international business call. They always hit at weird times.”
“Is that a code for a secret girlfriend?”
I chuckled. “Nope, you are the only one for me.”
“Mmm.” She curled into my arms. “I really like the sound of that.”
“Well, I’m glad. We are going to be married for a while. I think we should at least try to like each other.”
“I do like you,” she said as she dozed. “I think you are funny and smart. You have a great body, and I only want to punch you like half the day now.”
I laughed. “Only half the day, huh? Is that an improvement?”
Hailey nodded. “When I first met you, I thought you were the biggest ass in the world. I didn’t want anything to do with you. I never thought I’d be sleeping with you a few months later.”
“Well, if my opinion counts for anything, I’m really happy you are here.”
“I’m really happy you showed up in that alley when you did. I was screwed.”
“Can I get that in writing?”
“Not a chance. You’ll be lucky if I even remember any of this when I wake up. Late night conversations are never a good idea. Your mind is all fuzzy.”
“Yeah? I think you make my mind fuzzy.”
She giggled, her eyes still closed. “You make me feel all warm and fuzzy. I love it. I love lots of things about being out here.”
“You do?” I asked, my heart racing. “What else do you love out here.”
“Lots of things silly. I love the view and the peaceful days. It’s awesome. I love sleep too.”
“You want me to leave you alone so you can go to sleep?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I want you to stay right here with me, pretty please?”
Her words struck me as I pulled her closer. I would stay with her for as long as she wanted. Hailey was dozing back to sleep with a faint smile. I watched her for some time as she slept in my arms, gently brushing the strands of hair from her face. With each passing day, our deadline for being together crept closer. I wouldn’t be able to hold onto her forever, despite my desire to do so.
20
Chapter Nineteen (Hailey)
We’d fallen into an odd routine. Some nights we would talk for hours, and still others, we would make love. It went on for months, the time moving like a liquid until I wasn’t sure how long we’d been married but knew it was approaching six months. It was early fall, the ranch in full swing, preparing for another auction. Lounging in bed, I felt for Jackson, but he was up and gone before I woke. I knew he hadn’t been gone long.
In the time that we had spent together, it was rare for him to leave without at least telling me, “good morning.” Still, it had been a long and late night, and I knew that the ranch needed its leader to run smoothly. I didn’t move from his bed immediately, relishing in the sweet memories of the night before. With my classes progressing and my mother’s health slowly improving, there was no need to rush. Just as I was about to drift back to sleep, I gasped.
The doorbell chimed through the house as I leaped from bed, quickly pulling on a loose dress and dashing for the front door. I looked like a hot mess, but I didn’t care. Jerking it opened, I greeted my friend with a squeal as Natalee dove into my arms. We hadn’t seen each other in months. The visit was long overdue, and we bounced up and down in the embrace.
“I can’t believe you are really here! How was the drive?”
“Good God, it was long! But this place is really something, isn’t it?” She gave a low whistle. “I wish I had a man to fake marry.”
I blushed. “Hey now, be nice! Things with Jackson are definitely interesting.”
“I want to know all the details, everything. Has he fallen madly in love with you yet? How’s your mother doing? I still can’t believe all of this is real!”
Laughing, I pulled her into the kitchen where coffee was already brewing. Natalee sat down at the island, taking the hot cup and slowly sipping as she took in her surroundings. It was obvious that she approved of the house. Her eyes traveled across the kitchen and living room to the small details I’d added since I’d been there. It wasn’t much, but the small basket of fruit and throw blankets seemed to