5. Chapter Five
Chapter Five
Blaire
I t was impossible not to fall in love with the Hayes family. They’re everything I used to wish for when I was a little girl. Open, loving, close, and so many of them. It was hard not to feel jealous of everything they have, while also feeling happy for them all. Dallas’ parents have clearly worked hard at building a beautiful life with adult children who have strong relationships with their parents and each other. If only.
When I was growing up I got moved around so much I started to shut myself off from developing those relationships, knowing they’d end eventually. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish I had a sister or brother of my own. Even if the banter is wild and heated, it’s so clear as an outsider that the love between those Hayes siblings runs deeper than anything else. Except for maybe Sawyer’s love for Ivy. In my twenty-seven years, I’ve never seen a man love like he does. I can’t even fathom what that would feel like. To be the absolute center of someone else’s world, to feel safe and comforted, happy with another person who knows you so deeply and intimately. It’s the dream, honestly. A dream that would require me to be transparent about who I am and where I truly come from.
Like every day, I get ready for work with my music playing to drown out the quiet, doing my best to tame my wild hair, putting on a thin layer of makeup, and dressing in a navy blue sweater dress with tights and boots. Today I have two tours, a meeting with Ivy to finalize the plans for her wedding on Saturday, and anything else that comes up. Grabbing my coat and purse, I close up my apartment, ready to take on the day.
I love my morning drive to work. The hushed stillness of the early morning hours magnifies the beauty of our town, creating a sense of enchantment that’s impossible to ignore. I drive along the narrow, winding road through town, flanked by the towering Sitka spruce and evergreen trees. Twinkling Christmas lights glow from every lamppost and give a whimsical addition to the already charming vibe. Wisps of smoke curl from the chimneys of the older, rustic homes and cottages. Fog still coats everything, a frigid winter chill in the air, everything quiet and hibernating. As the sun begins to rise over our sleepy small town, I pull onto the long gravel road that leads to the gorgeous property. The distillery sits in the most scenic part of town, and the view of the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains is breathtaking. I love winter, and Aspen Ridge is the epitome of a winter wonderland. I know deep in my bones that I want to settle in here and make this paradise my forever home.
I climb out of my car, grab my bag, and beeline it to the office doors on the other side of the building with five minutes to spare. When I round the corner, Cole is standing at the entrance in what looks like a heated discussion with Dallas. There goes my peaceful start to the day.
“Morning, boys,” I greet them as I approach.
Cole takes a step toward me, coming into my space and leaning forward to place a chaste kiss on my cheek. My face flames from the unexpectedness of it, slight embarrassment washing over me.
“Good morning. You look beautiful today. I brought you a pick-me-up.”
Dallas, who is still standing off to the side, scoffs loudly, and I look over at him just as his eyes are rolling. His muscular arms are crossed over his broad chest, the sleeves of his button-up shirt rolled up to right below his elbows, showcasing the half-sleeve of tattoos on his right arm. A chill works its way down my spine, scattering goosebumps across my flesh. I know it’s not from the winter chill. I shake my head and return to Cole.
“Thank you. That was really sweet.”
Dallas makes a choking sound and I shoot him a glare.
“Pumpkin spice. I know all the women are obsessed with this.”
I do my best not to let my shoulders deflate. I take a small sip and hold back my gag. Pumpkin Spice lattes are the worst drink on the planet, and my tastebuds salivate, doing their job to try and wash away the vile taste currently working its way down my throat.
“Mmm. Thank you, Cole. That was really thoughtful.”
Presumptuous. But thoughtful.
“Don’t you have a job to do today, Ms. Hollis?” Dallas interrupts.
“Surely she can be a few minutes late. Give us a moment to chat. I’m sure the big boss can be lenient for the pretty lady. What do ya say?”
My eyes open wide, slightly shocked by Cole’s tone, but these two clearly have a history and this is a pissing contest that I have no desire to be a part of.
Dallas cocks his head to the side and studies me, but before he can open his mouth, I speak up.
“It’s okay, really. Dallas, I’ll be right in. Cole, thank you for the latte. It was thoughtful.”
“I have to admit, it wasn’t completely selfless. I was hoping to take you out again.”
“Oh.”
“Blaire!” Dallas’ voice is thick with irritation and something else I can’t quite place.
“I’ll text you, okay? Thank you again.”
Dallas holds the door open for me and I slink inside the entryway, the warmth from the heat instantly flushing my face. Dallas walks away from me and I scurry to catch up to him just as his foot hits the first step that leads to our offices on the second floor.
“Dallas.”
He continues to walk up the stairs, not acknowledging me. This man is so infuriating. Attractive or not.
“Dallas!” This time I grab his forearm, electricity shooting through me. I pull my hand back like he burned me. He stops walking and looks down at the place my hand was before meeting my eyes. God, he is so good-looking. His facial hair is cut close to his skin, coarse stubble that I imagine leaves burn marks if trailed across fragile flesh. His eyes are a mesmerizing sky blue and so much depth and emotion swirl within the light shade. My eyes trace over his features as the heat starts to rise in my body.
“What, Blaire?” he snaps. But his expression tells me he is completely aware of the thoughts I was having. Shit. How long was I just staring at him?
“You can’t snap at me like that, especially not in front of my friend.”
“Is that what he is Blaire? Your friend ?”
Is he serious right now? Does he think just because he keeps cornering me in bathrooms and telling me his feelings about Cole that I will just listen?
“That’s none of your damn business.”
He takes a step down the stairs and closer to me. My breath hitches.
“I told you he wasn’t right for you.” His eyes shamelessly look down at my lips before meeting my eyes again and holding me hostage. He thinks he has the upper hand in this game, but I’ll drown a slow death before I give in. This time, I take a step into his space, making his eyes widen. I run my free hand down the length of his tie, smoothing it against his firm, muscular chest. The growl that leaves him comes from somewhere deep and forbidden. I glance at his lips, my pussy throbbing and wet. His hand reaches out slowly toward my waist just as I speak.
“Like I said, that is none of your business, Mr. Hayes. Now excuse me, I have a job to do.”
I walk up the stairs, leaving Dallas behind me, not feeling an ounce of shame for the way I let my hips sway side to side with each step that takes me farther away from my infuriating, sexy boss. He doesn’t follow me, and for that, I’m thankful.
Once I’m safely in my office, I hang up my coat, drop the coffee cup into the trash can, and take a seat in my chair at my desk. It’s hard to believe I have my own office, and most mornings I can’t help but take a peaceful moment and look around at the space. I come from less than nothing. I worked hard in school despite the trauma that was going on outside of it. I knew that my education would be my ticket to freedom, and that the only thing separating me from the streets would be busting my butt to get into college and taking out student loans.
I worked tirelessly, keeping to myself and staying focused so I could someday sit in a place like this. To be here now? The event coordinator for a huge distillery, building a piece of their company that they’re proud of, creating memories for tourists and the people of our community? I’m filled with pride.
I pull out my laptop from my bag and open it up to check my schedule, email, and plans for the day, feeling more clearheaded than when I got here.
Nothing will rattle me today.