Page 19 of Prairie Nights

“I think so too.” Whitney agreed.

“Wow, I feel like so much has happened in the past two weeks since we’ve been away!” Ever commented, sitting back in her seat. “I’m so happy you’re here Whitney and this…” she gestured between Hayden and Whitney, “is simply wonderful!”

CHAPTER 8

Whitney and Hayden continued in domestic bliss. Although nothing was formally discussed, Hayden had moved himself back into the main bedroom with her. Spending their nights making love, they would find themselves falling asleep in each other's arms. With them both in a happy state of cohabitation, Whitney’s permanent living arrangements were put on hold, neither discussing nor making a definite decision. They simply carried on, trying not to overthink their new relationship.

Whitney entered Hastings Hardware to pick up Hayden after his workday. Her day taking longer than usual, Hayden said she would be able to find him in the storage room working on a project. A handsome, dark-haired teenage boy with thick, dark-rimmed glasses greeted her with a smile.

“Hi, there! How can I help you?”

Whitney smiled at him kindly. “Hi! I’m Hayden’s girlfriend, Whitney. Hayden said he would be in the back.”

“Yes, just go through the employee door over there,” the teen offered,gesturing straight ahead.

“Thank-you. And your name is?”

“Oh, I am Ryker Hastings.” he replied with a sweet smile. “I’m Ben and Hayden’s cousin.”

“Yes, that’s right! I remember meeting you and your family at the wedding.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Just through that door?” she asked, gesturing to the door at the end of the aisle marked Employees Only.

“Yes.” Ryker confirmed as he went back around the counter.

Whitney strode off to the back, the click of her high heel boots sounding on the linoleum floor. Pushing through the door, she spotted Hayden past the shelves of stock. Not wanting to startle him, she crept forward quietly. Glancing around, she marvelled at the impressive workshop occupying a large space at the back of the storeroom. There was a long worktable spanned the length of the space and along the wall behind him were a variety of tools organized and hung on a huge peg wall. Underneath the peg wall, shelves held other power tools and bins of wood scraps. On another wall longer lengths of wood rested, waiting to be used for future projects, and a band saw occupied the opposite wall. There was sawdust on the floor and on the worktable. Hayden sat on a stool at the table, safety glasses on, creating a pattern in a long piece of wood with a scroll saw.

Whitney leaned against a shelf and crossed her legs, enjoying the view of him working. So focused on his project, he didn’t notice her standing there watching him. She admired how sexy he looked in a blue and green flannel work shirt rolled up to the elbows showing off his muscular forearms, low slung faded jeans, and brown leather tool belt. His hair was perfectly mussed, as if he had run his hands through it many times, and she bit her bottom lip, thinking about running her hands through it too. Perhaps giving it a playful little tug to make him groan. Whitney continued to watch him and once he put down the saw, she cleared her throat. He met her gaze, and a warm welcoming smile curved his lips.

“How long have you been standing there?” he asked, taking off his safety glasses and setting them on the worktable.

Whitney looked at her watch and gave him a coy grin. “I don’t know, about five minutes or so.”

Hayden laughed, the sound low and deep, as Whitney sauntered around the worktable, adding a little extra sway to her hips, while he followed each alluring move. Reaching him, she turned, leaning her body seductively against the table, his eyes trained on hers.

Moving his project over to the side, he rose from the stool, removed his leather tool belt, and swiped his hand across the bench, letting the sawdust and pieces of wood fall to the floor.

With a quickening pulse, Whitney licked her lips and gazed up at him through her long lashes.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he warned, as he lifted her onto the workbench and nestled his body between her legs.

“Like what?” she teased, swiping the tip of her tongue over her lips, knowing he would notice.

“Like you want me to take you, right here on my worktable,” he answered, sliding his hands under her skirt, up her thighs, and gripping her hips, and pulling her closer. His body was hard and powerful towering over her and making her ridiculously aroused.

“Maybe I do,” she answered, leaning back on her palms, cocking her head to the side, and flashing him a mischievous grin.

“You know Ryker could walk in here anytime.”

“I know.” she replied, never leaving his gaze as she sat up and reached for the button of his jeans.

Hayden’s blue eyes darkened with desire as he slid his hand around the back of her head, tangling in her hair and crashed his lips to hers in a scorching kiss.

Whitney ran her hands under his flannel shirt to feel his warm, ripped chest and stomach, then around to his broad, robust back, feeling the ripple of his muscles under her fingertips. The sheer feel of his strength making her pool with need. Sliding her fingers under the waist of his jeans, she slid her hands inside and squeezed his taut behind, causing him to release her lips and throw his head back in a husky, guttural groan.

“Whitney, you’re playing with fire,” he warned.

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