yesterday. That was a once in a lifetime experience.
Ryan: Or was it? For all you know, that was just the beginning.
He watched his phone for the little dots to indicate that she was typing, but nothing happened. He put his phone down after a minute, dropping his head back and closing his eyes. Why could he not stop thinking about this girl?
Hailey strummed the guitar listlessly, unable to focus on the lyrics pulled up on her laptop in front of her. She sunk back against the pillows and rubbed her eyes.
“Do you want some lunch?” Nikki called from the kitchen. “I’m trying a new recipe.”
“Yes,” Hailey called back. “Always.” She flipped her phone over but there were no new messages. Not that she expected any. She hadn’t texted Ryan back last. His confidence in her was both terrifying and exciting. He legitimately thought she could do this.
Sitting up, she strummed the chords again and hummed the tune of All I Want for Christmas is You, before trying out different versions. A cappella, minor, upbeat…they all sounded good. But she needed to try non-Christmas music. By New Year’s Eve, she should be playing regular music. She just wasn’t ready for that yet. Now, a few days before Christmas, holiday songs were all she wanted to play.
Nikki knocked on the door, holding two plates. “I’ve got creamy pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella chunks.”
Hailey scrunched up her nose. “So that smells divine, but ‘chunks’ sounds gross.”
“Yeah, maybe I should rephrase that part when I pitch this to Chef.” She sat on the end of Hailey’s bed, handing her a plate before scooting back to rest against the wall.
Hailey spun her fork on the spaghetti noodles and took a bite, her mouth watering around the rich basil and garlic sauce. “Wow, Nikki. That is good.”
Nikki beamed. “I’ll add it to my repertoire.”
“Please do.” Hailey took another bite. “I could eat this again and again.”
“You might have to,” Nikki said. “I made way too much.”
Hailey speared a mozzarella chunk. “What inspired you to make it?”
“Christmas. You know…green sauce, red sun-dried tomatoes.” She gasped. “You know what would make it even better? Pine nuts!”
“Pine nuts?”
“Yes!” Nikki jumped off the bed, jostling the mattress, and Hailey had to lean forward to stop her guitar from falling on the floor. “I have to run to the store. Don’t take another bite!”
Hailey paused her fork just before it reached her mouth. The scent hit her nose, and she glanced to the doorway, catching sight of Nikki pulling on her coat before the door opened and shut behind her. Hailey ate another bite. She was okay with having a second helping when Nikki returned and added the pine nuts. She was constantly messing with her recipes—this wouldn’t be the last time.
Hailey’s phone buzzed, and she scrambled to look for it, her heart jumping. Disappointment shot through her when she saw Nikki’s name. She’d foolishly hoped it would be Ryan again.
Nikki: Don’t eat!! I know you won’t be hungry for seconds if you do.
Hailey: I promise you I will try this dish with pine nuts.
Nikki: That was not a promise. DON’T EAT!
Hailey took another bite. The pasta was way too good to stop eating. Regardless of Nikki’s funny Christmas inspiration, this dish would be good any time of year. When Hailey thought of the holidays, she thought of Christmas trees, wassail scenting the air, and music—always lots of music. Whether her siblings were playing carols on the piano or her mom was running the local holiday station on her countertop radio, Christmas music was going on in her house all season long as Hailey grew up.
Nikki was to Hallmark movies what Hailey was to classic, overplayed Christmas songs. She could not get enough.
Her phone buzzed. Kendra had sent her a photo from her iPad.
Kendra: Look what I painted!
Attached was a photo of a large Christmas tree with a fireplace and stockings. A family was painted beside it, with five adults and a little girl. Judging by the hair colors, Kendra had included her parents, grandma, Uncle Ryan, and Hailey in the portrait, and Hailey’s heart squeezed.
Hailey: Are you painting with Grandma today? I love it!
Kendra: Yes and I have a surprise for you, too. See you tomorrow!
Hailey: See you girlie! Xoxo
The image was the perfect Christmas scene. Was that what their holiday would look like?
Her phone started ringing, flashing Ryan’s name over the screen, and she jumped, dropping the empty plate on her bed. Quickly sitting up tall and clearing her throat, Hailey moved the plate to her dresser and answered the phone.
“Hey, what’s up?”
“I have a major favor to ask of you.”
“Yeah?”
His voice went apologetic. “You said you owed me, and I never actually intended on cashing in on that, but I’m just swamped at the office with this edition due, and my dog really needs a walk in the middle of the day. He’s still adjusting to life in New York, and—”
“Say no more. I’ve got you covered.” She moved to her closet and pulled out her shoes, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder so she could put them on.
“You’re a lifesaver, Hailey. Seriously, I owe you now.”
“Actually, I think this makes us even.” She moved the phone to her other shoulder and tied her laces. “What do I need to know?”
“He’s a big, playful dog. Leash should be next to the door on a hook, and there’s a jar of dog treats on the counter. One of those will get him to chi
ll long enough to snap the leash on. Doggie bags are on the handle, so you should be good to go.”
“Got it. And a house key?”
“Oh, I’ve got a keypad. I’ll text you the number.”
“Should I sign a non-disclosure agreement first?”
He was silent for a second, but then his apologetic voice rang in her ear, soft and husky and causing shivers to run down her shoulders. “That was a bad joke, I know. I have a case of the dad jokes now. Imagine how much worse it’ll become when I’m actually one of those.”
“Horrifying.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, well, I’m just in the office so feel free to call me if you run into any issues, but Sergeant is a good dog and very obedient.”
“Okay, you’ve got it.”
“Thanks, Hailey. I wouldn’t have asked you to do this if I wasn’t desperate.” He lowered his voice. “I debated asking my secretary for like twenty minutes but she’s not exactly young anymore, and I worry that Sergeant would be too much for her.”
“No stress, Ryan. Seriously. It’s fine.”
“Okay.” Was he dragging out the conversation intentionally? It really seemed like he had nothing more to say, but he wasn’t getting off the phone. “I’ll let you know when I get there—”
“Oh, the address,” he said. “I’ll text you that, too. If you want to take a cab or an Uber just send me the cost and I’m happy to reimburse you.”
“I’m fine with the subway. I’ve got nothing going on today, so it was good timing.”
“You’re a saint.”
“Well, if that’s all…”
“Yeah,” he said. “I think that’s everything.”
“Okay, then I’ll talk to you later. Bye, Ryan.”
“Bye.”
She hung up the phone and stared at it. Why had he been so weird? Like he wanted to say more but didn’t. Maybe if she called him after she walked his dog she could get more information then.
Texts came in one after the other with Ryan’s address—not too far away via subway, actually—his door code, and a “thank you” GIF.
She grabbed her coat and purse and let herself out.
Chapter Fourteen
Sergeant wasn’t overly huge or anything, but wow he was strong. He pulled Hailey along the sidewalk, zigzagging to sniff at undesirable corners or suspicious-looking spots on the sidewalk until they’d nearly circled the block. Catching the street sign on the other corner of the crosswalk, Hailey paused, pulling hard on Sergeant’s leash to keep him close. She hadn’t realized how close she was to Target, but the moment it occurred to her that the store was an easy walk away, an idea fell into her mind so perfect and so exciting, she started moving that direction almost unintentionally.
Ryan’s apartment was a typical minimalist’s bachelor pad. The bookshelf had a dozen or so books stacked to one side, with a few random trinkets here or there, and what looked like a framed photo of Ryan and Amber as children, their parents posing behind them.
There was a large dog bed beside the couch and a basket of toys in the corner, but the rest had looked so empty and dismal, it had made her sad for Ryan. Even if he wasn’t home much, he deserved something festive and warm to return home to. Or maybe that was Nikki’s influence in the back of her mind screaming that everyone needed a little holiday cheer.
If Hailey could pull this off before Ryan got home from work, he’d undoubtedly get his holiday cheer.
She spent the next forty-five minutes walking the aisles at Target and loading her cart up with the essentials: small pre-lit tree and bulb ornaments, a length of garland, twinkling star tree topper, oranges, cinnamon sticks, apple juice, and some holiday shortbread cookies in a blue tin. She went down the stocking aisle on an impulse and chose two—one with a huge, plaid R and the second one with a dog bone.
Directing Sergeant back home with her arms loaded up with more bags than she had strength for was harder than she’d imagined it would be. She just barely managed, only getting Sargeant’s lease tangled around her legs once.
The moment Hailey got back to Ryan’s apartment, she put everything down, found a pot to boil the wassail in, and got to work.
She commanded the Amazon Echo on his counter to play Christmas music and helped herself to his kitchen, slicing the orange and dropping cinnamon and cloves into the pot before dumping the apple juice. Wassail was a cinch to make, and a slow simmer made the house smell better than a dozen candles could manage.
It smelled like Christmas.
It only took another thirty minutes to make the place look like Christmas too. She set up the small Christmas tree and plugged it in, then hung the garland and twinkle lights over the drapes and bookshelf. The stockings proved the most difficult, but she managed to hang them temporarily from the garland.
Stepping back to survey her work, Hailey couldn’t help the smile that spread over her face. This was much better than the empty apartment it had been before, and she had done nothing that Ryan couldn’t immediately reverse if he decided he hated it—except for permeating the apartment with the tangy apple cider, of course, but that would go away with time, and she’d left Ryan’s bedroom door closed, something she assumed he did to keep Sergeant away from his shoes.
Now she just needed to write him a note to explain her little surprise, and maybe set some cookies out, and—
A knock at the door broke through her plans and Hailey froze, Sergeant’s barking at the door shaking her. It couldn’t be Ryan already, right? She glanced at the clock on the microwave and it read six o’clock. Okay, so it could be Ryan, but…no, he wouldn’t knock on his own door.
And he certainly wouldn’t expect her to answer it for him.
Unless it was a package. If he’d had something delivered, she should definitely bring it in. People stole things from in front of doors all the time in her building. Ryan’s building was nicer, but people were people. Putting down the cookie tin, Hailey took hold of Sergeant’s collar to keep him from bolting and opened the door…to find a short, blonde woman with striking blue eyes wearing a little red dress. Sergeant barked louder, directly at the woman, and Hailey pulled on his collar to keep him from leaping.
“Shh, Sergeant. Hush.” She looked up at the woman. “I’m so sorry! I don’t know why he’s doing this.”
The woman gave a curt smile, clearly struggling to mask her surprise. “I didn’t know…I mean, I just dropped by—” She cleared her throat, staring frankly at Hailey.
“Ryan isn’t here,” Hailey said apologetically, tugging on a struggling Sergeant.
The woman didn’t look pleased, and Hailey knew a moment’s panic. What if Ryan was into this woman, but she made a wrong assumption about Hailey and he lost his chance with her? The idea of that scenario sent a volley of nausea through her stomach.
“I’m just here to walk the dog,” Hailey said. “Want me to leave him a message?”
“No,” the woman said quickly, shaking her head. She turned to go.
“Can I get your name?” Hailey called, trying to salvage the situation. “I can let Ryan know you stopped by.”
“I’ll just call him later. It’s not urgent.” She left, her stilettos clicking down the hallway. Hailey shut the door and released Sergeant, who jumped on her before turning to run down the hall and back. That poor dog needed more exercise. Hailey was half-tempted to offer to take Sergeant home with her on Christmas Eve to her parents’ house, but he wouldn’t be fun to handle on the train up to Connecticut, and the offer would probably only make Ryan think that she considered him a bad owner.
Which, she didn’t. Any man who had more dog paraphernalia in his living room than things belonging to a human clearly cared about his dog.
Her phone buzzed, and she read the text from her mom.
Mom: What time does your train get in tomorrow?
Hailey: Super, super late. I was planning to let myself in and see you in the morning.
Mom: We need to pick you up from the station.
Hailey: I’ll just grab an Uber.
Mom: I don’t know about that. That seems very unsafe.
She chuckled. She lived in New York City, for heaven’s sake.
Hailey: Don’t worry. I’ll carry my mace in my hand and check the door for the child’s lock before I get in the car.
Mom: You’ll tell me when you get here?
The time stamp on her phone caught her eye and she froze. What was she doing here still? Ryan could be home any minute. She needed to go.
Hailey: Yes!
Nervousness washed over her, and she went for her purse, grabbing it and gathering the trash in a bag to take out with her. She collected all the boxes and stood in the living room, glancing around. Sergeant could easily tear them up, and if Ryan just wanted her to return everything, she should keep them. His bedroom door stood opposite her, untouched, but the idea of Ryan walking in and finding her in there was too much.
Hailey hurried into the kitchen, stacking all the broken-down boxes on top of the fridge when the keypad beeped, and the front door opened. She spun, her cheeks going hot as her eyes caught Ryan’s surprised ones.
“What’s…” His mouth hung open and he turned, taking in all the changes Hailey had made to his apartment. To his home.
Oh, no. The look of pure and utter shock he wore was not the happy, cheerful face she expected.
Her impulse suddenly seemed a lot less sweet and a whole lot more invasive. She didn’t know this guy. She knew his sister and his niece, and she kind of knew his brother-in-law, but she didn’t know Ryan. She only felt like she did. Him telling her about all he wanted from his life had given her the false impression that she had a right to go and do something about it. But she had merely been a listening ear, and now she had invaded where she had not been invited.
“I’m so sorry. I thought it would be a nice surprise, but I can see how I’ve misread the situation and overstepped.”
“No, you haven’t.” He put a hand out and absently rubbed Sergeant’s head, his gaze tripping over each part of the apartment before landing on Hailey in the kitchen. “What’s the smell?”
Melodies and Mistletoe (Christmas in the City Book 3) Page 10