A Guide to Being Just Friends(81)

“Where are you going?”

She gave him a sly, sexy grin, her fingers going to the top button of her shirt. “Gifts should be bought with that person in mind.” The button released, her fingers going to the second one. Wes shifted on the couch as she continued unbuttoning one by one. When she pulled the two sides apart, let the fabric trail off her shoulders, drop to the ground, he forgot how to breathe. Which was fine. He didn’t need air when Hailey stood before him in pink lace.

“I’m starting to see what you mean.” He barely recognized his voice.

Her fingers went to the button on her pants. “This was actually on sale. Does that take away from your appreciation?”

He shook his head emphatically but words were beyond him.

“It’s not about the money or the name brand. It’s the thought.”

He nodded as the pants slipped over her hips. Swallowing thickly, he moved to the edge of the couch.

“The thought. Got it.” He found his voice.

She laughed, stepping out of the pants and toward him. “You’re a quick learner.”

He grabbed her hand as he stood, pulling her against him. “Right now, I want to learn how to keep that smile on your face.”

“That’s easy. Kiss me.”

That, he could do.





35


Fiona turned the computer so Hailey could see. It was absolutely impossible not to give a little squeal. She squeezed her friend’s shoulders, leaned over.

“This is adorable. I love it.”

Fiona grinned up at her, pointing to the screen where she’d created a flow chart graphic that helped the reader choose a salad. It was fun and unique.

Hailey took the chair beside her friend, eager to try it out. The shop had been closed for an hour when Fiona texted, asking to drop by. Hailey had been making a schedule—because she had employees—and cleaning up.

“Let’s try it,” Fiona said. She pointed at the first question. “Do you like a little spice?”

There was a yes or no option, each with arrows pointing to different choices. “Yes.” Her gaze followed the arrows. She laughed, reading the choices aloud. “Jalape?o hot or black pepper hot? Black pepper but only because that’s a big gap in preferences.”

Fiona laughed, scrolled down a touch. “Wimp. Okay. Meat, yes or no?”

Hailey shrugged. “No.”

Another arrow pointed down and Fiona scrolled to the bottom of the graphic, revealing a cute graphic of a salad cup.

“House special,” Hailey said, clapping her hands together. Below it were the ingredients in very small font: mix of lettuces, red peppers, cucumbers, shaved almonds, shredded cheese, and homemade croutons with oil and pepper dressing.

She reached around Fiona’s shoulders, hugging her from the side. “You are so awesome. I love this. I think I might put it on the take-out menus.”

“That would be perfect. I’ll share the graphic on social media and you can put it on your website.”

Fiona often dropped by the shop since she could write anywhere. It was nice having her there. She closed her laptop, picking up one of the coffees she’d brought from Tara’s for each of them.

“Things okay with you and Wes?”

After Valentine’s Hailey had phoned both Fiona and Piper to talk about the evening and Wes’s gift. She’d been tempted to accept it, fawn over it because he was so happy to give it to her, but he’d have seen right through her fa?ade. What they shared was real, which meant she had to be honest with him.

“Yes. I think he gets it but I still feel bad.”

“Money can come between people. You told him how you feel. I don’t think you need to feel bad. I do wish you’d snapped a picture of it.”

Hailey tried to smile. “I’m falling in love with him.” She stared at the patterned tabletop, tracing the barely noticeable circles.

When Fiona didn’t respond, Hailey looked up. Fiona set her cup down. “Sorry. Was that supposed to surprise me?”

Huffing out a laugh, she picked up her own coffee but didn’t sip. “It’s too soon. I mean, I wouldn’t let him give me a gift, which in his world was really nothing much, yet I’m thinking about a future and how much I want him in it.”

Fiona rubbed her shoulder. “Listen, from what you’ve said, you already tried to fit into a world where you didn’t feel like you belonged. If you can’t be straight with him when he goes over the top, then you’re not as steady as you think you are. Has he given you any reason to think he’s upset or hurt?”

She smiled, thinking of the text he’d sent this afternoon, telling her he couldn’t wait to see her tonight. “None.”

Dropping her arm, Fiona began packing up her laptop. “Then stop sweating it. Enjoy it. Live in the moment. You two can’t be in the same room without drooling over each other so I’m thinking he feels the same way.”

Giving her a mock glare, Hailey stood up. “I do not drool.”

Fiona laughed, touched the corner of her own mouth. “You’ve got a little right there just from talking about him.”

Hailey’s tension eased with the laughter. “Get out.”

“On my way. See you Sunday.”

“Fi?”