“How can money be a deterrent?” He hated that he was messing this up with her.
She ran her hands over his chest. He stopped her hands because he couldn’t focus while she did that.
“Did you buy me that bracelet because it made you think of me? Because it suited me? Did it call out my name?”
It was hard not to look away. “Not exactly. My sister sent me a picture of one she’d bought. She really loved it, it was pretty, and I thought of you.”
“I don’t want to feel like I can’t keep up with you but we both know there’s a discrepancy in our finances.”
He pulled her over to the couch, down onto his lap. “That doesn’t matter to me. I don’t need anything. I wanted to buy something to make you happy. Because you deserve it.”
Her fingers played with his hair. “That part is sweet. I’m not trying to be ungracious. I love that you wanted to give me something to make me happy but you know I’m uncomfortable with expensive gifts. Our relationship has changed but that hasn’t. I truly only need and want you, Wes.” She leaned closer, brushed her nose against his. “You are so much more than enough.”
Wes couldn’t help but smile at the way she threw his words back at him. “So I can’t buy you something when I want to? That hardly seems right.”
“You can buy me something if you want to but not because you think it checks off a box in the ‘good boyfriend’ column. I would have been happy with just the brownies. Gifts should show your connection with the person. They should suit them, show you know them, you get them. I won’t ever be able to give you diamonds but I’m pretty sure I know how to make you happy.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “You do. I want the same. I want to make you happy.”
“You do. I’ve been happier these last couple weeks than I can ever remember being. That comes from your texts, your voice, you showing up at my house with brownies. Making me pancakes last Sunday even though we were going for brunch. I can’t accept the bracelet, Wes. I’m sorry. It’s too much and if you ever give me a piece of jewelry, I’d like it to reflect me.”
He understood that. She might feel as precious as diamonds to him but if he had to choose something right now based on what she said, he’d choose something with a rainbow of colors. Something that made him smile even when the sun was hiding.
“Can I have a do-over?”
She groaned. “So you can buy me something else?”
He shook his head. He wasn’t an idiot. He caught on quick. “I was thinking of making you something.”
Her smile was brighter than the bracelet. “Now you’re getting it.”
She kissed him, her hands running through his hair, and he shifted, intending to lay her down on the couch, but she got up off his lap.
“Where are you going?”
She gave him a sly, sexy grin, her fingers going to the top button of her shirt. “Gifts should be bought with that person in mind.” The button released, her fingers going to the second one. Wes shifted on the couch as she continued unbuttoning one by one. When she pulled the two sides apart, let the fabric trail off her shoulders, drop to the ground, he forgot how to breathe. Which was fine. He didn’t need air when Hailey stood before him in pink lace.
“I’m starting to see what you mean.” He barely recognized his voice.
Her fingers went to the button on her pants. “This was actually on sale. Does that take away from your appreciation?”
He shook his head emphatically but words were beyond him.
“It’s not about the money or the name brand. It’s the thought.”
He nodded as the pants slipped over her hips. Swallowing thickly, he moved to the edge of the couch.
“The thought. Got it.” He found his voice.
She laughed, stepping out of the pants and toward him. “You’re a quick learner.”
He grabbed her hand as he stood, pulling her against him. “Right now, I want to learn how to keep that smile on your face.”
“That’s easy. Kiss me.”
That, he could do.
35
Fiona turned the computer so Hailey could see. It was absolutely impossible not to give a little squeal. She squeezed her friend’s shoulders, leaned over.
“This is adorable. I love it.”
Fiona grinned up at her, pointing to the screen where she’d created a flow chart graphic that helped the reader choose a salad. It was fun and unique.
Hailey took the chair beside her friend, eager to try it out. The shop had been closed for an hour when Fiona texted, asking to drop by. Hailey had been making a schedule—because she had employees—and cleaning up.