Page 12 of Prairie Nights

Hayden leaned against the island in the kitchen waiting for Whitney, absentmindedly flipping through his phone. The women had been in her room for over an hour, the sounds of their laughter making him curious as to what they were up to. Taking his time getting ready for his date with Whitney, he had been waiting patiently for the past 20 minutes for them to emerge. Finally, he heard the unmistakable sound of the door opening down the hall, accompanied by their giggles. He stood up straight, shoving his phone into his pocket. Bea walked in first, a look of accomplishment on her face. He cocked an eyebrow at his friend as she approached him.

“Wait for it…” she said, a coy smile on her face.

His eyes darted towards the cased opening just as Whitney rounded the corner and his jaw slacked, his mouth instantly dry as his pulse went into overdrive.

“Hot damn,” he whispered under his breath, his eyes feasting on her, his head feeling a little woozy as all blood rushed south.

Whitney stood before him, in a tight blue long sleeve scoop neck Winnipeg Jets T-shirt that kissed the top of her ample curves and a pair of dark wash skinny jeans that were so tight, they looked like they were painted onto her body. Her outfit was completed with a pair of brown knee-high low heel boots. Her shoulder-length blonde hair was pulled back at the sides and her makeup was sultry and sexy with smoky eyes rimmed by dark full lashes, making her brown eyes pop and glossed, kissable lips. He was speechless as he took in the sexiest woman he had ever seen.

“Well, folks, my work here is done.” Bea said with a laugh, breaking Hayden from his stare. “You two kids have fun tonight!” she exclaimed with a wiggle of her brows as she made her way into the front entrance and saw herself out.

Hayden returned his gaze to Whitney, saliva pooling in his mouth as his eyes raked over her magnificent body.

Whitney glanced down self-consciously and back up to meet his intense gaze. “Are you sure I look, okay?”

He wet his lips and stuttered. “You...you look beyond amazing!” he exclaimed, swallowing down hard. “I’m not sure I want to take you out looking like that. I’ll have to beat the men off with a stick.”

“Stop.” Whitney pleaded, with a giggle as she swatted him with the flannel shirt jacket she was holding.

Hayden grabbed her arm and pulled her into him, settling his hands on her hips. “You are so incredibly beautiful, Whitney.” he said as he lifted her chin up to look into his eyes. “You are beautiful every day, with or without makeup, dressed up for work or on the couch in jeans and a sweatshirt. And now in this hot as hell hockey fan get up…” he paused, spinning her around to take a not-so-subtle peek at her backside. “Nope, I take it back. I demand you live in these jeans from now on.”

“Hayden, you’re ridiculous.” She said with a giggle and a roll of her eyes as she put her arms around his torso, giving him a big hug. “I’ll take the compliment, though. Thank you.”

Hayden folded her into his arms, enjoying how they simply fit, like she was designed just for him. Kissing her on the head, he gave her one last squeeze and released her. “Are you ready to go, gorgeous?”

“Yes, I am!” she replied excitedly, putting on her flannel jacket. “Will this be warm enough?”

“I think so,” he offered, reaching for his keys and turning to give her a sly smile. “If not, I’ll keep you warm.”

CHAPTER 6

Hayden and Whitney made their way along the downtown sidewalk, hand in hand, the bite of the cold winter wind against their faces, promising snow, and a possible storm. They slipped between the doors of the restaurant, and Whitney shivered. As they waited for the hostess to greet them, Hayden rubbed her shoulders to help warm her.

“A table?” the young, willowy blond, statuesque hostess asked as she eyed Hayden up and down and flashed him a flirty smile.

“Yes, for two.” Hayden answered, pulling Whitney into him and giving her a tender kiss on the cheek.

The hostess glanced from Hayden to Whitney, a look of disappointment on her face. “Follow me,” she directed in an annoyed, monotone voice as she led them to a booth in the corner of the restaurant.

Sliding into the booth across from each other, Hayden immediately took Whitney’s hand in his. The hostess flashing them a look of distaste, as she set their menus down, then turned on her heel, and Whitney swore she heard her let out a frustrated huff.

“I think she’s a little disappointed.” Whitney laughed, her eyes dancing in amusement as she followed the hostess across the restaurant. “She was full on checking you out.”

“Not my type.” Hayden shrugged, completely indifferent.

“What is your type, anyway?” Whitney asked, leaning toward him, hands folded in front of her.

Hayden met her eyes with a serious look and smiled before replying. “You.”

Whitney let out a nervous laugh, then realizing he was being serious, cleared her throat and searched his eyes curiously. “You say that, but you don’t really know me all that well yet.” Whitney questioned, then added with emphasis, “Like really know me, Hayden.”

Leaning back against the booth, he squinted, processing her words. Reaching across the table he took her hand in his, then replied, “I’m more than aware that technically we’ve not known each other long, but I want to know everything about you, Whitney.” he confessed stroking his thumb over hers methodically. “I realize we’re going backwards here, having seen each other naked before,” he added, giving her a coquettish wink, and making her smile. “But I would like to know more about you, if you’re willing to open up to me.”

Whitney met his sincere gaze, longing in their depths. Hayden had no agenda other than to get to know her and he had more than proven himself to her. Ever was right. Hayden was trustworthy.

Interrupting their conversation, their waiter took their drink and food orders, then hustled off, letting them continue. The disruption was welcome, giving Whitney more time to think about what she was willing to share with Hayden. “So, what do you want to know?” Whitney asked, leaning back into the plush backrest.

“I’m curious about your history,” he confessed. “I know maybe it’s something you don’t like to talk about, but since I’m serious about getting to know you and what makes you tick; I think you should start there.”

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