She sighs. “I’m sorry, I’m trying to believe that this isn’t some crisis you’re going through and that you’ll abandon your ideas once they fail or you succeed. That you’ll stick around this time, no matter what happens during these eighteen months. I’m open to the possibilities and to see past what happened between us because what we had was unique and I loved you with an intensity that I doubt can be replicated.”
“Look, I’m aware that in every scenario that you run, I come up like an asshole who shouldn’t be trusted,” I agree with her. “Why would you quit your job? That’s something I’d never ask you to do. In fact, I hope that once this is over, I can travel with you. I’m sure you can use my skills.”
“What about the practice you’re planning to set up?”
“We’re going to hire doctors, nurses, and enough staff to serve the town. It’ll be equipped, so we can travel. I don’t know how the future looks. All I know is that I want to be wherever you are, Blaire.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“Our connection is more than skin deep. We didn’t have a fling,” I remind her. “Our relationship has always been easy because we’ve known each other forever. I don’t see why we have to complicate it. You’ve always said it, ‘Life isn’t granted. You have to live it before it’s taken away.’”
Suddenly, she changes the subject. “Remember my eighteenth birthday? It’s the first time I was out on a date.”
I frown, not understanding where she’s going. “That’s all you remember?”
Her face turns red. “Well, I … never mind.”
“Sorry, but the best part of your eighteenth birthday is unforgettable,” I say, without adding that it was the first time we made love.
“I noticed you still use it as your password.”
“It’s important to me, too,” I disclose, because it wasn’t just making love but the fact that she trusted me to be not only her first kiss, but the first man she allowed to touch her body. “You’re important to me.”
“You had sex before that night,” she points out the obvious.
“I had never made love before that night,” I explain.
“My point is, I trusted you from the beginning. Every time you asked me to do something, I did it blindly because I knew you had a reason. I never lied to you, and I won’t start doing it today. I still have feelings for you, but I’m old enough to keep my heart safe. That doesn’t mean I won’t give you a chance, it just means that you have to understand that I’m not going to have sex with you today—or any time soon. My heart is the last thing I’ll give you, and I understand if you keep yours guarded.”
“Well, you still have mine, so there’s no point in giving it back,” I retort. “Thank you, though.”
“For?”
“Being open to giving me another chance,” I state. “Maybe this wasn’t the date I was planning, but everything you told me is helping me understand you and my brothers. Next time, though, I hope we can have a more romantic dinner.”
“Sorry?”
“Don’t be, I feel like I’m learning to roller skate. I keep falling, but at least I’m getting the hang of the skates while it happens.”
She pushes her entree and sighs. “I’m full. Thank you for being honest and patient. I really want us to try, you know.”
“You want to take a walk?”
“I’d love to,” she answers. “Thank you again for dinner. It was perfect. All of it.”
Twenty-Eight
Blaire
Last night, after our walk, we found Henry at the front desk, giving orders to the concierge. He switched us all to the presidential suite. It has three bedrooms and one of them has two queen beds where he and Hayes stayed. After Henry’s dinner with Sophia, they decided that we should stay until next Friday. I swear, at this pace, he’s going to keep us in Baker’s Creek until the stupid stipulation is completed.
When I wake up, I feel rested. It’s the first time in a long time that I slept through the night. As I step out of my bedroom, I find Hayes and Henry already working. They’re both sitting at the table, shirtless, looking at some documents. Looking sexy. Well, Hayes looks sexy and pretty edible. His corded back has a few tattoos that I want to explore in detail.
Sophia sits on the couch, drinking coffee and browsing through her iPad.
“I got you a tea,” she says, pointing at the cup on top of the coffee table. “There’s a chocolate croissant on the table. Hayes is guarding it for you with his life.”
I chuckle and grab my tea, sitting next to her. “How long have they been up?”
“I don’t know,” she answers, staring at the brothers.
They both look like freaking models. My fingertips itch to touch Hayes’s well-defined muscles. I am craving the chocolate croissant and his kisses. Not in that order, but I don’t give into the uncontrollable urge. Not when we have Henry and Sophia right in front of us.
“I woke up an hour ago. I went for a run, ordered our morning drinks and pastries, and now, I’m enjoying the view while keeping up with my family.” She tilts her head toward the brothers.
“You’re texting your parents?”
She glances at me, opens her mouth, closes it and sighs. “No, I’m just reading their posts on social media. It’s easier and I don’t have to interact with them.”
I give her a confused look, and she says, “Don’t ask. How was your date?”
“Don’t ask,” I answer back. “Way better than your working dinner, though. What is it now?”
“The Lodge,” she answers. “He’s moving people from his other hotels to this location. I have to find housing for those who relocate. All kinds of fun stuff. I’m ready to quit.”
“You have to give me a two-year notice,” Henry grunts.
“That’s not even legal,” she complains. “I thought you said I wouldn’t have to work today.”
“How about if we drag them out of the room and into town,” I propose. “We can have breakfast at the diner.”
“I could use a heavier breakfast,” Hayes says, stretching before standing up from his seat and walking to me. “Did you sleep well?”
I take a good look at him. He looks tired. His hair is all ruffled and askew, and there are bags under his eyes.
“You need more sleep,” I state the obvious.
“Tell that to Henry who thinks we’re machines,” he groans then bends and gives me a peck on the lips. “We should’ve camped or paid for our own room.”
“As I mentioned earlier, we have guests coming in today,” Henry says annoyed. “We’re already losing money since the restaurants are closed.”
“You are the one who said they weren’t up to code,” Hayes reminds him. “When are we going to open them?”
“I’m working on that,” Henry answers. “Sophia, I need you to work a deal with the diner, the coffee place, and the bakery.”
She stares at him. “What are you talking about?”
“Well, I was thinking that our guests are going to complain when they realize that the restaurants are closed. What if we have a special discount for guests at those establishments.”
She groans. “I don’t see that happening this weekend, but I can try to get that done early next week. We could try to work the same deal with the restaurants in Happy Springs, too. We could email each guest a coupon, a free night for the inconvenience for their next stay,” she suggests.
Henry looks at her pleased. “Good thinking. When are the cars arriving?”
“I’m off duty,” she protests.
“Get dressed, Hayes,” I suggest. “I’ll take you to eat something. My treat.”
“We have work to do. You can’t just take off,” Henry protests.
“You’re like a grumpy bear,” I complain. “Eat something. Enjoy the day. You can get some blood flowing through your body and maybe your mood will change.”
Henry makes a grunting noise. “Exercise keeps my blood flowing. We should go to the gym later. I’ll a
ccept your invitation to breakfast, but only if we work during that time.”
They both make their way to their room. Henry slams the door shut. Sophia rolls her eyes and says, “I’m going to change.”
“Me too,” I answer and add, “Try to dress like a civilian.”
She laughs. “You’re cute.”
Ten minutes later, we are all ready to go into town. Henry dragged his tablet with him. At almost seven in the morning, the road headed to town is silent. The sky is already illuminated. I sigh in appreciation, and Hayes grabs my hand, squeezing it.
“You love it, don’t you?” he mumbles, and I nod in agreement.
Honestly, I want to enjoy the singing of the birds and the view, but it’s hard when Henry is still talking about work. Can he not take a break?
By the time we reach Main Street, there are already dozens of people walking on the sidewalks. Others are setting up tents.
“What’s today festival?” I ask out loud.
“Baby Blue Eyes Flowers.” Sophia answers enthusiastically. “I can’t wait to see what they do during this colorful day.”
“You’re here to work, Ms. Aragon.”
We both glare at Henry and continue walking to the diner.
After breakfast and the meeting, Henry and Hayes agree to walk around town. Henry scrunches his nose at the group of vendors and tents set-up
“This looks like those farmer markets you like to frequent, Sophia.” Henry mentions as we stroll around. “How many do they have a year?”
“I remember someone mentioning they did them every weekend,” Hayes answers.
“You should know,” Sophia says confused. “This is your hometown.”
“It’s our father’s,” Hayes answers. “We each were born in different cities, and we only visited a few times. Dad didn’t allow us to go around town.”
“Why not?”
“Our grandmother didn’t like townies,” Henry answers, matter-of-factly. He’s not bitter nor talking about the people of the town badly. “We visited once a year and stayed at the big house with Dad—if he came—and my grandmother. It was one week where we spent most of our time on the property fishing, taking care of gram’s animals, or doing chores for her.”
“The way you describe it makes me feel like free labor,” Hayes chuckles. “But it was fun to hang out with you. The young ones were our responsibility. It was a fucking imposition to watch after Beacon. He was a daredevil. Looking back, I’m impressed we kept him alive.”
Henry nods. “Who leaves the care of young kids to two irresponsible teenagers?”
“Our grandma couldn’t be bothered with them, so someone had to,” Hayes answers and then looks at me.
I wish I could tell what he’s thinking, but he stays quiet.
“We should figure out more about the festivals. We could tailor the weekends at The Lodge to attract more visitors,” I suggest to Sophia, changing the subject completely. “Maybe we can partner with the vendors. We can talk to whoever organizes the festivals and see how we can work together.”
She nods, her eyes squinting as if she’s thinking. Without asking, she takes Henry’s tablet and taps it.
“You know my password?” he protests.
She smirks. “Yes, and I just need to send an email so I can research more about these festivals. Blaire is right. We can bring in a lot more revenue if we market this well.”
“If we’re renovating the hotel, we should add some ballrooms,” I suggest. “We could have weddings too.”
“Do you know they used to have yoga and other classes at The Lodge?” she asks.
“No. When did they stop?”
“Mrs. Heywood, the woman who owns the bookstore, said they stopped a couple of years ago because Nick increased the rent of gym use for the instructors.”
“Nick should be fired,” I state.
“It’ll happen soon,” Henry confirms. “I can’t deal with his arrogant attitude, and the way he treats his employees is deplorable. That’s why I’m transferring some of my best employees to this town.”
“Since we’re starting with new management, we can try to reconnect with those instructors,” I suggest. “Maybe I can run a health program that includes nutrition, exercise, and physicals.”
Sophia and I stop at the first booth where they have handmade jewelry. We notice the vendor comes from Idaho. I grab their card, and Sophia buys a couple of bracelets for her niece. Not every piece is blue or has blue eyes flowers, but all the booths are decorated with the same blue, white, and yellow colors.
“Look, that guy handcrafts furniture,” Sophia announces. “What kind of furniture are you guys buying for the house?”
I grunt.
Hayes snorts with laughter. “You’re asking the wrong person. When we moved in together, I decided to buy an apartment. Furnishing the place was…”
I roll my eyes. “A nightmare.”
“She wanted to buy antiques. I just wanted to get it done.”
“Well, this time, there’s no choice,” I remind him. “We have to order everything soon. Do you think Easton knows anyone who can give us a discount and deliver fast?”
“I don’t care about the discount. All I care is that they deliver everything before we move into the damn house,” Henry barks. “You’re in charge, Hayes.”
Hayes doesn’t bother to answer, however he does grab my hand and pull me into the next booth where they have a gorgeous antique armoire. Honestly, I’m not sure if I like antiques, but, at eighteen, I thought it was cool to visit flea markets and antique shops.”
“We can’t buy furniture right now.”
“Why not?” He frowns.
“Where are we going to store it?” I question. “The house is off-limits while they’re renovating it.”
He gets a card and places it in his wallet. “For later then.”
I smile, thinking of the possibilities of later and maybe that house by the lake. Our house.
Twenty-Nine
Hayes
We spend the rest of the morning with Henry who teaches us how to check in guests, how to look up reservations, and every other task that might be necessary in case his people need help. Needless to say, we end up working the front desk for the rest of the day.
At midnight, Sophia excuses herself, and Blaire is already asleep on the couch. I move her to her bedroom and close the door. Henry has a bottle of single malt, and I’m not in the mood to go to sleep just yet.
“That was fast,” he says.
“What?”
“The honeymoon period is over, and you two are already fighting,” he explains.
“We’re not fighting. You put us to work the whole freaking day.”
“I’ve never been in love, so I can’t give you advice, but I would be careful because we have to stick together for eighteen fucking months. This isn’t a crazy reality show like Sophia keeps saying. No one can be voted out of the house.”
“You’d vote yourself out first if that was the case.” I finish the amber liquid and pour some more. “So, why are you still single?”
“My parents fucked me up,” he answers. “I don’t see the point of having messy feelings.”
“What would happen if you put yourself out there?” I ask. Has he even tried to date or fall in love?
“Fucked up shit,” he answers. “People are willing to do a lot of messed up shit just to marry a guy like me or you.”
I wonder what happened to him or if maybe something happened to one of his rich friends. Henry was the kid who avoided adventures but learned from watching others.
“Would you do it again?” he asks. “Knowing how much it’d hurt both of you.”
“There’s no going back in time to fix what you fucked up in your life,” I answer. “If time travel existed, just by changing one thing, you could create a ripple effect through time that might affect the present and the lives of not only one but maybe millions of people.”
He stares at me and laughs. “Fuck, I
always forget you’re a fucking nerd. It’s a yes or no question. I didn’t ask you to recite some quantum dynamic theory or for you to quote Einstein.”
“You’re wrong in both instances.”
“And yet, I don’t give a fucking shit about that,” he answers with a grin. “If you can’t change it in the past, what makes you think that you can change it now?”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I’m not trying to change anything.”
“You are,” he says. “You’re trying to make us a family. It never worked before. It won’t work now. You’re trying to convince Blaire that you’re not your father. Yet, we are just like William. No matter what we do, we carry his fucking genes. One day you’ll cheat on your woman with someone new, and then, you’ll find another one because none of them satisfy you. He might’ve married your mom, but she wasn’t enough to keep his dick out of some other woman.”
I spring from my seat and push him against the couch where he sits. “Do not bring my mother into this conversation.”
“This isn’t about your mom.” His voice is as loud as mine. “It’s about knowing that I’m fucking right. If you really love Blaire, like you say, leave her alone.”
“Hayes, you’re choking your brother.”
I turn around to look at Blaire, and Henry hits me on the jaw and kicks me in the stomach.
“Stop it you two!” she orders and puts herself in the middle. “Are you two drunk?”
“No. Your boy here doesn’t like to hear truths.”
“Shut the fuck up,” I warn him.
“You’ll never be loyal to her. Let her go now. I can’t stomach seeing you together for eighteen months when we all know what’s going to happen after that…” he chuckles. “Maybe I’m wrong. She’ll leave you just like William did when baby Beacon appeared.”
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