Chapter 22
TESSA
Tessa wiped the sweat from her forehead as she jogged up to the house.
She had spent all day helping to decorate and get the resort’s pavilion ready for the town cookout.
She really loved all the town events, but she was exhausted.
Now she needed to shower and change to be ready to host the town as the owner of the resort and as Mrs. Hickory Falls.
She quickly showered and dressed in a red sundress, keeping with the patriotic theme, of course. She pulled her hair into a high ponytail and put on her most comfortable white tennis shoes. No heels tonight, she thought. She would be on her feet way too much.
She left her room in search of Hayes. She hadn’t seen him all day.
He had been fairly busy with handling the vandalism at the baseball fields, but he had helped get the resort ready for the cookout when he could this week.
He and Tessa never got back to their conversation that they had started on the dock.
Tessa had been so close to telling Hayes what she was feeling.
The moment had felt so right, but now she was having doubts.
They hadn’t had another moment to themselves, and the time that had passed since the conversation had allowed doubts and what-ifs to creep into her mind.
What if this was just a passing attraction?
What if she just felt this way because they were pretending?
What if what she was feeling was real? What if Hayes didn’t feel the same way?
What if it ruined their friendship if she said anything?
“Urgh!” she bellowed into the hallway.
“You okay?” Hayes stuck his head out of his room.
“Augh!” Tessa screamed. “I didn’t know you were here!”
Hayes entered the hallway. Apparently, he had just showered.
He was toweling his wet hair as he took in her outfit.
Also, he wasn’t wearing a shirt, just a pair of khaki shorts.
Tessa gulped. Another what if entered her mind.
What if this was just a physical attraction? Because Hayes was definitely handsome.
“Tessa?” Hayes asked.
“Oh, what? I mean, yes, I am okay,” Tessa stammered. “It has just been a very busy day. I am about to head down to the pavilion. Are you about ready? Do you want to go with me?”
“Sure, I’ll be ready in two seconds,” Hayes grinned. “You look very nice.”
“Oh, thanks,” Tessa blushed. “I just wanted to be comfortable.”
“Well, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” Tessa’s blush deepened. “Well, I will see you downstairs.”
With that, Tessa headed for the stairs, trying to avoid looking at Hayes’s chest again.
She flew down the stairs without looking back.
Once she reached the first floor, she leaned against the front door.
Obviously, she had always thought Hayes was handsome.
But she felt like she reacted to his handsomeness on a whole new level now.
Oh boy, she thought, I am in big trouble.
HAYES
Hayes watched Tessa as she practically ran for the stairs.
Was it his imagination, or did she seem flustered?
He grinned to himself, then looked down and realized he didn’t have his shirt on.
Was she flustered because she was embarrassed because he wasn’t fully clothed?
Or was it something else? He was hoping for something else.
They had been swimming together countless times, so it wasn’t like she hadn’t seen him without a shirt before.
He was hoping he might get some answers tonight.
They would be together almost all night, and they would have to dance a lot.
He was frustrated that their conversation at the dock had been interrupted.
There had not been another chance to restart it.
They had both either been too busy or just plain exhausted.
He felt like Tessa had been on the verge of saying something important, but he wasn’t sure.
It was unlikely that they would get a chance to talk tonight, but maybe he could try to create an opportunity.
He reached into his closet and picked out a red shirt so he would match Tessa. He knew she loved themes and matching outfits, so maybe this would be a point in his favor. He grinned.
When he got downstairs and went outside, Tessa was already in her Jeep. He climbed into the passenger seat.
“I know it’s not far to the pavilion, but I thought by the end of the night we would not feel like hiking back,” Tessa explained. “I love this town, but these events are exhausting. I almost can’t wait until the Fourth is over.”
“I know it’s more of a job for you, but I hope you can enjoy the festivities,” Hayes said.
Personally, he was not looking forward to the Fourth of July festivities being over.
After the run as Mr. however, her talent didn’t quite match her enthusiasm.
But Tessa didn’t care; she just had fun.
It was one of the things Hayes loved about her.
That thought stopped Hayes in his tracks.
Oh boy, he thought, I am in big trouble.
The cookout and dance had been going strong for a few hours.
It had been a great success. Everyone was laughing, dancing, and just enjoying the night.
Now, as sunset approached, the view over the lake was breathtaking, making it a perfect summer scene.
Hayes looked over at Tessa, who was deep in conversation with Willow and some of her other friends.
She looked happy and relaxed. Hayes was glad of that, but he had to admit he was a little frustrated.
He and Tessa had barely had any time together all night.
They had their appearance as Mr. a sweet love song to end the evening. Hayes determinedly walked across the pavilion. He was going to finish the night dancing with Tessa.
“Would you like to dance?” Hayes asked quietly as he took Tessa’s hand.
She looked up, a little surprised, but smiled. “Yes, I would.”
Hayes led Tessa to the edge of the dance floor and took her into his arms. He led her gently in a slow dance.
Tessa leaned in a little closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
Hayes tightened his grip slightly as they swayed to the music.
Everyone else around them disappeared. Hayes relished having Tessa in his arms. She tightened her arms around his neck, and he knew he heard a contented sigh.
Hayes was convinced that there was actually something between them.
Dancing with someone had never felt this way before.
Hayes and Tessa were both startled when applause broke out.
The music had stopped, and the crowd was applauding the end of the song.
Hayes and Tessa slowly separated and looked at each other for a long moment.
The moment was broken when the mayor called them to the stage to congratulate them on a wonderful party.
TESSA
Tessa grabbed the last of the decorations and looked around the pavilion.
Everything looked good. Anything left undone now could be finished tomorrow.
She said good night to the workers who were on their way to their cars and went to turn off the lights.
When she reached the main power switch, Hayes was waiting for her.
She shivered despite the warmth of the night. Their dance together had been intense. She was sure that there was something between them. Surely Hayes had felt that electricity.
“Ready to go?” Tessa asked him now.
“Sure,” Hayes answered. “It was a really great night.”
“Yes, it was,” Tessa smiled, hoping he was alluding to their dance.
“Here,” Hayes said, holding his hand out. “Let me drive us back. You must be exhausted.”
“No, I’m fine,” Tessa said as she tried to smother a yawn. Then she laughed. “Okay, you win.”
They walked together in the darkness to the Jeep. Hayes grabbed her hand to lead her over the uneven terrain. He opened the passenger door for her, and she gratefully climbed in.
Hayes jogged around to the driver’s side and started the car. Tessa looked over and smiled at him. It was a less than five-minute drive back to the house, but she hoped the opportunity to resume their conversation would present itself.
Tessa stretched her arms over her head. “It was a really great night. Especially the dancing,” Tessa ventured, sneaking a look at Hayes.
Hayes cracked a small grin, “I agree. I especially liked the dancing.”
Tessa smiled and felt warmth spread through her. She was sure this was the moment.
“Hayes . . .”
“Tessa . . .”
They spoke at the same time. They both laughed. “You go,” Tessa said.
Hayes began speaking, picking up where he had left off on the dock before they had been interrupted by the vandalism phone call. Tessa smiled contentedly. She knew this was the moment. She smiled sleepily, then her eyes drifted closed.
HAYES
“Tessa,” Hayes's voice reached her subconscious. “Tessa, wake up.”
Tessa shot up. “What?”
Hayes laughed. “I’m sorry I am so boring. I put you to sleep.”
“What?”
“You fell asleep as soon as I started talking.”
“Oh, Hayes, I’m so sorry!” Tessa exclaimed. “This day must have worn me out more than I thought.”
“It’s okay,” Hayes said. “You should go on to bed. The Fourth of July is next week, so we will be even busier.”
They got out of the car and walked up to the front door together.
“No, no, I want to talk to you,” Tessa protested as she yawned.
Hayes laughed. “I don’t think you can do one more thing today. Don’t worry, we will talk later,” he said meaningfully.
Tessa wanted to argue, but Hayes was right. She was dead on her feet. As much as she wanted to have this conversation with him, she wanted to be fully present for it.
“All right,” Tessa agreed. “But we are finishing this conversation later.”
“All right,” Hayes concurred. “Good night.”
Hayes leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Tessa’s lips. Then he walked up the stairs to his room, leaving Tessa staring after him.
“Good night,” she whispered, touching her fingers to her lips.