CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Hailey was up early Friday morning. She worked on a couple of her accounts for a while, then went for a run. It felt good to get her muscles working and it gave her time to focus on nothing but listening to Coldplay and running—definitely not thinking about her upcoming date with Peter.

When she returned from her run, she showered and got dressed. After noticing several new emails, Hailey spent time answering them and sending some files back to Mr. Michaels. Finishing up her work, she rummaged through her clothes. Gramps had his speech therapy appointment, and she wanted to look decent. That was a lie. She wanted to look amazing. Like take-Peter’s-breath-away amazing, so he’d be excited about their date. She pulled out her blue dress and put it on. After fixing her hair and applying some mascara and lip gloss, Hailey walked out to the living room, but Gramps wasn’t in there.

“Are you ready, Gramps?” she said down the hall.

“He isn’t feeling well,” Gran said as she came out of their bedroom.

“Oh. I hope everything is all right.” Anxiety creased her forehead.

“I think he’s tired. That’s all.” She slung her arm around Hailey and they walked down the hallway toward the living room. “It’d probably be best to skip this appointment and let him rest. Don’t you worry. He’ll be fine.” Gran said it with such reassurance it made Hailey feel less stressed about Gramps.

“Sure.” Hailey had to admit, though, she was disappointed she wouldn’t see Peter this afternoon. Of course, they had their date that night, but she still felt let down. What was she saying? Thinking? This was crazy. She’d known him for a few weeks. And knowing was kind of an overstatement. They had only gone on one date. One fantastic, unforgettable, amazing date. What is wrong with me? I need to get a grip.

“Hailey?” Gran said, breaking into her thoughts.

“Uh, yeah?”

Gran studied her. “Did I lose you somewhere?”

“No, no. I . . . never mind. I can call and cancel his appointment.”

“I can do that.” Gran squeezed her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

Hailey stepped away from her and leaned against the back of the couch. “For what?”

“That you can’t see him this afternoon.” Gran said it so matter-of-factly.

“Don’t be silly. It’s no big deal,” she said, unsure if she was trying to convince Gran or herself.

“Liar.”

Hailey jerked her head back. “Excuse me?”

“You’re disappointed.” Gran peered at her. “I can see it all over your face.”

“This is about Gramps, not me,” Hailey said, trying to deflect the conversation away from her. “Do you really think he’s ok?”

“I think he’s tired and a good rest is what he needs. Don’t worry.” Gran walked past her into the kitchen. Over her shoulder, she said, “I’m going to bake some mint chocolate chip cookies. They’re Harry’s favorite.”

***

While Hailey was going over some numbers on her spreadsheet in her bedroom, Gran walked in and said, “I cancelled the appointment and the woman rescheduled it for tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? It’s Saturday.”

Gran shrugged. “I guess they’re open on Saturdays.”

“We can go tomorrow, as long as Gramps is up to it.” Hailey hoped he would be, especially if her date went as well as she anticipated with Peter tonight. For a moment, she lost herself in thoughts about Peter.

“I’ll let you get back to work,” Gran said.

“Oh . . . yeah . . . work.” Hailey nodded, reminding herself to focus back on her clients. “Thanks, Gran.” Somewhere along the way, she’d lost some enthusiasm for her job.

Gran left, and Hailey clicked over to her email. She found a frantic message from a client who needed immediate attention. Hailey called Mr. Lanceton.

“Hi, this is Hailey Baker from Michaels, Jensen, and Carter Accounting.” She tapped her fingers on her leg.

“Ms. Baker. I’ve been notified by the IRS. I have an audit.” She could hear the anxiety in his voice.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Lanceton, everything will be fine.” She wanted to reassure him.

“I’ve never been audited before. What if we’re missing some paperwork?”

“We need to find out what is being audited exactly. Which part of your return is in question?” She opened his folder and scanned through the files.

“It’s for two years ago.”

She found the correct file and opened it. “I’ll contact the agent and make arrangements to represent you.” Hailey needed to stay calm so her client would feel confident in her ability to help him through this audit, even if her heart wasn’t in it.

“Are you sure?” he said with a nervous edge.

“Yes, sir, that’s my job.”

“So what do I do?”

Hailey clicked through the various files. “I think we have all we need. I can get specific information from the agent, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. We have your receipts scanned and your expense reports appear to be in order.”

“I’ve never had an audit,” he repeated.

“I’ll keep you updated.” Hailey wanted to allay his fear because that was her job. “For now, don’t worry. There’s probably some information they want clarified. That’s all.”

She could hear Mr. Lanceton let out a sigh. “I feel better after talking to you.”

“I’m glad. Now, enjoy your weekend. I’ll take care of this.”

“Thank you.”

After she hung up, Hailey worried what this would mean for her personally. Audits were not her favorite part of her job. She hoped she could take care of it quickly and without having to return to Colorado right now, because she wasn’t ready to leave her grandparents. Otherwise, she might have to ask her boss to have someone else represent Mr. Lanceton, which could pose a threat to her employment.

“Are you busy?” Gran asked, peeking her head into Hailey’s bedroom.

Hailey sat back. “One of my clients is being audited.”

“Uh oh.”

“He’s a little stressed, but I tried to reassure him.” She hoped she had.

Gran stepped inside the room, her lime green blouse untucked. “Do you need to go back to Colorado?”

Hailey chewed on her lip. “I don’t know.”

“Oh.” Gran hid her feelings poorly. “I know you have a life back in Colorado and need to go back,” Gran said in a thick voice. “We’ll be fine.”

“Gran, you’re getting all worked up for no reason. I’ll take care of it. I’m sure everything will be fine.” At least she hoped so. Audits could be stressful and time consuming, but Mr. Lanceton had been her client ever since she joined the firm, and she needed to take care of this for him.

Gran reached out and touched Hailey’s flowing hair. “You look so pretty. Your dark hair has always highlighted your beautiful blue eyes.”

Hailey hoped Peter would think the same. “Thanks. I need to get ready for my date before Peter gets here.”

“Uh oh.” Gran made a face.

Hailey braced for bad news, then said, “What?”

“He’s here.” Gran smiled.

“Peter is here? Already?” Her heart climbed up her throat and her stomach started to quiver. She wasn’t nearly ready enough.

“Yes. He’s talking to your grandpa.”

“But he’s early. I didn’t think he’d be early.” Hailey ran her fingers through her hair, then looked at herself in the mirror that hung next to the door. “I definitely need to refresh my make-up. And brush my hair. Oh, and my teeth.” Hailey looked down at her dress. “Should I change?”

“No, no. This dress is a knockout. You look perfect,” Gran said with a cheerful expression.

Hailey’s nerves burned. “Tell him I’ll be out in a second.”

She rushed into the bathroom and worked to make her hair look full. She brushed her teeth. Twice. I don’t want bad breath. She spritzed her favorite Dior perfume on her neck and her wrist. Hailey took several calming breaths and clasped her trembling hands. Stop being such a nervous ninny. She sounded like Gran.

“Hi,” Hailey said as she walked into the living room. Peter was dressed in black pants and an emerald-green polo shirt that emphasized his trim frame. Hailey reminded herself to relax.

“Since I had a cancellation, I decided to make a house call.” He winked and her stomach flip-flopped.

“I hope you kids have a good time,” Gran said. “I’d love to hear you sing.”

“Come with us,” Peter said with sincerity.

Gran waved her hand. “No, no. You two go on. Us old coots will stay here.”

Peter stepped over to Gramps. “I’ll remember what you said.” He shook his hand.

What does that mean? Oh, no. What did Gramps say? “I’m ready if you are,” Hailey said. She turned to her grandparents. “I’ll see you later.”

“Stay out as late as you want,” Gran said with way too much enthusiasm.

They walked outside toward his car, the sun descending in the sky. Peter opened her door for her. She slid inside and watched him walk around the front of the car. He was handsome, but he was so much more. He radiated kindness and a genuine concern for those around him.

Inside the car, Hailey was almost afraid to ask, but she wanted to know—had to know. “What did you mean you’d remember what Gramps said?”

“Sorry.” He glanced at her with a twinkle in his eye. “It’s only between us.” He started up the car and began driving.

“Is that so?” She said it with a smile. “And you aren’t going to tell me?”

He smirked, then shook his head.

“But, did he actually say something to you? Like a real sentence?”

“He did.” Peter nodded, the slightly musky scent wafting through the car. “We had a real conversation. His speech is definitely improving.”

Even though she wanted to know what he said, she was happy to know he was conversing. “I’m so relieved. I worry about him. And Gran. They’re getting older, and I don’t want to think about that.” Sadness surged through her.

They didn’t talk for a few minutes, but it wasn’t awkward. It was . . . comfortable.

“I hope you’re planning to sing,” Peter said as they pulled into the parking lot of the Hilton.

“Uh, no.” She held up her hands. “I don’t want people grasping their ears and writhing on the floor in pain.”

He laughed. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“Oh, believe me, it is. I’ll do us all a favor if I don’t sing.”

Once again, he was a gentleman and opened her car door. As they walked through the hotel and navigated through a crowd, he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the restaurant near the karaoke bar.

Inside the restaurant, they sat at a small table near a window and ordered some dinner.

“Are you two here for the karaoke contest?” the waitress with short blonde hair asked.

“Contest?” Hailey said.

“Yeah. At the end of the night, we award the best singer with a prize.” She nodded and the diamond stud in her nose glinted.

“Sounds interesting,” Peter said.

“It’s always entertaining. Are you and your wife here for vacation?” she said as she filled their water glasses.

“We live here,” Peter answered without correcting her mistake.

After the waitress left, Hailey said, “I think this will be fun. Have you been here before?”

“No,” he said. “I don’t get out too often.”

“Really?” Did that mean he didn’t date much? It was hard to imagine that a man like Peter wasn’t dating all the time. He had everything going for him—he was the total package.

“I’m pretty busy with my patients and my sister and nephew.”

Hailey sipped her lemon water. “Your nephew is really cute.”

“Benji is a bundle of energy. He lost his dad a few years ago in Afghanistan.” A sad expression flashed across his face.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“My sister has had a rough time, so I try to be there for her as much as possible.”

“That must make it hard to date.” She regretted it as soon as it left her mouth and wished she could call it back.

A slight smile played on his lips. “Dating hasn’t been much of a priority, to be honest.”

Changing the direction of the conversation, Hailey said, “Let’s play a game.”

Peter gazed at her with his striking blue eyes. “Okay.”

“It’s called Two Truths and a Lie.”

“Sounds intriguing.”

“We used to play it back in high school to get to know people. I’ll tell you three things and you have to figure out which one is a lie.”

Peter leaned in and smiled. “Go ahead.”

“One. I set a record in cross country that still stands today at my high school. Two. I once met Jack Nicholson in Aspen when I was there skiing with my friends. Three. I can tune up a car.” She sat back with a satisfied expression, certain she’d stump him. “There, go ahead and pick out the lie.”

Peter strummed his fingers on the table while pensively studying Hailey.

The waitress returned and brought them their dinners.

Hailey cut into her sirloin. “So back to our game. It’s hard, huh? Not to brag, but I always win.” She smiled confidently as she waited for him to make a choice.

“I can believe you set a cross country record.”

“Oh yeah? Why?”

“You are, you know, lean.” He took a bite of his salmon.

“Lean? Is that a compliment?” she prodded.

He shifted in his chair. “You look like a runner. That’s all.”

“Thank you.” She studied him, trying to decipher his meaning. “I think.”

“Since you lived in Colorado, it isn’t hard to believe you skied at Aspen. And plenty of celebrities go to Aspen.”

“And the last one?” She spooned some creamy mashed potatoes into her mouth.

“I have a hard time envisioning you getting greasy and fixing a car.”

“Why is that? Because I’m a woman?”

“No. I . . . that’s not why.” He licked his lips. “I don’t see you as a mechanic. That’s all.”

She giggled to herself at how he became uncomfortable so easily. She smiled at him. “So which is it?”

“Now you have me all confused.”

“That’s the idea,” she said, pleased with herself.

He leaned forward, seeming to regain his confidence. “Let’s make this more interesting.”

“Okay.” What does he have in mind?

The corners of his mouth tugged up. “Whoever wins gets to pick a song for the other one to sing.”

Hailey hesitated for a moment because she wasn’t about to expose her dead animal voice to the world, but she agreed, confident she’d win. “You’re on.”

His eyes twinkled and he said, “I think the lie is meeting a celebrity at Aspen.”

Hailey sat back, stunned. “How did you do that?”

“I’m pretty good at reading people. You have a tell.” He stabbed a piece of broccoli and put it in his mouth.

“A tell?”

Peter nodded. “It gave you away.”

No way did she have a tell. “That’s not even true.”

“It is.” He took another bite of his salmon.

Hailey always won this game. She wanted to know how Peter figured out her lie. “Fine. What is it?”

“Your right eyebrow lifted almost imperceptibly, but I still noticed it, when you said you met Jack.” He used a napkin to wipe his face. “But that one sounded realistic.”

“My eyebrow?” Her hand went to her forehead. “Really? I had no idea. I guess I’ll have to work on that.”

“I’m impressed you can tune a car.”

She sipped her water, satisfied that even though she’d lost the game, she’d impressed Peter. “Thanks to Gramps. He used to have me help him when I was a teenager. I liked that we could spend time together. We even worked on an old Toyota, and he gave it to me when I turned sixteen.”

Peter smiled a warm endearing smile. “He’s lucky to have someone who loves him so much.”

“He’s the best. And so is Gran.” She leaned forward. “Your turn.”

“All right. Let me think.” He tapped the table.

“Come on.” She was eager to learn more about him.

“You know you have to sing a song I pick now, right?” he said with a light tone.

“Yeah, yeah.” Hailey brushed it off in hopes of avoiding it. “But if I win, you have to sing one I pick.”

“Number one.” He started. “I played Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls in high school. Two. I own all the Beatles albums. And three, I had heart surgery when I was a child.”

“Wow. You’re good.” Now it was her turn to be impressed.

Peter gave her a self-assured smile.

This was tougher than she thought it would be. Maybe she’d met her match at this game. “I think the lie is number one.” Hailey held her hand up. “No. I think number two.”

His eyes sparkled. “What is your final answer?”

“Number two. You don’t strike me as a Beatles kind of guy.”

“I don’t?” His eyes widened.

“No.” Hailey looked him up and down. “More of an NSYNC guy.”

He let out a derisive laugh. “Uh, no. Definitely not an NSYNC guy.”

“So, am I right?”

“Buzzzz.” Peter pointed at her. “You. Are. Wrong.”

“I am?” How did she lose? Again. He was certainly throwing off her groove.

“I was never Nathan Detroit.” He gave a jerk of his head. “I should’ve been, but I wasn’t.”

She noted a hint of resentment. “Still upset about that?”

He laughed. “So I pick a song for you. Again.” He held up two fingers. “That makes two songs.”

She let out a long breath. “Except I’m really, really not a singer. Like I said, for real, people will scream out in pain and the walls will tumble down in rebellion. We don’t want all that ruin, do we?” She peered at him. “Do we?”

He shrugged a shoulder. “That was the bet.”

“I know, and I’m never one to back out of a bet, but in the interest of world peace, I think it’s for the best.” Hailey gave him her best this-is-the-right-thing-to-do nod.

“But this is a karaoke bar. Singing talent isn’t a requirement.”

“Seriously. I should not sing.” She pointed at him. “You’ll thank me. Really.”

“I don’t know.” He shook his head, then gazed at her with a playful expression. “Maybe you can offer up something in exchange.”

“Like what?” She was enjoying this lighthearted banter.

He moved closer to her, making her heartbeat speed up. “What do you have in mind?”

“I can tune up your car,” she offered.

“Hmm, that’s quite tempting.” The dim light in the restaurant couldn’t hide the gleam in his eyes. “But I already have a great mechanic.”

She thought for a moment. “Okay. Here it is. I’ll make you dinner if I don’t have to sing tonight.”

“When?”

“You say.”

“All right.” He stuck his hand out over the table and as soon as she took it, sizzling energy bounded up her arm. “You have a deal.” They finished shaking hands.

Hailey took another swig of her water and silently commanded her pulse to stop zipping through her veins. “You had heart surgery as a kid?”

“I was born with a hole in my heart.” He nodded.

“That must’ve been scary.”

“For my mom. I was too young to remember much of it. Apparently, it worked.” He smiled.

“I’m glad.” Did she say that out loud? She hurried to change the subject. “What’s your favorite Beatles song?”

Peter drummed his fingers on the table. “That’s hard. I enjoy all of them.”

“And you sing.”

A flash of humility crossed his face. “Yeah.”

What else could this fascinating man do? “You play an instrument?”

“The guitar. Piano.” He smoothed his hair. “And the violin in middle school.”

“That’s awesome.” She had no idea Peter was so musically inclined. “I took piano lessons, but I think I’m tone deaf.”

After dinner, they moved over to the bar and sat in some chairs to the left of the stage. A few people got up and sang. The first guy wasn’t too bad, but the next one, a woman with spiky blue hair and an eagle tattoo on her arm, was terrible. Hailey wanted to cover her ears, but she didn’t want to be rude, so she endured what sounded like the woman was being strangled. Maybe her own voice wasn’t as bad as she thought.

She turned to Peter. “So are you going to sing?”

Peter sat back. “I didn’t lose the bet.”

“But you could still get up there. For fun.” Hailey wanted to hear him sing.

“Maybe.”

She touched him on the shoulder. “Come on. Sing me a song.” She tilted her head and gave him her best do-it-for-me-please look.

A smile edged around his mouth. “How can I refuse now?”

Peter stood and walked up to the side of the stage. After the next woman finished, he stood on the wooden platform, microphone in hand.

A young man with a dark goatee stood in front of the crowd and said, “We now have Mr. Peter Stafford, who will be singing, See You Tonight, made famous by Scotty McCreery.”

The music began and Peter started singing. Hailey’s mouth curled up. Peter’s voice was so smooth—like Dove dark chocolate melting on her tongue. He was good. Better than good. The more he sang, the more he got into the song. Hailey stared at him as he sang, her heartbeat thrumming to the beat of the song. She found herself wishing she’d be the girl Peter might be holding under the porch light tonight.

Toward the end of the song, the crowd started clapping with him. A couple of women whistled and shouted out at him to keep singing.

After Peter finished, the applause erupted. The DJ said, “The audience liked that. Stay tuned to see if you win the prize tonight, sir.”

Peter waved at the crowd, then took his seat next to Hailey.

“That was incredible.” She hadn’t been prepared for the way his singing wound around her heart.

“Thanks.” He scooted closer to her and his shoulder touched hers. “I haven’t sung in front of anyone for a long time.”

“Why not?”

“I guess,” he paused, “I lost the music for a time.”

“And Scotty McCreery?”

“Okay.” He held his hand up. “I have a confession.”

“This sounds interesting.”

He cupped his hand over his mouth and whispered, his breath tickling her ear, “I watched American Idol. Every season of it.”

“You did?” She looked at him with surprise.

He nodded, then lowered his head. “I hope I don’t have to turn in my man card because of it.”

“No way. Not after you sang like that. You should’ve been on American Idol yourself.”

He laughed. “My sister said the same thing.”

“So why didn’t you audition?” She could see him singing on stage while the women watching him worked themselves into a dither. Dither? There I go sounding like Gran again.

“I guess I was too busy with life.” He played with the edge of the napkin. “And I didn’t have enough confidence.”

“Seriously?” Hailey held her hands out in front of her. “You sing like an angel.”

“I do?” His grin sent ripples across her stomach as if a kaleidoscope of butterflies was trying to escape.

“Uh, did I say that out loud?” Sometimes her mouth worked faster than her brain.

“You did.”

She didn’t care if he knew she loved his voice. “Well, it’s true.”

When Hailey sat back, she noticed Peter’s arm was draped around the back of her chair. Within a minute, his arm was around her shoulders. She settled in, liking how she seemed to fit perfectly there.

They listened to several more singers. Some were better than others and a few sounded like they were in pain. Hailey wished someone would put them out of her misery.

The DJ jumped up on the stage. He raised his hand and said, “We have a winner.”

“It better be you,” Hailey said as she elbowed Peter.

The DJ scanned the audience. “Peter Stafford, come on up.”

“Woo hoo,” Hailey shouted. She whistled.

Peter walked to the stage while the crowd applauded.

“You’ve won a T-shirt.” The DJ handed him a bright yellow shirt. “You have a great voice, man.” He clapped Peter on the shoulder.

“Thanks.”

Peter came back to the table, shirt in hand.

“Congratulations,” Hailey said. “You were obviously the best one here.”

“Thanks.” He inclined his head toward the door. “What do you say we go for a walk?”

“I’d like that.”

They exited the lounge, dropped the T-shirt off at the car, and then headed toward the beach area. The air was warm and moist and a gentle wind caressed Hailey’s face. The moon hung low in the sky and stars twinkled above them.

Hailey drew in a deep breath through her nose. “I love the salty air here.”

“Don’t get much of that in Colorado?”

“Nope. Not a lot.” Hailey kicked off her sandals and held them in her hand. The cool sand felt like satin beneath her feet. “I love the ocean and listening to the cadence of the breaking waves. It’s like listening to nature’s music.”

“The beach is my favorite place to come and think.” He glanced at her. Even under the moonlight it was easy to see his appealing features. “I’ve spent a decent amount of time here.”

“Had a lot to think about?”

Peter looked out toward the ocean. “You could say that.”

“Anything you want to share?”

They continued walking on the silky sand, only the sound of the water lapping at the shore between them. After a few minutes, Peter said, “When I was a freshman in college, I met a woman. We dated for a couple of years and then got married.”

He was married? More importantly, is he still married? Hailey remained silent and hoped Peter would continue.

He glanced up at the night sky. “By the time I earned my master’s, she was gone.”

Hailey clutched at her chest. “She died?”

“No.” He shook his head. “She left me, but I felt like I’d died.”

“I’m so sorry.” She didn’t want to pry, but she wanted to know what happened and hoped he’d tell her more.

“She wasn’t a big fan of being a married college student. She particularly disliked not having much money. One day, I came home from school and her suitcase was packed. She said she was sorry, but getting married was a mistake. I think she liked the idea of being married more than she liked actually being married. At least to me.”

Hailey’s heart hurt. Poor Peter. “Wow. That must’ve been awful.”

“It was pretty hard. I was in it for the long haul, but she wasn’t.” He drew in a deep breath. “That was about six years ago.”

“Whatever happened to her?” She regretted asking such a prying question. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.”

“She married a wealthy attorney three years ago.”

Hailey wasn’t sure what to say or why Peter had chosen to share that with her, but she felt a stronger connection to him because of it.

“So, yeah, I’ve spent a lot of thinking time here. What about you?” He looked at her. “Did you have a thinking spot?”

Hailey nodded, remembering her special place. “Up in the mountains. I’d hike up to my favorite area right above this creek.”

“I’ve never spent much time in the mountains.”

“Oh, I love the Rockies, but I also love the beach. I’ve missed Florida over the last few years. Work has kept me in Colorado, and I haven’t been able to visit.”

“Have you ever thought about moving to the beach?” he asked in a quiet voice.

Was he fishing or merely curious? Regardless, she said, “I thought I’d always live in Colorado, but I’m not so sure anymore. Things haven’t worked out exactly like I’d planned.”

Peter laughed softly. “Life can sure throw us curveballs.”

“Yes, it can.”

He turned and peered at her. The moonlight streamed across his face and highlighted his strong jaw. “Here’s to turning those curveballs into home runs.”

“Sounds good to me.” She loved his optimism.

They started walking closer to the edge of the water. A wave broke and water rushed around their feet. Hailey squealed, then jumped back, but she lost her footing and tumbled backward, landing on her backside.

Peter immediately extended his hand. She grabbed it and attempted to pull herself up, but was off-balance and fell back again. She started laughing to cover her humiliation.

Peter took a few balancing steps and then fell next to her in the sand.

“We’re a pair, aren’t we?” she said wiping at the sand on her dress.

“Please don’t remind me about how I fell the other night. I’m trying to forget that ever happened.” He stretched out his legs in front of him. “I have another confession.”

“Go on. I like your confessions.” She was anxious to hear what he’d say.

“I was so embarrassed.” He picked up a handful of sand and let it sift through his fingers. “I wasn’t going to call you again.”

“Seriously?” He was so embarrassed he wasn’t going to call me?

“My sister convinced me.”

She looked at him sideways. “I’m so glad she did.” Uh, oh. Did I say that aloud? Again?

Peter smiled. He jumped to his feet, then pulled Hailey to hers. They lingered there for a moment under the night sky. “I need to get you home. I don’t want June to be mad that I’m bringing you home late. I want to stay in her good graces.”

Hailey laughed. “I don’t think you need to worry about that.” Gran would love it if I ran off and married you right now.

As they walked back toward the car, Peter reached his hand out and gently took Hailey’s in his. Their hands fit together so naturally, as if they were a matched pair. What’s happening? She bit her lip. Who am I kidding? She knew exactly what was happening. But was she prepared for it?

In the car on the way back, Hailey asked, “So you like to sing, you were in theater, and you had heart surgery. Anything else?” She wanted to know as much about this man as she could.

“I’m pretty good at cards.”

“Oh, really?” She looked at him. “Ever play gin?”

“Yeah, among others. I play with my mom. She likes to play with some of her friends and practices on me.” He laughed.

“Interesting.”

“Why? Do you play cards?”

She turned in her seat toward Peter, wishing she wasn’t wearing such a confining seatbelt. “I don’t wanna brag, but I’ve been known to beat the socks off Gramps.”

He tapped the steering wheel with his fingers. “I bet he lets you win.”

“Are you kidding me?” Her voice rose. “He’s as competitive as it comes. I win fair and square every time.”

“Maybe we can play a game or two sometime with Harry.”

“You’re on.” She playfully touched him on the forearm and before she knew it, his hand held hers.

“I’ll warn you, though, I’m pretty good,” he said confidently.

With a flick of her head she said, “I guess we’ll see.”

They drove past a restaurant with a sign offering the best gator in the area. “Have you eaten gator?” he asked.

“Not this trip, but I love it.” A memory of the first time she had alligator with her grandparents rushed through her mind. “Well, I didn’t love it the first time. Gramps convinced me to try it, and I spit it right out. Even wiped my tongue with the napkin and everything.”

“Was that last year?”

“Very funny.” She tapped his hand with hers. “I was much, much younger. I tried it again last time I was here, and now I’m hooked.”

“We’ll have to get some.” He squeezed her hand. “I have a favorite restaurant.”

“Sounds good.” Hailey looked out the window. It sounded as if Peter were planning things to do in the future, like he planned to spend more time with her. How did she feel about that? She gazed down at their intertwined fingers. Pretty good. Actually, she felt better than pretty good—a lot better—about spending more time with him, even if her time in Florida would be up soon. She pushed that thought from her mind and refused to let it pop back in.

They arrived at the house and walked up to the porch.

“Thank you for going with me tonight. I had a great time,” he said.

“Thanks for asking.” She rolled the fabric of her dress between her forefinger and thumb like she was a nervous teenager on her very first date. “I hope you’ll sing for me again.”

“Since I have the voice of an angel . . .”

She slapped at his chest and he caught her hand, sending a torrent of flutters through her body. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud,” she said.

He smiled and her stomach knotted. The words from the song Peter had sung earlier echoed in her ears. Would he hold her under the porch light? Would he kiss her? Would she like it?

They stood there on the porch for several moments, their gazes locked on each other and electricity dancing between them. Hailey’s heart somersaulted in her chest and the edges of her ears burned as she anticipated, even yearned for, a kiss. She could almost feel his lips on hers and taste his kiss as he leaned in toward her.

Suddenly, the door whipped open and Gran stood there. “I thought I heard voices.”

Hailey stepped back, dazed. The moment with Peter vanished.

Gran looked from Hailey to Peter and then back to Hailey. “Oh. I’m sorry. I interrupted . . . something.”

“No worries. I need to get home anyway,” Peter said as he backed away. “Thanks again.”

Hailey watched him walk down the pathway to his car and waved as he drove away. Disappointment welled up inside her. If only Gran hadn’t opened the door.

“I’m so sorry. It’s been ages since I’ve had someone go on dates. I opened the door because I thought it might be Regina. And I was glad to see it was you, but then I . . .” Gran stopped rambling. “Was it fun?”

Hailey stepped in the house and shut the door. “Yeah, it was fun.” More than fun. It was spectacular.

“Are you going out with him again?” Gran asked with eagerness.

“I guess we’ll see.” She slung her arm around Gran’s stooped shoulders. “Remember, though, I do have to go back to Colorado Springs. I have a life there.”

“You could have a life here.”

“As you would say,” Hailey gestured with her hand, “that is putting the horse twenty miles in front of the cart.”

Gran chuckled. “Putting the cart before the horse.”

Hailey waved her hand. “You know what I mean.”

Gran let out a long sigh. “So sue me for hoping for a happily-ever-after for you. And here in Florida by me.”

Hailey pulled her grandma into an embrace. “I love you.”

Right now, Hailey loved everyone. And everything. A smile ran across her face. Maybe her heart was finally ready to take another chance.

***

Peter lay in bed, his hands laced behind his head, staring at the ceiling. He hadn’t felt so at ease and so alive with a woman in years. And Hailey didn’t seem to mind that he’d been married. He’d found that was a turnoff for some women.

Warmth emanated from his chest and spread through his limbs as he replayed the night in his mind. He’d had more fun tonight than he could remember in recent months. Maybe even years.

Singing felt good.

Walking with Hailey felt good.

Holding her hand felt good.

It all felt good.

He turned to his side and fluffed the pillow underneath his head. A part of him feared it felt too good with Hailey—too good to be true. After all, he thought he’d spend his life with Sara, and that turned out worse than he’d ever imagined. It had been six years, but in some ways, his heart thought it was as recent as yesterday. Was he ready to take another chance and let Hailey all the way in, especially when she wasn’t there long-term? Wasn’t that foolish?

An image of her smiling flashed across his memory. Hailey was so easy to talk to. Easy to open up to. Easy to be around. He loved how she’d squealed when the cool water hit her feet. And how they fell onto the sand together.

It had been a great night, and he hoped there would be more.