“It wasn’t,” I clarified not wanting any misunderstanding on that point. The last thing I ever wanted was for anyone to think or even insinuate I was screwing Hayden behind Cassidy’s back. I wasn’t that person. I’d never be that person. And neither was Hayden.
“I know, sweetheart. Now I need you to focus on just being happy. If Hayden makes you happy, and I can tell he does, then follow your heart. Life’s too short to hold yourself back or hide from the things you want. I may be getting on in years, but even with my failing eyesight, I can see you both think the world of each other.”
“He’s pretty amazing.”
“And so are you, Skye. Don’t forget you’re an incredible woman who can achieve anything she sets her mind to.”
Marianne was saying everything I’d wanted her to say. Everything I needed to hear. And the relief that was flooding me was all consuming. I’d tried not to give it too much thought, but if push came to shove, I knew if she had been against us being together, I would’ve walked away. It might’ve broken my heart to do it, but I had no doubt I’d give him up.
“Thank you. I really hoped you’d say that.”
“And I really hope you won’t forget about me.”
“Forget about you?”
“I’d love for you to stay in touch. I know you don’t have to and I’m just a silly old lady but I’d love it if you gave me a call from time to time.”
“Oh, Marianne, you’re not going to be able to get rid of me,” I promised, rising from my chair and hugging her tightly.
“What’s going on in here?” Hayden asked as he strutted into the kitchen.
“Secret women’s business,” Marianne taunted him and he looked to me for confirmation and when I offered him a small nod, he seemed to accept it.
“Okay then.”
Shooing Marianne out of the kitchen, telling her that Kellie needed a hand he took over the washing up. I don't know what it was but seeing Hayden fully embracing domestic life made him look even sexier, if that was possible. With the sleeves of his pale blue button-down rolled up to his elbows, he didn’t hesitate to get his hands dirty and the dishes clean.
After one too many homemade chocolate chip cookies and another glass of sweet tea, something I was going to become addicted to if we stayed in Texas too long, Hayden and I promised we’d come back tomorrow and headed back to the hotel for an early night.
Reaching our room, I stripped off and climbed into bed in my panties and one of Hayden’s t-shirts I’d commandeered. It’d become my favorite thing to lounge around in. It was long enough that I wasn’t flashing my ass off and soft enough that it was perfect for snuggling. When Hayden tossed a chocolate bar on the bed beside me, I knew he was a keeper.
“What a day!” He sighed as he started stripping.
He wasn’t trying to put on a show, but watching Hayden unbutton his shirt and push his jeans off his hips, had me shoving chocolates in my mouth. The sight in front of me, more delicious than the sweet chocolate melting in my mouth.
“Stop looking at me like that,” Hayden growled as he flopped on the bed beside me and took his socks off.
“Looking at you like what?”
“Like you want to lick me from head to toe.” Hayden smirked at me over his shoulder.
“You make it sound like a bad thing.”
Throwing his socks across the room, Hayden pounced on me wearing nothing but his boxers and a smile.
After he’d thoroughly had his way with me, we lay tangled in each other's arms and debriefed. I told him what I’d learnt about Steven and the twisted relationship the family had with him. I was draped across him, my head resting on his chest while he trailed his fingers up and down along my spine but as I shared the information with him, I felt him stiffen and heard him suck in a sharp breath.
“Dickson’s digging into him as well.”
“He is?”
“Yeah. Hopefully we’ll know something soon.”
“I hope so. The sooner this is over the sooner we can all move on with our lives.”
“Yeah.” Hayden didn’t sound as excited as I was at the prospect. With a little bit of luck, this whole mess would soon be just a painful memory.
As silence fell over us, I snuggled against him, pressing a kiss to his chest just above his beating heart. I had no doubt I was falling in love with Hayden, how could I not. Hayden was this amazing guy with the biggest heart. Add in the fact he made me laugh, was sexy as hell, and didn’t shy away from experimenting in the bedroom and he could very well be my perfect match. The only downside was, I couldn’t tell him any of it. I had to hold it all in. One slip up and I could end up sending him running for the hills.
