A Guide to Being Just Friends(68)

“So?” Piper asked, coming up beside Hailey. She was dressed in reindeer pajamas that matched everyone else’s. Including Hailey’s. Her first gift from them today had been a pair that made her feel more included than they could ever know. “Want kids?”

Hailey laughed, leaning her head on Piper’s shoulder. They watched as Alyssa and Cassie circled around the tower Jason was building with their oversized stuffed animals. Nick was “reading” on the end of the couch. With his eyes closed, the book open on his chest.

“One day. I thought watching them while you guys shopped gave me a good sample but Christmas is a whole other beast.”

Piper nodded. “Instead of just sex ed in school, teens should spend Halloween, a birthday, and Christmas with a pack of kids.”

Hailey laughed again, lifted her head. “That would be highly effective. But honestly, I love your kids and I appreciate you guys letting me crash your day.”

Piper turned, fixed Hailey with one of her “mom” looks. “You didn’t crash. You’re family. This is where you should be.” She poked her in the shoulder, the mom brows lowering. “Understood?”

“Yes, Mom.” Hailey bit back her grin.

“Come help me dress the turkey,” Piper said, turning toward the kitchen.

“Surprisingly not the weirdest thing you’ve said to me.”

They worked in tandem, chopping spices, potatoes, and other items for a stuffing that made Hailey’s mouth water. She’d forgotten how much she loved cooking with her cousin.

“Remember when we used to bake cookies and sell them to your neighbors?” Hailey cleaned up the cutting board, dusting the scraps into the sink.

“I can’t believe people paid us for them. Though, they were pretty good, if I remember.”

“You’ve only gotten better at them.” Hailey snagged a gingerbread from the pretty plate on the counter.

“You used to make those coconut ones I loved. Are you ever sorry you went with salads instead of baked goods?”

Hailey leaned against the counter. “No. I think what I have going is unique. Plus, I would not want to be in competition with Tara. She’s a genius.”

“Speaking of geniuses.” Piper gave her another pointed look, making Hailey wish she had not confided about the kiss.

“We weren’t.”

“Have you seen him?”

“Of course. It’s like nothing happened. Except it did. But I just need to put it out of my head. Onward. I’m not pining after a guy and honestly, I was a bit tipsy, he was all dressed up, it was romantic. It’s Wes. He drives me nuts and makes me laugh in equal parts but it wasn’t like that between us before and it’s my own fault I made things messy.”

“Are they messy?”

Hailey shrugged. Not really. But every now and again, she caught him looking at her in a way that made things feel … messy.

“No. They’re good. I’m seeing him tomorrow with his family. I’m excited. I can’t wait to give him his gift.”

She’d worked hard to choose just the right image from his drawings to have inked and framed. In addition to that, she’d bought him a gorgeous leather-bound art book with high-quality pencils. She hoped he’d love it. He didn’t put nearly enough stock in his own talent.

“I’m sure he’ll love it. I’m glad to hear you’re not pining away for him.”

Hailey smiled. “He’s my friend. There’s no room for pining.” Keep saying it. Maybe it’ll feel true.

Piper made herself busy, putting the turkey in the oven and not meeting Hailey’s gaze. Like a sixth sense, Hailey’s skin prickled.

“You know what would make tonight perfect?” Piper met her gaze finally.

“What did you do?”

“It wasn’t me. Not really. I mean, people shouldn’t be alone on Christmas.”

“Piper.” She gripped the countertop.

“It’s just us and I didn’t think there was any harm and you’re not pining for anyone. I thought—”

“Piper.”

She winced. “Seth is joining us for dessert on the way home from Christmas with his family.”

Hailey shook her head. “I’m borrowing one of your shirts.”

“You’re not mad?” Piper came around the counter, put an arm around Hailey’s shoulders.

This might be just what she needed to keep her from pining. “Mad that you invited a good-looking, successful, nice man to dinner at a time when I need a distraction? No.”

Piper’s forehead creased with worry. “Do you need a distraction from how you feel about Wes?”

Did she? “Maybe just a distraction from trying to figure out how I feel.” That was as much as she could admit right now.

“Then I’m not sorry. Why don’t you go up and use the Jacuzzi tub? Borrow my clothes. Go pamper yourself. You’ve been working so much.”

“You’re the one with kids. Shouldn’t you do that?”

Piper pulled her arm, putting a finger to her lips. They walked to the doorway that separated the kitchen from the family room. The girls were asleep with their heads on their stuffed animals. Jason had crawled up and curled into his father’s side. They were all snoring softly.