Page 5 of Tangling with the Silver Fox

“It means I think we should stick together tonight. Be each other’s date. Have each other’s back when either of us gets cornered by someone we don’t remember or….”

“Or by a woman who wants to rub shoulders with the Silver Fox of TV? Or other… parts.” I couldn’t help it. I could blame my teasing on the glass of champagne I had before he showed up, but that wasn’t the entire truth. This was fun and one of the things I looked forward to every day before I’d stepped inside the school library.

Hayden leaned back and laughed. The sound washed over me, raising goose bumps along my arms and well everywhere.

“On that note, walk with me. I need some cover while I buy us some drinks. Ladies, gentlemen, we’ll be back.” Still chuckling, he waited as I stood, then placed one of his very large hands on the small of my back as I walked toward the closest bar.

It took us twice as long to return to our seats after receiving our drinks than it had to walk over there. He was stopped multiple times for photos or to be introduced to significant others and, as I predicted, at least one former classmate had attempted to get too close, but not to him. A guy I barely remembered and who’d had too much to drink already, tried to pull me in for a hug and Hayden blocked him deftly.

And he kept his hand on my back the entire way back to our table, walking close enough to me that his toned thigh brushed my hip every other step, raising my internal temp ever higher making me more aware of all my erogenous zones than anyone ever had.

Was he purposely touching me? And if he was, what was I going to do about it? The night had just begun, the dinner would be served soon, and he was my “date.” My brain was screaming.How had this happened?While my body was happily tingling and ready for wherever this was going. It wasn’t like we’d see each other again. He travelled the world, never in one place for very long. Tonight could be the perfect evening I’d dreamed of when I’d finally decided I’d imagined when I decided to jumpstart to my dating life.

“There you two are. Dinner was just announced. They’ll be serving soon. So, Hayden, I’ve been trying to think of a question about your show you’ve never been asked before, but I’ve got nothing. So, I’ll just ask what’s been your favorite part ofGlobetrekking?” Instead of looking at Hayden, Caris’ gaze was on me, a small knowing smile on her face as she looked at Hayden’s arm stretched out along the back of my chair.

“I’m not sure I can narrow it down to just one thing, one show. Overall, it’s all about having the chance to do what I love and get paid for it.” His answer made everyone laugh.

But not me. I knew it was more than that. He may have forgotten what he told me that last day, but I never would.

“Seriously, this was never on my radar when I was in school. Maybe a toward the end of my stint in the Army, I had an idea that whatever I did after I got out needed to involve travel. To be truthful, I fell into the show. Had some success being an extra on movie sets, then a stunt man. That’s when I really got the bug for the adventure. The mountain climbing, navigating rivers and interacting with the locals no matter where I was. But it’s been a real honor hosting the show.”

Everyone at the table discussed their favorite moments from his show. He responded to a few of them, then dinner was served and after a few moments of enjoying the tasty meal, Hayden turned to me and asked, “Tell me about you, Brenley. What’s life been like for you since we last saw each other? I heard you opened a floral shop in town. In fact, my brother told me that he gets flowers for Holly from you. He raved about the quality of your flowers and the unique designs you offer.”

The interest I read in his eyes and the praise from his brother felt good. Really good. “Well, after graduation, I did the usual summer stuff, then went to the University of Idaho, got my business degree, and worked in a florist shop on the weekends and during school breaks. Then after graduation, I attended an accredited institute for floral design. I took out a loan about twelve years ago now. I didn’t sleep for a week after that. I couldn’t believe they’d trusted me with that much money.” Laughing, I accepted the dessert plate from a server. Hayden still looked interested, so I continued.

“I’ve been building the business ever since. A few years back I expanded into large event design, but we still do weddings, and I can’t ever imagine not having a retail storefront. I still love helping the customers who walk-in looking for help. That’s about it. Somewhere in there I bought a house, got a cat like any self-respecting single woman and just like that I’m at my twenty-year high school reunion sitting next to the most interesting man in the room.”

Hayden had been silently watching me as I spoke, sipping on his drink, politely nodding, but it all made me wish I had something exciting to offer about my life.

“What are you looking at?”

“You.” His eyes flashed with something more than polite interest. Something tempting and sinful.

“Me, huh? What’d you find more interesting, the business degree or that I have a cat?”

Hayden took my free hand and rubbed the inside of my palm. Leaning closer to me, he whispered, “I’ve always found you interesting, Brenley. And before you ask me what, I’ll tell you. I’ve never forgotten your quick wit and those gorgeous moss green eyes of yours. But above all, it was your kindness. Not to mention your willingness to help my eighteen-year-old-smartassed-self. I never thanked you and that is one regret I’d like to rectify right now. Thank you.”

His thumb brushed over the pulse point on my inner wrist. There was no way he couldn’t feel my rapid beat as he continued to touch me.

He lifted my hand and placed a feather-soft kiss on my overheated flesh. If anyone tried to get my attention right now, there was no way I could tear my gaze from his.

“Dance with me?”

Chapter4

HAYDEN

I held my hand out.Her eyes locked onto mine and I saw a flare of excitement in her heated gaze before she nodded, then stood.

“You two don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.” Caris’ sing-song words followed us.

I don’t remember the walk to the dance floor. All I remember is how right she felt in my arms as I held her. It was all I could do not to pull her as close as I could, so she could feel what she was doing to me. Swaying to the slow beat of the music, her hands on my shoulders, I blocked everyone around us out and peppered her with questions. I wanted to learn as much as I could about her. Why was she still single? Had she ever wanted to travel? Was she as turned on as I was?

The song changed to something more up tempo, but I didn’t step back and she didn’t protest. We stayed wrapped around the other, sharing anecdotes about our lives, our family and why I’d decided now was the right time to move back to the area.

Something incredible was taking place and I think neither one of us wanted to break the spell. Unfortunately, the reunion was coming to a close and the band announce the last dance.

“I want you to know I didn’t come here tonight thinking we’d end up like this, but I’m so glad you didn’t turn me away earlier and let me be your date. It’s been forever since I’ve felt I can be myself with someone. And I’ve enjoyed tonight more than any other in a very long time.”

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