Ready, Set, I Do! (Rx for Love)

by Cindy Kirk - Ready, Set, I Do! (Rx for Love)

Blame it on the wedding, she thought ruefully. A handsome man, the intoxicating scent of fresh flowers and seeing a couple so much in love saying their vows had filled the air with romance. It had also brought back the memory of the single kiss she’d once shared with Winn.

  It had been a long time ago, over a silly party game of Spin the Bottle. But he’d made it a kiss to remember.

  Of course, her memory might have embellished the impact, but Hailey didn’t think so. The way she was feeling tonight, one kiss of that caliber could easily tumble her straight into Winn’s bed.

  Even as she experienced a thrill at the thought, Hailey knew it wasn’t going to happen. She’d never been into one-night stands. And Winn wasn’t into relationships.

  After a couple minutes, the groom drew the pastor away. Winn wasted no time directing Hailey with purposeful steps across the reception tent and into the quiet of the warm summer evening.

  Outside, they followed a crushed-rock path and settled on an ornate metal bench under a large oak. Winn looped his arm casually along the back of the bench.

  He surprised her by raising his eyes to the skies and expelling a heavy breath. “Thank you, God.”

  “Okay, I’ll bite.” Hailey laughed. “What are you thanking him for?”

  “I was convinced the preacher was going to ask me which of the sermons you were discussing was my favorite.” Winn shook his head. “That would have been disastrous. I’m not good at that kind of thing.”

  “From what I’ve observed, Mr. Ferris, you’re very adept at thinking on your feet.”

  “I’m excellent,” he said with no pretense of modesty. “I was speaking of my ability to come up with answers to sermon questions.”

  “Too much of a sinner?” she teased.

  His lips lifted in a lazy smile and he fingered a lock of her hair, rubbing a silky strand between a thumb and forefinger. “Is gluttony a sin?”

  Something in his eyes told her he wasn’t speaking about food. She swallowed past the sudden dryness in her throat and nodded.

  “Well, I’ve been known to overindulge on occasion.”

  Hailey let her gaze linger on his mouth, on those sensual lips. She could only imagine all the ways he indulged. Though the evening was mild, gooseflesh dotted her exposed skin. Electricity filled the air.

  An answering spark flared in Winn’s dark eyes.

  Hailey found herself leaning toward him with tingling lips, but she pulled back before reaching the point of no return. All too easily she could find herself indulging in him. Drastic measures were needed to prevent that from happening.

  “To answer your earlier question, I’m not sure exactly when I decided to watch Cam.” Hailey had observed discussing a child or a baby was a great way to kill any lascivious thoughts.

  It appeared to work on Winn. The smoldering heat in his eyes vanished as if she’d doused him with a bucket of cold water.

  She experienced a pang of regret before continuing. After all, she liked indulging as much as any other young, single woman. “I was leaning toward saying yes when you first asked me to watch him. Since then I’ve been impressed with your desire to help Cam adjust and I want to help.”

  “Thank you.”

  His hand closing over hers had her rising to her feet. She spoke casually over the loud thumping of her heart. “If you’re checking on Cam, I’d love to come with you. If you don’t mind, that is.”

  “Of course I don’t mind. I enjoy your company.”

  Deciding she had her emotions under control, Hailey took his proffered arm. Still, she couldn’t stop the pleasure that washed over her when he smiled down at her.

  “I’ve been to my share of weddings,” Winn said as they drew close to the small tent located near the Finster home. “I don’t recall ever seeing a children’s tent.”

  “This is a first for me, too,” Hailey admitted. “I heard the Finsters have a huge contingent of family here, most of whom brought their children. Mrs. Finster didn’t want them running wild and decided to provide a supervised area. Susan convinced her mother to open the tent to the kids of wedding attendees.”

  The tent holding the children was much smaller than the one for the adults. Instead of an archway decorated with flowers and tulle, the entrance to this tent had a huge banner proclaiming May the Force Be With You. Laughter and shouts from the interior spilled into the calm night air.

  A teenage girl dressed as Princess Leia was texting while standing guard. Her dark hair was wound into a bun on one side. Only because she was looking did Hailey see the look of startled surprise in Winn’s eyes as they drew close.

  But as he approached the “princess,” his expression gave nothing away. “I’m here to check on my son.”

  The girl stuffed the phone in her pocket and stepped aside. She smiled, showing a mouthful of braces. “If he’s inside, I’m sure he’s having fun.”

  Upon entering the tent, Hailey’s eyes were drawn to the tables of food. She saw “Jedi Juice” and bottles of “Vaderade.” The Jabba the Hutt cake looked as if it had been set upon by a swarm of locusts. The Obi-Wan Kenobies made out of fruit had barely been touched. Hailey grabbed a “Wookiee Cookie” and popped it into her mouth, while glow stars and planets glittered overhead.

  The original Star Wars movie played in one corner. Children watched from multicolored beanbag chairs in front of the big screen. A group of younger children played Pin the Lightsaber on Yoda, with the help of a girl dressed as Luke Skywalker.

  Another group of school-age boys and girls sat around a table building a Lego starfighter.

  She spotted Cam at the same time as Winn. Blindfolded under a Darth Vader piñata, his son swung a lightsaber with all his might at the papier-mâché container while a group of boys cheered him on. With a solid thwack, the piñata opened and candy spilled out. Cam whipped off his blindfold and grinned triumphantly at Charlie, before both boys dived for the treats.

  Hailey had never seen Cam smile so broadly, not even for Bandit. She slanted a sideways glance at Winn. Her heart rose to her throat at the look on his face.

  This, she realized, was why she’d agreed to help him. He wanted nothing more than for his son to be happy, and it was within her power to help him succeed. This was her opportunity to make a difference.

  While a few kids scrambled for the last of the goodies, a girl dressed in a Chewbacca fur bodysuit and mask, blindfolded Logan, Travis and Mary Karen’s middle boy. His twin brothers shouted encouragement from the sidelines.

  Hailey waited by the food table, trying one of the fruit kabobs and watched Logan’s wild swings. Hailey couldn’t believe the money the Finsters had spent to keep the children happy.

  Perhaps, Hailey mused, she’d missed her calling. Maybe she should consider adding party planning to her list of part-time jobs. When she’d left her promising career as a speech therapist in Denver to return to Jackson, she never thought she’d have such difficulty finding a full-time professional position.

  Even knowing that, she wouldn’t change a thing. When her father was told he had only months to live, she quit her job to move home and be near him. Those early days in Jackson Hole had been spent at the ranch, doing whatever was needed to ease her mother’s burdens and support her father.

  Miraculously, the new experimental regime the doctor had tried had vanquished the cancer. Slowly, he’d returned to health. Once he was fully recovered, they hadn’t needed her anymore.

  Oh, she knew her parents loved having her around. And she loved being close to them and Tripp. The thought of leaving her family held little appeal. For the time being, she’d agreed to take care of some of the business functions involved in running the ranch.

  But really, any of the employees could handle the tasks she’d been given. Though Hailey enjoyed the variety of the part-time jobs—and was jazzed about her new ven
ture with Cassidy—the money she brought in wasn’t enough to allow her to rent a place of her own.

  Once her dad was well, the thought of being twenty-seven and still living with Mom and Dad was untenable. When she’d mentioned she might move back to Denver, her parents insisted she could help them out by moving into their condo in Jackson.

  The two-bedroom condo had been initially purchased because her mom wanted to be close to the hospital during the months her father was most ill and receiving treatment. They hadn’t yet decided if they were going to sell or rent it out.

  Though her mom and dad had made it clear they’d support her in whatever she decided to do, they urged her to stay at least until Tripp and Anna’s baby was born.

  Hailey had moved into the unit within spitting distance of Snow King three months ago. She adored having her own place. But it wasn’t hers, not really. Despite her parents’ insistence that she was doing them a favor, Hailey still felt a bit like a freeloader.

  In many ways, Winn’s offer had been an answer to her prayers. She could help Winn. She could help Cam. She could make a difference. And, bonus, earn some cash.

  “He says he’s having fun and wants to stay and play longer,” Winn said in satisfaction as he rejoined her. The wonder in his voice touched her.

  “Cam will be okay.” Hailey placed her hand against his arm. “I have a good feeling.”

  Winn’s slow smile did strange things to her insides. “You know,” he said, “I’ve got a good feeling, too.”

  * * *

  Winn had just finished his second cup of morning coffee when a knock sounded. He stiffened when he opened the door and saw the dog at Hailey’s side. But, remembering the way Cam’s eyes lit up whenever Bandit was near, he smiled and motioned Hailey—and the animal—inside.

  “Cam is still sleeping.” Winn kept his voice low. “He had a rough night.”

  Winn had high hopes when they’d returned home after the reception. Cam had been relaxed and happy on the drive home. Once in bed, he’d fallen asleep easily.

  But less than an hour later, Cam had awakened, crying. Neither of them had ended up getting much sleep. Seeing tears run down his little boy’s cheeks had been like a knife to the heart.

  Thankfully, the sympathetic look in Hailey’s eyes told Winn he didn’t need to go into detail. When she and Bandit drew close, he inhaled the fresh scent of pear. The fruit had always been a favorite of his.

  “You look nice.” Hailey looked him up and down, her gaze assessing. “Very GQ.”

  Winn felt overdressed in his dark suit, crisp white shirt and blue patterned tie. Especially when he compared his attire to Hailey’s worn jeans and boldly patterned shirt in vivid shades of blues, greens and yellows.

  The outfit reminded him of something a college coed on her way to class would wear. Of course, she wasn’t a college student. While she was seven years his junior, at twenty-seven, he’d hardly be robbing the cradle if they ever did hook up.

  Hook up?

  Hailey was his neighbor and friend. If he took her to bed and things went south between them, he might lose her friendship. That risk he wasn’t willing to take.

  Still, he couldn’t help noticing the snug fit of her jeans and the way the shirt outlined her full breasts. Winn forced his attention to the black Hublot on his wrist, checking the time. “I have meetings all morning, but if it’s important you can reach me on my cell.”

  “Got it.” Hailey’s lips quirked. “Don’t call unless Cam is bleeding.”

  “It’s also okay to call if you’re the one bleeding.”

  She emitted a laugh, a low and pleasant sound that brought a smile to his lips.

  He placed a hand on her bare arm, finding her skin warm and soft as silk. “Seriously. Don’t hesitate.”

  “Aye, aye, Captain.” Hailey’s mock salute dislodged his hand.

  Before he could offer a glib response, she sobered. “You mentioned it was a rough night. Nightmares again?”

  “How about I catch you up over a cup of coffee?”

  “I love you, Winn Ferris.”

  He chuckled. “Are you sure it’s not my coffee you love?”

  She brought a finger to her lips. “That may, just may, be part of it.”

  “I have a breakfast blend. Or, if you prefer, something called chocolate-glazed donut. The coffee flavor,” he clarified at the sudden flash in her eyes. “Not the pastry.”

  “I’d love a cup of chocolate-glazed donut.”

  Winn couldn’t stop the pained look.

  Hailey grinned and followed him into the kitchen, Bandit at her heels. She took a seat at the table. “If you don’t like it, why buy it?”

  “It came in a variety pack.” He shrugged. “I keep it for guests.”

  “Well, this guest thanks you.”

  “You’d better taste it first,” he warned.

  Less than a minute later she sipped the steaming brew, enhanced with a generous helping of half-and-half, and exhaled in pleasure. “This is almost as good as a glazed donut.”

  “You’re easy to please.”

  She smiled and took another sip.

  Winn curled his fingers around his own mug, wishing he didn’t have to rush off in a few minutes.

  Two lines of worry appeared between Hailey’s brows. “Tell me about the nightmares.”

  “Same as before.” Winn sat down his cup, overwhelmed by the depth of his son’s pain. “He woke up crying and calling for his mother.”

  Winn thought of those days and months after his mother’s death. Although they hadn’t been particularly close—she’d been too busy with her social engagements to give him much time—he’d grieved alone as his father had immediately returned to his demanding schedule.

  That would not happen with Cam. His son, not the job, came first.

  Hailey gazed down into her coffee, her face filled with sympathy. “Poor little guy.”

  Winn’s throat constricted. He hated that Cam had to go through this. But not alone, Winn reminded himself. He took another sip of coffee then stood.

  “Will you be home for lunch?” Hailey pushed back her chair and rose, startling Bandit. The dog shifted his gaze from her to Winn, then dropped back to lie on the floor.

  “My mother gave me a recipe for her macaroni and cheese.” Hailey walked with Winn to the door. “I’ve been dying for a chance to make it. It’s a lot of carbs but it’s fantastic.”

  Winn couldn’t remember the last time anyone—other than a paid staff member—had cooked him a meal. “You don’t have to go to all that trouble.”

  “No trouble,” she said cheerfully.

  “I should be back by noon.” He reached for the doorknob.

  Hailey grabbed his arm. “Not so fast.”

  Winn lifted an eyebrow.

  “Your tie is a little crooked.” She reached up and adjusted the knot. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. I’m always fixing my father’s.”

  “Are you saying I’m like your dad?” Winn found the thought more than a little disturbing.

  She grinned impishly. “In the sense you’re both smart and charming men, you are. But believe me, Winn, when I look at you, I don’t think of my dad.”

  Winn didn’t think. He reached out, pulled her to him and planted a hard kiss on her mouth. “Glad to hear it.”

  When he reached the bottom of the outside steps, Winn paused, bewildered by what had just occurred. Kissing Hailey had been an impulsive response to a pretty woman’s bright smile and teasing words. He never expected it to be so...amazing.

  Or to already be wishing he could do it again.

  Chapter Eight

  In the waning hours of the afternoon, Hailey sat with her mother at the kitchen table she remembered so well from her childhood. Thoughts of the c
onfidences she and her mom had shared at this table over the years brought with it the temptation to confide in her mother once again.

  She feared she was falling for Winn. But the feelings were so new, so private, that she couldn’t push the words past her lips.

  She wasn’t at all certain how Winn felt about her. Would she make a fool of herself once again? Would she discover she was only a means to an end for him? When Winn had arrived home for lunch, he’d acted as if the kiss that morning had never happened.

  “Both Winn and Cam loved your macaroni and cheese,” Hailey said instead. In her family, food was always a popular topic.

  While waiting for her mother to reply, Hailey picked up a potato and began to peel it. Though tonight’s dinner was in the slow cooker, her mother was already planning tomorrow’s menu: potato and leek soup with grilled salmon flaked on it.

  “Any accolades are yours.” Kathy’s eyes glowed with pride. “You were the cook.”

  A slender woman with dark blond hair cut in a stylish bob, Kathy Randall could easily pass for ten years younger than her fifty-nine years. Recalling Winn’s stories about his less-than-loving parents, Hailey felt blessed to have grown up in such a supportive home.

  “I’m glad you’re teaching me to cook,” Hailey blurted out.

  Her mother placed her knife on the table and smiled. “I’m happy you’re finally interested. Even a year ago you weren’t.”

  “Someday I’ll have a family of my own. Preparing meals will be a necessity.” Hailey had always assumed she’d one day marry and have a family. She’d thought it would have happened by now. No worries. She had plenty of time. “Regardless, I find I eat healthier when I cook.”

  Her mother nodded agreement. They worked in companionable silence, finishing with one potato, picking up another. Then her mother’s gaze met hers.

  “Josh wasn’t good enough for you. You’re better off without him.”

  Hailey had expected her humiliating experience with Josh to be brought up sooner or later. She appreciated that her mother had brought him up when they were alone. Both her dad and Tripp were protective of the women in their lives. They’d been furious at Josh’s subterfuge.