“All right, keep that in mind with what I say next. I’ve seen you two together. She looks to you as the next generation. I know she’s not quite in that lane yet, but I don’t know how else to depict it. She sees something in you, you clearly don’t see yourself. She’s asking you to learn from her without asking. She’s confident in your talent. Trust her judgment if you don’t trust your abilities.”
“I don’t want to disappoint her. I don’t want to look like a fool.”
“The only way you could do that is if you don’t try. I think this is an amazing opportunity. Don’t pass on it out of fear and self-doubt. You’d be doing yourself a disservice.”
“I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll think about it while we’re in California.”
I sigh and rest my forehead on hers. “Remind me to always have you on a negotiations team.”
“I love you too.” She giggles.
***
After a quick stop by my father’s office, I close myself in mine for a twenty-minute break between meetings to email Colton.
To: Colton Donavan
From: Elijah Sawyer
Hey Wood –
My wife and I are a definite yes. We’d be honored to represent.
I’d like to also bring Mav and my sister along. They’re struggling with a few things. I think, my wife thinks, the change of scenery would do them good. Have room on the guest list for two more? My father will be sending a personal donation, along with the AnSa funds we’ll present.
Also, press Dylan for her latest ideas if she hasn’t already sent you a novel-sized email with her thoughts.
My love to Rylee and the kids.
See you next week,
Goose
I walk away from the computer to continue to massage this headache away. This is the worst one I’ve had in a long time. It’s a strong indicator to me I was amped at a high level without a comedown, I hope. The trip will be good for me too.
My eyes are closed as I lean into the window, when my new message notification rings. My fingers press deep into the bridge of my nose as I power my screen back online.
To: Elijah Sawyer
From: Colton Donavan
Sounds like you all could use a game break. I’ll book a second suite for them.
Tell Jack thanks and yes, I’m still lapping the email.
There are so many good things in there. Ryles thinks so too. (Hi Eli!)
Sit tight and buckle up!
We’re going to show the young bucks how it’s done.
-C
Wes
After agreeing to go to the grocery store to fill up the place, when I’m done unpacking everything, Hayley emerges from the hot bubble bath I drew for her. Her hair cascades in damp waves around her face and down her back. She’s wearing the Atlanta Braves sweatshirt I got for her. The buyer had a ton of prototypes and this one just seemed to be her. I liked the over-the-top stitching and the blend of the navy and red. It hangs long on her body over her capri leggings and she has to roll the sleeves a couple of times.
“You look comfortable. How does it fit?”
“It’s just a little big, which is fine. It’s really soft. Thank you.”
“So I decided no more ordering in. We’re going to cook together. How’s that sound?”
“Sure. What are you hungry for?”
“The point is more for me to give you what you’re hungry for. There wasn’t much in here. Were you catching bites with your parents and friends?”
“Sometimes, yes. Other times, no.”
“Well then, I can tell less eating out the better.”
“Something warm. Maybe soup? I’m not very creative with it lately.”
“Hey, soup I can do until a better idea strikes. I bought your fish crackers. Tomato?”
“Sure.”
Sure. Hayley is so flat and agreeable. Where is the girl who would dominate a room by walking into it? Where is the girl who bowled me right over when I wasn’t looking?
“Do you feel all right?”
“I’m good. I just…”
“You’re just what?” I ask.
“I’m waiting for all of this to go away.” She shrugs. “That’s what I’ve learned happens. You come home for a few days and shower me with gifts, affection, a few laughs, then you disappear. I’m waiting for the punch line.”
“Baby, I’m not going to disappear. I told you I’m here.”
“I know, but you’ve said that before too. This feels like a track on repeat.”
Before I can respond, my phone vibrates in my pocket. Hayley’s face falls until I tell her who it is with a smile. “It’s your brother. He’s telling us to pack a bag because we leave a week from today for an extra-long weekend in California. Colton is doing this charity thing. He said it’s already covered with your boss. Babe, this is what we need. Sun, surf, sex. I’m clearing the decks.”
Her face begins to soften as the possibilities begin to grow. “I haven’t been to the L.A. area in a while. Really? You’d cancel everything?”
“I’ll mingle and schmooze. You know me, but no meetings. I promise.”
“What about your…commitments?”
“I can manage without taking time from our vacation. We haven’t been anywhere since Vermont. We weren’t even official yet. This would be our first. Are you going to make me beg?”
Her smile gets a little wider. “That would be a switch. Maybe I should.”
I match her smile as I get on my knees and walk over to her on them. I can feel a crack and creak with each shuffle her direction. “Please, Merlin. Please?” I fold my hands under my chin until she erupts in the first real laugh I’ve heard from her in days, maybe even weeks.
She cups my face in her petite hands as I press my lips to where her chest meets her torso. Hayley starts to massage my scalp gently with her fingertips. My head presses tighter against her body as I turn my cheek. My hands wrap around the back of her legs and hold on.
The smell of her clean from the tub is overpowering. The floral of the bubbles mixing with the vanilla sugar of her hair stirs something in me. I start to shower her with kisses, one right after the other, over her body. I use my size to my advantage to tip Hayley off balance and into my hands.
I lower her gently to the floor. As she looks up at me, I tease my way up her thighs to her waistband and pull those leggings off. Her skin is so soft and pale. The hint of pink matches the color of her lips. Hayley reaches up, hooking her index fingers in the waistband of my gray sweatpants and tugs toward her.
As I fall forward, I push my pants down enough so our first touch is my already aching cock pressing against its perfect resting place. I lower to my elbows on either side of her beautiful face. My fingers smooth away a few baby hairs from her forehead before I trace the outline of her lips and slide deep inside her.