Page 5 of Prairie Nights

Leaning back in his chair, Ned scrutinized her as he asked, “You’re considering a change, am I right?” Whitney slowly blinked, unsure of how to answer. “I know you and Ever Wolton have become close friends and I know her moving away has been hard on you. I also know you have been through a lot in your life, Whitney.” he continued with compassion in his eyes. “You forget you were new here when your marriage ended, and I saw what you went through with Paul, having to deal with his constant harassment. You deserve to be surrounded by those that support you. You should be close to your best friend.”

“Change would be nice.” Whitney agreed. “My parents are retired and moved to Arizona last year and my younger brother, Nick and his wife live on the East Coast, so really there isn’t much holding me back from moving.”

“I think now is the time to do it then. Just like David and I, sometimes you just need to follow the path that life leads you down,” Ned said with a smile.

Whitney laughed, leaning back in her chair. “The path to Manitoba is likely a lot colder than Costa Rica, but yes, being closer to Ever would be amazing!”

“Good, it’s settled. My Winnipeg clients are going to you!” he exclaimed, rising from his chair. “I’ll understand if you want to leave the office early before we close the doors. Moving provinces is a big deal. You’ll have to figure out your living arrangements.”

“Thanks Ned! I appreciate it and I’ll take you up on that,” she replied as she rose from her desk and walked with him to the door.

With a final thank you, she returned to her desk, stopping in front of the large window overlooking the city below. Sighing, a sense of peace came over her at the knowledge that this chapter of her life was closing and a new one was opening. Whitney loved Toronto, the hustle of the downtown, the incredible skyline, the trails to walk along the lake and the beautiful parks all holding a piece of her heart. Undoubtedly, she would miss it. But now, with Paul resurfacing, this change was exactly what she needed.

* * *

Hayden entered the storeroom of Hastings Hardware, passing the shelves of stock and headed towards his workshop at the back of the room. He made his way to his worktable and grabbed his leather tool belt, fastening it around his hips. Scanning the 2x4s against the wall, he picked one out and put it on the workshop table. As he reached for a set of clamps hanging on the wall, his phone rang, and he pulled it out of his back pocket, the name he was hoping to see flashing on the screen. Whitney. A grin tugged at his lips as he remembered their exchange earlier that morning and answered his phone. “Hey there, gorgeous, couldn’t go another moment without talking to me?”

Her contagious laugh sounded at the end of the line, instantly warming his insides as she answered cheekily.“Don’t flatter yourself, Hays.”

“Hays! Already giving me pet names. You flatter me, Whit.”

A huge guffaw sounded over the phone, and he could feel her beautiful brown eyes roll at his comment. Whitney was thoroughly adorable when she was flustered and annoyed with him, and he simply couldn’t help himself.

“Is there a purpose to your call, other than flirting with me, of course?” he asked playfully as he leaned against his workbench and crossed his legs at the ankles.

“Ever and Ben are still on their honeymoon, correct?”

“Yes, for another ten days. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I was going to contact them, but maybe you could help me.” She explained. “I just found out today that the agency I work for is closing down in three weeks and they passed on all their Winnipeg artists to me, so it looks like I’ll be moving.”

Hayden stood up straight, his ears perking up at the possibility of this amazing woman living closer to him. “Where are you planning to move, then?” he asked, sounding more eager than he intended.

“I was thinking of Primrose, or maybe St. Augustine. Honestly, I’m not sure right now. I was thinking of flying out next week to meet with a few clients and look at a few places. But I guess with Ben and Ever still away, I’ll have to find a hotel to stay in.”

“Come stay with me,” he blurted, the words tumbling out before he gave them any thought. Silence. “I mean, I have plenty of room and honestly the house has been super quiet since Ben moved out.” he continued trying to steady his words, knowing she may be apprehensive.

Silence filled the line until he heard Whitney let out a long sigh. “Do you think that’s a good idea?” she asked, her voice dripping with doubt.

“Because you can’t keep your hands off me?” he asked teasingly. “Or because we have a history?”

“Yes.” she cleared her throat, clarifying. “The history, not the hands.” How can I reassure her I want to help her? Whitney continued, trying to explain herself. “Hayden, that crazy night we shared was not something I do. I don’t sleep around, especially with a man I hardly know.” She confessed, sounding sheepish.

Hayden ran his hands through his hair. He liked Whitney a lot. She was beautiful, smart, and so darn sexy it made his heart hurt. Knowing how uncomfortable she was talking about their one incredible night together and hearing the embarrassment in her voice, honestly frustrated him. Yes, their night together was unexpected, surprising them both. Yes, perhaps, they did take things a bit far considering their inebriated state, but for Hayden he wasn’t sorry it happened. That night was the start of something that he desperately wanted to revisit. Despite his lingering desire for Whitney, he had Ben’s words echoing in his ear–Be careful with her.

“I promise I’ll be a complete gentleman.” He reassured. “I respect how you feel about our history, and I would never knowingly do anything to make you feel uncomfortable.” The continued silence was deafening. His brows furrowing in confusion as he asked, “Whitney, are you still there?”

“Yes.” she replied, her voice sounding small.

“I’m offering this to you as a friend, and because I know this is your best option.” He added. “I would be happy to pick you up from the airport, too.”

She let out another long sigh, replying. “Okay, Hays. That would be nice.”

“Once you’re here, we can figure out your living situation. Does that sound good?”

“Sounds perfect. Thank you so much, Hayden. You are very sweet to offer.” She added, her voice sounding a little brighter.

“I try,” he replied with all sincerity. “Send me your itinerary when you know when you’re flying out.”

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