head and heart to get in line.
But it’d be a whole lot easier if her body wasn’t tucked in his arms.
Chapter 12
The Morning After
Morning sun filtered in through the windows, turning the living room bright white. Pru squinted as her eyes opened and she discovered she was on the couch again, this time using Hayes as her pillow.
Had she slept here? On the couch? With Hayes?
She lifted her head ever so slightly.
And oh my gosh—had she drooled on Hayes’s shirt?
She swiped at her cheek and backed away to discover that she had, in fact, drooled on the man. But she also realized she’d slept soundly through the night. Maybe he wouldn’t notice. His head was tilted slightly away from her, but his lips were right there. If she wanted, she could wake him with kisses.
What would it be like to have the right to do that?
She put a hand on his chest, marveling at the rise and fall of his breathing, and still processing the things he’d told her the night before. No wonder the spark in his eyes had gone. No wonder he always looked tired.
In just a few days, they’d attend the preview party, then the stroll and then, as far as she knew, he would board the ferry and go, off to live a life that, for the most part, didn’t include Pru.
Slowly, she slid from his grasp, thankful she didn’t wake him. She brushed her teeth and finger-combed her hair, then stood outside the bathroom staring at Hayes, fast asleep on her sofa.
He’d rolled over onto his side but still breathed deeply, and it was a wonder to watch him like that—beautiful and peaceful and . . . beautiful. She could’ve told him last night how she felt about him. She could’ve said she didn’t want to end up like Peggy, sitting with the weight of regret, having never spoken up about her real feelings.
But in the end, she’d chosen silence, just like always. Because she couldn’t lose Hayes. She loved him too much to ever even consider that he wouldn’t be a part of her life.
She couldn’t stand that thought. She’d resigned herself to taking him however she could get him.
She pulled on her boots and coat, then rushed off down the street to pick up coffee and pastries, but when she returned to her cottage, she found it empty.
Hayes had left a note on her kitchen table.
Had to go help Mom with some stuff at home. Thanks for listening last night. You’re the best! –Hayes
She stared at the words until they lost their meaning. She texted him:
You left before coffee.
Sorry. And thanks for last night.
Anytime.
She stared at the phone as the three magical dots appeared, then disappeared. She waited a minute before deciding the conversation was over. She looked at the freshly decorated Christmas tree. On the top, instead of an angel or a star, Hayes had affixed a photo of the two of them that he’d printed from his phone the night before.
The truth was, she’d let herself daydream last night. Enough to make herself blush as she thought about it now. She’d pretended they were a couple from the moment they set out looking for a tree, and she’d carried on with the mental charade until she woke up in his arms that morning.
This was probably unhealthy.
She didn’t want to wonder if she and Hayes might actually be soulmates. But she also didn’t want to lose him.
She opened the white wax-paper bag from the coffee shop, pulled out the blueberry scone, and took a bite. The way she felt, she’d probably also eat the bear claw intended for Hayes.
Heart otherwise engaged.
Was it ever. Aunt Nellie knew it. Howie knew it. And maybe it was time Hayes knew it too.
But Pru had a feeling she wasn’t that brave.
Hayes texted Pru the next day:
I have an idea. Can you get Howie to the Ale House for dinner tomorrow night?
Sure, I can ask.
K. 7 p.m. Boiler Room. You meet me there at 6:30.
You got it, Noni Rose. ;)
Funny. I’m never gonna live this down, am I?
Not a chance.
Chapter 13
A Foolproof Plan
Pru arrived at the Ale House promptly at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night and found Hayes waiting for her in the entryway.
“Is Howie coming?”
“His calendar is shockingly open,” she said. “Or maybe he just cleared it for me.” She followed Hayes through the restaurant to a room near the back, usually reserved for private parties. It had been decorated for the holidays and, like the rest