Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
T he minute she’d seen Hayden in the hallway, her body had screamed for his. But she knew nothing would happen. He’d made that clear.
Then he’d walked past her, and she’d practically bitten her tongue to keep from saying something flirtatious, or outright asking him to reconsider his one-night rule.
Then he’d mentioned a tickle fight, and she’d known he would never do that to her. That he’d meant something else entirely. So she’d let herself flirt a little by threatening to lock him inside. She’d never imagined he’d take it a step further. She couldn’t believe he was kissing her.
And it felt divine. She’d woken up early this morning from a hot, sensual dream in which he’d made achingly slow love to her in his house. The house he’d just told her he was selling to Kyle. That made her sad.
The hell with sad. She didn’t want that emotion right now. She wanted desire and anticipation and pleasure.
His kiss wasn’t soft or gentle, but hard and demanding. His body pressed into hers, pinning her against the door. His hands were on her hips, kneading her flesh through her shorts.
She slid her hands up under his shirt and ran her nails lightly over his back. He thrust his pelvis into her, connecting just enough with her clit to send a wave of need pulsing through her.
She moaned softly into his mouth, and he pulled away, saying, “Shh. You don’t want Theo to hear, do you?” He moved his mouth to her neck, nibbling and licking at her flesh.
“We’re not really doing this, are we?”
“Sometimes you talk too damned much.” He kissed her again, his mouth hot and wet, his tongue spearing into her as his hips slammed into hers.
He brought his hand up under her shirt and cupped her breast, squeezing her through her bra. Then his hand was inside, plucking at her nipple, driving her frantic with want.
She clutched at his back, her nails curling into his flesh. She widened her legs, silently pleading with him to ease the ache between them.
He still understood their language. His hand glided down over her belly and unfastened her shorts. Then he plunged into the garment, his fingers finding her heat.
“Damn, Bex. You are so wet.”
“Because you are so damn hot. We are in the bathroom of a random rental house. ”
“What’s your point?” He picked her up by the waist and turned, setting her on the counter between the two sinks. He cupped the back of her head with one hand and kissed her again.
What was her point? She gave herself over to him, spreading her legs so he was nestled right between them.
He let go of her head to pull her shorts and panties down her legs. Together, they managed to get them off one leg before her impatience won out and she tugged him forward once more. All the while, their kiss blazed on—hot and sultry, amping her desire.
He tore his mouth from hers. “You know, I could do this all day, but we should hurry before Theo comes looking for us.”
She snagged her lip with her teeth, almost afraid to ask this question. “Do you have a condom?”
His lips curved up, slowly at first, and then spread into a Cheshire cat grin. “That would be a real bitch if I didn’t, now, wouldn’t it?” He pulled his wallet from his back pocket and withdrew a condom.
She took the package from his fingers and tore it open. “When did you become such a hardcore tease?”
He tossed his wallet on the counter and unbuttoned his shorts. “You don’t like it?”
She pulled the condom out and dropped the wrapper. “You’re different.” With her free hand, she shoved his underwear down inside his shorts and stroked his cock. Smooth and hard, she ran her fingers up and down his length. “I like it. A lot. ”
She moved faster, loving the feel of him.
“Now who’s the tease? Bex, you need to hurry.”
She flashed him a not-sorry smile. “Sorry.” She ran her thumb over the tip, capturing the moisture there before stretching the condom over his length.
She’d barely covered him before he slipped his hand beneath her ass and scooted her to the edge of the counter.
“Wrap your legs around me and hold on tight,” he growled.
She tilted her hips up and did as he said. The anticipation she’d been looking for rocketed through her. “Is this the part where you screw me senseless?”
He guided himself into her, slowly, but then he plunged forward, filling her completely. He kissed her deeply, his tongue mimicking the thrust of his cock as he drove into her. She heard his hand slap against the mirror as he braced himself. Then he let loose and did exactly what she’d said.
He pulled his mouth from hers as they moved together. Their pants filled the small room, but they fought to be as quiet as possible. At least it was a struggle for her. She wanted to moan and yell and tell him how good he felt.
She squeezed her legs around his hips, urging him deep, while she clawed at his back through his shirt. She was mindless with need, pleasure beating through her. His speed and depth were relentless, pushing her to the edge. Then he brought his hand around from her backside and found her clit, stroking her over the mountain and down the other side into sheer bliss.
Her orgasm exploded through her, and a cry started in the back of her throat. He kissed her again, stealing any sound she’d been about to make.
A moment later he came too, his body thrusting deep into hers. She swallowed his grunt and held him tight, her heels digging into him as she pinned him against her.
He broke the kiss once more, panting as he fought to regain his breath.
A soft knock on the door made them both freeze. “Hello?”
Bex widened her eyes and mouthed, “Now what?”
Hayden shook his head and put his finger to his lips. “I’ll be out in a sec, Theo.”
Hayden pulled free from her body and went to the toilet to dispose of the condom.
Bex slid from the counter and pulled her clothes back on.
After flushing the toilet and readjusting his clothing, Hayden turned and pointed to the bathtub. “Get in,” he mouthed.
Bex stepped in as Hayden went to the door. Just as she was about to pull the shower curtain closed, she saw the condom wrapper on the floor. “Hayden!” she hissed softly.
He turned, and she pointed at the wrapper.
He bent and picked it up then shoved it into his pocket. He threw her a sexy grin before turning back to the door.
Struck with an impending case of serious giggles, Bex slapped her hand over her mouth as she pulled the curtain closed.
“Sorry, I had to use the bathroom.” Hayden said. Then all she heard was muffled voices and retreating footsteps.
She waited a minute then left the bathroom, picking her way down the stairs quietly. The front door stood partway open, and she saw Hayden and Theo talking on the porch.
She walked toward them and pulled the door wider so she could step outside.
Theo turned. “Oh, there you are. I wondered if you’d left.” He frowned. “Did I miss you upstairs?”
Hayden arched a brow at her.
Bex smiled at Theo. “No, I was in the backyard. There’s a lovely pear tree.”
“Yes, and strawberries, though they’re done now.” Theo looked between them, his brow creased, but didn’t say anything more.
“Thank you for meeting me,” Bex said. “I’ll make a decision as soon as possible and let you know.”
Hayden stepped off the porch. “I’ll do the same. Thanks, Theo.”
“If you both decide you want it, you’ll have to duke it out.”
Bex walked down the steps to the front path where Hayden stood. She made eye contact with him but quickly looked away before she broke out laughing.
“Oh, I’m sure we’ll find a way to make peace,” Hayden said.
Had they? His words filled her with hope. But what had changed since yesterday morning?
Theo chuckled. “Sounds good. I look forward to hearing from you!”
Hayden waved as they strode, side by side, to the sidewalk. Once there, he glanced over at her. “Well, that was a new one.”
Bex finally let her giggles go. “I’m sorry,” she managed between fits. “But that was close. The condom wrapper . . .” She wiped at her eye.
Hayden grinned then looked up and down the street. “Where are you parked?”
She pointed to the next block over. “Up there.”
They crossed the street since they were both parked on that side. Once they reached the other sidewalk, a sliver of discomfort edged through her good mood. She longed to ask what had happened to change his mind since yesterday, but was afraid to tempt Fate.
“Listen, I’m sorry about that,” he said. “I got a little carried away.”
“I’d say we both got a lot carried away.” She laughed nervously. “Can’t say I minded, though.”
He looked at her, his gaze assessing. “Clearly I didn’t mind either. Just the same, we should probably be careful.”
She nodded. “Absolutely. Wouldn’t want to get caught.”
He seemed to be struggling to keep a straight face. “Definitely not. That said, it’s possible it could happen again. You know, if we happen to meet up in another rental property.”
“In the bathroom,” she added.
He set his hand on his hip. “I’d be open to the kitchen. Or even a closet.”
“Or a laundry room. Washers are supposed to be fun.”
He laughed. “But then I don’t think you’d need me.”
She wanted to say, I’ll always need you , but didn’t. They’d made some progress today, even if it was very small. She didn’t want to jinx it.
“I need to get back to the brewhouse,” she said at last, not wanting this wonderful interlude to end.
“Yeah, I’ve got some things to do. And listen, please don’t mention that I was here to anyone. I haven’t decided if I’m going to stay in Ribbon Ridge, and I don’t want to get my parents’ hopes up.”
She completely understood. “Mum’s the word.”
He smiled. “Thanks. See you later.”
“Bye.” She turned and walked to her truck. By the time she got to it and turned around, he was already pulling away from the curb. She climbed into her truck and fired up the engine. The air-conditioning blasted into the heated interior, blowing the wisps of hair that had escaped her ponytail during their quickie.
She let her head drop against the steering wheel and groaned softly. What on earth were they doing?
He’d wanted only one night, but then jumped her bones the next time they were alone. They had heart-to-heart, meaningful conversations, and he shared things with her he hadn’t shared with anyone else. She was falling in love with him all over again—she was sure of it—but she’d decided she ought to leave him alone now that he’d finally moved on with his life.
Alaina’s words from yesterday haunted her. “If you want something, you have to fight for it.”
Bex wanted Hayden. More than she’d ever wanted anything—including him five years ago. When she’d broken his heart.
She raised her head and looked at where he’d been parked. She knew she’d hurt him when she’d left, but she hadn’t realized how deep the wound had cut. If she had it to do over again, she’d . . . she’d what? She’d do the exact same thing. She’d felt like she couldn’t breathe here, especially after they’d lost the baby.
If she had it to do over again, she’d leave. Which meant she’d put him through that hell again.
But she wasn’t going to do that, not this time. She cared too much for him. Maybe if she could get him to open up and talk about how he’d felt after she’d left . . .
Somehow she wasn’t sure he’d do that. He seemed to be burying his feelings quite deep these days. Like he was suppressing something.
But if he was really here to stay, and it looked as if he was, she’d have time to figure it all out. She’d peel back the layers and get to the heart of what had gone wrong. Then they’d fix it and start fresh.
Wow, she’d never believed in fairy tales, but that right there was a full-blown Disney story. One day at a time, Bex. Right now, she’d focus on just fighting for him—showing him that she cared, that she wanted him, that she wasn’t the same girl who’d left him. She wanted a second chance.
And she just might want forever.
On Saturday, two carloads drove to Slide Mountain for their group hike. In Cam’s Range Rover, there was Jamie, Hayden, Sean, and Tori, while Liam and Aubrey had ridden up in Bex’s truck. Kyle and Maggie planned to drive up to the campsite later for dinner and to sleep over. They’d determined there was an old logging road that led most of the way to the campsite, which sort of defeated the purpose of hiking everything in. Still, they were doing their best, with Kyle bringing the rest.
Evan and Alaina had opted to stay home while Dylan and Sara were busy working at The Alex, and Derek and Chloe had made prior plans. They’d all fervently tried to convince them to come, but Dylan had staunchly refused. The soft open was Thursday, and he was determined to make sure everything was done on time.
Cam parked at the trailhead, while Bex pulled in next to him. They all bailed out of the cars and grabbed their packs.
Hayden couldn’t help but watch Bex as she slung her pack on her shoulders. She wore olive green ripstop shorts and a fitted light gray T-shirt. Well-worn hiking boots encased her feet, indicating she’d been doing this awhile since their breakup. She hadn’t been a hiker back then. What had prompted her to start? Where had she gone? Had she done this with a boyfriend?
A streak of baseless jealousy shot through him, and he cautioned himself to take a step back. Since their crazy quickie at the rental house, they’d slept together twice, hooking up in his bedroom late Wednesday and Thursday nights. Neither one of them had gotten the rental house—someone else had offered above market—so they were stuck living together. For now. The garage apartment was supposed to be ready later this week when the flooring arrived. Still, she wouldn’t be far away . . .
Again, he urged himself to take it easy. It was one thing to enjoy this . . . fling or whatever it was, but it was another to take it too seriously. For now they were enjoying each other. Laughing, teasing, having a great time. They hadn’t talked about anything deeper than what felt good, and right now that was fine with him. He wasn’t sure he ever wanted to rehash the past. At least not more than they already had.
Bex looked around at the group. “Everyone ready?”
They answered with nods and yeps, and Liam clapped his hands together. “Let’s go!”
“You still want to lead, and I’ll bring up the rear?” Bex asked him.
Of course Liam wanted to lead.
“I’m good with that,” Liam said. He tugged at Aubrey’s hand. “Come on, babe.”
Hayden was tempted to hang back with Bex, but decided that would be a bad idea. They’d be likely to flirt, and he didn’t want to do that today in front of everyone else. He sensed they’d all start hardcore shipping them as a couple, and he didn’t want to deal with that.
So he started out at the front of the pack, just behind Liam and Aubrey. After a while, the group shook out a bit based on speed, and soon Hayden and Liam were alone in the lead.
Hayden glanced up through the canopy at the bright blue sky. It was cooler here in the forest, but still quite warm as they hiked in and out of small breaks in the trees.
“Such a great day for this,” Liam said.
“Definitely.” Hayden looked over at his brother, knowing this was something he’d love, but thinking it was a bit sedate compared with skydiving and heli-skiing. “Have you really toned down the extreme stuff?”
“Yep.” He tossed Hayden a glance. “Hard to believe, right?”
“Honestly? Yeah.” For as long as Hayden could remember—close to a decade anyway—Liam had been taking on one extreme sport after another. “I guess we have Aubrey to thank for that?”
“For sure. And my therapist.” Liam threw him a wink.
Hayden practically tripped over a rock. “Your what ?”
Liam chuckled. “My therapist. Come on, we’re all seeing mental health care professionals now thanks to Alex, aren’t we?” He adjusted his pack. “Maybe not all of us, at least not right now. But Mom has, Kyle sees someone—particularly regarding his gambling addiction—and Tori was seeing someone after she and Sean got back together.”
Hayden had known about Mom, but that was it. Shit, he’d been so far removed from his family that he was pretty much completely out of the loop. But that was his fault, right? He’d pulled himself out and focused on himself for once.
“I had no idea.”
Liam shrugged. “Yeah, well, it’s not exactly cocktail party conversation.”
Hayden smirked at him. “And that’s our primary mode of communication?”
“Good point. But you’ve been off doing your thing. Why would any of us burden you?”
Because we’re family? Hayden thought about when he’d been the one at home, providing support for both his parents and Alex. He’d kept an open stream of communication with everyone about pretty much everything. Yet it seemed they hadn’t done the same.
“You aren’t a burden,” Hayden said quietly. “Neither was Alex.”
“I didn’t say he was a burden, but you can’t deny his actions fucked us all up.” Liam paused, turning to look at Hayden. “Alex and I had an incredibly twisted relationship. He hated me because I was healthy, and I hated him because he wasn’t, and I felt guilty. But we also loved each other. More than anything. Still, we found it best to live apart, so I went to Denver. Like I told you, the sports were all for him.”
“That’s . . . cool? I mean, I’m glad you had something you shared.” Of course they did. They’d been identical twins. They’d shared a closeness the rest of them never could.
“Yeah, I guess, but twisted as fuck, too.” He shook his head and continued on.
Hayden fell into step beside him. “So you stayed away because he wanted you to?”
“It was pretty mutual, but yeah. He told me right before he died that I could come home.”
“Wow.”
“But I still resisted. When I came back for Evan’s wedding and ended up staying to help with the zoning appeal case, I felt . . . strange. Like I didn’t belong. Like everyone had found their place, and I never would. Not in Ribbon Ridge anyway.”
That’s exactly how Hayden felt. Maybe he and Liam could form a bond.
“It’s not like you,” Liam said. “You come home, and it’s as if you never left. You’ve been really instrumental in helping Kyle figure out the wine situation. He said you had a few leads on a sommelier?”
Is that how they saw him? They had no idea how detached he felt. Maybe he should try telling them. “Yeah, hopefully they’ll pan out. But you’re wrong about me. It isn’t like I never left. I did leave. I left Archer, and I don’t plan on ever going back. And I don’t have a permanent role at The Alex like all of you.”
Liam looked at him sideways. “You could have one. Why don’t you take the sommelier position? And you know you can have any management responsibility you want.”
Except for the ones his siblings had taken. No, he wanted his own project. The winery would be his—or at least, it wouldn’t be any of theirs. “Kyle hasn’t offered it to me,” Hayden said as they cleared a small ridge and emerged into the sunlight. They both pulled sunglasses over their eyes.
“He would, but I don’t think he realizes it’s a possibility,” Liam said. “Is it? I thought your job in Burgundy was a done deal.”
He’d certainly led them to believe that, so that was on him. It was also no longer the case at all. He and the Westcotts had put an offer in on Quail Crest, which Amos had accepted. Soon, Hayden would have to share the news because they needed to get started on mapping out infrastructure. For that, he’d need Tori to design the winery, and he planned to contact the engineer who’d worked on The Alex, Cade D’Onofrio.
Hayden didn’t want to spill any of that yet though, so he said, “I’m mulling my options.”
Liam looked over at him in surprise. “You are? That’s great. Mom and Dad will be thrilled. Did you miss Ribbon Ridge?”
More than he’d realized. “Did you, while you were in Denver?”
“At first, yeah. But I built a pretty good life for myself, and I just got it in my head that I would never come home. You’re not doing that though.” He cocked his head to the side. “Or are you?”
That hadn’t been his intention when he’d left, but he couldn’t deny that there was a competitive drive in him to prove he was as capable and successful as his siblings had been away from Ribbon Ridge. Which was perhaps a bit messed up. Maybe he needed therapy, too.
“No. I plan to come home.”
Aubrey caught up to them and snagged Liam’s arm. “You guys were getting pretty far ahead, and we’re stopping for a break.”
Liam stopped and turned. “Oh, sorry. We just got to talking.” He grinned at Aubrey and kissed her fast and hard. He snaked his arm around her waist and drew her close. “How are you doing?”
She smiled up at him. “Good. I’ve had a great view.” She tapped him on the ass, and Hayden decided it was time to leave them alone.
He walked over to a fallen tree and took a long drink of water from his hydration hose. Everyone caught up, and Tori joined him. “Hey, you and Liam were really cruising.”
“Apparently. We’ll slow down.” Hayden glanced over toward Liam and Aubrey, at how close they stood together, and guessed Liam would be hiking with her the rest of the way. It was just as well. He didn’t want to field any more questions about his plans.
“It’s okay. We’re all ending up at the same place.”
Bex finally entered the small clearing along with Jamie. She laughed at something he said.
“How are things with you and Bex?” Tori asked, drawing Hayden to turn his head toward her.
He blinked, glad that he was wearing sunglasses so that Tori couldn’t see that he’d been staring at his ex. But maybe she’d figure that anyway based on the direction he’d been looking. “Fine, why shouldn’t they be?”
“No reason. It seems like you guys are friends. That’s great.”
“We’re adults, you know. And we broke up a long time ago.”
Never mind that they were having sex.
“Sure. It’s just great to see.” Her brow creased briefly. “I worried about it, to be honest. We thought long and hard before offering her the job.”
“But didn’t bother discussing it with me.”
Her lashes fluttered, and she winced. “Sorry. We should’ve. In hindsight.”
Great, he was hindsight . That always felt good.
Shit maybe he did need therapy. Especially if he was going to be living back here. He’d spent so long—his whole life, really—burying his feelings of exclusion and inadequacy. Inadequacy? Is that how he really felt? Maybe. He thrust the emotions away. Today wasn’t the time to finally search his soul.
Tori touched his hand. “I missed you when you left. We had a good thing going with The Alex. You, me, Derek, and Sara. I liked working together.”
Hayden felt a rush of delight. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. But Kyle stepped in all right. Still, I look forward to you coming back.”
“And doing what?” Hayden was curious if she’d bring up the sommelier thing too or something else.
“Whatever you want. We all own an equal share.” She adjusted one of the straps on her pack. “My day-to-day stuff is over now, and I have my own fledgling business to tend to, so I’m keeping my input somewhat limited. Mostly, we’re all just doing our part to execute the soft and grand openings. Then the staff will sort of take it away.”
“Doesn’t it feel bizarre to turn it over to people outside the family?”
“Well, Kyle’s there full-time, and Liam has a pretty strong hand on the management side. The hotel manager is reporting to him.”
Sounded like they had things pretty well covered. “I have no idea what I would do.”
“You could be the sommelier.” There it was. “At least temporarily.”
“Maybe.”
She took a sip of water and cocked her hip. “Why not? You love wine. It would be great to have you back.”
He tried not to sound exasperated. “I want to make wine, Tori, not just recommend it.”
She sighed. “Right. Sorry.” Her eyes lit. “You could make wine here. Buy some grapes. Set up a facility at The Alex. We have room. I could design it for you.”
Why hadn’t they ever come up with that plan before? Because Hayden was an afterthought. Hindsight . He always had been. “I’ll take that into consideration.”
Her eyes lit. “I’m serious. This is a great idea. You should totally do it.”
“Do what?” Cam asked, joining them. Jamie followed on his heels.
Tori pivoted to include them. “I just had the best idea. We can build a winemaking facility at The Alex for Hayden to make a house label.”
Jamie’s brow scrunched as he looked at Hayden. “You want to build the facility there?”
Oh shit , he thought Hayden had told Tori about their plans. He shook his head. “It was Tori’s idea for me to buy some grapes and make wine. She offered to design a facility at The Alex.” He caught Cam subtly elbowing his younger brother.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Cam said, going along with him. “You thinking about it?”
“I’m thinking about a lot of things. Excuse me for a minute.” He turned and walked off into the woods to relieve himself. He supposed he ought to come clean about their winery plans. What was he waiting for?
He didn’t know.
When he came back, Cam was waiting for him. “Sorry about that. Jamie feels like a douche.”
“It’s okay. I can see why his brain went that way. It did sound like I’d told Tori about the winery.”
Cam stared at him. “I know you wanted to wait until after the soft open, but I’d kind of like to go public. It’s pretty much a done deal.”
It was. And telling his family would mean they’d stop asking about his plans. Then he’d have to talk to Antoine . . . and Gabrielle. He felt bad about that, mostly for turning down Antoine’s offer. Gabrielle would be fine.
But what would it mean for him and Bex? He glanced toward her. She stood talking to Aubrey and Liam. With both of them living in Ribbon Ridge, they’d have to figure out what the hell they were doing. Or put a stop to it.
Cam frowned. “You’re looking at Bex. You guys still sleeping together?”
“Yeah, but don’t worry, I listened to everything you said. We’re just having sex.” Fun, amazing, mind-blowing sex.
“Good. Is it a secret?”
“We’re not advertising it. Can you imagine what my family would say? Shit, they’d probably throw a goddamned party.”
“So what are you going to do? You can’t keep this up forever.” He put his hands on his hips. “Unless you want to.” The bitter tone of his voice indicated how he felt about that possibility.
Hayden couldn’t say he felt much better. Being with Bex this week had felt familiar, comfortable. He could see himself settling into a routine with her. But he didn’t want that, did he?
Why did it suddenly seem as though the cushioned haze he’d built around himself over the past five years was about to burst? He needed to get his head on straight.
“Let’s tell everybody,” he said. “You want to do it tonight at the campsite?”
Cam blinked at him. “Really? Yeah, that’d be great.”
“Then let’s do it.”
“Sweet.” He clapped a hand against Hayden’s bicep. “I’m so excited about this, man. More excited than I’ve ever been about anything.”
“I am, too.” But there was still something holding him back, something irritating the back of his mind. Something that kept him from diving in and completely losing himself in the lure of the future before him.
Maybe because there was too much of his past holding him back.