Page 86 of The Art Of Starting Over

“Well, with you and Laila leading things, I’m sure this will be the best year yet. Until next year.”

Devorah smiled. “I like the sound of that.”

“Good, because I’m not sure Conor and I would like it in Chicago,” he said as he picked up her hand and held it.

Hayden looked at her when she didn’t respond.

“Wh-what? Why would you move there?”

“Devorah, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, I like you. A lot.”

“I like you too, Hayden.” He swore her eyes twinkled when she spoke.

“Do you need more time?”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

“Perfect.”

After dinner, Hayden took Devorah by the hand and led her onto the dance floor. He was determined to make this first date unforgettable. So far, the evening had been a triumph. The boat’s ambiance oozed romance, the food was delectable, and he’d even savored the taste of the sangria. He held her as they swayed to the soft jazz coming from the sound system. The music wasn’t overbearing. The cool breeze, mixing with the floral aroma and the salt air, made this the perfect night for them.

They shared a few glasses of sangria at the bar before deciding to call it a night. As they walked off the boat and onto the dock, Devorah slipped her hand into the crook of Hayden’s elbow. She stopped walking, forcing Hayden to turn and face her.

“Thank you for tonight,” she said. “I don’t remember the last time I’ve had so much fun.”

“Me too, Dev.” Hayden stepped forward and trailed the back of his hand down the curve of her jaw. “You’re so beautiful.”

“You’re biased.”

He shook his head. “I’m not. Every guy in town thinks this. Everyone wants a chance with you.”

“I—”

His heart did a double tap, and he dropped his hand from her cheek.

“All of this is wonderful.” Her hand trailed down his arm until their hands linked together. She brought their hands up. “But there’s something I need to know.”

“What’s that?”

“Are you over your fear of my father and brother?”

Hayden choked. Laila had been right. His actions in high school still plagued Devorah to this day. He nodded and came clean.

“Not asking you to be my girlfriend back then was a big mistake. I was in love with you and afraid to admit it to anyone because of Colt. Your dad I could’ve dealt with, but losing my best friend seemed unimaginable back in the day.

“What you don’t know is after I left for college, I was so homesick and missing you that I came back and was ready to tell you how I felt, but I saw you with Chad.” Hayden shrugged. “You looked happy.”

“So, you just left?”

He nodded. “I went back to Idaho and met Sofia shortly after.”

“Wow.” Devorah shook her head. “Life could’ve been so different.”

Hayden shrugged. “It could, but I don’t have any regrets, Devy. I loved Sofia, the life we had, our son. I can’t imagine my life without either of them.”

“I feel the same way. Although Chad ...” She trailed off.

“Here’s the thing.” Hayden stepped closer and once again trailed his fingers along her jaw. “You’re the one I want to be with, and while sneaking around, making out in the park at night, or playing seven minutes in heaven is a lot of fun, kissing you in public—for everyone to see, for everyone to know you’re mine—is much more thrilling.”

---