Page 9 of Prairie Nights

“For now, yes, he offered, and I needed a place quickly. I intended to fly out closer to when you and Ben returned, but I panicked when Paul started contacting me, so here I am,” she explained. “My restraining order expired recently and now he has texted and emailed me. I know I’ve not shared a lot about him with you, but Paul is unpredictable. I needed to get out of the city quickly.”

“Whitney, I can’t even imagine.” Ever empathized. “Hayden kind of saved the day, then?”

“I guess he did.” she sighed. “I’m not sure what I would have done without the offer, honestly. Even after all these years, Paul still scares me.”

“Hayden is a good man, Whitney.” Ever offered. “He won’t let anything happen to you. Does he know the reason you returned to Primrose so quickly? Does he know about Paul?”

“He asked me about it yesterday and I just told him a short version.” She answered solemnly.

“Honestly, I think you should tell him, Whitney. Hayden is a great listener.”

Whitney rolled her eyes and let out a big guffaw. “You mean when he’s not flirting, poking fun and all around flustering me?”

“Seriously Whitney, give him a chance.” Ever suggested a little laugh escaping. “He only does those things because he really likes you. You challenge him and I don’t think he’s used to it. If you ask me, you make him nervous.”

“Me?” she questioned. “I highly doubt that.”

Ever laughed again. “Yes, you! You have no idea the effect you have on him.” She explained. “You are smart, sassy, successful, and beautiful. Hayden is completely smitten with you. Don’t you see it?”

Whitney lay back down, looking at the ceiling, her internal dialogue going into overdrive. Did Hayden really think of me that way? Was he as affected by me as I am affected by him? Why am I asking myself these questions? He couldn’t feel the same way. He’s just a playboy. He isn’t smitten with me. I’m just a conquest. She groaned at her negative thoughts of Hayden and reflected on his sweet words about his parent’s relationship last night. He spoke with such reverence about them, his admiration for their love and commitment to each other clear. Maybe he wasn’t the playboy she thought he was. Maybe he had more depth and did want something more meaningful. One thing she couldn’t deny was their crazy chemistry. Like two magnets drawn together. Unable to stay away. And yet she had her doubts.

“Are you sure he likes me that much? I mean, Hayden is just a lot, all the time.”

Ever let out a huge guffaw. “I know exactly what you mean! He’s Ben’s brother, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The Hastings men can be intense. But in the best possible way. Trust me on this, Whitney. Hayden is completely enamoured with you.”

Whitney laughed nervously and slapped her hand to her face, not believing what she was about to tell her friend. “So, you know the night of your gallery opening?” she asked, internally wincing at the confession that was about to spew out of her mouth.

“Yes.”

“Hayden and I kind of slept together.” she blurted out, throwing her arm over her eyes.

“I knew it!” Ever exclaimed excitedly.

Whitney sat up again, crossing her legs. “What do you mean, you knew? Did Hayden say something to Ben?” Whitney questioned; eyebrows raised.

“No, no, nothing like that. C’mon, Whitney, you must admit, you two have a noticeable sexual energy with each other. Even Bea noticed it at the wedding.”

Whitney’s eyes closed, and she took a deep breath. “Had it really been that obvious?” she asked, curling up her nose, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“To us, yes, but we know you both. To everyone else, the chemistry was cracking all over the place.” She shared. “I promise you; he’s not the player you think he is. Would it be so bad to get to know him more? Maybe go on a few dates?”

“No, I guess not.” Whitney conceded. It wouldn’t be bad at all.

* * *

Hayden sat on the couch flipping through channels. Whitney had been in her bedroom for the last two hours. What is she doing? Napping, reading, working? Maybe she’s too embarrassed by our hallway encounter or frustrated with me and she wanted to be alone? The thought of that troubled him. He had always tried to be good to the women he was interested in or dated, and even though some people labelled him a player, he knew that label was the farthest thing from the truth. He was a one-woman kind of man, always giving his full attention to one woman at a time. Is it my problem that none of them lasted? All he wanted was what Ben had found. Is that too much to ask? Yes, he had a business that was doing well; he had friends; he had his brother and now Ever, but he wanted the love of a good woman. A woman that would appreciate his sense of humour, his strong work ethic and challenge him in life. His best friend, but also a passionate lover. Someone he could laugh with, have serious conversations with and couldn’t go a day without touching, kissing, and holding in his arms. Someone who someday would help him create a family of his own. Visions of Whitney’s beautiful face clouded his thoughts, and he smiled. Whitney could be that woman. The question was, would she let him in?

“Hockey fan?” a soft voice asked from behind him, breaking him from his revery.

His eyes flitting up to the screen to the hockey game he had stopped on and he glanced behind him to see Whitney, leaning against the frame of the cased opening to the living room, hands clasped in front of her.

“Yeah, you?” he asked, his eyes following her as she rounded the side of the couch.

She sat down at the other end, curled her fluffy slipper feet under her and gave him a warm smile. “I am. My brother used to play, and I always enjoyed watching with my dad,” she answered, putting her focus on the game. “I’ve never actually been to an NHL game, though.”

He smiled, taking her in, looking casual and cozy, in her University of Toronto sweatshirt and faded blue jeans. The kind of jeans that hugged her curves perfectly and looked well worn and loved. Her favorite pair, he assumed. She was so naturally beautiful, with no makeup. Are those freckles on her nose? He groaned internally; she was so gorgeous it made his chest hurt.

“Are you going to just sit there and stare at me or are you going to watch the game?” she asked, giving him a sideways glance, an amused smile tugging on her lips.

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