Chapter 1
Hayden Hastings nursed his beer as he sat at the head table watching wedding guests dance and groove to a compilation of popular 80s tunes. The whir of the heaters making the large white tent warm and inviting as well as adding their slow hum to the already loud music, laughter, and chatter of the guests. Where he sat, he had a perfect view of the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on: Whitney Faris. She moved to the music; her petite figure willowy but curvaceous in all the right places. Memories of their one night together three weeks prior, when he touched, tasted, and devoured every inch of that gorgeous body rolled through his mind on repeat. How incredibly soft her skin was under his touch. How she tasted on his tongue. The delectable sounds she made as he pleasured her. Each naughty memory making his heart pound faster and arousal burned low in his belly.
Whitney Faris was not like any other woman he had met before. On top of being drop dead gorgeous, she was an incredibly sophisticated city girl who carried herself with an air of grace and confidence he had never encountered before. Sharp and witty, with a laugh that was heartfelt and contagious. In his eyes, Whitney was the complete package.
After their mind-blowing, albeit intoxicated night together, resulting in her unexpectedly hasty exit, he was, as expected, not sure where she stood with him. Without question, he wanted to know more about her, but did she want to get to know him? From the sly glances she kept stealing his way, he had a gut feeling she did.
“Hey, brother. Why aren’t you on the dance floor?”
Hayden looked up to his newly married big brother, Ben Hastings, his blue eyes questioning. “Just enjoying the view.” He replied, tipping the neck of his beer towards Whitney, laughing and shaking her backside on the dance floor.
Ben’s gaze followed his gesture, and he turned back to his brother with an acknowledging grin. “Are you interested in Whitney?” he asked,taking a seat next to Hayden. “She’s a pretty great girl.”
“Yeah, sexy as hell too.” Hayden remarked, not peeling his eyes off her.
Ben frowned and gave his brother his signature scowl. Hayden glanced at Ben, catching his scrutinizing glare. “Put your critical thoughts away, Ben.” he said, giving his brother the side eye. “I know you always have an opinion on my love life.”
“I just think you need to take it easy, Hayden.” Ben replied, giving him a knowing look. “You always jump in feet first and end up getting hurt in the process.”
Hayden took a long sip of his beer and his eyes settling on his brother, knowing he was right. Hayden’s dating “antics” had become the stuff of legend in Primrose. As a successful, handsome business owner, and eligible guy in his late 20s, he had become a hot commodity for all the single ladies in town and for all “the desperate to marry off their daughters mothers” trying to set him up. But behind all his ultimate single guy persona lay a self admitted hopeless romantic. He wanted more than anything to find his one person and was never afraid to put himself out there to make it happen. Even if it meant he fell flat on his face or, quite often in his case, had his heart broken.
“Do you think Whitney would hurt me?” he asked with a small chuckle, thinking his brother was absurd to think so.
“No, I’m more concerned that you’re going to hurt her.”
Hayden took in his brother’s offhanded comment, his face morphing into a deep frown. “Why would you say that?” he asked, now thoroughly annoyed with his brother.
“I’m not saying you would intentionally hurt her, Hayden.” Ben clarified. “But you need to be careful with her. I don’t know her entire story. But I know she was married before, and it ended badly,” he informed. “From what Ever has mentioned, she doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to dating and she’s very guarded with her heart.” Hayden turned to Ben, his eyes full of questions and imploring him to continue. “All I know is she was married young, and he was not a nice guy, if you know what I mean,” Ben continued, giving Hayden a wary look.
“Abusive?” Hayden asked, his brows furrowing.
“No idea. I don’t think Ever even knows all the details. Just that it was a very bad situation, and she’s been divorced for at least five years now.”
Hayden slowly returned his gaze to the stunning woman confidently shaking her body on the dance floor. The information Ben just provided, not adding up to him. She carried herself with so much confidence. He would never have known that she had been through so much, let alone, have experienced a failed marriage.
“I’m just saying if you’re going to pursue her, make sure you treat her well.”
“I always treat the girls I date well!” Hayden replied, locking his brother with a defensive stare.
“What I mean, Hayden, is that Whitney is not a conquest. She’s not that kind of woman,” Ben explained, referring to his presumed history of promiscuity. “Just be careful with her.”
Frustrated, Hayden turned away from his brother and brought his beer bottle to his mouth for a long pull. Although Ben’s words stung, Hayden understood his track record looked bad as an outsider looking in. A string of short-term relationships, perceived as flings. Yet Hayden prided himself on treating each woman he dated like gold and had never dated more than one woman at a time, choosing to give each woman his entire focus. In fact, he would more accurately label himself as a serial monogamist. It was not his intention to ever hurt anyone, and, in the end, he was usually the one that got hurt. Of course, his brother, with his limited dating history, didn’t see it that way and that both frustrated and disappointed him.
Tamping down his building agitation, his eyes drifted towards Whitney again, who was laughing with Bea and Ever, her beautiful face glowing. Damn, she’s gorgeous.
If he were lucky enough to date a woman like Whitney Faris, he would prove to her and everyone else that he was worthy of a deep and meaningful relationship. He just needed to be given the chance.
* * *
Whitney couldn’t keepher eyes off Hayden. His continuous bold glances and sexy smiles as he glanced over at her did not help. Nor did the memories of their one crazy drunken night together. The simple thought of that wild night made her flush red, and her pulse quicken. His eyes raked over her body over and over as she danced, making her desire build and her heart flutter rapidly in her chest. Avoiding eye contact, she surveyed the guests, willing herself to not glance his way again. As annoying as his persistent attention was, part of her liked it a lot.
Too many questions floated around in her head. Does he want to come talk to me? What would we talk about? Would he ask me why I left so unceremoniously that morning? Would we talk about how his tongue teased my breasts as he drove into me? Dear Lord, Whitney, get your mind out of the gutter, she chided herself as her traitorous eyes inadvertently stole yet another glance his way. This time their eyes met, evoking a sly smile from his lips and a warm flood of heat crept up her body and settled in her cheeks. Hayden was sex personified and far too handsome, so in her eyes that made him dangerous.
“Are you okay?” Ever asked Whitney, seeing her rosy face as she followed her stare towards Hayden.
“Yes, sorry, I’m fine…” she trailed off, pulling her gaze from him, the hue of her face deepening at being caught ogling Ever’s new Brother-in-law.
Ever’s eyes drifted between Hayden to Whitney and a knowing smirk tugged at her lips as she inquired,“Do you like Hayden?”
Whitney’s eyes darted to her friend and her mouth opened to deny her observation, but Ever held up her hand, snuffing out her rebuttal. “You can deny it all you want, but the looks you have been giving each other all night and quite frankly, since Ben’s proposal in Toronto, speak for themselves.” She commented, putting her hands on her hips. “Did something happen between you two in Toronto?”
Whitney’s eyes widened at her friend’s question, feeling a bead of sweat form on her brow. How was Ever always so perceptive? Whitney hadn’t told a soul about her one-night stand with Hayden. Had Hayden told Ben? Did Ben mention it to Ever? Her head started spinning and Whitney offered Ever a feigned look, hoping it would disguise the truth.
“Again, no need to say anything.” Ever continued. “I can tell you two shared more than simply conversation, but I don’t need the details,” she said, putting her hands up in the air again as she added, “I will say this, Whitney. Hayden is a truly a good guy. Yes, he’s a little flirty and has done his share of dating around, but I have gotten to know him well, and he is truly awesome. I personally think he just needs to find the right woman for him.”
“So, he sleeps around?” Whitney inquired; eyebrows raised in question.
“I don’t think so. Everyone seems to have labeled him as a playboy, but I don’t think he is at all.” she explained. “I know for a fact; he’s looking for something more meaningful.”
As Whitney was about to reply, a warm hand touched her shoulder, and she swung around, meeting Hayden’s gorgeous blue eyes causing her to swoon. Seriously, those eyes. Whitney’s breath stilled when he leaned down to whisper in her ear, his hot breath causing goosebumps to form on her skin as his cheek gently brushed hers.
“Did you want to dance?”
Ever smiled at them, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she said. “Have fun.” And slowly walked away, searching for her new husband.
Whitney watched Ever go, her eyes flitting back to his and getting lost for a moment before she stuttered out her answer. “Ah, yes, sure. Why not!” she exclaimed, awkwardly trying to get her bearings. Seriously Whitney.
Hayden let out a deep chuckle and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor. Swinging her around in a flourish, making a shocked and delighted giggle escape her throat, he pulled her close, his hard, muscular body flush with hers.
Her heart fluttered wildly as they swayed to the Journey ballad drifting from the speakers. Nervousness coiled in Whitney’s belly at their proximity, and his intoxicating cologne swirled around her, befuddling her thoughts. Say something, say something. “80’s music is the best!” she blurted out, far louder than she intended. Are you kidding me, Whitney?
Hayden met her eyes, an amused smile slowly curling his lips as he replied, “It’s pretty good. I was born in 1993, so it’s not what I grew up listening to.”
Whitney’s eyes widened as she met his gaze, the math calculating quickly in her head. “So, you’re 28?” she questioned, feeling her heart sink at the realization. 6 years younger than me.
He nodded with his sexy smirk. “That’s right, and you are what, 27 or 28?”
“I’m 34, Hayden.” she replied, holding his gaze, and searching for signs of rejection. Nothing. Whitney swallowed down, her mouth drying as the realization that she slept with a much younger man slowly sunk in. Suddenly overwhelmed, she stepped out of his hold.
Hayden’s eyes widened in surprise. “Is something wrong?” he asked, confusion covering his face as he reached out for her hand, only to have her move further away from him.
“I just need a moment,” she replied, giving him a “just let me go” look, then turned and left the dance floor.
* * *
Hayden stood dumbfoundedas Whitney left the dance floor and disappeared amongst the guests. What just happened? Confusion, wrapping around his thoughts like a vice. Was it something I said? Something I did? He needed to find her and talk to her about this. Searching the crowd, he caught sight of her slipping around the side of the house and followed.
As he rounded the farmhouse, he spotted her down the path leading to the paddocks at the back of the barn. The horses whinnied as she approached them. Halfway down the path, he stopped to watch her for a moment as she greeted the horses and leaned down to pick some of the long grass that edged the fence. She patted a horse’s neck as it pulled the grass from her hand, and he could hear her faint giggle as she reached down to grab more for the insistent horses. Continuing down the path, she glanced behind her, hearing his footsteps.
“You’re spoiling them,” he commented as he reached her and leaned against the paddock fence. A horse now coming to greet him, he offered it a scratch and turned towards her adding. “You abandoned me on the dance floor back there.”
Whitney stole a sideways glance at him, her eyes flitting away as she patted the horse nudging her for attention. “I’m sorry, Hayden. I needed a moment to think.” She replied, embarrassment in her tone.
“Now that you’ve had a moment, please explain to me what that was all about?” he pushed, stepping a little closer to her. “Is it the age thing? Because I have no problem with you being older than me,” he confessed, slowly bridging the gap between them.
Whitney let out a guffaw and turned to face him, defiantly raising her chin as their eyes met. “You say that now, Hayden, but I think my life experience may be a little too much for you.”
“Try me,” he replied, stepping even closer, his eyes boring into hers.
“I really don’t know you well enough to explain,” she replied, taking a step back as the sexual tension between them grew palpable.
Hayden cocked an eyebrow at her and flashed her his sexy smile.
Flustered, a rosy blush returned to her cheeks as she stuttered, “You know what I mean, Hayden.” His smile deepened. Surely, I’m going to hell for taunting her. Letting out a frustrated growl, she exclaimed, “Stop looking at me that way!”
“In what way am I looking at you?” he asked, as he stepped closer, the intense heat permeating the mere inches that separated them.
“Like you want a repeat of Toronto.” she replied, meeting his gaze, her feet firmly planted in place.
Desire at her words quelled inside him as he reached out to grip her by the waist and pulled her closer. Her breath caught and lashes fluttered as her resolve dissipated. They were so close, his mouth craving hers as their breaths mingled hot and heady.
“What are you doing?” she asked him huskily, her chest heaving with each breath.
Instead of answering, he persisted, “Tell me you don’t want to kiss me again, Whitney.”
Whitney gazed up hazily into his intense, lust filled eyes and what was left of her resolve vanished as their lips crashed together. He lifted her off the ground, her legs wrapping around his waist, the need to devour her overtaking him. A needy moan escaped her lips as they parted, inviting him to deepen their embrace. Tongues tangling, he backed her towards the barn, shielding them from view as he pressed her against the wall. Lips roaming down the column of her neck, he murmured against her ear, “See, I know what you want.”
She shivered under his words, her chest heaving as he kissed a path down the side of her neck to trace her collarbone. Eyes closing in pleasure, her body instinctively pressing into him, seeking friction, as his hands kneaded her behind, under her dress. “Hayden, we need to…” she was drowned out, as his lips recaptured hers in a deep, sensual kiss.
The chemistry they shared was like a match igniting. If they didn’t stop, they were going to burst into flames. But he couldn’t stop, his body craving hers like an addict needing a fix as he kissed a path to her cleavage.
“Hayden, we need to stop.” She whimpered, and he paused, raising his gaze to hers. “Anyone could come this way and see us.”
“I don’t mind.” he grinned wickedly as he leaned in to kiss her again.
Her hand pressed into his chest, and she met his clouded with lust eyes as she repeated. “We need to stop.”
Hayden let out a long-pained exhale, and he connected his forehead to hers, as they emerged from their kiss drunk haze.
“Whitney, I like you, I like you a lot,” Hayden confessed, huskily. “I want to see you again.”
“I like you too, Hayden.” she replied, meeting his hopeful gaze.
“Then let me get to know you more,” he offered, setting her back down on her feet and helping her straighten out her dress.
“I think you know me pretty well already.” She chortled, smoothing down her hair.
“But I want to really get to know you,” he continued.
“Like friends?”
“Like friends with a sordid history,” he replied, waggling his eyebrows.
Whitney cocked her head to the side and searched his eyes, checking the sincerity in his request. Despite their hot little make-out session against the barn wall, he wanted to be friends with her. He wanted to know what made her tick.
“So, are you asking me for my phone number?” she asked playfully.
“Yes, that would be a start.”
She guffawed, and he understood how absurd the situation appeared. Two minutes ago, he was grinding his body into hers, his tongue exploring her mouth as he imagined himself sinking deep into her and now, he was asking for her phone number.
Whitney returned her gaze to his, an ironic mix of rebuttal and hilarity in her eyes as she conceded, “Yes, Hayden, you can have my phone number.”