CHAPTER NINETEEN

Hailey sat in the living room, her right foot shaking and her heart playing leapfrog with her lungs. This was dangerous. Peter wasn’t at all like Darren. He wasn’t safe, and she was taking a big risk going out with him. Of course, maybe he wasn’t interested in her but was simply being a gentleman after Gran backed him into the date.

Gran walked into the room, her floral scent close behind her. “Wow, you look beautiful. I like that blouse.”

“Thanks.” Hailey still wasn’t pleased with Gran's earlier antics.

Gran stepped over to Gramps and slung her arm around him. “We’ll get her married off one way or another, right, Harry?”

They both laughed, which made Hailey's blood burn. “The two of you are incorrigible. This is only a date that Gran pressured him into. Nothing else.” Her voice had an edge to it.

“My lands”—Gran slapped her knee—“you are blind if you think that.”

A knock sounded and Hailey’s heart plummeted to her stomach. She hadn’t been this nervous since she had to tell her mom that she’d backed their new car into the neighbor’s mailbox.

Gran rushed over and opened the door. “Hello. Please come in.” Her tone was much too enthusiastic.

Peter stepped inside and Hailey’s breath hitched. He wore khaki shorts and an aqua V-neck T-shirt that hugged him in all the right places and made his eyes even bluer—if that was even possible. She had to slyly let out a long breath to calm her sizzling nerves.

“Hi,” Peter said. “You look nice.”

“Thank you,” Gran said with a smile as she smoothed her hair. “You look quite dashing in that blue shirt.”

Peter’s cheeks colored and he shifted his weight.

“Aw, now, don't be embarrassed.” Gran touched him on the arm. “I know you meant Hailey.”

“Oh, well, you also look nice, too, June,” he stammered.

Hailey shot Gran a sharp look. Poor man. “Thank you, Peter,” Hailey said.

He turned to Gramps. “How are you this evening?” He reached out his hand.

Gramps shook it and said, “G-good . . . . You?”

Peter smiled. “Glad to hear you talking.”

“I’m all ready to go.” Hailey said. She wanted to hurry out before Gran asked him something preposterous, like if he planned to propose tonight or something, because she wouldn’t put it past her.

“We won’t wait up for you, Hailey.” Gran elbowed Gramps, and she smiled like she’d won the lottery. Hailey wanted to bop her.

Outside, Hailey said, “Sorry about that. Gran can be a little outrageous.”

“No worries.” He opened the passenger door of his black Audi and she slid into the seat.

When he got inside, Hailey said, “Are your grandparents still alive?”

“My dad’s parents are, but my mom’s father passed away more than forty years ago. And her mother had a stroke when I was a teenager and came to live with us.”

Hailey tried to pull her gaze from Peter, but found it nearly impossible. “Did you help take care of her?”

“Yeah. Actually, I practiced her speech with her every day until she died.” Peter started up the car.

“Is that why you decided to become a therapist?” Hailey was interested in knowing more about this man—purely because it would be good to know about Gramps's therapist, of course. No other reason.

He nodded. “I loved working with Grandma Vera and seeing her verbal skills improve. When I got into college, I found the concept of language and speech fascinating, so I decided to study it.”

“How long have you been working at the rehabilitation hospital?” Hailey watched him, noticing his well-defined jaw line. Is it hot in this car? I think I need some more AC. Full blast.

“About four years. And I really enjoy it.” Peter rested his right hand on his thigh and Hailey couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to feel her hand encased in his. Stop. Right now. Get control of yourself.

She finally tore her gaze from him and looked ahead at the spattering of clouds across the deep blue sky. “Gramps sure likes you.”

“Harry is a fine man. I often think about my patients and wonder what they were like before I met them.” His voice had a tinge of sadness.

“Gramps was a police sergeant. He was on the force in Denver forever. I used to love to see him all ready for work.” An image of Gramps fully decked out in his uniform flashed through her mind. “He was so strong and vibrant,” she said wistfully.

“It’s hard to watch those we love become weak and unable to do the things they used to do.” Peter said it in such a tender way that it made Hailey’s heart swoon.

“Very hard.” Hailey gazed at the palm trees along the road. Florida scenery was certainly different than Colorado.

“Are Harry and June your mom’s parents?”

“No. My dad’s. He died when I was a girl, so my grandparents were super involved with me and my sister Brittany when we were growing up. Until they retired and moved to Florida.” The memory of the day they left still made her throat thick.

Peter glanced at her. “Florida is a popular place to retire.”

“Well, Gramps is a NASCAR fanatic. He loves the Daytona 500. Came here one year in the nineties to watch it and decided they’d move here when he left the force.” Hailey tried not to notice how Peter’s cologne wafted through the car and made her want to snuggle up to him.

When they turned down a side street, cars were parked all over. Several signs indicating public parking lined the road. They pulled into a lot and Peter paid the man standing there.

“Looks like there’s a big crowd,” Peter said as they parked.

Peter opened her door and extended his hand to help her out. The minute her hand touched his, warmth traveled up her arm, sending ripples of energy across her back. “Thank you,” she said as she let go.

Latin music rang through the air, catching her attention. She looked in the direction of the pulsating sounds.

“The festival is on the boardwalk over there,” Peter said.

Throngs of people moved along the boardwalk while several hotels stood behind them. Peter and Hailey made their way over to the stairs that led up to the boardwalk. Booths with food and drinks lined either side, while people, most speaking in Spanish, walked along. “Is it like this all the time here?” Hailey asked.

“There always seems to be one festival or another going on. Always some big celebration.” Peter smiled, making the skin around his eyes crinkle.

“Sounds fun.” The rhythm of the music and the delectable smells of the food booths made Hailey want to let go and enjoy every moment of this night, but she reminded herself that she needed to stay in complete control. This is a mercy date. Nothing else.

“I should get out more,” Peter said as he scanned the crowd.

“You should.” Hailey fanned her arms out. “This is a beautiful place.”

“You’re right. I don’t think I appreciate it like I should. Sometimes I get so caught up in work, I forget to take time to smell the roses, as my grandma would say.” He laughed.

“I think that happens to all of us. When it’s tax season I can barely breathe, let alone enjoy the mountains or skiing or any of the things that people come to Colorado to experience.” Hailey couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone skiing.

They walked past a booth selling tacos. The fragrant scent of oil and onions made Hailey’s stomach growl. Peter must’ve noticed her ogling the authentic food because he said, “How about we get something here?”

“Sure.” Hailey loved Mexican food. She could easily subsist on tacos and burritos for the rest of her life.

Peter ordered some tacos and they took them over to a grassy area. There weren’t any chairs or tables, so Hailey sat on the ground. Peter followed suit.

Hailey bit into the fried tortilla and spicy meat. It was the best taco she’d ever had.

“Like it?” Peter asked, his sparkling blue eyes watching her.

“It’s delicious.” She wished she’d grabbed a napkin because some of the taco juice slid down her chin. She used the back of her hand to wipe it up, hoping Peter didn’t notice.

“Do you like being an accountant?” Peter said, handing her a napkin.

Great. He saw me drool. She wiped her chin and then tried to focus on his question, so she could say something reasonably intelligent. “I like that numbers make sense. They’re black and white. You don’t have to interpret them. They just are. People are so many shades of gray.”

“And that’s exactly what I enjoy about my job. Learning about people. I see many of them toward the end of their lives, but each of their stories is unique. Take Harry’s, for example. I didn’t know he was a policeman. He must’ve seen so much when he was on the force.”

“Oh, yeah. He has lots of stories.” She picked an olive from her taco and popped it in her mouth. “Some of them are pretty heartbreaking, but a few were wonderful. He’s had a full life.”

“I bet you’ve spent hours listening to him.” Peter bit into his taco.

“I have, but now I wish I’d spent more time.” Hailey tried to push the regret away.

Peter used a napkin to wipe his mouth. “Time is the one thing that keeps on ticking no matter what. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. No rain checks and no refunds.”

“I’ve realized that this trip more than any other.” Hailey let out a long breath. The reality that both her grandparents were getting older pierced her heart. How many more visits will I have with them? She thrust that question from her mind.

Peter studied her.

“What?” Her cheeks warmed. Do I have something on my face?

Peter’s eyes shone. “You really love him. And your grandmother.”

She nodded. “Yeah, I do.” It was hard to describe the deep feelings she had for Gran and Gramps, but somehow Peter seemed to understand. She took the last bite of her taco and hoped she wouldn’t drool anymore.

“You’re so compassionate with him. Some family members can be difficult to deal with. Some are even downright mean to their loved ones.” He took a bite of his taco. When he finished chewing, he said, “It makes me feel bad when patients aren’t treated well by their families.”

Hailey was touched by Peter’s sincerity. “I just want Gramps to be like his old self.”

Peter nodded and finished his taco. He stood, then extended his hand. Hailey took it, but this time Peter held onto it. They began walking, and as they neared the outdoor theater, the music became too loud to talk over. They stood inside the area, still holding hands, and listened. Hailey liked how her hand felt so comfortable inside Peter’s. She immediately reminded herself to be careful, but she didn’t remove her hand.

Since Hailey didn’t speak Spanish, she didn’t understand the words to the song, but the beat was still catchy, and she tapped her foot in time. She snuck a glance at Peter and he was rapping his other hand against his thigh. Adults and children began dancing. Before she knew it, Peter led her out closer to the band. He started to dance, and, against her better judgment, she fell into the rhythm, letting her body—from the top of her head to the tips of her toes—feel the music. She tossed her head back, and then Peter pulled her to him. The sounds of the guitar and drums rang all around her. Several little girls started to circle them, smiling and laughing. Hailey began clapping to the beat, the corners of her mouth curling into a wide grin. She hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. Being with Peter and dancing under the twilight sky with puffs of colorful clouds overhead was a perfect combination. They danced to several fast songs, and she found herself wanting to keep dancing like this all night.

When the music slowed, Peter pulled her close. Too close for her to think clearly. With his hand on the small of her back and his other hand clasped around hers, they swayed to the Latin sounds. Her heart threatened to dive out of her chest when he rested his warm, smooth cheek on hers. A tug-of-war raged between her heart and her head as she struggled to keep her thoughts on the music instead of on the man that held her, but it was a losing battle.

She was grateful when a Hispanic man with a brightly colored shirt approached the microphone and said in a heavy Spanish accent, “Gracias. The band is taking a break now.”

The crowd started to disperse.

Peter smiled. “Probably a good time for us to take a break too. We could go get some dessert.”

“I’d like that.” A break would help her clear her mind. Before they could move, Hailey looked beyond Peter and saw a woman with a sour expression dressed in heels, black leggings, and an extremely low-cut leopard print shirt walking toward them. Hailey recognized her from the therapy office.

“Uh, oh,” Hailey said. “She doesn’t seem happy.”

“Huh?” Peter gave her a puzzled look.

The woman extended her hand and placed it on Peter’s shoulder. He turned. “Uh, Joyce. Hi. Good to see you here.” His words were stilted.

Joyce eyed Hailey up and down. “So this is what you meant when you said you had plans.”

“Oh.” He looked between Hailey and Joyce, obviously uneasy. “I . . . uh . . .”

“Actually,” Hailey interjected, “my grandmother asked Peter to bring me here, so I could experience some, what did she call it?” Hailey glanced at Peter. “Young people activities?”

“Yeah, I think that’s what she said.” Peter nodded.

“Peter was kind enough to agree. Although, he really had no choice.” Hailey laughed. “Gran was quite insistent.”

“I see,” Joyce said, a muscle under her eye constricting almost imperceptibly.

“Would you like to join us?” Hailey asked, trying to diffuse what seemed to be an uncomfortable situation.

“You’re welcome to,” Peter said, the muscles in his neck tightening slightly.

Joyce’s scowl relaxed a bit. “Sounds like fun, but I need to get back to my friends.”

“Oh, we understand.” He nodded. “It was good to see you.”

Joyce gave a jerk of her head, then sashayed away.

“I take it she wasn’t happy to see you here,” Hailey asked with a lift of her brow.

Peter’s mouth tensed.

“Want to tell me about it?” Hailey said, curious for his response.

Peter massaged the back of his neck. “Joyce hasn’t made it much of a secret she’d like me to take her out.”

“But you don’t want to?” She peered at him.

“No.” His eyes widened. “She’s a nice person, but not my type.”

Wanting more details, Hailey asked, “What did she mean about tonight?”

“Joyce wanted me to come dancing with her.” He shifted his weight. “I told her I had plans.”

Interpreting the meaning behind his words, Hailey said, “But you haven’t told her you aren’t interested?”

“Not exactly.”

“You should tell her. Women would rather know a man isn’t interested than think he is.”

Peter’s gaze caught hers. “What about when a man is interested?”

Hailey swallowed quickly and her heartbeat quickened. “Women like to know that too.”

He started walking and she followed. They stopped and stood near the railing that overlooked the beach. The almost-full moon was rising over the sea, its reflection bouncing on the ripples of the water.

Changing the direction of their conversation, Hailey said, “What was it like growing up in Orlando? Were you at Disney World all the time?”

Peter laughed and his shoulders eased. “Orlando seems to be synonymous with Disney. I worked there for about a year to save money for college.”

“Oh yeah? What did you do?” She imagined he was in customer service because he was so good with people. Or maybe Prince Charming. Are you serious? Stop thinking things like that.

“I was a Jungle Ride Skipper.”

She blinked. “You told all those lame jokes?”

“Yes, yes I did.” The corners of his mouth lifted.

“I’m surprised.” This man intrigued her.

He pointed to himself with mock indignation. “You don’t think I can tell corny jokes?”

“I didn’t picture you as a skipper, that’s all.”

He leaned back against the railing and gave her a sideways glance. “Where did you think I worked?”

“I’m not sure, but something . . . less flashy.” She was tripping on her words.

He gave her a confused expression. “Skippers are flashy?”

She searched for a different description. “Gregarious is a better word. You seem more reserved.”

He straightened. “I’ll have you know that I had crowds of people laughing at my jokes. The same jokes. Over and over and over again.”

Hailey chuckled at the thought of Peter telling silly jokes to a boatload of people. “I would like to have seen that.”

“Have you been to Disney World?”

“After Gran and Gramps moved out here we came to visit a few times and did the whole Disney thing.” The memories made her smile. “I haven’t been for six years or so.”

He gazed at her. “Maybe we should remedy that.”

Her heart skittered and her mouth went dry. “Maybe we should.”

Peter cleared his throat. “Let’s get dessert. I saw some churros over there.” He pointed down the boardwalk.

They walked over to a booth, and Peter bought two of the long, skinny pastries and handed one to Hailey. They walked further down, away from the crowd. The moon rose higher in the sky and twilight began turning to darkness.

Hailey took a bite of her churro, the cinnamon sugar dancing on her tongue. “Mmm, this is yummy.”

“I'm glad you like it.” Peter gazed ahead. “And I’m glad we came here.”

“Even if you were coerced?”

He didn't say anything for a few moments. “Coerced is a strong word.” His smile gleamed even in the moonlight. “Maybe encouraged.”

“No, I'd definitely say coerced. My grandmother is relentless.” Hailey took another bite of her churro. When she finished, she said, “She runs a dating service, you know.”

Peter jerked his head back. “What?”

“Yep. Gran and some of her friends have this big book filled with photos and bios of single people, and they match them up. Regularly.” Hailey was still trying to wrap her head around it.

Peter started laughing. “You're kidding, right?”

Hailey slipped another bite into her mouth. “No. Not kidding. That's why I say you were coerced into tonight. Gran was at her finest today. You literally had no choice. She’s a professional.” It was all true, but Hailey had to admit she was fishing a bit.

They walked along a pathway next to the ocean without saying anything, every step convincing Hailey that Peter felt compelled to be with her because of Gran's insistence and for no other reason. The longer they walked, the more she wanted to jump into the water and swim away.

Finally, Peter said, “Coerced is definitely not the word I would use.”

Hailey's heart skipped a couple of beats. “It's not?”

“No.” He gently placed his hand in hers.

Warmth coursed through Hailey and tempting thoughts swirled in her mind. Not only was Peter handsome, but he was interesting and fun. She hadn’t felt this relaxed or at ease in a long time. Not even with Kevin, which meant she was treading in dangerous waters. She reminded herself that she couldn’t afford to get her heart involved because it would only lead to anguish. Wouldn’t it? It was much smarter to keep things uncomplicated between them—even if that wasn’t what she wanted—because that made the most logical sense. “Uh, I should probably get back. I want to check on Gramps.” It sounded like an excuse—which it was—but she needed some space so she could gain control over her disobedient feelings.

They made their way back to the parking lot still holding hands. Hailey knew better, but she couldn't convince herself to let go of his hand until he opened her door. Inside the car, Peter reached for her hand again and she complied. His soft fingers gently closed around hers and he caressed her thumb. The simple gesture captured her attention and she stared at their intertwined fingers, awed at how natural it all felt. A little voice inside her head tried to remind her that this wasn't the best idea, but she ignored it for the moment.

As they drove, the cooled air from the AC filled the car, but it did little to counteract the heat that inched its way up Hailey’s arm. They drove in silence for a few minutes, but it wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. In fact, it felt peaceful.

When they passed by the Daytona International Speedway, Hailey’s thoughts shifted to her grandfather. “You know, of all the things that could’ve been affected by his stroke, speech was the worst one for Gramps. He loves to talk and joke around. He would’ve been an excellent Jungle Boat Skipper.” The image of Gramps on a boat telling stories made Hailey smile.

Peter squeezed her hand. “I’d like to see that.”

“Me too.” Without warning, fear wrapped around her and anxiety set in. “I sure hope . . .” She didn’t want to finish the sentence.

“I’ve seen people like Harry regain a lot of their speech. I’m very hopeful. And with you helping him, he’ll get there,” Peter said with certainty.

“Thanks.” Hearing his confidence helped settle Hailey’s nerves. Maybe Gramps really would be his old self again.

They drove up to the house. Peter opened her door for her. He’s such a gentleman, which is so rare these days.

“Thank you. It was a lot of fun.” She meant it more than she should. Remember, you're going back home. This can't go anywhere. It can't.

“I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.” Peter lingered for a moment.

Her chest constricted. He’s not going to kiss me, is he? I don’t want him to. Do I? No, I don’t. That would complicate things way too much. No kissing.

“I had a great time.” He seemed to be stalling.

“Me too.” Maybe a little kiss wouldn’t hurt. Stop. No kissing! Back away and stop looking at his lips.

He took a few steps backward. His foot caught the edge of an ornamental rock and he stumbled. Hailey tried to reach out for him, but before she knew it, he was on the ground in a heap.

Her eyes grew as wide as the plains of Colorado while she stared at him, her mouth gaping open. She wasn’t sure what to say. Or do. The obvious mortification colored his cheeks, and she didn’t want to make it worse by reacting, but she was worried he’d hurt himself. “Are you okay?” She wanted to reach out for him, but instead she stood there motionless, unsure of how to temper the situation.

Peter jumped to his feet and brushed grass clippings from his shirt, a look of pure disgust on his face. “I’m fine.”

“I think you scraped your elbow.” She pointed to a spot on his arm. “Can I get you a bandage?”

He waved his hand. “No, it’s okay. I’ll see you later.” He turned and hurried back to his car.

Hailey wanted to tell Peter it was no big deal, but she’d been in a similar situation on a date in high school when she’d tripped over a curb and ripped a hole in her pants. She remembered wishing she’d evaporated on the spot and never wanting to see that boy again. I hope that doesn’t happen with Peter.

Hailey gazed at the empty street after he’d driven away. A thousand thoughts tumbled in her head. The best idea was to “nip this whole thing in the bud,” as Gran would say, before it went too far. Yes, that’s what she needed to do. Nip it, and nip it fast.

She glanced at the hand that had held Peter’s and clutched it to her chest. Nipping it is the right thing to do. Isn’t it?