“Not company.” Hailey waved a dismissive hand. “Just Winn and Cam.”
Still, Anna hesitated, shifting uncertainly from one foot to the other.
“Actually, we were getting ready to leave,” Winn said smoothly. “Time to go, Cameron.”
“B-but M-Mrs. Randall said she had apple p-p-pie for d-dessert.”
Anna shifted her gaze to the boy, offering him a dazzling smile. “Apple pie? Do you think she’ll let me have a piece?”
“Y-you c-could ask her,” Cam stammered.
If she noticed the stutter, Anna gave no indication. “Good idea.”
Anna shifted her gaze to her mother-in-law.
“We have pie enough for everyone,” Kathy said immediately.
“Thank you for the wonderful meal.” Winn motioned for Cam to get up, ignoring his son’s protest.
“Please don’t leave on our account.” Anna placed a hand on his arm.
“I—I want p-pie,” Cam whined.
“Stay,” Hailey mouthed from across the table.
“No need for the two of you to run off,” Frank added.
Winn realized he was on the verge of causing a scene. He decided to eat quickly then leave. “We’ll stay for dessert.”
“Yippee.” Cameron high-fived Hailey.
“Never pegged you for a family man,” Tripp commented as the women busied themselves clearing the table, brushing aside all offers to help.
“I never pegged me for one, either,” Winn said with a rueful smile, recalling how shocked he’d been when he learned Vanessa was pregnant. “That changed when Cam was born...”
Tripp nodded. A look of understanding filled his eyes.
For the first time, Winn felt a connection with the man. Not one forged over a boardroom table, but arising out of a common understanding of what really mattered in life.
“Mom is bringing the pie.” Hailey entered the dining room and placed a tray holding a carafe of coffee and cups and saucers on the table.
Hailey informed them, with a special glance toward Anna—who’d rejoined the group—that the coffee was a special decaffeinated blend from Hill of Beans. The pie ended up being caramel apple with a dollop of real whipped cream on top.
Halfway through dessert, Anna apparently grew impatient and opened the envelope.
Frank cocked his head and stared at the black-and-gray pictures. “What is it?”
“It’s the ultrasound of our grandbaby.” Kathy breathed the words, her voice thick with emotion.
In his business, Winn had perfected the art of reading beneath a man’s carefully composed facade. Tripp sat directly across from him, giving Winn a good view of his face. There was excitement and pride in Tripp’s eyes, but also worry. Completely understandable considering his first wife’s death had been due to late-pregnancy complications.
Kathy stared hard at the image, then pointed with one finger. “Is that a—”
“Our baby is a boy.” Anna reached out and grasped her husband’s hand. “He’s absolutely perfect and just where he should be development-wise.”
“And you?” Frank cleared his throat, looking nearly as worried as his son. “How are you doing, Anna?”
“All good.” She may have spoken to her father-in-law, but her reassuring gaze remained on her husband. “Healthy as a horse.”
“I want to see the baby pictures.” Cam scampered around the table. His eyes widened as he stared at the black-and-white photo. Cam shifted his gaze to his dad, confusion blanketing his face. “That’s not a baby.”
“That’s what a baby looks like before it’s born,” Winn told his son.
Cam glanced at the picture one more time before returning to the table to finish his pie.
Hailey rose to lean over her mother’s shoulder for a better look. “What a handsome boy.”
Winn caught Tripp’s gaze. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
Frank clapped a hand on his son’s shoulder. “It’ll all be okay.”
This time. Though the words remained unsaid, Winn heard them clearly.
“I know, Dad.” Tripp told his father. “I know it will.”
The talk shifted to babies, then to stories about Tripp and Hailey growing up.
“From a young age Tripp always knew ranching wasn’t for him,” Frank said equitably, not appearing bothered by the idea. “His studies were his focus. Hailey, on the other hand, was always more focused on social studies.”
Everyone laughed. Winn wondered if he was the only one who noticed Hailey’s smile didn’t quite meet her eyes.
The momentary lull that settled over the table was broken by Cam’s declaration that this was the “bestest” pie he’d ever eaten.
Kathy beamed at the pronouncement, a fact for which Winn was grateful. When he was growing up, use of incorrect grammar had been grounds for immediate and harsh punishment.
His father saw any faux pas as reflecting poorly on himself. Looking at Cam’s sweet face, all Winn saw was a young boy offering a heartfelt compliment.
“Mary Karen and Travis are hosting their annual summer solstice party on the twenty-first.” Anna’s lips curved. “I wonder if there will be mistletoe this year.”
“Mistletoe?” Frank’s brows pulled together. “In June?”
“It’s practically a tradition,” Hailey explained. “You can’t go to a party at their home without encountering mistletoe.”
“Sounds like great fun.” Kathy shot her husband a suggestive glance. “Should I see if I can wrangle an invitation, Frank?”
“Don’t do it,” Tripp warned, his arm resting on the back of his wife’s chair. “You never know what you might see there. Or what kinds of games will be played.”
Frank put down his coffee cup. “Now I’m intrigued.”
“Hailey can tell you all about the games. She played Spin the Bottle with Winn,” Tripp announced, “the first night they met.”
Tripp gave a loud oof when Hailey’s foot connected with his skin. “Hey. At least I know the names of all the girls I kiss. Used to kiss,” Tripp amended when his wife lifted a brow.
Frank leveled a look at his daughter. “Hailey Anne. Please don’t tell me that you go around kissing men you just met.”
“It was mistletoe, Frank,” her mother soothed.
“Actually, it wasn’t,” Hailey said in a breezy tone, an impish gleam in her blue eyes. “Like Big-Mouth said, we were playing Spin the Bottle.”
“My goodness.” Kathy’s hand fluttered in the air. “I didn’t know anyone played that game anymore.”
“They shouldn’t,” Frank muttered darkly.
Winn tried to contain his grin.
“Anna and I were playing, too,” Tripp offered, earning a grateful glance from his sister. “If that makes you feel better.”
“It doesn’t,” Frank said flatly.
“There were lots of old games being played,” Winn repeated, trying to draw the attention off Hailey. “Not just Spin the Bottle.”
“Is Spinning the Bottle a fun game?” Cam asked, and Winn suppressed a groan.
“It’s a kissing game,” Anna explained. “A person spins a bottle on the floor and they have to kiss whoever it points to.”
“Yuck.” Cam’s face scrunched up. He shook his head vigorously. “I’m not playing that game ever.”
The adults chuckled and the tension in the room eased. Winn couldn’t believe Hailey’s parents were getting so worked up over a single kiss.
A kiss he still remembered...
“Since Winn was a stranger, I’m sure it was just a little peck,” Kathy reassured her husband.
“Actually, the kiss was so hot it was a wonder we weren’t rolling around on the floor.” Hailey brought a finger to her li
ps, her blue eyes twinkling. “At least, that’s how I remember it.”
Though laughter spilled over again, Winn admitted—but only to himself—that was exactly how he remembered it, too.
Conversation finally drifted to the upcoming Fourth of July celebration.
Winn listened with half an ear, sipping his coffee. While the conversation was now firmly off the kiss, he found that was all he could think about. Not the one Hailey had planted on him at that long-ago party, but the one earlier today.
He didn’t regret the impulsive gesture. Hailey’s lips had been as sweet as he remembered. When they were alone and she brought it up, he could explain away the gesture by saying it was a thank-you for being so kind to Cam and for all the nice things she’d done. But Winn knew he wouldn’t. He’d be lying. Not only to her but to himself.
The truth was, he was attracted to Hailey. He liked her, enjoyed being with her. While he certainly hadn’t been looking to become involved with anyone—
“Winn.”
He blinked and discovered Hailey crouched by his chair, her hand on his arm.
Winn glanced around and discovered everyone’s attention was now focused on Cam, who was proudly putting Bandit through his repertoire of tricks.
“Cam wants to ride home with me,” Hailey told Winn in a low voice. “But I need to stop and see Cassidy about an upcoming salon day party.”
“No worries,” Winn said, slightly puzzled. Didn’t she realize she was officially off the clock? “He’ll ride with me.”
“I know, but—” Two bright patches of pink colored her cheeks. “Cam asked this afternoon if I could read to him before he fell asleep. I’d like to do it, if it’s not a problem. I can stop over after I meet with Cassidy.”
“You don’t need to go to that trouble,” Winn said. “I know how to read.”
That didn’t even coax a smile from her.
“It’s no trouble,” Hailey spoke quickly. “I want to do it.”
He was touched by her caring. “Let’s play it by ear. If it works for you, stop by. If not, I’ll do it.”
“I’ll be there.”
Winn grinned. “First thing in the morning. Last thing at night. How did I get so lucky?”
“Keep that thought,” Hailey said in a teasing tone. “I predict you’ll be sick of me before the summer is over.”
“I believe the opposite will be true.”
A startled look crossed her face and Winn cursed his impulsiveness. She’d just split from that weasel Gratzke. Obviously the last thing on her mind was getting involved with someone else.
“What are you two discussing so intently?” Hailey’s mother asked.
Before Winn had a chance to speak, Hailey flashed her parents a saucy smile. “What do you think? We’re planning our next kiss.”
Chapter Ten
Hailey rapped lightly on Winn’s door. Her meeting with Cassidy had taken longer than expected. While she wasn’t exactly sure what time eight-year-olds went to bed, the fact that it was almost nine o’clock had her hesitating.
Perhaps she should have texted Winn before knocking. But before she could pull out her phone—or simply slink away—the door opened.
Hailey blinked once. Then again. She’d never seen Winn dressed so casually. Gray running pants. Black T-shirt. Bare feet.
Even as her blood began to hum, she forced a teasing smile. “Who are you and what have you done with Winston Ferris?”
Winn laughed and stepped aside. “Things are pretty low-key around here tonight. Come in.”
As she strolled past him, Hailey noticed his dark hair was slightly damp. Instead of the expensive cologne he often wore, she caught a pleasing whiff of soap mixed with shampoo.
“You smell really good.” The second the words left her lips, Hailey wished she could pull them back. Sheesh. What was she...fifteen?
“Thanks.” Winn acted as if her comment wasn’t at all odd. “Cam and I took showers. He has on his pajamas, but I decided I should stay dressed since you were coming over.”
Hailey gave a dismissive wave. “Being fully clothed is highly overrated.”
“You could take off yours and I could take off mine.” His eyes flashed with good humor. “But what would your mother say?”
Hailey leaned close and lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I won’t tell her if you won’t.”
He trailed a finger up her arm. “Then let’s do it.”
For a second, Hailey thought he was serious. Then she saw the irreverent gleam in those hazel eyes. With great effort she reminded herself why she was here.
Hailey stepped back and gestured to the bag slung over her arm. The designer satchel was a vivid royal blue. It had room for everything she needed, as well as the entire state of Wyoming.
Stylish, yet eminently practical, was how she regarded the purse Cassidy teasingly called her “suitcase.”
Hailey’s hand dived into the bag and emerged with a paperback. “My parents read The White Mountains to me when I was around Cam’s age.”
She lovingly caressed the first volume of The Tripods trilogy with the pads of her fingers. When she looked up, Hailey found Winn staring.
The teasing gleam in his eyes had disappeared. The expression on his face sent blood coursing through her veins like an awakened river. Hailey licked her suddenly dry lips. “Where’s Cam?”
“In his room. Playing with his soldiers.” Winn pulled his gaze from her lips with visible effort. “You do realize what his first question will be when he sees you.”
“That’s easy. He’ll ask what book I brought.”
“Where’s Bandit?”
Confused at the abrupt change of subject, Hailey answered cautiously. “Bandit is at home.”
“No. That will be Cam’s first question.” Reaching out, Winn briefly touched a silky lock. “Have I ever told you how much I like your hair? It’s the most beautiful shade of gold.”
Though he lowered his hand, the air between them pulsated with need. For one, two, three hard beats, Hailey stood there as if her feet were rooted in concrete.
Bold, Hailey told herself. Be bold.
With her heart still thumping in her chest, Hailey stepped forward, the book clutched in her hand.
“What did you say, Mr. Ferris?” She stared up at him through lowered lashes. “I was so focused on your mouth I missed your words.”
“I—” Winn paused as if trying to recall something just out of reach. “I believe I said I want to kiss you. If I didn’t, that’s what I meant.”
Hailey flashed a sly smile. “Great minds obviously think alike.”
The heat in his eyes sent a tingle of excitement up her spine. She wound her arms around his neck and lifted her face.
As if unwilling to waste another second, Winn lowered his head. He folded her more fully into his arms, anchoring her against his chest as his mouth covered hers in a deep, compelling kiss.
Dreamily, Hailey stroked his thick hair.
He tasted like spearmint toothpaste, her favorite flavor. His hand rose and cupped her breast, his fingers teasing the nipple into a hardened—
“Hailey!” A boy’s joy-filled cry had her jumping back, her breath coming fast.
Dear God, was this how her parents felt all those times she’d walked in on them kissing in the kitchen?
Like a rocket, Cam launched himself at her, wrapping his spindly arms around her waist.
The red, white and blue Captain America pajamas were well-worn and obviously a favorite. Cam’s hair was slightly damp with tufts of light brown hair sticking up in patches.
Cam’s gaze shifted from his dad to Hailey. “Where’s Bandit?”
“Told you,” Winn murmured.
“He’s at home sleeping on his doggie bed.” Hai
ley reached out and gently smoothed down Cam’s hair. “You and my dad wore him out.”
Cam chewed on his lower lip. “Bandit ran after the cows. He got in big trouble.”
It was the first Hailey had heard of the dog causing problems. She pulled her brows together. Her dad was protective of his prizewinning cattle. “That’s not good.”
“Bandit was sorry. Really, really sorry,” Cam continued in a quick small voice, his bottom lip now trembling. “D-d-don’t be mad at him.”
Hailey exchanged a glance with Winn, then offered the boy a reassuring smile. “I’m not angry. I do want to make sure Bandit behaves himself in the future so my dad will be happy to see him.”
“Bandit came right away when your dad called. He said Bandit was a good boy,” Cam told her, his expression earnest. “He said I was a good boy, too.”
It was obvious the compliment had meant a lot to the child. Her dad had always been generous with his praise.
“I’m sure he appreciated your company,” Hailey assured him. “Feeding cattle is more fun with a good helper.”
“I helped Grandpa Larry plant corn once. It grew this tall.” Cam raised the hand holding a toy soldier toward the ceiling. “Grandpa Larry said I was a good helper, too.”
The smile slipped from Cam’s face. “I miss him.”
For a second, Hailey thought the tears welling in the boy’s eyes might spill over.
Out of the corner of her eye, Hailey noticed Winn’s expression had gone stony.
Time to get off this topic. Hailey lifted the book. “Ready for a bedtime story?”
Cam’s tears disappeared and curiosity filled his gaze. “What’s it about?”
“Aliens,” Winn said in a spooky voice usually reserved for Halloween.
“It’s about boys, just a little older than you,” Hailey said, then added, “They fight aliens.”
A light sparked in Cam’s eyes. “Do the boys beat the monsters?”
Hailey started to answer, but Winn winked at his son. “We’ll have to read the book and find out.”
“I like to read.” Cam prattled on about his reading prowess all the way to his bedroom. “My teacher, Miss Leininger, said I was one of the best in her class.”
Ready, Set, I Do! (Rx for Love) Page 10
