A Match Made at Christmas - Courtney Walsh Page 0,36

told her the truth—” He shrugged. “And maybe it would’ve crashed and burned. Maybe she would’ve turned me down. Flown off to Nigeria to build orphanages or something. Or maybe she would’ve loved me back. But the regret I’ve been living with—it’s so much worse than never knowing what could’ve been.”

Hayes chewed on that for a long moment before responding. “So, what now? Did you talk to her tonight?”

“Sadly, I think I waited too long, and I hurt her. I’m not sure she’s ever gonna be ready to let me back in her life. I’m afraid we missed our chance.” Howie sighed. “But you haven’t.”

Howie might talk like an old surfer, but he wasn’t an idiot. Hayes looked away.

“Come on, young buck,” Howie said. “I can see it all over your face—you’re a very conflicted man.”

“I wasn’t—until tonight.” Hayes’s mind still spun with thoughts of that kiss. He wasn’t sure what had come over him. He didn’t usually think of Pru that way—she’d placed him strictly in the friend zone, and he’d respected that for a long time. But in recent days—everything had changed. When the rest of the world made no sense, she did.

“Don’t make the same mistake I made,” Howie said. “Don’t wait.”

Hayes looked at him. If anyone understood what he was going through, it was Howie. He hadn’t followed his heart and look where it landed him—a world away from the woman he could’ve been loving his entire life. It was like life had laid out its very own cautionary tale right there in front of him. It didn’t take a genius to see it.

“Pru and I are—”

“Best friends,” Howie interrupted. “I know. Peggy was my best friend too, once upon a time.”

Hayes paused for a beat. “I should go. Order dinner. On me.”

“Nah, I think I’ll head out too.”

Hayes wasn’t a great comforter, that had always been Pru’s role. But now, looking at Howie, he could practically see the sadness radiating off of him.

“Maybe it’s not too late,” Hayes said. “Maybe she just needs to see that you’re willing to fight for her. Or that you regret it? I mean, if she’s worth it, you shouldn’t give up so easily, right?”

Howie emptied his bottle and set it down on the table. “You really think so?”

Hayes shrugged. “What’ve you got to lose?”

He waved a hand in the air. “I wouldn’t know where to start. I’m an old guy now, and I have no idea how to start dating again.”

“I’m sure you’ve still got some tricks up your sleeve,” Hayes said with a laugh. “Why don’t you start with an apology? Some flowers? A little bit of groveling? Women like to be wooed.”

Howie’s jaw twitched, and he appeared to be considering his options.

Hayes could see—feel—the older man’s insecurity. Didn’t that ever go away? But he understood—putting your heart on the line was no easy task no matter how old you were. “You know, you’ll both be at the preview party on Thursday. I’ve got an idea.”

“Yeah?”

“Just be ready, okay?” Hayes stood. “I’ve got a plan. But send flowers anyway—and don’t be cheap about it.” He’d started out the door when Howie stopped him. He turned back and found the older man still sitting at the table, looking slightly pathetic.

“I meant what I said, kid,” he admonished. “Don’t wait. She’s worth the risk.”

The words hung there—a warning if he’d ever heard one—and finally, after several seconds, Hayes nodded, then walked away, replaying the highlights of the conversation in his mind.

That kiss still had his head spinning in circles—he wasn’t thinking clearly. Or maybe, for the first time, he was. Maybe Pru was right, and there really was one person for everyone. And Pru was that person for him. It’s why every other relationship he attempted felt so empty. Because he compared every other woman to her.

And none of them even came close.

He skipped the car in favor of a walk—the fresh, crisp air would do him good—and his path was illuminated by the dozens of lit Christmas trees lining the street. He turned a corner and strode toward her house, a place of comfort and peace—not because of the four walls, but because of who was inside.

She’d calmed the anxiety inside him, and he’d been carrying it around with him for months. Pru had captivated him the moment he saw her emerge from the waves all those years ago.

He had to tell her. He didn’t want to end up like Howie.

Down the block, he saw her pull up in