Page 32 of Prairie Nights

Ever had hit the nail on the head. Whitney’s marriage had made her fearful, and even though she believed in marriage and had an incredible example with her parents, the thought of getting too close to someone or letting them in was terrifying. Until Hayden, of course. A reflective smile came over her as she thought of him. Hayden, just by being himself, was helping her to heal from her past. Erasing all the bad memories of her previous marriage and making her consider a future with him.

As if reading Whitney’s thoughts, Ever asked. “Have you and Hayden talked about the future?”

“No, not really, not yet,” Whitney replied.

“What are you waiting for?” she asked. “Anyone with two eyes can see that you are perfect for each other.”

Whitney knew Ever was right. She needed to confirm that she and Hayden were on the same page and the only way to do that was to bite the bullet and bring it up herself.

* * *

Hayden peeked into the main bedroom ensuite to find Whitney soaking in the free-standing tub. Two years before his parents passed away, they renovated the house putting in the new kitchen and his mother’s dream bathroom with a huge shower for his dad, and at his mother’s request, a big soaker tub.

Whitney had her blonde hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun and her black-rimmed glasses on, which she seldom wore, but he thought were sexy as hell. She held a romance novel in her hand and was encased in luxurious bubbles. The room was steamy, and the smell of lavender tickled his senses. The heat of the tub gave her an ethereal glow, and her milky skin was rosy and flushed. The swells of her breasts peeked out of the bubble filled water, instantly making him aroused at the sight of her. She looked gorgeous and he couldn’t help but stand there, admiring her as she read her book, not noticing him standing at the entrance.

Finally, she looked up and her lips curved into an amused grin. “How long have you been watching me?” she asked, putting her book down on the vanity stool at her head.

“Long enough.” He replied, leaning against the vanity counter and resting his hands on the countertop.

Whitney’s eyes trailed down his body, stopping at the noticeable tent in his pants, and she rolled her eyes.

He flashed her a sexy grin, making her laugh. Her eyes turning serious as she pinned him with her gaze. “Hayden, do you mind if we talk seriously for a moment?”

Hayden furrowed his eyebrows and propped himself onto the countertop to take a seat.

“We need to talk about the future.” Hayden nodded and met her gaze. “Where do you think our relationship is going?” she asked boldly, diving right in.

Hayden looked down, folding his hands in front of him. His pause making this important conversation draw out as he attempted to formulate the right words. How can I fully express what I want with Whitney, without scaring her or making her feel like I’m wanting too much too soon? Looking up, he investigated her deep, imploring chocolate eyes and all he could do was speak from the heart and hope for the best. He cleared his throat and nervously confessed. “I want forever with you.”

“What does that mean, exactly?” she asked, needing clarification on his vague answer.

“It means that I can see you and I together in 50 years, a beautiful marriage and a beautiful life.”

“Really?” she asked, looking at him and wrinkling up her nose. “50 years? I’m going to be so old and wrinkled.”

“Old and cute,” he corrected with a laugh, making her smile. “When I think of us and where this relationship is going, all I can think is that I want everything with you. What that ends up being, only time will tell, but what I can tell you is that I am 100% all in on this relationship.”

Whitney smiled and crooked her finger, motioning him to her. He crouched down and leaned in to kiss her lips softly.

“What do you want from this relationship?” he countered, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face.

“The same as you. And your hot body, of course,” she replied, giving him a sexy wink.

Hayden fell back on his butt laughing, then rose from the floor, reaching behind his back to pull off his shirt. “Got room for me in that tub?” he asked as he popped the button of his jeans and pulled them down, along with his boxers. Standing before her, naked and ripped with muscles, she licked her lips. “Always room for your sexy ass,” she replied, batting her eyelashes at him.

He turned around and pointed at his taut backside. “You mean this one?”

Whitney laughed and slapped his butt with her wet hand, making the smack echo off the walls of the bathroom. She moved forward, making room for him to slide in behind her. He climbed in and lowered himself into the warm tub, his weight almost making the tub overflow. He leaned back on the tub incline and Whitney leaned back against him, her arms reaching behind her to encircle his neck. He ran his hands over her extended arms and down the side of her breasts and ribs making her shiver. He kissed her cheek as he wrapped his powerful arms around her naked body.

“Does it scare you that I want everything with you?” he asked, nuzzling her neck.

“No.” Whitney answered quickly. “I’ve always believed in love and marriage, and it has always been something I’ve wanted. Having all of that with you doesn’t scare me at all.”

He smiled, her comment all the permission he needed. “Operation Forever” was officially activated.

CHAPTER 12

At the beginning of March, Whitney’s parents insisted they come out to visit them in Arizona. Not having been to Arizona before, Hayden was excited and a little nervous at the prospect of meeting her parents. Although they had chatted several times via video chat, Whitney officially introducing him to her parents was a big deal to her and therefore an even bigger deal for him.

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