I laugh. “Here, my project involves a four-handed novel.”
She chokes while drinking and then starts coughing. “Danny, I just do editing, I don’t actually write!” she exclaims incredulously. “What’s your deadline?”
“Just over a year. We’ll have all the time we need if you accept. Hailey, I saw how you write; I see the passion you have in making a book beyond perfection. You can’t let me down,” I beg her.
Fuck, I should have warned her. If she doesn’t say yes, I’ll miss a golden opportunity to spend time with her.
“I can give it a go,” she replies, smiling. That smile makes my soul melt.
Jeremy kisses her, and I clench my fists under the table. I’m so damn jealous.
“Congratulations, love,” Jeremy says in a possessive tone. I don’t like this man’s possessiveness, but he’s her husband.
“There will be so much to do, research, whole hours of writing, going out to describe places and many other things. Are you sure, Jeremy, that you are okay with that?”
“If it makes her happy, yes.” He smiles, hugging her, and I get up. Zoë has gone to the beach.
“Leave her alone. The beach is ours,” Hailey says, touching my arm. I have goosebumps.
I hand her the folder with some notes and ideas, and her eyes light up. We talk about some aspects of how the story can begin and how to divide it. We should write it together to fit the moments and chapters.
I’m thrilled about this project. I look at my watch. “It’s late. I’ll leave you to talk about it and prepare for your departure.”
“No, Danny, stay for lunch. Right, love? Hailey is a spectacular cooker. You’ll see.” Jeremy has caught her off guard and me too, to be honest.
“Yes, of course. If you have no commitments, you can stay here for lunch,” Hailey confirms happily.
I smile. “Okay.” As Jeremy enters the house, Hailey puts her hand on my back while we follow him. The warmth on my skin is so lovely.
The afternoon passes quickly, and when Hailey returns to the living room dressed for departure, I’m speechless. She’s stunning.
Jeremy shuts down everything as Hailey walks me to my car. She greets Zoë by cuddling her, and then she thanks me.
When the light goes out, she comes over to give me Zoë’s leash. As I take it, I touch her hand and feel a crazy jolt. She feels it too because she looks at me right away. We both smile, and I back off even though I want to kiss her.
Meanwhile, Jeremy joins us.
“I wish you an amazing journey, guys. Have fun.”
“Thank you, and thank you for the fantastic opportunity.” She hugs Jeremy, who kisses her forehead. I’m dying with jealousy. That hug should be mine.
I can’t help but love her. She’s perfect. Though she’s not mine now, one day she will be. In this life or the next, I’ll wait for her.
Afterlife or even before, you’ll be mine, babe!
Hailey
We land in Hong Kong.
During the flight, I slept, dreaming of the project that Danny had proposed to me. It’s amazing. If it comes out as I think it will, it’ll be a masterpiece. This week, I’ll study his notes.
It’s 8 am when we arrive at the hotel. Jeremy must be in the office by 9.
After a quick shower, he changes and leaves our suite. I take out my computer and write Danny an email.
“Are you sleeping? We’ve finally arrived. Jet lag has put my schedule out of sync, so I think I’ll devote myself to studying some ideas for the book. Danny, you and I need to have a real talk. Have a good night. Hailey.”
I go to take a shower to shake off the fatigue. I order breakfast in my room and then get on the bed with the computer and the file Danny gave me.
