“What do you think?” Kate asked after a few seconds had passed.
“If you’re asking if I’d like to work for you, the answer is I would. But I do have some questions. Perhaps we can find a time to sit down and discuss the position in more detail?”
“Absolutely.” Kate captured her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Any of the three of us can answer your questions. Just so you know, we’ll be flexible regarding hours and—”
“Ready?” Winn asked, striding into the room.
“I’ll give you a call tomorrow,” Hailey told Kate.
“I look forward to it,” Kate said with a pleased expression.
As Hailey floated into Cam’s room to say good-night, all she could think of was what a difference a few minutes could make.
Chapter Sixteen
Hailey told Winn about her conversation with Kate as they left Jackson and drove to his father’s ranch. The Tetons remained in the distance while they drove past subdivisions that seemed to rise out of nowhere. They’d then disappear to be replaced by vast expanses of grazing land.
“Are you interested?” he asked, his voice carefully neutral.
“Very interested.” Happiness spilled from her voice. “The hours will be flexible. It sounds like if I ever needed to leave early on a Friday to help Cassidy, it wouldn’t be a problem.”
“They’d be lucky to have you.”
“Thank you. But I haven’t made a decision yet. And if it doesn’t work for me, there are a lot of excellent speech therapists in the area.”
“Not with your warmth and caring and talent,” Winn argued.
Hailey touched his arm. “That’s sweet.”
“It’s the truth,” he insisted with obvious sincerity.
He was, she realized, one of her biggest champions.
“If they need you to start before the end of the summer, I can make other—”
“No worries,” Hailey said before he could say more. “They haven’t even broken ground.”
She forced a smile at odds with the sudden heavy feeling in her chest. “I’m afraid you and Cam are stuck with me for the duration. I mean, until the end of the summer.”
“The duration sounds better.” He shot her a wink then shut off the engine and stepped out of the car, rounding the front to open her door.
The windows of his father’s extravagantly expensive ranch home gleamed like jewels in the soft summer night. Even from the end of the driveway, where they’d been forced to park, sounds of music and laughter spilled from the house.
Hailey tilted her head and listened. “First time I’ve heard jazz played at a barbecue.”
Winn grinned. “Dad always has set his own entertainment rules.”
“Something tells me tonight is going to be full of surprises.” She slipped her arm through his, wanting the physical closeness, even if it was only during the short walk to the door. “Who’d your father hire, anyway? I don’t think you told me the person’s name.”
“That’s because I don’t know it.” Winn covered her hand with his as he meandered toward the house, his steps as slow and plodding as hers on this lazy summer night.
It was as if neither of them wanted this time alone to end.
“Whoever it is, I feel sorry for the poor bastard.”
Hailey bit back a smile. “That’s not very nice.”
“It’s true.” Winn lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “The new one won’t last longer than any of the others. My dad is a real SOB. He goes through assistants like he goes through a bottle of bourbon.”
Hailey cast a sideways glance, hearing the simmering anger beneath the carelessly tossed words. Something told her the intensity of his annoyance wasn’t about an impromptu party fouling up their plans for tomorrow, or the fact Jim had hired a new assistant and was playing cat and mouse with the name.
“You’re irritated he hasn’t wanted to see Cam. That he puts you off when you try to schedule a time to get together.”
Winn stopped at the base of the steps leading to the house. There was a cold fury in his eyes now. But it was the momentary flash of pain she’d seen that made her heart ache.
“Do you know what he told me?” Winn stepped away from her, agitation fueling his movements. “He said Cam isn’t really his grandson, so he’d prefer the boy call him Mr. Ferris.”
Winn swore and raked a hand through his hair. It was a nervous gesture from a man who prided himself on being perfectly groomed, no matter what the circumstances.
At any other time, the tufts of his thick dark hair sticking up at odd angles would have made her smile. Not tonight. Winn had spoken the truth. Jim Ferris really was an SOB.
Only the fact that he was Winn’s father, and she didn’t want to escalate the tension between him and his dad even further, kept Hailey’s tone even. “Doesn’t he realize the love binding you and Cam together is stronger than blood?”
“I don’t believe my father knows what love is.” Weariness settled over Winn’s handsome features. “I don’t even know why I came tonight.”
“So you can say you’ve listened to jazz at a Jackson Hole barbecue.” Hailey forced a cheery tone. Reaching up, she smoothed his hair in a gesture that halfway through struck her as a little too wifely. She dropped her hand. “There. You’re perfect.”
He was, she thought with a sigh, perfect for her. The only trouble was, she’d never been perfect for anyone.
Winn captured her hand. “We won’t stay long. I promise.”
“It’s your call.”
“Don’t leave me, Hailey.” His fingers tightened around hers. “I couldn’t bear it.”
“Oh, look.” Relief flooded her as she saw Jim Ferris step onto the porch. “There’s your father.”
* * *
Thirty minutes later, Hailey eyed the door longingly as one of the many bartenders stationed throughout the sprawling ranch house mixed her a Crazy Coyote Margarita. Anna and her mother had raved about the taste of the drink for months, so Hailey had decided to give it a try.
As a lime wedge was added to the salt-rimmed glass, Hailey regretted her earlier response to Winn. If she could go back in time, she’d have whispered something suggestive in Winn’s ear before they’d reached the door. Something X-rated, guaranteed to make him sweep her into his arms and head back to the car.
That way, she wouldn’t have had to endure Jim’s effusive and obviously phony welcome, complete with a hug. She wouldn’t have to endure this boring party, where one minute felt like ten. And more important, she’d never have been faced with seeing Josh Gratzke again. What were the odds the man who’d used her would end up being Jim’s new assistant? Of course, after her brother had given him the boot, there probably hadn’t been many doors open to him in Jackson Hole.
“Looks like you landed on your feet.”
Hailey stifled a groan, immediately recognizing Josh’s voice with its almost imperceptible lisp. Her mission to avoid Josh all evening had come to a swift end. It figured he’d wait until Winn was engaged in a serious conversation with Merle Bach, a board of trustees member, to approach her.
“Here you go, miss.” The college-age bartender handed her the drink, flashing a warm smile. “One Crazy Coyote.”
Despite feeling Josh’s eyes boring into her, Hailey ignored him and took a big sip of her freshly made drink, blinking at the strong taste of tequila.
“Margaritas are such a girlie drink.”
Like a bothersome mosquito, he obviously wasn’t going away without a couple of swift swats.
“Were you speaking to me?” she asked, gazing at him over the rim of her glass.
She had to admit he fit in with tonight’s crowd in his gray pants and charcoal-colored shirt. But he was too skinny, his lanky frame more like a boy’s than a man’s. And his eyes had a bea
dy, ratlike quality that she’d never noticed before. She wondered how she’d ever thought him attractive.
“Just wanted to be social and say hello.” He offered her one of those lazy smiles she once thought so charming.
Of course, that was before she’d seen him for what he was...a slimy reptile, far more dangerous than any three-foot garter.
“I do believe you’ve been avoiding me.” His gaze drifted over her in an almost intimate appraisal.
In that moment she found herself incredibly glad she’d never slept with him.
“Avoiding you would presume you matter to me.” She sipped her drink, pausing for effect. “You don’t.”
“Ouch.” He placed a hand to his heart. “You wound me, sweetheart.”
“I’m not your sweetheart. Never was.” She waved a hand carelessly in the air. “Oh, congrats on the new position. I think you and Jim will be very happy together. Two peas in a slime pod and all that...”
He gave an incredulous laugh. “You’re still steamed about that little thing with your brother.”
“Are you referring to how you used me to get in good with Tripp?”
“It was business.” A puzzled look crept into his eyes. “I didn’t do anything different than Ferris is doing now. You don’t seem upset with him.”
Hailey pulled her brows together. The alcohol must be affecting her more than she realized, because Josh wasn’t making any sense. “Jim Ferris isn’t using me to get to my brother.”
“Didn’t say he was, although I’m sure he reserves that option for the future.” Josh clucked his tongue. “I was speaking of his son. Winn is the one using you for his own purposes.”
“Good try.” Hailey could have cheered when the words came out casual and offhand—and hopefully just a little bit bored.
“In case you haven’t noticed, Jim has been a whole lot nicer to you than he’s been to most of his other guests.” Josh lifted his glass of beer but paused before taking a sip, his eyes sharp and assessing on her face. “Why do you think that is?”
Hailey had noticed Jim’s fawning but had assumed Winn had put his father on notice. Perhaps the old man had something up his sleeve. That didn’t mean she’d fall for whatever he had planned. Or that Winn had anything to do with the scheme.
Josh was simply fishing.
“Believe what you want.” Hailey stole a furtive glance in Winn’s direction, dismayed to find him still in intense conversation with Merle.
With the vote on the development only days away, Merle—and her brother—were swing votes. Although, the last time she’d spoken with Tripp, he now stood firmly behind Winn’s project.
“Winn is a pro,” Josh said admiringly, following the direction of her gaze. “Like father like son.”
Hailey wasn’t sure what he meant and she didn’t care. “I’m bored with this conversation.”
“If you’re angry at me, you should be with him, too,” Josh insisted when she turned to leave.
Despite her gut telling her to keep walking, Hailey paused.
“I overheard Jim on the phone the other day, laughing and telling his son he’s a chip off the old block.” Josh’s gaze sharpened when she flinched. “And while Jim isn’t keen on kids, Winn keeping the boy turned out to be a smart move because it not only gave him a way to cozy up to you and get his project approved, if he marries you it’ll make the custody fight a slam dunk.”
Hailey felt as if the air had been knocked from her lungs. But she refused to give Josh the satisfaction of knowing his remarks had knocked her slightly off balance.
She trusted Winn. She had no reason not to trust him.
Lifting her lips in what she hoped was a sly smile, Hailey mused aloud. “Since Jim and I are so tight, I believe I’ll just stroll over and confirm what you told me is true.”
Josh blanched but rallied with a laugh. “He’ll just deny it.”
This time the smile that blossomed on her lips was genuine. “Perhaps. But he’d know you said it. I believe that alone will secure your spot in the unemployment line.”
Though Hailey had no intention of initiating a conversation with Winn’s father, she liked seeing fear chase away the smugness in Josh’s eyes.
“Looks like Jim is finishing up his conversation with one of the trustees.”
She’d only taken a couple of steps when Josh’s hand shot out, his fingers digging hard into her wrist.
“You’re not going anywhere.” Josh’s tone was low and so menacing a shiver slithered up her spine.
Her breath came in short puffs, but when she spoke her voice was steady. “Take your hand off me.”
“You best do as the lady asks.” Liam Gallagher, her high-school friend, stepped forward to stand by Hailey. His unwavering gaze pinned Josh.
Though dressed like a gentleman in brown chinos and an ivory shirt, Liam gave the impression of a man you didn’t want to cross.
“Hey.” Josh lifted both hands, that phony smile returning to his lips. “I don’t want any trouble.”
Hailey pinned Josh with a steely glare. “Don’t come near me again or I will go to Jim.”
“You deserve what you get,” Josh volleyed back before melting into the crowd.
More shaken than she wanted to admit, Hailey turned to Liam and flashed a bright smile. “I didn’t even realize you’d be here. But I’m glad you are.”
Hailey started talking about the party, the decorations and the food. The people she knew who were here and those who weren’t. She was chattering, practically babbling, as emotions had her insides pitching like a small vessel in storm-tossed seas.
“Who was that guy?” Liam demanded, his gaze focused in the direction where Josh had disappeared.
“He’s not important. I believe I need some fresh air.” Hailey gazed up at him and smiled beguilingly. “And another margarita, please.”
“You’re easy to please.” The tension left Liam’s face and he returned her smile. Moments later, with drink in hand, Hailey stepped out onto the flagstone patio and let the warm night air slide over her. But it did little to heat the coldness that had gone straight to her bones.
Hailey took a sip of her Crazy Coyote, the gentle breeze ruffling her hair.
“What was going on back there?” Liam asked in the same conversational tone he undoubtedly used with his clients. “You looked ready to deck the guy.”
When she didn’t immediately answer, his gaze searched hers and she saw worry reflected in the chocolate depths of his eyes.
She felt a surge of warmth. Liam was a friend. And he’d never used her. Of that she was certain. “Look at you, all grown-up and handsome.”
“I don’t know about that,” he said with an easy smile, “but I do know you’re the prettiest woman here.”
The words were so similar to the ones Winn had uttered earlier that Hailey’s smile faded. What Josh had said couldn’t be true. Winn despised his dad. He wouldn’t be in league with him.
He also knew how badly Josh had hurt her. He wasn’t callous enough to follow in the jerk’s footsteps. Winn wasn’t callous at all. He was kind. Generous. Full of love.
Tears sprang to her eyes but she blinked them back before Liam could notice. She moved to the edge of the patio and gazed up at the moon.
Liam joined her, placing his glass on a wrought-iron patio table. Despite her efforts to control her rioting emotions, he appeared to sense her despair. He tipped up her chin with gentle fingers. “Tell me what’s wrong, Hailey. I want to help.”
“There you are. I’ve been looking—”
Hailey jerked her head in the direction of Winn’s voice just in time to see his smile disappear.
Liam’s hand slowly dropped to his side. At the murderous look in Winn’s eyes, he took a step back but remained at Hailey’s side.
Winn’s face was cold and austere. If looks could kill, Liam would be six feet under right now.
“Winston Ferris, this is Dr. Liam Gallagher. He and I went to high—”
“I know who he is, Hailey. He’s the psychologist who has been seeing Cam,” Winn interrupted.
A warm smile blanketed Liam’s face and he extended his hand. “He’s a wonderful boy.”
For a second, Winn only stared at Liam’s extended hand. Then he gave it a perfunctory shake.
Nervous energy replaced the blood in Hailey’s veins. She experienced an almost uncontrollable urge to giggle. Not that she saw anything funny about the situation. Quite the contrary.
“So you and Hailey are old friends.” Despite the coolness in his eyes, Winn looped a proprietary arm around her shoulders. The gesture saying quite clearly, “She is mine.”
Normally Hailey would have welcomed the gesture. Now she stiffened, remembering Josh’s words. Had she been played for a fool once again?
“Hailey and I dated in high school.” Liam shot her a fond smile. “She was my first love.”
A tiny muscle in Winn’s jaw jumped.
“First love?” Hailey scoffed, a nervous giggle slipping past frozen lips. “We went steady for all of three months.”
“An eternity to a sixteen-year-old boy.” Liam grinned good-naturedly. “Be careful of this one, Ferris. She’ll break your heart and ten years later won’t even remember you.”
“Stop.”
Liam’s teasing smile disappeared at her tone’s sharp edge.
“He knows I’m joking, Hailey. Right, Winn?”
Winn gave a curt nod, and an awkward silence descended.
Liam rocked back on his heels. “If you decide you’d like to slip in a session for Cam after his grandparents leave next week, I’ll be happy to fit him in.”
Hailey whirled, the movement dislodging Winn’s arm from her shoulders. “Cam’s grandparents are coming to Jackson?”
Ready, Set, I Do! (Rx for Love) Page 17
