CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Hailey spent almost two weeks staying late at work trying to catch up and get back on track with all her clients. Though she’d worked while she was in Florida, she was still behind.

On the way home from work, she stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few items. Back in the bakery department, she spotted Jimmy. Oh, no. If he sees me, I’ll have to talk to him and he’ll try to come over to my apartment. She ducked behind the cereal aisle to avoid him. If she never had to see him again, it’d be too soon.

She stealthily snuck around the corner, grateful she’d avoided the most annoying person on earth. Hailey bent down to grab a jar of spaghetti sauce, and when she stood, there he was. Boom.

“Hail, where you been?” Jimmy said in his nauseating drawl.

Her skin started to itch. “In Florida.”

“Long vacation or what?” He slicked back his hair.

“Actually I went back to help my grandpa after he had a stroke.” Not that it’s any of your business.

“Oh. So, how is he?”

“He passed,” she said, her patience wearing thin.

“Oh, geez. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I was thinking . . . maybe . . . we could get together tonight since you’re home now.”

“I’m really tired, Jimmy.” And will be for the rest of my life.

“Uh, yeah.” He bobbed his head a few times. “How ‘bout I come over another day. We can get some pizza or something.”

“I’m going to be very busy catching up with my job.” Very, very busy. Every day. For forever. Plus another ten years.

He held out a hand. “You gotta eat.”

“I’ll let you know, Jimmy.” In 2045.

He gave her his cheesy smile and then winked. “Catch ya later, babe.”

Hailey hurried down the aisle. Time to find a new grocery store.

After loading her car with groceries, Hailey drove home, then rushed to her apartment and locked the door behind her. She put the groceries away while warming a can of soup. Sitting in front of her TV with her bowl, she surfed through channels trying to find something to watch. When nothing caught her eye, she absently stared through her window into the darkness.

Was this how she wanted to spend the rest of her life? Working, living in her average apartment, watching TV, and hiding in the grocery store to avoid Jimmy Vaughn? Even though she’d shed Kevin once and for all, she was exactly where she was before she went to Florida.

The promise she made to Gran at the airport shot into her mind—a promise she wasn’t keeping. But what could she do about it?

Deflated and dejected, she got up, dumped her soup in the sink, and went to bed.

***

After spending most of her day preparing for Mr. Lanceton’s audit, running quarterly reports for several other clients, and making a few phone calls, Hailey sat at her desk blankly staring at her computer screen. Working with numbers and making them all balance used to give her a thrill of accomplishment. Now it felt like drudgery. Her life was as bland and dreary as the numbers she worked with. This isn’t the life I want. It isn’t what I promised Gran.

“Don’t forget about the meeting with Mrs. Winters. It’s tomorrow afternoon,” her boss said, jerking her back into reality.

Hailey nodded. “I have it down. Her reports are all ready.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather.” Mr. Michaels wore a kind expression.

“Thank you for allowing me to go and help him. It meant a lot.” She’d relish the time she’d spent with her grandparents for the rest of her life, for more than one reason. And it was that one reason that had her so confounded. So conflicted.

“You’re welcome. Now you can dive back into work full force?” He peered at her over the top of his glasses.

“Dive back into work full force?” She knew what he meant, but still repeated his words trying to convince herself to do just that.

“Yes. All of your focus and energy.”

Hailey looked at him and blurted out, “No, sir.”

“Huh?” He wore a confused expression.

“Huh?” Hailey said, equally confused. Why did I say that?

“What did you say?” He pinched his brows together.

Hailey blinked. She drew in a breath of courage. “I think I said no, sir. Because I’m not ready to dive into work.”

Mr. Michaels cocked his head to the right. “Excuse me?”

Hailey stood, her heartbeat pulsing in her cheeks. “I made a promise to my grandmother that I need to keep.”

He studied her with a probing gaze. “What does that mean?”

“I don’t know exactly, but I need to go.” She gathered up her bag. “This isn’t where I belong anymore.” Was she really saying this?

“What are you doing?” He narrowed his eyes and looked at her as if she’d totally lost her mind. Maybe she had.

“I’m taking a risk.” It was suddenly so obvious. So clear. “I know what will make me happy. I’ve known it for weeks.” She knew exactly what she needed to do.

“This doesn’t make any sense,” he said as he watched her.

“You’re right.” How could she explain this to Mr. Michaels? I can’t explain it.

“Your job—”

“Has been great, but it isn’t enough.” As soon as it came out of her mouth, she knew. This was the right thing for her to do. She was done living her mediocre life. She wanted more. She’d had a taste of something better, and now she wanted it all.

“Where are you going?”

“To Florida.” A flurry of tingles shot down her back.

“You’re willing to give up your job?” Mr. Michaels said sternly, arms crossed in front of his chest.

Hailey drew in a deep breath. With complete confidence in her decision she said, “For a chance to be with Peter? Yes. I’m willing to risk it all.”

***

Hailey packed her suitcase before she could think about her decision. She found a last-minute overnight plane ticket and purchased it. On the way over to the airport, she refused to let herself evaluate what she was doing. She knew it was impulsive and a little crazy—a lot crazy—but she had to go with her gut instinct and follow through. The greater the risk, the greater the happiness that could be hers. It was worth it.

During the plane ride, she tried to sleep, but all she could think about was Peter and what she would say to him. She blocked out thoughts of his possible reaction because that would make her turn around and return home. She wasn’t naturally impulsive—she liked to consider and plan things and take time to think them through. This was the craziest thing she’d ever done. Ever. In her whole life.

The plane touched down in Orlando, and she freshened up as much as possible in the airport restroom. She rented a car and made the drive to Daytona Beach, all the while practicing what she would say, especially since he didn’t expect her. She planned to drive over to his office and lay it all on the line. I’m in love with you, Peter. By her calculations, she’d be there before nine o’clock.

Deep breaths. I can do this.

When she pulled into the parking lot of the rehab facility where she’d spent time with Gramps, waves of emotions crashed over her. She couldn’t afford to let the memories of Gramps affect her or she wouldn’t go through with telling Peter how she felt.

She applied some lip gloss, fluffed her hair, and checked her teeth. It’s now or never.

With each step, her heart threatened to leap right out of her chest. How will he react when he sees me? Don’t think about it, don’t think about it, don’t think about it.

She entered the building and walked back to his office. Unfortunately, Joyce was at the front desk with her oversize gold hoop earrings and bright red lipstick.

“May I help you?” she asked with an edge to her voice.

“I’m here to see Peter Stafford.” She said it as evenly as possible.

Joyce gave her the once-over and then asked, “Do you have an appointment?”

Hailey cleared her throat. “Uh, no. But I’d like to see him as soon as possible.” She laced her shaking fingers together.

With a smirk, Joyce said, “He isn’t in.”

Hailey’s shoulders fell. She hadn’t considered that Peter might not be at the office. “When will he be in today?”

“He won’t.” Joyce seemed to be enjoying this interplay, but Hailey was becoming increasingly agitated.

Trying to remain cool, she asked, “Is it his day off?”

Joyce leaned forward and with an arch of her eyebrow said, “He’s taken some personal time. I’m not sure when he’ll be back.”

“Oh.” Personal time? Peter was gone? Hailey felt like she’d been kicked in the stomach. With stiletto heels.

“I can leave him a message if you’d like. I talk to him frequently.” Joyce said it with an air of authority.

Tamping her disappointment down, Hailey said, “No message. Thanks.”

Hailey walked out of the rehabilitation center. Personal time? What did that mean? And why now? Of course, the biggest question was where did that leave her? She’d put on her cloak of bravery and wasn’t about to go back to Colorado without seeing him. Not when she’d come this far.

What should I do? How can I find him? She had to see him in person and tell him how she felt or she was sure she’d burst into a million pieces. After thinking on it for a few minutes and trying to figure out what to do, her only option seemed to be to call him.

Hailey pulled out her phone and rolled it between her hands, staring at it. Should I call him? If she wanted to see him, she’d have to, because there was no other way. Quickly, she tapped in his name, hit his contact info, and connected the call.

Her heart hammered and her stomach roiled in anticipation as she waited for him to answer. When the call went through, Hailey jumped right in because she didn’t want to lose her nerve or momentum. “Hi. It’s me, Hailey. Please don’t say anything until I’m finished. I’m here. In Daytona Beach. Because I wanted to see you. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I need to tell you . . . I’m in love with you. I knew it before I left, but I was too afraid to tell you. Being back in Colorado made it crystal clear. I had to come back and tell you that I love you. That’s all. I’m done now.” She let out an anxious breath and waited for his reply.

She heard a cough, and then a strange voice said, “Uh, hi. This is Laura. Peter’s sister. We met at a restaurant.”

Hailey’s face immediately caught fire. “His sister?” She’d just declared her love for Peter to . . . his sister. How humiliating was that? She wanted to crawl in a hole and die.

“Peter is here at my house,” she whispered. “He left his phone on the counter while he went outside with my son. When I saw your name on the screen I had to answer. We don’t have much time.”

“Because?” Hailey had no idea what she meant.

“My stubborn brother finally figured things out.” She chuckled softly. “He came by to say goodbye.”

“Goodbye?” Was Peter leaving Florida? Why? Hailey was all sorts of confused.

“He’s on his way to the airport. He has a ticket from Daytona Beach to Denver tonight.”

Hailey’s heart catapulted to her throat. She hoped she knew the answer, but she had to ask to be sure. “Why is he flying to Denver?”

“Seriously? To see you.”

“What should I do?”

“You could come over here, but I’d have to stall him. Or you could meet him at the airport. He’s leaving my house within the next fifteen minutes or so,” Laura said with excitement.

“I can leave right now and meet him at the airport.” Adrenaline pumped through her.

“He’s flying Delta. Uh, oh, he’s coming back inside. I’m going to delete this call so he won’t see it. Good luck.” With that she ended the call.

Hailey stared at her phone. Did his sister just give her seal of approval? It sure sounded that way.

On the drive over, Hailey replayed what she’d said to Peter’s sister. How embarrassing. On the bright side, at least that had given her a practice run, even if the humiliation still stung. Maybe when she saw Peter she could express herself more eloquently. She gripped the steering wheel to steady her trembling fingers.

After she parked the rental car, she made her way to the entrance and paced back and forth. She was a jumble of nerves as she waited for Peter, hoping it would all play out as she’d fantasized.

Before she could wear a path in the dingy gray carpet of the airport lobby, she spotted Peter coming through the glass doors. He was dressed in khaki pants and a blue dress shirt and was pulling a small black suitcase behind him. When he looked up and their gazes locked, her heart did a nosedive into her stomach. He blinked, let go of his suitcase, and rushed over to her, picking her up in his arms and twirling her around. “What are you doing here?” he whispered in her ear as he set her down.

“Finding you.” She peered at him, overflowing with love.

“But how?” His smile reached up into his pale blue eyes.

“I have my ways.” She bit her lip and then led him by the hand to a more private area of the lobby.

“I’m so happy to see you.” He embraced her again. “I was actually on my way to Colorado to see you.”

“Oh yeah?” The idea that he was coming to see her made her heart want to sing out in joyous choruses.

“And here you are.” He looked her up and down as if he couldn’t believe she stood there before him.

“I am.” Hailey wanted to tell him why she was there, but she found it difficult to think about anything except the way his eyes sparkled with intensity, the way his musky scent drew her in, and the way his strong and steady arms encircled her so perfectly. Finally, she said, “I was a fool.”

“You were?” His eyebrows moved slightly and the corners of his mouth tugged up.

“I should have told you how I felt before I left.”

“And I should have told you,” he said, brushing a lock of hair from her cheek.

“Really?” Her legs were like overcooked noodles.

He cupped her chin in his hand. “I want to be with you, Hailey. Since you left, I haven’t been able to think about anything else.” He paused and then peered deeply into her eyes, making her feel like a thousand candles burned inside her. “I love you.”

Her cheeks throbbed. “Oh, Peter, I love you too.” This was even better than her fantasy.

“I don’t want to spend another day without you,” he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear and making her eyelids flutter.

“Me either,” she said, gulping for air.

He reached up and traced her lips with his finger, letting it trail down her neck until every cell was on full alert. He laid his warm lips on hers and each nerve in her body ignited, then exploded into a full-fledged forest fire. His lips explored hers tentatively as if he were asking permission for more. When she responded affirmatively, the kiss intensified. The deeper he kissed her, the more she craved it, as if she couldn’t live without it. Passion pulsed through her body, making her limbs feel numb. She never wanted to stop kissing this man who had somehow captured her heart. She was all his.

Once he stopped kissing her and her brain reengaged, she asked, “But what about the fact that you live in Florida and I live in Colorado?”

He ran his fingers through her hair. “I’m not much for long distance.”

“So what will we do?”

“I’m ready to start my own practice, and Colorado is as good a place as any to start it. I’ve already researched what licensing I’d need.”

“You’d do that?” He was willing to give up his life in Florida for her. Could he be any more amazing?

“You are all I want. I know that.” He intertwined his fingers with hers. “My career will work itself out.”

Hailey chewed her lip and then said, “Would you be offended if I said no?”

He wrinkled his forehead. “Why?”

“Because I’d rather stay here in Florida. Honestly, I love Daytona Beach and I want to be there for Gran when she gets back from Oregon. And your family needs you here.”

“You’d move to Florida? Permanently?” Peter gazed at her in disbelief.

“Yes.”

He pulled her in for a long embrace. “You are exactly who I’ve been looking for all of my life.”

His words brought a sense of security and happiness she’d never experienced. He was exactly who she’d been looking for too. They’d both taken relationship detours, but now they’d found each other, and she wasn’t about to let him go.