22. 22 #2
Ah, got it. I fell asleep while talking to Hayes last night.
I’m still in my clothes from yesterday, never having gotten back out of bed to change or even brush my teeth or wash my face, which leaves me feeling gross and gritty this morning.
Stretching my arms overhead, I sit up in bed and glance around for a clock.
I need to get my butt in gear if I’m going to wake up the girls and drop them off at school on time, I’m sure. I see my phone on the bedside table, and as I reach for it, I find another note.
AB,
Hope you got to sleep in. If you wake up before I’m back, I’m taking the girls to school. You were sleeping soundly, so we thought it would be better to let you get your rest. But G you need me to show up. And I promise you, I always will.”
I blink back tears as Hayes’ proclamation hits me in the chest. As I stare up at his handsome crooked grin, I realize that the seeds of trust have been sown. I trust Hayes with my heart and with my daughters.
Not too long ago, I wondered if I’d ever trust a man again. Now I have my answer: I trust Hayes.
Ready to lighten the mood, I ask, “Do you have any hair products I could borrow? If I let my hair air dry, it will be frizzy and turn into a big poof ball.”
“No idea, but we can look. I probably have something left over from a photo shoot.” He sends me a big smile before offering, “Or I can braid it for you. Not sure if you’ve heard, but I’m practically a professional at braiding.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Hairdresser Harry. Or do you prefer Braiding Brad?”
Hayes laughs. “God, you're awful at nicknames. Come on,” he grabs my hand. “Let me give you the full tour of the condo so you can learn your way around. Next time, you won’t have to ask because you’ll know where everything is.”
“Next time, huh? Awfully sure of yourself.”
Hayes sends a smoldering stare my way. “Make no mistake, Annabelle, there’s going to be a next time. And a time after that, and a time after that, and so on, and so on. You’re not getting rid of me again.”
His words send a shot of lust down my core.
What I wouldn’t give for a kiss right now!
For a second, I wonder if I spoke my thought aloud because Hayes pulls up short and wraps me in his arms. Gazing down at me, he looks like he wants to kiss me too, but he doesn’t.
He strokes the side of my face gently, almost lovingly, and I melt into his embrace.
Dropping a kiss on the crown of my head, he gives me a squeeze and then releases me, leading me through the condo, pointing out the different rooms before we wind up in the master bathroom.
Hayes crouches down, pawing through the lower cabinets until he tosses a few products my way.
“Hey, Hayes?”
Looking at me over his shoulder, he lifts a brow questioningly.
“Stupid regrets for $1,000, Alex.”
Standing slowly, Hayes turns to face me.
“Is it too late to change my RSVP for a long weekend at the ranch over the winter break?”
He takes a step toward me, closing the small gap between us.
I tilt my head to look him in the eye. “I’m all caught up on my reading, and I think we're on the same page now."
“You saying what I think you’re saying, Jeopardy?”