By the time I pack up and leave for the day, my mood has sunk again. The hot summer sun mocks me, still high in the sky at five p.m.
Heading for the train station, I make the quiet trek through the residential neighborhood where Riverside is comfortably nestled. I usually love this part of the day, when the work is done and the only concern on my mind is what I’ll have for dinner.
Tonight, I’m numb with disappointment and helplessness. My mind is overcome with trying to figure out what I can do to help save Riverside, but so far, I’ve come up with nothing, which makes my mood sink even further. For once, there are no train delays, so I make it home in record time.
Parked in front of my duplex is a familiar Lexus, so I’m not terribly surprised at who I find waiting for me on my doorstep.
“Hey, dove.” Hayes lounges on the steps, a lazy smile on his full lips. His shirtsleeves are rolled up, revealing intricate tattoos on his left forearm.
The sight of him sends a shiver running down my spine.
“Hey,” I say softly, giving him an awkward little wave. What is he doing here?
“I thought we could talk options for Riverside. Are you free tonight? We could order dinner?” he asks, leaning his elbows against the top step.
I doubt he realizes it, but this posture showcases his pecs like none other. It’s so unfair.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say, my voice coming out a little breathless.
He lifts one shoulder. “I know it’s been weighing on you, and I’ve been thinking on it since we had breakfast last week. I think I’ve come up with an idea that’ll work.”
“Really?” I squeak, stepping around his limbs, trying my best to ignore how close his face is to my crotch. “Come on in.”
Once we’re inside, Hayes settles into his usual spot on my couch, making himself right at home. It always blows my mind how shockingly natural he looks in my little apartment, almost as if he lives here too. Once again, it’s time to rein in my loopy imagination of what could never be.
I kick off my shoes and join him on the couch, tucking my feet under me. “Thanks for this, Hayes. I never expected you to have any ideas.”
“I’m thinking we host a fundraiser,” he says, his whiskey-colored eyes flashing to mine. “Some fancy event where we can charge a couple hundred dollars per ticket. There could be a raffle and silent auctions. Prizes, auction items, and catering can be donated, the works. What do you think? Would it work?”
I can barely hear what he’s saying over the hammering of my heart, but from what I gather, it actually sounds like a really good idea. “I think we could do that.”
“Great. Let’s write up a proposal. What do you want for dinner?” Hayes whips his phone out of his pocket, scrolling for his preferred delivery app.
I nestle against his shoulder. Maybe I’m too physical with him, but I don’t care. With such ease, he’s blown in and swept the fog away. I can’t help but want to touch him. Thank him. Gain comfort from him.
“Pizza sounds good,” I murmur, looking down at his phone screen.
“Pizza, it is.”
I watch him assemble the perfect pizza—sausage, green peppers, onions, and extra cheese. My heart flutters when I realize he’s memorized my favorite pizza, and that’s what he’s ordering. I have to remind myself that most friends know each other’s orders, and that this isn’t anything to read into. Scarlett proved that today at lunch, so of course Hayes knows my pizza order.
“Okay, it should be here in a half hour. I’ll get my laptop, and we can start working on a game plan.” He stands and walks to the door where he left his bag to dig out his laptop.
When he comes back and sits down, there’s a foot of space between us on the couch. It’s a little humiliating how bummed I am, but I try not to focus on it . . . too much.
“All right,” he says, “so I’ll let you come up with some catchy name for the event. I can look into caterers while you make a list of potential auction items, and who we can approach for donations, yeah?”
I nod, reaching for my own laptop, which is tucked under the coffee table. I reluctantly decide to give him the space he obviously wants, curling my legs beneath me as I get situated on the carpet. Once we’re both comfortable, we put our heads down and get to work. Before long, I’ve completely forgotten about pizza. Instead, my thoughts are wrapped up in gift baskets and experience packages.
The door buzzer scares the living crap out of me, and it feels like I jump two feet in the air. Hayes openly laughs at my shock, which only causes my cheeks to grow redder and for me to roll my eyes in his direction.
“Shut up and get the pizza,” I mutter, waving him toward the door.
“Yes, ma’am,” he says, standing from the couch.
Staring at his jean-clad ass certainly does nothing to calm my jitters. How does he keep his butt so perfectly muscled?
While Hayes moves our computers to make room for the pizza box and plates, I excuse myself to my room to change into something a little more comfortable. Closing the door behind me, I slip out of my pants and shirt so I’m standing in my underwear.
Do I have to wear a bra around Hayes? I roll my shoulders, the straps pinching uncomfortably. Screw it, he won’t even notice. I reach around to unclasp my bra and let the straps fall from my shoulders.
When I reemerge from my room, I’m wearing a loose, striped tank top and my comfiest leggings. Hayes glances at me, but then goes back to staring blankly at the muted television screen, his brow furrowed.
“Thanks for waiting,” I say, leaning over the pizza to take the first slice from the box. When I offer the next slice to Hayes, he holds out his plate without even looking at me. Okay, then.
“Want to watch something while we eat?” His voice is low and gravelly, and he still doesn’t look at me.
“Sure.”
I’m not sure how he knew that I needed this tonight. Pizza, movie, and a good friend. I’m not sure why, but that combination really makes most problems feel smaller.
He turns the volume up, settling on whatever superhero movie is playing on a loop tonight. I sink into the couch next to him, enjoying the warmth of another person so close to me. But Hayes isn’t just any other person. We sit in silence through the opening credits. I take a bite of pizza, building up the courage to look at him.
Hayes is already working on his next slice of pizza by the time I sneak a glance at him.
“Do you want to stay for a while? I mean, at least until the movie is over?” I ask, barely recognizing my own voice. I sound much more sure of myself than I actually am.
That tiny, mysterious muscle in his jaw twitches. The same muscle I see jump a lot when I’m around.
“Sure, I’ll stay.”
5
* * *
HAYES
This is an interesting turn of events.
My current status? I’m sitting on Maren’s couch watching a movie with her. Which is fine and nothing unusual.
Except for the fact there’s a fence post in my boxer briefs right now, and I can’t let Maren know that. Uncomfortable, I shift my position, but it’s nothing compared to the embarrassment I’d feel if she knew how hot I get for her, and the reaction my body has when she’s around.