Anger sluiced through his veins. If Brandon had allowed him to remain involved in Cam’s life, he wouldn’t be a stranger now. And Cam wouldn’t be alone with his grief.
Summoning a hearty voice, Winn tousled the boy’s hair. “Would you like another piece of cake, sport?”
The boy shook his head but didn’t pull away. Though he refused to hold Winn’s hand, Cam had been glued to his side since they’d arrived.
“Ferris,” someone called out.
Winn turned to see Cole Lassiter, dressed in a dark tailored suit. At his side was his wife, Meg, a tall slender woman with auburn hair. She had a toddler in her arms. Beside them was a boy who was the spitting image of his father. Winn’s unpracticed eye judged him to be close to Cam’s age.
“I wasn’t sure we’d see you here,” Cole said by way of greeting, his curious gaze darting to Cameron. “Who is this with you?”
Winn placed his hand lightly on Cam’s shoulder. “This is my son, Cameron.”
He could feel Cam’s shoulders stiffen, but the boy remained silent.
“It’s nice to meet you, Cameron.” Meg glanced at her son, who was dressed similarly to Cam but in dark pants and a polo shirt. “I bet you and Charlie are about the same age.”
“I-I’m eight,” Cam said.
Cole glanced at his son. “So is Charlie.”
“We were just headed to the children’s tent,” Meg said. “Perhaps Cam would like to come with us?”
At Winn’s curious glance, Meg smiled. “The Finster family hired several high-school girls to supervise the grade-school children so the parents could more easily mingle. They have all kinds of games.”
“We looked. They have video games,” Charlie interrupted. The boy’s gray eyes held a mischievous glint as they settled on Cam. “Wanna play? Bet I can beat you.”
“Charlie,” Meg said in a stern voice, but her husband just laughed.
Winn caught his son’s inquiring look. “If you want to go, you can.”
The boy nodded.
“I’ll make sure they’re settled,” she told Winn and Cole as the toddler in her arms began to squirm. “I wish they had a tent for the younger ones, too.”
“Evie and I want to fly.” Cole scooped the girl in the white frilly dress out of his wife’s arms and sent the child flying through the air. Evie broke out in giggles, not seeming to notice her mother leaving with the two boys.
Winn only hoped whoever was watching the children could be trusted.
“Don’t worry.” Cole clapped a hand on Winn’s back. “Meg is very particular. She’ll make sure the boys are safe.”
Winn shifted his gaze back to Cole. “Cam isn’t very social. His mother died recently and he’s having difficulty adjusting.”
“I understand.” The look in Cole’s eyes told Winn he did. “You weren’t in Jackson Hole when Charlie came to live with me and Meg. We weren’t married then.”
Winn inclined his head. “I thought Charlie was your son?”
“He’s mine.” Cole spoke firmly in a matter-of-fact tone. “But he lived the first part of his life with his mother, Joy, and her husband, Ty. They were both my close friends and were killed in a car accident on Route 22. Meg and I were given joint custody.”
Winn hesitated, thinking about the past week. “That had to be difficult.”
Cole gave a robust laugh. “You’re a master of understatement, Ferris.”
“I’m only starting down the road you’ve already traveled,” Winn admitted. “I wish there was an app I could download on parenting a grieving boy.”
“If you find one, be sure to let me know.” The expression in Cole’s eyes turned from laughter to serious. “The best advice I can give on parenting is to get your priorities straight and do your best.”
“That’s helpful,” Winn said drily.
“Think about it, if you do your best, putting the welfare of your son first, you’ll have no regrets.” Cole lifted his girl into the air and she squealed.
Though Winn had been in Jackson Hole over a year, this was the first conversation he’d had with Cole where he’d felt connected. Whenever they’d spoken before, it had always been superficial.
Winn was prepared to bring up his child-care dilemma when Meg returned.
“I’ll take her.” Meg hefted the squirmy, redheaded toddler from her husband’s arms. “If I put her down, she’ll take off for Colorado. Evie recently mastered walking. Of course, our little angel isn’t content to walk, she wants to run. Like her dad, she has only one speed—full out.”
Cole poked his wife teasingly. “Any ambulation issues are from you, my dear physical therapist.”
Meg rolled her eyes then turned her attention to Winn. “Cameron and Charlie are getting along great. I’d like to have him over sometime to play.”
“Name the date and time.” Winn found himself strangely touched by the offer.
“I’ll check my calendar and give you a call,” Meg said, then appeared to notice the direction of her husband’s gaze.
“That man that Hailey is talking to,” Cole said half to himself. “He looks familiar.”
At the mention of Hailey’s name, Winn turned and followed Cole’s gaze. Hailey looked stunning in vivid blue. Cassidy, as brightly colored as any Amazon parrot in paisley swirls, stood talking to a man Winn didn’t recognize.
Winn guessed him as late twenties and successful at whatever he did. His suit was perfectly tailored. He and the two women were engaged in an animated conversation with lots of hand gestures and laughter.
Winn couldn’t help noticing the guy’s attention kept returning to Hailey. That, Winn understood. The silky blue dress she wore flattered her compact but curvy figure. “Who is he?”
Meg narrowed her gaze and a thoughtful look crossed her face. “I believe he graduated with one of my younger brothers.”
Cole tickled his daughter playfully, making her chortle. “Considering all your younger brothers, that hardly narrows it down.”
“Liam.” Meg snapped her fingers, triumph lighting her eyes. “Liam Gallagher. I heard he was back in Jackson.”
“Where has he been?” Winn’s eyes narrowed as the man sidled even closer to Hailey.
“Someone told me he’s here to help Pete Allman in his psychology practice until Pete can find a permanent associate,” Cole mused aloud.
“I heard he came back to help his great-aunt,” Meg interjected.
“Perhaps he’s doing both,” Winn stated. From the way the guy was looking at Hailey, seducing the pretty speech therapist appeared to be another item on the man’s to-do list.
* * *
Hailey spent most of the evening on the dance floor. She’d forgotten how much fun it was to simply move to the music, especially after a couple of glasses of French champagne.
She danced with many men, but mostly with Liam. The band had started a slow, romantic set when Winn tapped Liam on the shoulder. He smiled at Hailey. “May I have this dance?”
To Hailey’s surprise, Liam hesitated, holding on to her hand for an extra beat. But Winn didn’t appear to notice. He took her into his arms with well-practiced ease then maneuvered her across the dance floor until Liam was out of sight.
“You’re looking lovely this evening,” Winn remarked.
“You look quite dashing yourself.” Hailey thought he smelled even better. She inhaled and let the spicy masculine scent of his cologne travel leisurely through her system. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
“I guess we’re both surprised.”
“Who’s watching Cam?”
“Some high-school girl.”
“What’s her name?” Hailey asked, curious. “I might know her family.”
“I don’t know her name.”
Ha
iley came to a dead stop in his arms. “You left him with a girl whose name you don’t even know?”
Though she tried to control it, her voice rose with every word.
“Easy, tiger,” he said with an amused smile. “I brought Cam with me. He’s at the children’s tent with Charlie Lassiter. They’re playing video games. Meg vouched for the security.”
“Oh.” Warmth rose up Hailey’s cheeks. So much for jumping to conclusions. As a speech therapist, it was natural for her to want to be protective of a child. But her concern felt more personal. She told herself to stop overreacting. It wasn’t fair to Winn.
Hailey relaxed as they moved across the floor in perfect synchronicity.
“I believe you owe me an apology. I didn’t leave my son with a stranger.”
She looked up into the eyes that were riveted on her face. Until this moment she hadn’t realized there were flecks of gold in his hazel depths.
“Such beautiful eyes,” she murmured.
“Pardon me?”
Hailey jolted as she realized with sudden horror that she’d spoken aloud. Thankfully, he didn’t appear to have made out the words. “Ah, sorry.”
His lips twitched, but he merely continued to move her across the dance floor, his body hard against hers. “You didn’t mention how you happened to be here. Are you friends of the bride or groom?”
“I’m a business associate of the bride’s dad.” Winn easily moved Hailey into an intricate turn.
Her breath caught in her throat as the move pressed her even more tightly against him. “Makeup artist for the wedding party.”
Winn shot her a dazed look “That’s quite a job.”
“Not only a job but a heckuva lot of work.” Hailey smiled ruefully. “There are eight bridesmaids.”
Winn wasn’t sure how many most women had, but he assumed eight was excessive. Still, he didn’t ask. Makeup had never been a favorite conversation topic. “I spoke with Cassidy.”
Actually, she’d strolled up and told him he owed her a dance. He hadn’t argued. Though Winn had never been into avant-garde, he admired Cassidy’s drive and enjoyed her eclectic fashion style.
“I noticed the two of you out on the dance floor earlier.” Hailey’s lips quirked. “You do a mean mambo, my friend.”
“Cassidy deserves all the credit.” The twinkle in his eyes made Hailey’s blood course through her veins like warm honey. “I simply followed her lead.”
“Don’t give me that.” Hailey’s voice took on a teasing lilt. “Winn Ferris forges his own way. He leads. He doesn’t follow.”
Mock horror crossed his face. “You sound like my father.”
“Don’t be mean, Winn,” she warned, her voice a sexy rumble.
He brushed a tendril of hair back from her face then leaned forward, his breath warm against her ear. “I could never be mean to you.”
Her eyes darkened and she lifted her head. So close that her mouth hovered mere inches from his.
“Glad you could make it, Ferris.”
Winn jerked back and turned, burying his irritation beneath an easy smile. “Clive.”
Clive Finster, the bride’s father, reminded Winn of a jaunty penguin in black tie. Short and stubby, he had more hair in his well-groomed goatee than on his entire head. His wife, a brittle-looking blonde who towered over her husband by a good five inches, heaved a resigned sigh.
Winn had the feeling Clive had been stopping nearly every guest to chat.
“I appreciated the invitation.” Winn smiled at Mrs. Finster. “Your daughter was a beautiful bride. And I’m enjoying the reception.”
Dee Finster smiled politely. “We were relieved the weather cooperated.”
“It was a perfect day,” Hailey said.
For the first time, Clive appeared to notice her. Winn saw when he made the connection. “Hailey Randall. Frank’s daughter.”
Tripp’s sister, Winn could almost hear him add.
Clive belonged to the Jim-Ferris-School-of-Business, the one that touted if you didn’t take the lead you deserved to be ground into the dust. The man’s gaze sharpened as it shifted between her and Winn. “I didn’t realize the two of you were—”
“Winn and I are neighbors.” Hailey spoke quickly before Winn had a chance to respond. “And I’m watching his son this summer until he finds a permanent sitter.”
Winn’s heart jumped like a thousand-pound marlin. He covered his surprise with a bland expression that gave nothing away.
Clive’s smile broadened, but when he opened his mouth to speak, his wife placed a hand on his arm. “Merle and Helen are coming this way. Didn’t you say you wanted to speak with him this evening?”
“Indeed I do. Great to see you again, Ferris. Ms. Randall.” The amenities concluded, Clive turned his attention on a bigger fish in the pond.
“I never could understand how someone as nice as Susan could come from a father like that,” Hailey said in a low tone as they resumed dancing.
Winn grinned. “I take it you’re not a Clive fan.”
Hailey gave a snort. “The man is a bottom-feeder.”
“Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?” Winn began then stopped himself. “Better yet, tell me what made you decide to watch Cam?”
Chapter Seven
“The reason I decided to watch Cam...” Hailey’s head jerked up as the band launched into a Gershwin classic. Impulsively she grabbed Winn’s hand. “Dance with me first. I love this one.”
Though he willingly followed her to the dance floor, once he’d taken her into his arms, he quirked a brow. “The melody reminds me of something from my father’s, or even my grandfather’s, era.”
As they moved in time to the slow, romantic rhythm, Hailey explained that her parents loved to dance to “Embraceable You” and let him in on a little secret.
“This was played at my grandparents’ wedding. My parents kind of adopted the song.” Hailey couldn’t keep from smiling. “Growing up, I’d stroll into a room and find my mom with her head on my dad’s shoulder. They’d be dancing to this song playing from my dad’s boom box.”
“Shocking,” Winn said with an exaggerated shudder. “What were they thinking?”
“Probably that they wished I was off playing with a friend.” Hailey smiled wryly and made him chuckle.
As a child she’d been mortified. Now she thought it sweet that, after playing together as toddlers and marrying straight out of college, her parents were still so much in love.
Privately, Hailey hoped to one day enjoy that same closeness with her husband. Tripp had found it during his short-lived marriage to Gayle, his childhood sweetheart. Sadly, Gayle and their unborn baby had died due to pregnancy complications.
Several years later her brother had seen Anna—whom he’d known his entire life—in a different light, and they were now blissfully happy. Was falling in love with someone you’d known since childhood the secret?
Trouble was, there weren’t many men she’d known from way back who weren’t already engaged or married. Other than Tim Duggan, now a widower with two little girls, or—
“You were lucky. My parents could barely stand to be in the same room.” Winn spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. “There was no love between them for as far back as I can remember. My father even scheduled a business meeting the afternoon of her funeral.”
Hailey unsuccessfully attempted to hide her shock. “How old were you?”
“Twelve.”
At that age Hailey’s biggest worry had been not falling off her horse during barrel-racing practice. “I’m sorry, Winn.”
He shrugged as if it was of no consequence and fell silent.
The music weaved around them like a pretty ribbon. Hailey rested her head on Winn’s chest, holding him tightly, as if she could protect
him from past pain.
She closed her eyes and let her mind drift, loving the feel of his strong arms around her. When his movements slowed, she reluctantly opened her eyes and realized the song had ended. Not only that, the band had left the raised platform for a break.
Hailey lifted a perfectly manicured hand in an airy wave to hide her embarrassment and stepped from Winn’s arms. “I like to dance until the very last note.”
“Lucky me.”
She cocked her head.
“I got to hold a beautiful woman a little longer.” He took her hand. The desire she’d been fighting all evening ignited.
From the moment she first met Winn, his all-business, buttoned-up look had turned her on. Even the way he smelled—like spice and soap—was a potent aphrodisiac. Not to mention his body, so firm and hard against hers, had stirred all sorts of feelings. Feelings that refused to fade, even though they weren’t pressed tightly together anymore.
As they strolled through the crowd, Hailey wondered what it’d be like to unbutton that pristine white shirt, tug it from the waistband of those perfectly tailored trousers and wrap her hand around his hot, bare flesh.
Her body shivered with longing. She hadn’t been with a man since she’d arrived in Jackson Hole, but she had a feeling Winn would surpass anyone she’d—
“Hailey, how nice to see you this evening.”
She inhaled sharply, the dampness between her thighs turning as dry as the Mohave.
“Pastor.” Hailey buried naked images of Winn behind a sweet smile. “I assume you know Winston Ferris.”
Discovering Winn and the minister were not acquainted necessitated introductions, which Hailey quickly performed.
She dragged out the conversation a little longer than was absolutely necessary, not only commending the slender gray-haired man on his part in the marriage ceremony earlier, but also bringing up recent sermons.
Winn participated superficially, but kept slanting glances at her as if trying to figure out why she was lingering. He couldn’t know she was fighting the urge to suggest they find someplace private.
Ready, Set, I Do! (Rx for Love) Page 7