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

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

  “Hailey made us hot dogs for lunch,” the boy told Winn. “We wanted chips but we had oranges instead.”

  “When I was a boy, my father never let me have hot dogs,” Winn said with a rueful smile, his gaze fixed on the road.

  Cam’s small brows pulled together in a frown. “Your dad s-sounds m-mean.”

  “Not mean. He just has an aversion to processed meats.” To Winn’s credit, he didn’t trash Jim. Obviously he didn’t want to prejudice the boy against the “grandfather” he’d soon meet. Winn’s father had been out of town for almost a week but was due back tomorrow.

  “I still think he s-sounds mean,” Cam insisted.

  “We’re going to his ranch tomorrow,” Winn said in a casual tone. “You’ll get a chance to meet him. As well as his housekeeper, Elena.”

  “She’s a real sweetie,” Hailey told Cam.

  Looking dubious, Cam shrugged. He lifted the iPad from his lap and began to play a game involving a “shiver” of sharks.

  “Will this be the first time Cam and your father have met?” Hailey asked in a low voice as Winn turned onto the mountain road leading to the Fisher home.

  “Dad saw him several times when I shared joint custody with...” Winn paused as if concerned about his son overhearing. “I don’t believe Cam remembers those encounters.”

  Hailey thought of Jim Ferris’s acerbic wit and Cam’s tender spirit. The fierce feeling of protectiveness that rose inside Hailey surprised her with its intensity. The speech therapist in her was concerned that a blunt comment or two from Jim could set Cam’s progress back. But mostly she was concerned about the little boy’s heart. She felt like a mother lion poised to defend one of her cubs.

  “Aren’t you worried?” The question popped out before Hailey could remind herself that Cam wasn’t her cub, er, child, and where Winn took his son was none of her concern.

  “Not at all.” Without taking his eyes off the road, Winn grasped her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. “You needn’t be, either. I won’t let anyone hurt him.”

  The words, said with such authority and certainty, had the ball of worry in Hailey’s stomach dissolving.

  “I’d like you to come with us tomorrow.”

  “Me?” Her voice rose and cracked. Spend her Sunday with a man who scared her spitless? No, thanks.

  “The way I see it, the three of us are a team.” Winn flashed a persuasive smile. “It’s best for all members of a team to show solidarity when facing a potentially difficult situation.”

  “I don’t know...” Hailey chewed on her bottom lip. She could only imagine what Jim might think—and say—if she showed up with Winn and Cam.

  Because she was Tripp’s sister, Jim might be nice to her. But the man was unpredictable and volatile.

  As if he could read her thoughts, Winn’s fingers tightened around hers. “What I said applies to you, too. I won’t let him say or do anything to hurt you.”

  What about you? Hailey thought, looking at Winn’s strong face that had become so familiar, so dear. Who will protect you?

  She would. She would protect him.

  “I’d love to go with you.”

  At Winn’s quick smile, she chuckled.

  “Okay, so maybe love is too strong a word. I—”

  “My—my mommy loved me.”

  The small voice from the backseat had Hailey freezing.

  “I know she did, buddy,” Winn said with an easy manner that Hailey couldn’t help admiring.

  “Then why did she leave me?”

  The question had been asked before and would no doubt be asked many times in the future, a plaintive cry of a little boy trying to make sense of all the changes in his world.

  “She didn’t want to leave you,” Winn said with such surety any doubter would have been convinced. “Your mother never would have left you if she’d had a choice. But I’m here for you, son. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Silence filled the backseat for several heartbeats.

  “Okay,” Cam said finally.

  Winn meant what he’d said. He would be there for his son. In time, Cam would see that while he might no longer have his mother, he could count on his dad.

  The party was in full swing when they arrived. Cars lined both sides of the road as well as the circular driveway leading to the large two-story home. Winn finally found a spot on the road in front of a minivan.

  “Just think, one day you’ll be driving one of those beauties,” Hailey told him.

  Winn blanched.

  “Don’t worry.” Hailey patted his arm. “From what I’ve heard, the decline happens in stages. You barely notice.”

  Though the sun still shone brightly, hurricane lanterns lined the walkway to the house, ready to be lit when the sun finally set.

  Sunflowers with faces as big as dinner plates flanked the front door. Travis welcomed them, thumping Winn’s back and kissing Hailey’s cheek.

  Dressed as Travis was in ultracasual jeans, a plaid shirt and sneakers, Hailey doubted anyone who didn’t know Travis would peg him as one of the top ob-gyn physicians in Jackson Hole.

  Travis took her hands and stepped back. “You’re looking all grown-up and beautiful tonight.”

  Hailey felt a rush of pleasure. “I always said you were my favorite of Tripp’s friends.”

  The father of five grinned, then turned to Winn.

  “You better treat her right, Ferris. Hailey is like a little sister to me.”

  “I’d have thought you had enough sisters,” Winn retorted, but there was no rancor in his tone.

  “You can never have too many,” Travis said diplomatically.

  “Stop with the little-sister stuff.” His wife appeared, looking cute as a button in a blue knit top and a flirty skirt dotted with tiny flowers. “Trust me, honey. Once a woman reaches a certain age, she doesn’t want to be anyone’s little sister. Am I correct, Hailey?”

  Hailey knew that for a lot of years Mary Karen—known affectionately as MK—had been referred to as David Wahl’s little sister.

  “It’s true, Travis,” Hailey solemnly agreed.

  Travis expelled a melodramatic sigh. “Once again I stand corrected.” He cast his wife a glance, but even his downturned lips couldn’t hide the twinkle in his eyes. “Why can’t you be like the nurses at the hospital? They would never think to correct me.”

  “Even if that is true, which, by the way, I don’t believe for a second, will the nurses at the hospital—?” His wife rose on tiptoe to whisper in his ear.

  Travis’s blue eyes widened then darkened. “Now?”

  MK’s eyes danced. “Soon.”

  The hostess shifted her gaze to the small boy standing silently at his dad’s side. Dressed in jeans and a brightly striped tee, Cam shifted from one foot to the other, his eyes big as quarters, taking in the scene.

  “Logan has been asking about you, Cam.” Mary Karen’s tone turned motherly. “He can’t wait to play. Charlie just arrived.”

  She held out her hand. “I’ll take you to the playroom.”

  To Hailey’s surprise Cam hesitated and reached for her hand.

  “If you decide you want to see your dad or Hailey at any time, we’ll get them for you.” MK spoke directly to the little boy, her voice soft and even. “In a little bit, we’ll all get together for some fun activities in the backyard.”

  “W-what k-kind of a-a-activities?” Cam stammered.

  “Croquet. Horseshoes. Badminton. Among other games.”

  A frown worried the boy’s brow. “I—I don’t know th-those g-games.”

  “They’re fun,” Winn told his son. “I’ll teach you when it’s time.”

  Mary Karen waited a moment then asked again. “Do you want me to take you to the boys now? Last I saw, they were p
laying with the train.”

  Hesitantly Cam released her hand. Hailey gave him a reassuring smile.

  “I want to see the train,” Hailey heard Cam say to Mary Karen as she led him toward the stairs going down to the playroom.

  Hailey and Winn visited with Travis for only a minute before their host left to answer the door. Although a fair amount of people were gathered inside, she and Winn followed the laughter coming from the backyard.

  They stepped outside into a cacophony of noise and color. There were several metal washtubs filled with ice and bottles of soda and beer. A mason-jar-inspired drink dispenser filled to the brim with lemonade held chunks of lemon as big as a man’s thumb.

  Scattered tables were covered with brightly patterned cloths featuring various summer flowers. Centerpieces composed of glass teapots held not only ice and tea but also edible flowers. Bunting strung above the tables, held up by baker’s twine, added vintage charm.

  Hailey widened her eyes at the sprigs of berries and leaves interspersed between the bunting. She felt a surge of excitement. While no one was currently kissing under the mistletoe, she knew it was only a matter of time before someone took advantage of the situation.

  Would it be her and Winn who kicked off that tradition? Or was it a promise of a kiss that Mary Karen had whispered into her husband’s ear only minutes earlier?

  Hailey spotted Tripp and Anna chatting with Meg and Cole. When her sister-in-law saw her, a smile lit her pretty features. It froze on her lips when Anna noticed who was with her.

  “Chickadee,” a booming voice called out behind her. “You’ve finally arrived. Now this party can get started.”

  Hailey turned to see Cassidy hustling toward them in three-inch orange heels. Atomic-yellow leggings looked painted on and the black tunic top boasted a huge orange-and-yellow sunflower. The hairstylist had continued the look with tiny flowers woven through her blond curls.

  “You look fab, Cass.”

  Cassidy held her at arm’s length and studied her from head to toe. “Those shoes are totally mag. And your hair is incredible. The clothes are...nice...albeit a trifle on the boring side.”

  Beside her, Winn stifled a laugh.

  Hailey lifted a brow. “Albeit?”

  “Just trying to punch up the vocab. Conversations can be so boring.” Cassidy shifted her gaze to Winn. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you so delectably casual, Ferris.”

  Winn jerked a head in Hailey’s direction. “Her influence.”

  Cassidy brought an orange-and-purple-tipped finger to her lips then nodded. “Yes, I see it now.”

  The stylist shifted her gaze to Hailey and she felt herself begin to blush. Something about Cassidy’s scrutiny made her feel like a wayward child caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

  Cassidy wrapped her fingers around Winn’s muscular biceps and batted her lashes. “I do so love a strong, virile man.”

  “Keep your hands to yourself, Cass,” Hailey warned.

  Winn grinned. But the smile vanished when Cassidy pinned him with those bright blue eyes.

  “I sense something sizzling between you and my girl,” Cassidy said in a tone that would make a fortune-teller proud.

  “Cass,” Hailey hissed as several people standing nearby turned.

  “What red-blooded man wouldn’t be attracted to Hailey?” Winn’s tone was light. “She’s intelligent and beautiful. That’s a potent combination.”

  Cassidy’s blue eyes turned cool. “Are you going to break her heart like that scumbag Gratzke?”

  “Josh didn’t break my heart, Cass,” Hailey huffed. But neither of them appeared to be listening to her.

  “I don’t intend to, no.”

  “Okay, then.” Like a queen bestowing absolution on her subjects, Cassidy fluttered her hand in the warm summer air. “Go forth and multiply.”

  “What?” Hailey squeaked.

  “I meant, go forth and have fun,” Cassidy amended. “I’m going to mingle and see—”

  The hairstylist stopped midsentence, her shocked gaze focused in the distance.

  Hailey tracked the direction. Dr. Tim Duggan stood laughing with Travis. A brown-haired woman dressed conservatively in khakis and a mint-green shirt stood beside Tim with her arm looped through his.

  “Who’s the woman with Tim?” Winn asked. “I don’t recall seeing her before.”

  “Jayne Connors,” Hailey said.

  Cassidy squinted behind her yellow-and-black cat’s-eye glasses. “Plain Jayne? I don’t think so.”

  “It is,” Hailey insisted. “I ran into her at the grocery store a month or so ago.”

  Winn’s eyebrow arched. “Plain Jayne?”

  “Her nickname in high school.” Cassidy snapped her chewing gum. “Isn’t she a librarian or something?”

  “I’m not sure about her occupation. We only spoke for a few minutes in the produce aisle.” Hailey studied the couple. They looked good together. “My mother says her mom and Tim’s mother are thrilled they’ve started seeing each other.”

  “Why?” Cassidy asked bluntly, her expression inscrutable.

  “The two mothers are BFFs. They’ve wanted Jayne and Tim to get together since they were babies.”

  “Just because he’s hanging with her at some stupid party doesn’t mean anything,” Cassidy insisted.

  Hailey couldn’t figure out why Cassidy even cared. “I guess—”

  “As fascinating as this conversation has become,” Winn interrupted, “David Wahl just stepped outside. He’s head of the zoning committee. I want to catch him before the party takes off.”

  “It’s always business with you, Ferris,” Cassidy said mildly.

  “Business and sex,” Winn said sardonically. “What else is there?”

  Cassidy lifted her hands, let them drop. “Truer words.”

  Winn squeezed Hailey’s shoulder, met her gaze. “I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes.”

  He sauntered off and Cassidy gave a low whistle.

  “Mr. Dark and De-Lish.” Cassidy licked her lips. “What’s he like in the sack?”

  “Why are you asking me?”

  Cassidy’s gaze narrowed. “You really expect me to believe you and he haven’t done the deed?”

  “The deed is still undone,” Hailey confirmed. She saw no need to mention they’d rounded second base on the sofa the other night.

  “What the hell are you waiting for? The Second Coming?”

  “Let’s just say the opportunity hasn’t presented itself...yet.” Thinking of her earlier premonition, Hailey shivered in anticipation.

  “Don’t wait too long.” Cassidy’s gaze shifted briefly back to Tim and Jayne. “Otherwise, some early bird may end up getting your worm.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “The night is still young.” Winn fingered the sprig of berries and leaves in his pocket. “Plenty of time for kissing once we get home.”

  Home with Hailey.

  Why did it sound so right?

  Before opening the car door, Winn linked his fingers with hers. He brought her hand to his mouth and placed a kiss in the palm.

  “Since Cam is having a sleepover, perhaps you’d be interested in one as well.” He kept his voice casual and offhand. “My bed. Pajamas optional.”

  “I don’t wear pajamas.” The words came out in a throaty purr.

  Winn felt a tightening in his groin. “Is that so?”

  She flashed an impish smile. “Not really. I just always wanted to say it.”

  Winn reached for the door handle then stopped. She hadn’t said yes. Without warning, he yanked her to him and kissed her until she moaned and went limp against him.

  “Say you’ll stay with me tonight,” he urged, nuzzling her neck.

 
“Yes,” she said breathlessly.

  But when he tried to kiss her again, Hailey placed a palm against his chest and pushed him back.

  “No more kisses until we get home,” she said in a prim schoolmarm-type voice that turned him inside out. “Or I may be tempted to pull you to the ground and have my way with you right here.”

  Winn glanced down at the gravel road and winced. Making love to Hailey on the side of a road would be a memorable event but for all the wrong reasons. He could wait the twenty minutes until they got home.

  Then he’d make it a night to remember...for both of them.

  * * *

  Hailey kept the conversation light all the way home. By the time Winn pulled into the garage, her heart felt as if it had been invaded by jumping beans.

  At the top of the stairs, she paused to twine her arms around his neck. The last thing she wanted to do was leave him now, but it couldn’t be helped. She ran her fingers through his thick, silky hair. “Give me ten minutes. I have to take Bandit out and then make sure he has food and water.”

  Winn’s gaze searched hers before he gave her a hard kiss that curled her toes. “I’ll be waiting.”

  Once inside her apartment, Hailey hooked Bandit to the leash with trembling hands. Thinking of Winn and his hot, persuasive lips had her quickening her steps. She hurried Bandit to the patch of grass at the front of the building.

  As the dog sniffed and moseyed from one bush to another, Hailey tried to curb her impatience. Now that the “perfect” time had arrived she didn’t want to waste a second.

  She hadn’t been kidding when she’d told Winn she was ready to pull him to the ground. His kisses had ignited a fierce yearning. But the yearning went beyond sexual need. The connection between her and Winn was one she’d never experienced with any other man.

  This connection mattered. The fact that it did scared her to death. The feelings she’d had for Josh had been a pale imitation of what she felt for Winn.

  Tonight had been their first night out together as a couple. Now she was going to sleep with him. Was she being foolish? Impulsive?

  Probably.

  Despite her growing feelings for Winn, she was entering into this liaison with eyes wide open.