“Don’t say it,” she whispered.
He had to. One of them had to. They couldn’t do this. It could ruin everything. “I’m sorry.”
She closed her eyes, laughed humorlessly. “You said it.”
He did. But worse, he’d felt it. Felt the magnetic pull of everything about her tugging on his common sense. She could make him forget that over 50 percent of marriages ended with not just broken hearts, but unfulfilled promises, resentment, and court-ordered spousal support.
She opened her eyes, looked at him with a sadness he hated. One he knew would pale in comparison to the heartache she’d feel when it ended. Because it would. When whatever they tried to build out of one passionate kiss fizzled, it would destroy a very special friendship.
“When I reimagine this, I’m going to pretend you didn’t.”
He reached out to stroke her jaw but stopped, shoved his hand in his pocket. He didn’t trust himself to touch her again. “Please don’t. I don’t want to lose you.”
Her smile was a watered-down, dim version of its real glow. “Why would you lose me? I’m right here.”
Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingered for a second longer than he should have before pulling back.
“Our friendship means so much to me.”
She stared at him long enough to make him want to look away. Then she nodded. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said, her voice crisp and clear, like the tipsy fog had cleared.
His shoulders relaxed a small fraction. “Then we’re okay?”
“We’re okay. What happens at Christmas stays at Christmas.”
He laughed. “Goodnight, Hailey.”
“Goodnight.” He thought he saw a sheen in her gaze but she turned to unlock the door.
He stepped down one step, waiting for her to go in. Once she’d stepped inside, she held the door and looked at him again.
“Wes?”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you for the dress.”
He smiled, unsure why he felt like such an ass for doing the right thing.
28
Hailey was worn out by noon on Christmas day. How on earth did kids get up that early and still have that much energy? It was like Piper and Nick had let them down chocolate-covered caffeine tablets.
“So?” Piper asked, coming up beside Hailey. She was dressed in reindeer pajamas that matched everyone else’s. Including Hailey’s. Her first gift from them today had been a pair that made her feel more included than they could ever know. “Want kids?”
Hailey laughed, leaning her head on Piper’s shoulder. They watched as Alyssa and Cassie circled around the tower Jason was building with their oversized stuffed animals. Nick was “reading” on the end of the couch. With his eyes closed, the book open on his chest.
“One day. I thought watching them while you guys shopped gave me a good sample but Christmas is a whole other beast.”
Piper nodded. “Instead of just sex ed in school, teens should spend Halloween, a birthday, and Christmas with a pack of kids.”
Hailey laughed again, lifted her head. “That would be highly effective. But honestly, I love your kids and I appreciate you guys letting me crash your day.”
Piper turned, fixed Hailey with one of her “mom” looks. “You didn’t crash. You’re family. This is where you should be.” She poked her in the shoulder, the mom brows lowering. “Understood?”
“Yes, Mom.” Hailey bit back her grin.
“Come help me dress the turkey,” Piper said, turning toward the kitchen.
“Surprisingly not the weirdest thing you’ve said to me.”
They worked in tandem, chopping spices, potatoes, and other items for a stuffing that made Hailey’s mouth water. She’d forgotten how much she loved cooking with her cousin.
“Remember when we used to bake cookies and sell them to your neighbors?” Hailey cleaned up the cutting board, dusting the scraps into the sink.
“I can’t believe people paid us for them. Though, they were pretty good, if I remember.”
“You’ve only gotten better at them.” Hailey snagged a gingerbread from the pretty plate on the counter.
“You used to make those coconut ones I loved. Are you ever sorry you went with salads instead of baked goods?”
Hailey leaned against the counter. “No. I think what I have going is unique. Plus, I would not want to be in competition with Tara. She’s a genius.”
“Speaking of geniuses.” Piper gave her another pointed look, making Hailey wish she had not confided about the kiss.