Chapter 6
Hayden and Whitney made their way along the downtown sidewalk, hand in hand, the bite of the cold winter wind against their faces, promising snow, and a possible storm. They slipped between the doors of the restaurant, and Whitney shivered. As they waited for the hostess to greet them, Hayden rubbed her shoulders to help warm her.
“A table?” the young, willowy blond, statuesque hostess asked as she eyed Hayden up and down and flashed him a flirty smile.
“Yes, for two.” Hayden answered, pulling Whitney into him and giving her a tender kiss on the cheek.
The hostess glanced from Hayden to Whitney, a look of disappointment on her face. “Follow me,” she directed in an annoyed, monotone voice as she led them to a booth in the corner of the restaurant.
Sliding into the booth across from each other, Hayden immediately took Whitney’s hand in his. The hostess flashing them a look of distaste, as she set their menus down, then turned on her heel, and Whitney swore she heard her let out a frustrated huff.
“I think she’s a little disappointed.” Whitney laughed, her eyes dancing in amusement as she followed the hostess across the restaurant. “She was full on checking you out.”
“Not my type.” Hayden shrugged, completely indifferent.
“What is your type, anyway?” Whitney asked, leaning toward him, hands folded in front of her.
Hayden met her eyes with a serious look and smiled before replying. “You.”
Whitney let out a nervous laugh, then realizing he was being serious, cleared her throat and searched his eyes curiously. “You say that, but you don’t really know me all that well yet.” Whitney questioned, then added with emphasis, “Like really know me, Hayden.”
Leaning back against the booth, he squinted, processing her words. Reaching across the table he took her hand in his, then replied, “I’m more than aware that technically we’ve not known each other long, but I want to know everything about you, Whitney.” he confessed stroking his thumb over hers methodically. “I realize we’re going backwards here, having seen each other naked before,” he added, giving her a coquettish wink, and making her smile. “But I would like to know more about you, if you’re willing to open up to me.”
Whitney met his sincere gaze, longing in their depths. Hayden had no agenda other than to get to know her and he had more than proven himself to her. Ever was right. Hayden was trustworthy.
Interrupting their conversation, their waiter took their drink and food orders, then hustled off, letting them continue. The disruption was welcome, giving Whitney more time to think about what she was willing to share with Hayden. “So, what do you want to know?” Whitney asked, leaning back into the plush backrest.
“I’m curious about your history,” he confessed. “I know maybe it’s something you don’t like to talk about, but since I’m serious about getting to know you and what makes you tick; I think you should start there.”
“Wow, you’re just going for it, aren’t you?” she asked, looking away and letting out a nervous giggle.
Hayden shrugged, offering her a smile as he leaned back against the backrest and gestured for her to go ahead.
Whitney leaned forward and folded her hands in front of her, letting out a long, nervous exhale. How do I go from holding everything in to spilling my guts to a man I’m romantically interested in? She had held it in so long that she was struggling to formulate the words to start the conversation.
As if reading her mind, Hayden leaned forward and put his hands on hers, the warmth of his touch calming her and letting her know it was okay. “Whitney, you can tell me anything,” he assured her. “I won’t pass judgement; you can trust me.”
Whitney sighed and swallowed hard, feeling a lump of emotion forming. She closed her eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath as she spoke. “I guess I’ll start from the beginning.” She said in a shaky voice. “I was married for seven years, five together and two legally separated. I got married when I was 23. I met Paul when I was working at a neighbourhood coffee shop and in my last year at university. He would always come in and was sweet and charming. He asked me out every day for months, so I finally said yes, and we started dating. Paul was five years older than me and more experienced in life, but I was completely head over heels for him back then and before I knew it, we were engaged and planning a wedding.” She explained. “I moved in with him before we got married and that is when I remember the abuse starting.”
“Abuse?” Hayden questioned, contorting his face in disgust. “Did he hit you?”
“No, but sometimes I wish he did.” She confessed. “At least if I had cuts or bruises, then I would’ve had physical proof of his abuse. He was emotionally and mentally abusive towards me.” She shared meeting Hayden’s eyes. “It started with small comments or criticisms. First, making rude or crude comments about my looks, what I wore, and so on. Then he started isolating me from my friends and limiting my contact with my family. It wasn’t until I left him and started going to therapy that I understood that those seemingly small things were part of the abuse.” Hayden shook his head and encouraged her to continue with a gentle squeeze of his hand. “About two years into our marriage, living with him had become a roller coaster. I asked his sister about his moods, and she shared with me that Paul had been diagnosed with manic depression years prior and that was likely why he had such extreme mood swings. When I found out, I confronted him about it, asking him why he never told me. I asked him simply because I wanted to help him. Perhaps there was medication, or some type of therapy he could go through that would help. I didn’t know.” she shrugged. “I even asked my mother about treatment for him as my mother was a Psychology Professor.”
“Makes sense.” Hayden said. “You loved him and wanted to help him.”
“Exactly, or at least, I thought so, but the more I talked about it the worse the abuse got. He would take out his frustration and anger on me by calling me horrible names, attacking my looks, my weight, my character. Nothing was off limits. He couldn’t keep a job and started flipping from one career to the next, blaming the reason for his inability to keep a job on me.” Hayden shook his head, his mouth setting into a grim line. “Honestly, I don’t know how I survived those years; my self esteem was in the toilet.” she confessed. “In the last year of our marriage, he started accusing me of cheating on him. If I would say hello to someone while we were out, or stop to talk to a neighbour, he would accuse me of sleeping with them. He was relentless with it, calling me a slut or a whore.” Hayden met her gaze with empathy as she continued. “That part was so hard for my young mind at that time. He was my first for everything. He was the only man I had ever slept with and had pledged my love and life to him in marriage. And even with all of that, he didn’t believe me.” Hayden let out a long breath. “Finally, after five years of dealing with his abuse, he came home one day and told me he was done with me. He said I had one day to get my things out and go.”
“What did you do?” Hayden questioned, his eyebrows knitting together as he frowned.
“Well, I called my parents, of course, which was terrifying for me. They had always been unconditionally supportive and did whatever they could to make Paul feel like part of our family. Despite that, I knew they felt Paul was not right for me and could see that things weren’t good in my marriage. When I called them, they came, no questions asked.” Whitney smiled in reflection. “In some ways, looking back, I think they were relieved that I was leaving him. That I had found my way out of the relationship.”
Hayden shook his head again, letting out a long-pained exhale, Whitney sitting back and doing the same as their eyes met.
“I literally have never told anyone that much about those years.” she confessed a sense of calm washing over her at sharing her entire story. “Even Ever doesn’t know everything.”
Hayden intertwined his fingers with hers and glanced down at their joined hands. Leaning over the table, he brought her hand to his lips, planting a kiss on it. “I want you to know I don’t take your trust in me for granted,” he said, looking deep into her eyes. “I’m so sorry you had to go through all that.”
Whitney gave him an appreciative look, then continued. “I’ve never hidden my past from others, just simply given them the short version when they asked. After Paul and I split, so much stuff came to light. He’d been seeing someone for months behind my back before he asked me to leave, and after that girl broke it off with him, he tried everything to get back together with me,” she continued. “It got to the point of stalking me, so I had to get a restraining order against him.”
“And he’s been contacting you again?” Hayden asked to clarify. “Doesn’t that go against the restraining order?”
“Unfortunately, the restraining order has now lapsed and yes, he has attempted contact.” She confirmed. “I really don’t know how he got my info. I assume somehow through the agency, as my info is public on the website. But I don’t think he knows where I live or anything like that, even though he claimed in his messages that he knows where I am.”
Hayden ran his hand through his hair and let out a long breath. “Do you think he’s going to try to hurt you in any way?” He asked, a look of worry on his face.
“Physically, I don’t think so, but mentally I’m sure of it. His messages so far have been full of insults and his usual name calling.”
“So that’s the reason you left Toronto so quickly?” Hayden asked, putting two and two together. She nodded and took a drink of her water. Hayden met her gaze, a gentle reassurance on his face. “He’s not going to hurt you, Whitney. Not on my watch.”
Whitney stared at Hayden. This amazing man sitting across from her promising her his protection. Her heart felt full and a deep sense of peace came over her, making her feel truly safe for the first time in a week.
* * *
After dinner,they made their way to the arena and found their seats near the home team bench and settled in.
“Wow, Hayden, these are great seats!” Whitney exclaimed excitedly, her eyes darting around, wanting to take everything in.
“Are you okay here for a bit?” he asked with a mischievous wink. “I promise I’ll try to be quick.”
Whitney nodded and watched him go bounding up the steps two at a time. She relaxed into her seat and took in the view in front of her. The arena was huge, a giant jumbotron over the middle of the ice, flashing stats and info on the players. Music played loudly amongst the chatter of the growing crowd to pump everyone up. The seats in their section were filling up fast and before long, 15 minutes had passed, and Whitney was beginning to worry about where Hayden was. Hayden hadn’t been gone long, but she wanted him near her, his simple presence making her feel secure and cared for.
A whistle sounded, and she followed the sound to see three guys sitting in the seats behind her, not there when she and Hayden had arrived. The man in the middle leaned down to her, his breath warm on her hair.
“Hey there, sweetheart. Are you here alone?” he asked, his hand touching her shoulder and lingering unnecessarily.
She flinched from his unwanted touch and turned to give him her fiercest glare.
He put his hands up and laughed. “Don’t be so jumpy, sweetheart. Just curious.”
“She’s with me,” a low firm voice sounded as Hayden appeared, two bottles of soda in one hand and a bag from the souvenir shop in the other. Squinting, he gave the men a steely glare as they cowered back in their seats.
Hayden sat down beside her, handing her a bottle of soda, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m glad you got back when you did, though.” She said, feigning distress. “I was about to unleash a big can of whoop ass on him and I didn’t want to get thrown out of my first ever NHL game!”
“I actually would have liked to have seen that!” Hayden laughed as he leaned in and planted a chaste kiss on her lips.
Whitney put her drink in her holder and glanced curiously down at the bag he was holding. Hayden smiled and reached into the bag pulling out a team toque with a large pom pom on top and a pair of matching mittens. “I got you these for you to commemorate your first NHL game, and because you’re always cold,” he said, putting the toque on her head and helping her into the mittens.
Whitney clapped her mittened hands happily, her brown eyes dancing with delight as she flashed him an appreciative smile. “I love them! But does this mean you aren’t going to keep me warm?” she asked, playfully putting her lip out in a pout.
Hayden chuckled, the sound low and sweet as he put his arm around her shoulders, and she snuggled into him.
* * *
The game over,their voices hoarse from cheering, Hayden and Whitney followed the crowd out of the arena, laughing and holding hands. Hayden loved how easy it was to be with Whitney. She was fun, silly, and their shared interests were such a welcome surprise to him. Her guard had come down, offering him uninhibited affection, and allowing him to reciprocate. Despite this change, he would not rush their connection, rather savor every bit she offered him and let her take the lead.
Coming into the main lobby, they both glanced out at the street through the floor to ceiling windows. The snow was coming down in giant flakes, soft and plentiful. The visibility even in the middle of downtown was questionable.
“I need to check the road conditions.” Hayden commented, his face etched with worry as he took a seat on a nearby bench.
Whitney looked out the window, her brows knitting in concern at the turn in weather.
Hayden pulled up his highway conditions app and winced. “Travel is not recommended.”
“What do we do then?” Whitney asked, taking a seat next to him and resting her hand on his thigh.
“Well, we could rent a hotel room.” He suggested, his eyebrows raised in question. “But I don’t know if you’re comfortable with that.”
“Hayden, is this your way of spending the night with me?” she teased with a giggle, pointing to the swirling snow outside.
Hayden laughed and put his arm around her. “If only I wielded that type of power, but alas, mother nature is the culprit. There is a hotel just a few blocks from here. Do we chance it out there?” he asked, pointing his thumb behind them, to the winter storm outside.
“I think we can,” she said, buttoning up her jacket and slipping on her mittens and toque. “I’m ready.”
He smiled and leaned in to kiss her sweetly as he tugged the toque over her eyes. “You are so damn cute!”
She grinned and rose from the bench, grabbing his hand. “Which way?”
He pointed toward the hotel, and they slipped out the large doors into the winter wonderland that was downtown Winnipeg. Hand in hand, they hurried down the street, the snow thick and heavy, coming down on them as they trudged along the sidewalk towards the hotel. Reaching their destination, they entered the lobby and shook off the snow now covering them.
“You two look cold!” the friendly middle-aged woman at the concierge desk commented. “Those Manitoba storms, I tell you. Luckily, this one is supposed to let up tomorrow sometime. Can I get you a room for the night?”
“Yes, please.” Hayden replied as they stepped up to the desk and he glanced down at Whitney for clarification, asking,“Or do we need two?”
Whitney met his questioning gaze, and a slow smile curved her lips as she turned to answer the concierge, “One room, please.”
Hayden smiled back, feeling a pang of anticipation, his heart pounding hard in his chest. They had bridged a gap tonight, and she was choosing to let him in.
“Perfect,” the woman commented as she checked them in and, after explaining the amenities, handed Hayden the key cards.
Making their way to the elevator, Whitney reached out and intertwined her fingers with Hayden’s. He glanced at Whitney, thinking he would see her hesitation, but when she met his inquiring gaze all he saw was her consent. Reaching their floor, they quickly found their room and opened the door. The room was large with a king size bed in the middle, a long desk, with a TV above it and a chair by the large floor to ceiling window.
Removing their jackets, they went to work on their boots, Whitney struggling to remove hers. “Let me help you,” he offered, gesturing for her to have a seat on the bed.
She sat, leaned back on her elbows and let him remove one boot, then unzip the second and pulled that one off as well. Putting her boots by the front entrance, he returned and knelt in front of her to rub her feet and calves, his eyes transfixed on hers.
Whitney let out a moan of satisfaction as he massaged her instep. Letting her head fall back as she relaxed under his touch. Hayden smiled, deciding tonight was going to be all about her. She deserved to be worshipped, and he was going to show her how wonderful it was to be with someone that truly cherished her.Whitney lifted her head, her beautiful brown eyes blazing with desire. Sitting up, she took his face in her hands, her voice raspy with need. “I want you, Hayden.”
“I want you too, Whitney.” he replied, the intense heat between them sparking like firecrackers.
She ran her hands through his hair, tugging at it playfully, making his breath catch as she breathed out the words he had waited to hear. “Make love to me tonight.”
Eyes locked on hers, Hayden rose to his feet, taking her hand and pulling her up to join him. Running his hands over her sides, his fingertips found the hem of her shirt as he slowly lifted it over her head and tossed it towards the chair by the window. She wore a black lace bra that barely held her perfect curves. He ran his large hands over her arms and up her sides, before tangling them in her hair, pulling her into him for a long, languid kiss. The kiss was deep and sensual, and his groin tightened as their embrace heated. Parting her lips, she let his tongue explore her mouth, showing her without words everything he wanted to do to her tonight. She moaned sweetly, and he swallowed her moan with his lips. Reaching behind him, he pulled his sweatshirt over his head, baring himself to her. She flashed him a look of approval as she ran her hands over his muscles, mapping each edge and angle with her fingertips. He closed his eyes, reveling in the feel of her touch. He reached behind her and unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Her pert breasts were full and soft, peaked with rosy nipples made his mouth water. He looked down at her, so vulnerable and trusting, half naked in front of him. He had never seen a woman more beautiful than Whitney Faris.
“Lay back on the bed, gorgeous.” He ordered softly as he got down on his knees in front of her and reached for the button on her jeans. “Let me help you out of these.”
Whitney let out a sharp giggle, remembering how hard they were to put on. “Good luck,” she replied. “They’re extremely tight.”
“Oh, I noticed,” he confirmed with a husky laugh. “But damn, they’re sexy.”
Whitney smiled up at him as he unzipped the fly and eased them over her hips and down her toned legs, coming off with shocking ease. His wanton gaze raked over her body as his eyes settled on the black lace thong and the treasure that awaited within.
“Your turn,” she whispered, meeting his hungry gaze. He unbuttoned his jeans and removed them, then lowered his boxers, freeing himself from their restraint.
* * *
Whitney’s eyesroamed down Hayden’s magnificent body, unapologetically taking in every inch of powerful perfection. Her core pulsed in anticipation of the pleasure she knew he could bring her as she grew wet with wanton need. Reaching down, he hooked his thumbs under the sides of her thong and slowly removed them, leaving her bare.
“Slide up on the bed,” he ordered, his voice low and sexy. She shimmied herself till she was in the middle, and he climbed onto the bed, coming over her, the heat of his body scorching her skin as he hovered above her with his strong arms. Whitney loved the feel of his body on hers and her breath caught as she felt his hardness between them. Capturing her lips, he kissed her long and deep, the sensual feel of his tongue caressing hers driving her wild.
“I want you to feel good tonight,” he said between deliciously passionate kisses. “Just tell me what you like, okay?”
Abandoning her lips, he planted hot kisses down her neck, making her skin raise with goosebumps. His tongue traced the hollow of her throat, which unexpectedly caused a bolt of sensation between her legs. A newfound erogenous zone. She writhed beneath his touch as he licked his way down to her breast and gently massaged it taking the nipple into his mouth. He sucked it gently at first, grazing the peak with his teeth, then sucked harder, making her core quiver with pleasure.
“Hayden, that feels so good,” she panted, giving in to the desire he was creating.
He worshipped one breast, then the other until she was teetering so close to the edge she wanted to cry. Rubbing his thumb over her taut nipple. He sucked it in again, circling it with his tongue as he played with the other sensitive peak, causing her to moan and bow off the bed as pleasure rolled through her body. Continuing his attention on her breasts, he reached between her legs, massaging the soft folds drenched from her desire. She parted her legs, allowing him access as he dragged out her climax, making her legs shake from the intensity. Coming down from her high, she turned, meeting him with hazy lust drunk eyes.
“That was beautiful,” he said, staring at her with reverence. “Have you ever been able to orgasm that way?”
She shook her head. Her experience in the bedroom was, in one word, limited. “I haven’t exactly had that much experience,” she confessed, transfixing her gaze on him. “Other than my ex, there has only been you.”
Hayden’s eyes flashed with surprise at her confession and Whitney turned her head, covering her eyes with her arm. “I realize it’s strange that I’m 34 and I’ve only had two sexual partners.”
Hayden lifted her arm off her eyes so he could meet them and gave her a sweet smile. “It’s not strange, Whitney. You value yourself and your body and you’re not willing to give all of you to just anyone. You should be proud of that.”
Whitney searched his eyes, seeing he meant each word. Hayden respected her and he wasn’t taking their intimacy lightly. Where did this incredible man come from? She had been so wrong about Hayden. He wasn’t a playboy or just out to bed her. He was selfless, tender, and made her feel truly wanted for the first time in her life. If her experiences had taught her anything, it was that she deserved to be loved and cherished. Love? Am I falling for Hayden? Surprised that the word love had floated into her consciousness, she suddenly felt hopeful. Maybe Hayden was that second chance she had hoped to find one day. How he listened to her story tonight and even after sharing everything with him, he still wanted her. It wasn’t just about their physical connection anymore. They were now emotionally bonded to one another, and for her, that made tonight a turning point in their relationship.
Whitney shifted towards him, bringing herself closer, and reached down to stroke his manhood. He felt so good in her hands, smooth and hard as steel. “I want you inside me, Hayden. Now, please.”
Rolling off the bed, he returned with a condom in his hand.
“Let me,” she offered,sitting up and plucking the packet from his fingers. Her eyes never leaving his as she opened the pack with her teeth and pulled out the condom, sliding it down his length with one swift move. He let out a groan at her touch and, once fully sheathed, covered her with his powerful body. Her legs fell open, allowing him to nestle at her apex. Brushing her hair from her face, he looked deep into her eyes, his gaze intense and dark with need. Lowering his lips to hers, he kissed her with conviction, like if he didn’t kiss her now, he would never have the chance again. Their kiss was hot and needy. As he pressed his hips into her, breaching her entrance. The exquisite feel of him filling her, stretching her, was too much, yet not enough. She moved her hips, desperately needing the friction. Pulling back and plunging deeper with each delicious slide, they set a steady rhythm, both giving and taking what they needed from each other. Whitney could feel the sizzle start in her core, and she knew another release was building. The slick heat of Hayden’s strong body moving above her was intoxicating, as he rocked into her with long deep strokes that drove her higher with every grind and press of his hips.
He hitched her legs over his shoulders, pressing deeper still, and she ignited. Her inner walls clenching him like a vice, as wave after wave of pleasure took her under. Drowning in the feel of her release, she let out a raspy cry, his body shuddering as he followed her to the crashing waves below.