Page 11 of Prairie Nights

Whitney lost it, keeling over with laughter as he rounded the island and offered her a wooden spoon. Gesturing for her to sing with him, she let out a note that was probably not human and shrugged, joining him in the chorus, not caring how tone deaf she sounded. As the song ended, they both laughed hysterically until Hayden noticed his eggs and bacon still on the stove.

“Hungry?” he asked, drawing his attention back to the frying pan.

“Starved.” she replied, taking a seat at the island, feeling light and buoyant from their impromptu karaoke session.

“We got eggs, bacon and toast and I already poured you your coffee just the way you like it.”

She smiled at how, even after just a short time, he already knew her preferences. Setting a plate in front of her, he paused for a moment, waiting for her to dig in. She picked up a piece of bacon and made a show of taking a bite. “Good,” she mumbled with a nod.

“Oh, and I have something for you,” he said, his eyes flashing with excitement. Hayden rushed into the little hallway between the garage and kitchen and came back with a dozen red roses in a glass vase and an envelope strategically placed between the stems.

Whitney paused mid bite, putting down her piece of bacon as he placed them in front of her. “Hayden, you didn’t need to do this!” she beamed.

“I know, but I wanted to.” he smiled sweetly at her. “You deserve flowers every day, Whit. So, let's start with today.”

Whitney pushed aside her plate and pulled the vase towards her, burying her nose in the red buds. Taking a deep inhale, she let their sweet smell envelop her. She had always loved red roses, but no one had ever given her any. Even her ex-husband, when they were dating, had never bought her roses. It was like Hayden knew her deepest wishes. Whitney crooked her finger at Hayden and gestured him over to her. He rounded the island and stood in front of her, his coffee mug in hand. She stood up and put her arms around his neck, looking him deep into his eyes. “You are the sweetest.” she said as she went on her tiptoes to kiss his lips tenderly.

The feel of his muscular body against her soft curves made her heart flutter and head spin. He set down his mug, wrapped his powerful arms around her waist and pulled her closer, molding their bodies together as he deepened their kiss, the tip of his tongue teasing her lips to open for him. They parted, allowing him entrance as he softly stroked his tongue against hers. A whimper of approval escaped her throat as he kissed her tenderly, but thoroughly. Pulling away breathless; her lips tingled, and her body shivered. He ran his large hands over her arms as if to warm her and kissed her on the head affectionately.

“Are you going to open the envelope?” he asked, gesturing to it still nestled amongst the roses.

She turned, a huge smile on her face, and plucked the envelope from the bouquet. Opening the envelope, she pulled out two tickets to the NHL game for that night. Her eyes widened with excitement, and she let out a squeal, wrapping her arms around him for another hug.

“So, I guess you’re a yes to going out tonight?” he laughed at her reaction.

“Heck, yes!” she exclaimed, looking at the tickets in her hands.

“How about dinner and drinks beforehand and then the game?”

“Sounds perfect.” She said, settling back down in front of her breakfast.

Her first official date with Hayden. This was a big deal, and she knew exactly who she was going to call to help her get ready.

* * *

Whitney recruited the help of the only other person she knew in Primrose, Beatrix Baxter. Bea, who had the day off work, brought with her some “hockey game appropriate attire” as she called it.

Bea was perched on the bed, feet dangling off the end. She was the definition of petite, but what she lacked in size she made up for in personality.

“Whitney, get your ass out here!”

“I don’t know, Bea!” Whitney shouted from the bathroom, apprehension in her tone. “I mean they fit, but they are extremely tight. You’re a lot smaller than me.”

“Oh, stop! Your body rocks! Show me.”

Whitney hesitantly came out of the bathroom and turned to look in the full-length mirror. Taking in her appearance, she was surprised how good she looked.

“Holy crap, you look hot!” Bea exclaimed, hopping off the bed and coming up beside her as she surveyed her reflection in the mirror. “Hayden isn’t going to be able to keep the drool in his mouth.”

“You think?” Whitney questioned, turning to the side as a smile tugged at her lips.

“I know.” Bea answered, nodding her head. “I’ve known Hayden forever and I’m certain you look like his biggest fantasy right now.”

Whitney giggled, turning to Bea. “What’s next?”

Rubbing her hands together, Bea flashed Whitney a coy smile. “Hair and makeup, baby.”

* * *

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