“You okay, there?”
She opened her eyes, smiled up at him. “You’re upside down.”
Or he was standing at the end of the couch. “I promise I’m not.”
“Don’t worry, you look good either way. Right-side down or upside … wait.”
Wes laughed, moved down to her feet, picking them up so he could sit. He’d never felt quite this much ease with someone. Even with girlfriends, he’d never been a naturally affectionate man. But Hailey didn’t have the same boundaries he did. It had taken him a few hangouts to get used to the way she hugged or gave casual touches so easily.
It was the way Hailey worked. She burrowed. Dug a hole into someone’s heart and stayed there. There were moments he felt the absolute opposite of ease—more like a spark snapping tension. But then one of her twenty-two alarms—alarms she’d set in an effort to be more organized after teasing him about his multiple scheduling apps—would ring, reminding her of the thing she’d definitely forgotten even though she swore she wouldn’t, and he’d remember how different they were. How nice it was to have this to count on. He could tell her things he didn’t tell his brothers and he sure as hell wouldn’t tell a woman he was dating.
“I’m glad you came tonight. This is a big contract for our company. I didn’t want to let Chris and Noah down.” He kept one hand on her ankle absentmindedly.
Hailey sat up, reached for the chocolate cake instead of the water or the Tylenol he’d set beside it.
“As if you could.” She pulled herself into a seated position next to him, close enough their thighs touched.
“The only thing about dining with fancy people is you never want to eat more than they do. Though, I was impressed that Ana ate. I can’t tell you how many dinner parties I’ve been to where I was the only woman taking advantage of the delicious food.”
He’d been to his share of those parties, too. Hated them. “It’s a waste. Do you ever miss catering on set?”
She pulled the fork out of her mouth slowly, her eyes closed. She hummed with pleasure. Snap. Like a lightning-quick shock to his system that reminded him she was a desirable woman. One who was talking to him because he’d asked a question and zoned out for the answer.
“I’m happy where I am. It doesn’t have the same job security but it’s working out great. Speaking of. I think I’m ready to talk to your friend, Leo. You mentioned he was looking for work a while ago but I’ve only just gotten to a point I think I can take him on. Especially with my new plan.”
Wes sat up. He was too full from dinner to eat his cake. “That’s great. What’s the new plan?”
She’d changed into a pair of loose sweatpants and a baggy sweater when they returned to his place. He’d suggested she bring them when he picked her up. That had been another one of those spark moments. She looked exquisite in that dress, but he liked it better when she wore what she did now. It put him at ease. Made it easier to think.
“I’ve been turning down some catering jobs because I’m always at the shop but with the Christmas season coming, it would be a great way to get some extra cash. I’m in a catch twenty-two. I can’t say yes to more work without help and I can’t hire help without securing more work. I’m going to interview Leo and say yes to some bigger jobs.”
His heart muscles tightened, squeezing him like one of Hailey’s all-in hugs. She was doing it. One salad at a time, she was building her business into what she’d imagined. “That’s fantastic. I can update your website so the delivery option is live. Have you considered a preorder app? Most restaurants have that now, especially with outside delivery services. It’s not a bad idea to hook up with one of those either. It would save you—”
Hailey held up a hand, set her half-finished cake down, the fork beside it. She took the pills with a long swallow of water. “Slow down. Geez. Were you just waiting to get all that out of your brain?”
He laughed, ran a hand through his hair. “Not really but they’re all excellent ideas. Business is about seizing opportunities and acting at the right moment.”
Her brows furrowed. “It’s also about not overextending myself so I don’t go under.”
“There are loans you can get. Actually, there are probably grants you’re eligible for, especially if you’re hiring local youth.” Hell, he could float her a loan.
She huffed out a breath. “I don’t want a loan.”