Cole pulled into one of the parking spaces and then backed up across the lot so he could get the rear of the truck as close to the walkway as possible. Hayley must have been watching out for him, because she opened the inn door and peeked out. He got out and around walked behind it.
“I’ll just get my coat and gloves and I can help you bring it in,” she shouted.
“Okay, but don’t wear those nice pumps this time.”
“No, I have my boots ready and waiting.”
He took off the bungee cords he’d strapped across the tree to secure it, and placed them on the bed of the truck. The tree was certainly a beauty.
By the time he got everything unhooked, Hayley stood by the back of the truck, a red hat and matching scarf adorning the coat she’d worn earlier at the lot. A snowflake or two had fallen on her eyelashes. It was adorable and he was tempted to ever so gently flick them away, but the fluttering of her lids did that.
“How about I lower the tree down to the ground and then we can carry it in. You take the lighter end,” said Cole.
“What you don’t think I’m tough enough?” she said. She smiled. She had dimples. They were cute too. He winked at her. Only one other woman he’d done that to, and that was Amanda. Normally thinking of her and someone doing something that reminded him of her made him sad, but right now it didn’t. Instead it gave him a warm, relaxed feeling.
“Maybe we can arm wrestle later and I’ll see just how strong you really are,” said Cole.
She laughed again. He lifted the tree down and Hayley grabbed the pointed top. Together they headed up the walkway toward the inn.
“Hope I’m not keeping you from something important,” said Hayley as they made their way inside.
“No, my kids are with one of my sisters, and I was just going home to see if there was anything good to watch on TV.”
“How old are your children?”
“Jon’s almost thirteen, and Nina’s nine. So where were you thinking of placing this?”
“Close to the armchairs by the reception desk. I guess not near the fire, though.”
“No, I’d hate to be called out because your inn’s burning down. Okay, if you turn a little to your left, I can place it right on that spot.”
Best thing was it already had a stand made out of two pieces of plywood, so placing it was a piece of cake.
“So what do you think about that?” asked Cole.
Hayley stepped back to look.
“I think it’s the most perfect looking tree I’ve seen.”
“I do, too. She’s quite a beauty, and a home gown Wyoming spruce.”
“Now all I need to do is shop for decorations.”
Decorations. It suddenly reminded him of the ones in the attic. The ones that had set there unused and now he was thinking of donating them.
“I have some if you don’t mind slightly used ones.”
“Really, I’d buy them from you.”
He shook his head. “I was planning on donating them anyway, so at least I’d know someone put them to good use.”
“Thank you.”
“I can drop them off after I finish work tomorrow…I mean if that’s okay with you?”
“It’s fine with me. I’m here most of the time.”
“That’s settled then. I’ll bring them by tomorrow.”
“Thanks once again for bringing the tree home for me.”
“Anytime. Just glad I could help.”
She walked him to the door and he opened it back, the cold air hitting his cheeks. He turned one last time to face her before he headed out. “And it was nice meeting you, too.”
“Same here.”
****
Hayley stood in the window and watched as Cole headed down the driveway, got in his truck, and then drove out of the parking lot. She’d accepted the decorations not just because she needed some to brighten up the tree, but by saying yes to his offer it would mean she’d get to see him again.
Yeah, she liked him. Had in fact taken an instant liking to him while she’d been at the lot. She’d told herself to stay away from men after what happened with Nick, but a girl could only keep a promise for so long.
She let the drapes fall back against the window, turned, and walked back to take one more look at the tree. Hayley couldn’t wait to see it twinkling with lights and ornaments. Maybe she should invite Cole for a meal and an official tree lighting evening.
Twirling her hair around her index finger, she bit her bottom lip. She’d only just met this guy. Yes, he was a widower, but for all she knew he could have a girlfriend and here she was planning to entice him into her snare. He might not even find her attractive.
Why was life, or at least love, so damn complicated? She envied all her friends who were married or in long-term relationships that had actually worked out. She wanted to be one of those people. And tonight after meeting Cole, she wanted it more than ever.
The bell over the front door pinged and she looked over to see Sadie coming inside, brushing snow off her shoulders.
“It’s a cold one out there,” said Sadie, taking off her gloves. “Oh, I see you have a Christmas tree.”
“Yes, this nice man who was manning the lot offered to bring it home for me. He even brought it in and placed it exactly where I wanted it. And if that isn’t enough, he’s giving me his old decorations.”
“Well, whoever he is, he sounds like a keeper to me.” Sadie rested her hand on Hayley’s arm and suddenly she felt even more determined to pursue Cole.
“Can I get you something to drink, hot chocolate or milk?” asked Hayley.
“You’ve read my mind. Would it be too much to ask you to bring up a mug of hot chocolate to my room? I babysat a very active toddler and I’ve had to read the same story three times and sing a song about a squirrel five times. I’m almost hoarse.”
Hayley laughed. “Sounds like you had fun. And I’ll bring that straight up to you.”
****
Sadie kicked off her shoes and rubbed her feet. It sounded like the first meeting between Cole and Hayley had been a success. She’d like to take full credit, but she had Presley working with her. The little girl had been fascinated when Sadie conjured up an image of the tree lot for them to watch Hayley walking toward Cole. Presley had tried her best to do the same, but Sadie had learned that Presley’s powers were limited to just levitation for the time being.
She hadn’t said anything to Lucy or Brad when they’d returned, thinking it best to wait until Christmas break when they were at home and relaxed. She still didn’t know how they’d react, but she just hoped they wouldn’t be angry enough to banish her from their lives.
There was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Hayley walked in with a tray on which the most perfect looking mug of hot chocolate sat, along with some tempting chocolate chip cookies.
“Oh, you know my weakness,” said Sadie, taking one. “I have a former client who makes some that melt in your mouth. So what did you think of Cole?”
“He’s very nice…wait a minute. I don’t think I mentioned his name to you.”
“Yes, yes, you did. You said this nice man at the tree lot whose name was Cole.”
That had been a close one.
“Did I? I must have forgotten.”
“Either that or he made more of an impression on you than you’d like to think.”
“Maybe.”
“So is there any chance of the two of you going out sometime?”
Hayley shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose I wouldn’t say no.”
“Splendid.”
“What?”
“I meant it is a splendid thing that you’re open to that sort of thing after what your fiancé did to you.”
“Cole might already be in a relationship.”
Sadie washed down some of the cookie with hot chocolate.
Sadie shook her head and Hayley smiled. “You seem to know a lot about Cole. Are you sure you don’t alrea
dy know him, or something?”
“Witc…I mean Scout’s honor,” said Sadie, not sure if it was one or two fingers she should be holding up. “Oh, and before I forget… I’d like to buy some gift certificates from the inn. I thought I’d give them to clients, and it will help boost your business.”
“That’s really nice of you.”
“I have to add it to the expense account. My boss, Nadine, loves all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted, so if I could just get you to sign here please.”
Sadie pulled out a sheet of paper from her case and blinked three times. Hayley would see a simple expense form, but in reality it was a Perfect Pairing contract allowing her to be paired with Cole. Sneaky old Sadie had struck again, but in her heart she knew she had another perfectly matched couple in the making.
“And Hayley.”
“Yes?”
Hayley looked at Sadie, who gazed into the young girl’s blue eyes.
“The cook who usually prepares the pancakes for the Fire Department’s annual breakfast with Santa is going to be sick, so you’ll need to step in and offer your services this weekend.”
Sadie blinked, freeing Hayley from the connection.
“Well, if you don’t mind I think I’m going to turn in for the night,” said Sadie.
“Let me take this mug and plate for you.”
Hayley put them on the tray and walked toward the door. “Sweet dreams.”
“You too, my dear,” said Sadie, waving the sheet of contract around so the ink on Hayley’s signature dried. She wanted to send it immediately on to the Department of Love for processing.
Chapter Six
Cole lifted the box of Christmas ornaments out of the truck. He hadn’t told the kids about giving them away. He supposed he should have because when they were older and had families of their own they might want to use them. But out of sight was out of mind. They’d have to forgive him for being selfish this time.
He walked up the pathway and up the steps to the front door. He opened it, hearing a bell ring above his head. He’d come straight from work and hoped Hayley didn’t mind him showing up in his jeans, cowboy hat, and boots.
He didn’t see her or anyone else about in the reception area.
“Hello,” he called out.
Hayley stepped out from one of the back rooms. Tonight she wore a beige sweater and black pants. Was it his imagination, or had she gotten even prettier since the night before?
“Hi,” she said.
“The box of decorations I promised you.” He offered it to her.
She walked toward him and he immediately detected her perfume. It was a floral scent similar to the one Amanda had favored. And once again the memory it sparked didn’t upset him. He took a deep breath, enjoying it more as she got closer.
“Thank you,” she said, taking the box from him. She set it on the counter and pulled the lid open. “These are beautiful. Are you sure you want to part with them?”
He nodded. “Positive.”
“Can I get you something to drink? Maybe you’d like to hang a few of the decorations on the tree with me.”
“No…I mean a drink would be great, but I can’t stick around to decorate a tree with you.”
That had sounded abrupt, borderline rude, and that’s the last thing he wanted it to be. She was a stranger and he didn’t want to explain why he was giving up the decorations and couldn’t even offer to help hang them.
“So what can I get you, a beer, coffee, wine, or hot chocolate?”
“A coffee would be great.”
He took off his cowboy hat and ran his fingers around its brim.
“I have some brewing in the kitchen if you want to follow me.”
He walked behind her, smelling that perfume more with each step she took. He couldn’t take his eyes off her shiny red hair as it seemed to bounce when she walked. She turned around as if she knew he was observing her. He smiled. She smiled, and then turned back. The place was beautiful with the brickwork and oak beams. He’d never known such an inn existed in Casper until yesterday.
“So how many people are staying here?” asked Cole as they arrived in the kitchen.
“One lady from out of town just left and I have a couple here tonight. That’s it for two nights.”
She poured the coffee and handed it to him.
“Guess times are tough for lots of people.” He took a sip and then sat the mug on the counter. “How did you end up buying this place?”
“Got talked into by my fiancé…my ex-fiancé.”
He nodded. “I take it things didn’t work out. Sorry to hear that.”
“Me too, but I guess some things are for the best. However, I’m now stuck with this place. I shouldn’t make it sound like it’s a burden because it’s beautiful, but I’d feel a lot happier if I could get more guests in here.”
“Like I said, I’ll put a notice up at the fire station.”
“I’m thinking of hosting a Christmas tea for the ladies and maybe a New Year’s Eve party.”
“Sounds like a lot of fun.” He lifted his mug and took another sip.
There was sudden silence between them.
“Are you sure I can’t twist your arm to get you to decorate the tree with me?”
He looked at his watch. “I have to go. My kids will be needing help with their homework.”
He’d sounded abrupt again but if he didn’t leave before she asked another time, he’d be forced to tell her the whole sad story and he might even cry. He didn’t want her to see that.
She nodded.
They walked out to the reception area, and Cole put his cowboy hat back on. Hayley opened the door for him. He didn’t want to go, but he had to. He turned and looked at her, wanting so badly to ask her out, but he couldn’t. He’d promised his wife no one would take her place.
“Thanks for the coffee,” he said, wondering if this would actually be the last time he’d see her.
“Thank you for the tree delivery and the decorations.”
“Maybe I’ll see you around sometime.”
“I hope so.”
And now he was tempted to kiss her, but quickly offered her his hand instead.
She took it and they shook.
“Nice meeting you, Hayley.”
“You too, Cole.”
He turned and walked back to the truck, wondering if he could actually spend the second half of his life all alone.
Chapter Seven
Hayley put her back flat against the door. Was it just her; and maybe her sheer desperation for a man and sex, but was she correct in thinking he was attracted to her?
However, Cole seemed to be sending her mixed signals in that department. She was pretty certain he’d been considering asking her out before he left a few minutes ago. Even kiss her goodbye, if only on the cheek. But it had been a simple business-like handshake and a maybe I’ll see you around, see ya!
Maybe she’d end up as that spinster who ran the inn on the hill. Shit, why had an image of the house from Psycho popped into her mind?
Perhaps she shouldn’t have kicked Nick out like she had. Everyone deserved a second chance. She shook her head. What was she thinking? Finding him in bed with someone else right under her nose had been bad enough. Him owning up to the fact that it wasn’t the first time he’d done it, and that he didn’t know if he could actually commit himself to just one woman was unforgivable.
Yes, she’d done the right thing by telling him there’s the door, now use it.
She walked over to the box of decorations sitting on the countertop and opened up the lid again. She reached inside, pulling out one of the ornaments, a ballerina that spun as you held the top. Next she pulled out a snowman with the words, Yellowstone Park 2007 on it. The next one was a couple of mice kissing and the words our first Christmas written in ink underneath them.
She fingered it. He’d obviously given her these by mistake. He’d probably forgotten ones of sentimental value were mixed in with the regular ones. Sh
e’d phone the fire department to get his number and make sure he got them back.
****
“Wow, there’s a slice of pizza left over,” said Jon.
Cole saw his son eyeing it. Even he’d noticed something wasn’t quite right tonight. Cole didn’t have his usual appetite. When Amanda died it had taken close to a year to get back to his enthusiasm for food, and in the process, Cole had lost twenty pounds. Tonight grief wasn’t the reason for the uneaten pizza.
He was thinking about Hayley. Part of him wanted to ask her out. Part of him didn’t want to go down that road. He didn’t want people assuming he was all healed and ready to date. That was never going to happen. When life threw the sort of crap it had at him, it had left him a changed man who would never be the same.
The second reason, he couldn’t face the hurt again. He could see why some guys were reluctant to get involved when a lady had trampled all over their hearts. His was a different sort of fear. Losing another person he cared about scared the shit out of him. He didn’t think he’d have the sort of courage he’d mustered up the first time around.
“Can I have it?” asked Jon.
Cole nodded and slid the box toward his son. He and Nina were the only things that had, and continued to keep him going. They needed him and he reminded himself of that simple fact every time he walked into the barn at work and saw an exposed beam and a piece of rope calling his name.
“Everything okay, Dad,” asked Nina.
She was perceptive just like her mother had been. Her hand went to his back. Another one of her mother’s habits. When people weren’t feeling especially good both of them sensed it.
“Sure, just tried. I had a busy day at work.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Okay, young lady, time to get cleaned up and off to bed.”
“Can I watch a movie first?”
Cole shook his head.
Promises to Keep Page 4
