Page 2 of Prairie Nights

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 keep her 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 dumbfounded as 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.”

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