A Guide to Being Just Friends(38)

“Always. Right now he’s shopping for my other brother but he’s never really not looking at commercial properties.”

“You have your hands in many pies,” Ana said.

Wes smiled. It was his polite one, not the one that made his blue eyes dance with laughter. “We like to be busy.”

Their dinners arrived shortly after and they were able to shift the conversation to casual topics. Aidan and Hailey got wrapped up in some Hollywood gossip. She couldn’t help it. She’d left that life behind but she still loved knowing who was dating who, not that Aidan could say much since his business was protecting his clients.

When the meal came to an end, Ana lifted her wineglass. “A toast. To friendship, to business, and to long, profitable relationships.”

It seemed like an odd toast to Hailey but she was on her third glass of wine so she clinked happily, warmth spreading through her belly.

As they waited for the valet to bring Wes’s car, she leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Have fun?” His voice was low.

She closed her eyes, soaking in his solid presence, the breeze that danced over her skin.

“So much fun,” she whispered.

“I think Aidan likes you,” Wes said.

Hailey tipped her head back. In her heels, she was close enough to see his gaze darken. “Funny. I think Ana likes you. Maybe we can double date them.” A giggle escaped at the idea of them showing up at the same restaurant but with opposite dates.

“You’re drunk.”

“Tipsy. There’s a difference.”

“Still want a movie and dessert?”

She straightened, looked around like he was hiding it. “Do you have the dessert?”

His chuckle was low and familiar. It warmed her stomach like the wine. “Right here.” He lifted the brown paper take-out bag.

“Phew.”

“You make me laugh.”

She smiled at him under the darkening night, the stars dancing over them. “That’s what friends are for.”





15


Wes was so relieved to have the contract signed, he’d texted his brothers while waiting for the valet to fetch his car. Hailey had leaned against him the entire time, making it hard not to notice the scent of her perfume, her contented sighs, and the way she smiled with her eyes closed.

She was still doing it as Wes set a glass of water in front of her where she lay, cheeks flush, on his couch. He didn’t like the way Ana and Aidan had pushed the final meeting more than once. You have it now. That’s all that matters. The contract. Not the way Aidan looked at and flirted with Hailey. He did his best to push that from his brain, unsure why it bothered him when he was so happy with their friend status.

“You okay, there?”

She opened her eyes, smiled up at him. “You’re upside down.”

Or he was standing at the end of the couch. “I promise I’m not.”

“Don’t worry, you look good either way. Right-side down or upside … wait.”

Wes laughed, moved down to her feet, picking them up so he could sit. He’d never felt quite this much ease with someone. Even with girlfriends, he’d never been a naturally affectionate man. But Hailey didn’t have the same boundaries he did. It had taken him a few hangouts to get used to the way she hugged or gave casual touches so easily.

It was the way Hailey worked. She burrowed. Dug a hole into someone’s heart and stayed there. There were moments he felt the absolute opposite of ease—more like a spark snapping tension. But then one of her twenty-two alarms—alarms she’d set in an effort to be more organized after teasing him about his multiple scheduling apps—would ring, reminding her of the thing she’d definitely forgotten even though she swore she wouldn’t, and he’d remember how different they were. How nice it was to have this to count on. He could tell her things he didn’t tell his brothers and he sure as hell wouldn’t tell a woman he was dating.

“I’m glad you came tonight. This is a big contract for our company. I didn’t want to let Chris and Noah down.” He kept one hand on her ankle absentmindedly.

Hailey sat up, reached for the chocolate cake instead of the water or the Tylenol he’d set beside it.

“As if you could.” She pulled herself into a seated position next to him, close enough their thighs touched.

“The only thing about dining with fancy people is you never want to eat more than they do. Though, I was impressed that Ana ate. I can’t tell you how many dinner parties I’ve been to where I was the only woman taking advantage of the delicious food.”

He’d been to his share of those parties, too. Hated them. “It’s a waste. Do you ever miss catering on set?”

She pulled the fork out of her mouth slowly, her eyes closed. She hummed with pleasure. Snap. Like a lightning-quick shock to his system that reminded him she was a desirable woman. One who was talking to him because he’d asked a question and zoned out for the answer.

“I’m happy where I am. It doesn’t have the same job security but it’s working out great. Speaking of. I think I’m ready to talk to your friend, Leo. You mentioned he was looking for work a while ago but I’ve only just gotten to a point I think I can take him on. Especially with my new plan.”