Hailey bites the corner of her mouth and pauses for a second. “I think I’m going to go find my brother and say good night. We still have the brunch tomorrow for out-of-town guests.”
I glance at my watch and it’s nearing midnight which is bordering on questionable. “I might do the same.”
She laughs as she stands and offers me her hand to pull me up. “Because that won’t be obvious.”
Now I want to challenge her. “Obvious of what, Hailey?” I close our distance when I stand, and I notice the movement of her chest because whether we want to say it or not, our sexual tension is still there.
“Oliver, don’t overthink everything. I’m not someone on the other side of a contract who needs to be broken down into every little clause. Sometimes, a lack of words sends the message.”
I smirk just like I always do when she spews out legal references out of her mouth. Add her confidence and it only gives her another point. And the message that I’m reading now has me teetering on an edge.
It’s up to me to act on it or not.
Hailey walks away, leaving me to ponder for a few seconds with my hands in my pockets as I watch her in the distance. A feeling washes over me that I’m not used to. I settle into the heavy feeling for far too long.
It’s a few minutes later when I spot Hailey with her brother, giving him a hug. I meander their way and catch the tail end of their declarations of sibling love.
Liam notices me and opens his arms. “There’s my guy.” He drags me into their hug. “I’m so thankful that you guys made it. I would have freaked out if you didn’t.”
His words are meaningful but slightly slurred at the end. I’ll let it go since it’s his celebration. “Anything for you.” Including keeping the honor code, except for one misdemeanor.
“One day when Hailey gets married and one day when you get married, I’ll be there ready to deliver speeches.”
“Liam, you should consider water. I hear it’s amazing.” Hailey beams as Liam keeps his arms looped around our shoulders.
He points his glass of scotch at his sister. “Where is my wild-spirited sister? We should get you a shot. The entire male population of Ava’s family has been warned away from you, but a shot is fine.”
Hailey laughs over the music, and it’s a good-for-the-soul kind of sound.
“Guys, I’m so happy you are in my life. I would hate if anything came between us.” The amusement of his current celebratory state just hit a little too close to home.
“That’s my cue to leave. Don’t be too hungover tomorrow. You have to endure pancakes and conversation.” I slap my hand on his back.
One last hug and Hailey loudly whispers good night into his brother’s ear before he moves on to the next group of friends walking by. Hailey abandons walking by my side, and I let it go.
But when I’m about to press the button for the elevator, she appears with a panting breath and heels dangling from her fingers. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude and disappear. Forgot these at the table.” She holds up her shoes.
My thumb brushes along my jawline, wondering what the hell is the next move for these unusual few days, because the original plan doesn’t seem to be a solid one.
“The elevator is super slow right now. Someone from the front desk is looking at it,” one of the guests says in passing on his way back to the reception.
“Stairs it is.” I cock my head to the side and study Hailey’s feet.
“All good. My feet are happy when no straps are involved. They might be a little dirty when I get downstairs, but you’ve seen me dirty.” She smirks slyly with pride. I don’t sense she is drunk, tipsy maybe. Either way, enough to be flirty and not freak out.
My head lolls low while I quietly grin to myself. “I think I should kill you for making that comment and taking us there.”
“To where?” she says, playing clueless.
She pivots on her feet, and I follow. We get to the stairs and head down.
“In case, you were not worn out enough from the last few days then let’s add steps,” I comment sarcastically.
“Who cares. I’m going to crash into bed. Sleep is underrated, and after the brunch tomorrow, I head back to Illinois. You’re going on to your hockey meetings, right?”
When we reach our floor, I hold the door open for her. “Correct. I’m not back until next week, so it’s a perfect example as to why getting a dog is not in my cards.”
We slowly walk down the hall, side by side, the silence pulling a string from my center up to the ceiling, nipping at my chest in the process.
