A Guide to Being Just Friends(67)

“I’m fine. Don’t go all mommy-hen. I’m tipsy at best. I could probably drink you under the table.”

He laughed at the bravado in her voice. “Maybe if you were sitting under the table with your drinks.”

“Ha. Challenge accepted.”

He took her hand as she walked up the stairs. She dug through her purse, her hand nudging him because they were standing so close. When she looked up, keys in hand, her gaze drifted farther. She kept tipping her neck back.

“Oh.”

Brows arched, concern brewing, he followed her gaze.

The wrought-iron lighting cast only a small glow but other than being old, he saw nothing wrong with it.

He looked down at Hailey, ignoring the way his breath hitched from the look in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Why was he whispering?

Her body pressed closer. There might have been a chill in the air but Wes felt like he was insulated with wool blankets. Hot. Uncomfortable. In need of shedding the rest of his clothing.

Hailey gave a wistful sigh. “It seemed like a perfect moment for mistletoe.”

He closed his eyes, tried to breathe past the moment that had been building for longer than he’d admit.

Her hand settled on his chest. He’d finally put all those damn pieces back into the right place and now she was touching him, looking up at him with those eyes, standing in that dress.

He’d never felt this aching need with any other woman. He’d truly believed it was because he had control of his emotions. Now, he knew the truth. No other woman had inspired this type of need. His control had been an illusion. He swallowed. Fine. He couldn’t control his feelings but he still held the reins on his actions. Small peck. Friendly. That’s all. Somewhere between maiden aunt and don’t-hurt-her-feelings.

That was the last thought he had before Hailey went up on tiptoes, the fingers of one hand tightening in his shirt, tugging gently to pull his mouth down to her own.

At first it was just the press of her very soft lips, which tasted vaguely of chocolate. But then it was her mouth opening under his, moving, making it impossible for him to be still, for him to be sensible. He slanted his head, his hand moving to her jaw, his thumb caressing the smooth skin of her cheek. When she made a low, humming sound in the back of her throat, his other hand went to her hip, squeezed, and she pressed her body tight to his with enthusiastic agreement.

When her tongue touched his, his skin all but vibrated, like electricity was rushing through his veins and Hailey was the source. He couldn’t get close enough and from the way she tangled her fingers in his hair, she felt the same. His hand slid around, down, pulling her up tight against his body.

It wasn’t until she whispered his name so sweet and soft on her lips that he came out of the trance. He pulled back gently, listening to her labored breathing as his heart tried to jump over to her chest and take up residence there.

“Hailey.” His tone was jagged.

She inhaled a shaky breath, dropping down from her tiptoes.

“Don’t say it,” she whispered.

He had to. One of them had to. They couldn’t do this. It could ruin everything. “I’m sorry.”

She closed her eyes, laughed humorlessly. “You said it.”

He did. But worse, he’d felt it. Felt the magnetic pull of everything about her tugging on his common sense. She could make him forget that over 50 percent of marriages ended with not just broken hearts, but unfulfilled promises, resentment, and court-ordered spousal support.

She opened her eyes, looked at him with a sadness he hated. One he knew would pale in comparison to the heartache she’d feel when it ended. Because it would. When whatever they tried to build out of one passionate kiss fizzled, it would destroy a very special friendship.

“When I reimagine this, I’m going to pretend you didn’t.”

He reached out to stroke her jaw but stopped, shoved his hand in his pocket. He didn’t trust himself to touch her again. “Please don’t. I don’t want to lose you.”

Her smile was a watered-down, dim version of its real glow. “Why would you lose me? I’m right here.”

Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingered for a second longer than he should have before pulling back.

“Our friendship means so much to me.”

She stared at him long enough to make him want to look away. Then she nodded. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said, her voice crisp and clear, like the tipsy fog had cleared.

His shoulders relaxed a small fraction. “Then we’re okay?”

“We’re okay. What happens at Christmas stays at Christmas.”

He laughed. “Goodnight, Hailey.”

“Goodnight.” He thought he saw a sheen in her gaze but she turned to unlock the door.

He stepped down one step, waiting for her to go in. Once she’d stepped inside, she held the door and looked at him again.

“Wes?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you for the dress.”

He smiled, unsure why he felt like such an ass for doing the right thing.





28


Hailey was worn out by noon on Christmas day. How on earth did kids get up that early and still have that much energy? It was like Piper and Nick had let them down chocolate-covered caffeine tablets.