Chapter 36
CHAPTER 36
HAYES
T he next morning, I woke up to the sound of deep breathing. It was the most beautiful sound I ever heard. I opened my eyes and blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling. It took me a second to remember where I was, and then it all came rushing back.
The soft warmth of her body was curled against mine. Dixie was still asleep, her face relaxed and peaceful, her hair a messy halo on the pillow.
I didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to disturb the perfect stillness of the moment. I knew we couldn’t stay like this forever.
Last night had been something amazing. It was a lot like our time in the Maldives. Eating dinner together, going to bed together, and getting to have her next to me all night. I hadn’t expected her mom to show up, and I definitely hadn’t expected to be thrown into the middle of whatever family drama was brewing between Dixie and Frankie. But there was something about the way she’d stood her ground, the way she’d refused to back down, that I liked.
It hurt to be thrown out. I hated that she had to choose her sister over me, but I understood it.
I didn’t know if this reconciliation of sorts was going to last. After meeting her mother, I understood the pressure Dixie must be under. If her parents took her sister’s side in this little argument, it would be difficult for Dixie to be on the outs with her family. That meant I needed to be enough.
What that meant I had no idea, but I was going to make it my mission to figure it out. I understood the heaviness of the decision she made. I knew it tore her up to go against her sister’s wishes. I needed to make sure she knew how much I appreciated her sacrifice.
Eventually, Dixie stirred, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks as her eyes opened. She smiled sleepily when she saw me.
“Morning,” she murmured.
“Morning,” I said, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.
“Was I snoring?” she asked, her voice still thick with sleep, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks.
I chuckled softly. “So loud. It shook the walls.”
“Be serious,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me.
“I am. It was like sleeping next to a diesel generator.”
“No it wasn’t.” She giggled and covered her face with her hands.
“No, I’m playing. But you were breathing like you were in the middle of some epic dream. I didn’t want to wake you.”
She stretched lazily, her arms brushing against mine, and then settled back into the pillow, her eyes half-closed. “What time is it?”
I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “A little after eight.”
She groaned softly, burying her face in the pillow. “Too early.”
“I agree. Can we call in sick for the weekend?”
She smiled. “I wish.”
We stayed together for a while, just lying together, until life demanded we get our asses out of bed. Dixie groaned and sat up.
“I need a shower,” she said.
I grinned. “Mind if I join you? I can help you with those hard to reach places.”
She raised an eyebrow, but the small smirk tugging at her lips told me she wasn’t opposed. “You’re awfully presumptuous, aren’t you?”
“Hey, I’m just trying to make sure you get nice and clean,” I said innocently.
“No, you want me to get down and dirty.” She laughed softly and climbed out of bed, tugging the sheet with her to wrap around her body. “Fine, follow me.”
“Why are you hiding that beautiful body?” I climbed out of bed. “It’s not like I haven’t seen it and not like I’m not going to see it in three seconds.”
She grinned bashfully and dropped the sheet, revealing her naked body. I followed her to the bathroom, and soon enough, the hot spray of water was cascading over us.
Being with her like this, so close, so intimate—it was almost too much. The feel of her skin, slick with water, the sound of her laughter echoing off the tiles, the way her hands slid over me—it transported me back to the Maldives all over again. I remembered the days spent wrapped up in each other with no distractions or obligations pulling us apart. Far removed from the stress of daily life, she was all mine and I was all hers.
“I’ll wash your hair,” I offered.
She tilted her head back, her eyes closing. I lathered the shampoo into her hair. The scent of coconut filled the steamy air. I couldn’t help but smile as she sighed in contentment. My fingers worked through the strands, gently massaging her scalp. She leaned into my touch like she never wanted it to end.
“You’re really good at this,” she murmured.
“I’ve got hidden talents,” I said.
It wasn’t just about washing her hair. It was about the quiet intimacy, this connection that felt so raw and real. I moved her under the water to rinse the suds away, watching as they swirled down the drain.
When I was done, she turned to face me, her hands resting on my chest before sliding up to my shoulders. Her eyes searched mine, and for a moment I thought she might say something, but instead, she just stood there, her gaze holding mine. I felt like the moment was suspended in time.
Her fingers traced a path along my shoulders, down my arms, and then back up again. Her touch was light but electric. I didn’t dare speak, didn’t want to break the spell. She stepped closer, her body pressing against mine.
“Hayes,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the shower.
“Yeah?” My voice was rough, my throat suddenly tight. I didn’t know what was coming, but I was ready for it.
She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she leaned in, her lips brushing against mine in a kiss that was soft at first but quickly deepened. Her hands slid up to my neck, pulling me closer as the water continued to pour over us, steam rising around us. Her kiss was insistent, almost desperate, as though she was trying to tell me something she couldn’t put into words. I kissed her back just as fiercely, my hands roaming her wet skin, memorizing every curve, every dip, as if I might never get the chance again.
When she finally pulled away, she was breathing heavily. She pressed her forehead against mine, her eyes closed. “Water is going to get cold,” she murmured.
When we finally stepped out of the shower, I felt like I was walking on air. I had been at my lowest a few days ago and now it was like everything was right. The stars had aligned in a way I didn’t think was possible.
We dressed and went to the kitchen. “I’ll make you coffee,” she said.
“You don’t want any?” I asked.
“I’m going to have tea.”
That was new.
“I’m going to try to talk to Frankie,” she said as we munched on toast at her table.
I was impressed by her resolve. “I think that’s a good idea. I’m sure she’ll come around eventually.”
“I hope so,” she said, biting her lip. “Frankie is used to getting her way. I have a feeling this is not going to make her very happy.”
“But are you happy?” I asked.
She smiled over her cup. “I am.”
“Then I think that’s what you need to focus on,” I said. “She might not be ready to hear it yet, but I think she will eventually. She’s your sister. You two should be cradle to grave.”
“I know,” she said with a sigh. “I hope that’s what she’ll think. I might use that phrase.” She took another drink. “What are you doing today?”
“I’ve got some final wedding stuff to help my dad and Kathy with today. Maybe we can get together again tonight?”
Dixie grimaced apologetically. “I’m not sure I can tonight. I have a custom order for a client, and I really need to put some hours in at the workshop. The last couple of days I have been pretty useless. I’m sorry.”
I leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry about it. I can be patient.”
“Good because I want this,” she said. “I just need to catch up on some work stuff.”
“No worries. I’ll call you later.”
I gave her a kiss and left her apartment feeling lighter than I had in a long time.
After a quick stop at home to change into fresh clothes, I made my way to Kathy and Armand’s estate. In the kitchen, I found Grayson and Jack helping themselves to appetizers meant for the evening’s party Kathy and Dad were hosting for their friends. Grayson was in the middle of stuffing a mini quiche into his mouth when Kathy walked in.
She smacked his hand before he could grab another. “Those aren’t for you!”
Grayson scowled playfully. “My house is full of string cheese and cosmic brownies. The temptation was too strong. I miss adult food.”
Kathy gave him a knowing smile. “Isn’t it the best?”
“Not for his waistline,” Jack said, snickering.
“Don’t even start,” he replied. “I’m still ripped. You’re just jealous.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you need any help prepping for tonight?” I asked, gesturing at the food.
Kathy nodded. “I still need to make the crab cakes and the?—”
She stopped short when the doorbell rang.
“Are we expecting anyone else?” Grayson asked.
“Shouldn’t be,” Kathy said. “I’ll get it.”
The moment she left the kitchen, Grayson went in for another mini quiche, but Jack swatted his hand away this time. “You’re going to get us all in trouble,” Jack muttered, though he was grinning.
“What? We’re guests too.” Grayson eyed the tray sullenly.
I leaned against the counter, watching the two of them bicker. It was strange, seeing Grayson so at ease here. He’d always been the kind of guy who kept people at arm’s length.
Grayson went for one of the bacon-wrapped poppers. “Maybe just one more.”
Kathy sighed, shaking her head as she walked in. “Honestly, I don’t know how you two survived childhood.”
Jack grinned. “By sneaking into the kitchen whenever you weren’t looking, obviously.”
The playful banter continued as we helped ourselves to coffee and the snacks we were allowed to eat. But they weren’t nearly as good as the quiches. Kathy kept a watchful eye on Grayson, who was trying to swipe appetizers when her back was turned.
At one point, Kathy turned to me, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied me. “You’re in a good mood today, Hayes. And you look a lot better than the last time I saw you. What’s going on? Have you been into the champagne already?”
I hesitated for only a moment before answering. “Dixie and I are back together. She’s coming to the wedding with me.”
Kathy’s face lit up, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Hayes! That’s wonderful news!”
Jack gave me a hearty pat on the back. “You two were broken up?”
“Yeah, some drama with her sister. Apparently, I dated her sister a while ago. Sister didn’t like me dating Dixie.”
“If I had a dollar for every time we shared women,” Grayson said with a shake of his head. “It’s inevitable when you’ve got so many damn brothers.”
“And when those brothers date like there’s a game of musical women,” Kathy said.
Grayson smirked, popping another popper into his mouth while Kathy was shaking her head. “Hey, we’re just doing our part to keep the Bancroft name going.”
Kathy rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Well, I’m glad you and Dixie worked things out, Hayes. She’s a good one. And for what it’s worth, I think her sister will come around. Sisters fight, but they always find their way back to each other.”
“I hope so,” I said, though the thought of Frankie still made me uneasy. She was stubborn, and if there was one thing I knew about Dixie’s sister, it was that she didn’t let go of grudges easily.
“I can’t wait to see her again,” Kathy said. “She’s a breath of fresh air.”
“Me too,” I said, unable to keep the smile off my face.
When Grayson attempted another covert attack on the appetizers, Jack called him out. “I’m going to tell Hannah about your secret trips to Mommy’s for snacks.”