Haley's Hangdog Holiday Read online

  “Another time,” said Haley, herding her brother and his pals ahead of her toward the parking lot.

  Gavin’s chest felt like someone had tightened a strap around it. She’s leaving... and I don’t even have her phone number.

  “Wait, Haley!” Trotting up, he caught her elbow, spinning her around. Ducking, he barely dodged the rotating skis on her shoulder. He wanted to pull Haley aside and speak in private, but her nosy brother and his friends all stopped to observe. Gavin’s face was so hot his beard should have singed off. “I owe you, remember? That twenty-dollar bet? I... uhm... I thought I could maybe buy you dinner. You have to be hungry—we didn’t even stop for lunch.”

  “I don’t know—”she began.

  “You said you’re staying outside Denver, right?” He talked fast, before she could turn him down. “Let your brother drive back and you can ride home with me—with us—after we eat dinner.”

  He caught her eyes and held them, trying to read her emotions in the depths of the crystal blue pools. Her lips parted and her tongue brushed across the bottom one. He tightened his grip on her arm, resisting the impulse to kiss those lush lips.

  “That’s a great idea, Sis.” Her brother’s voice brought Gavin back to reality as he grabbed the keys from her slack fingers. “The SUV is really crowded with five people in it.”

  “But the family—” She tried to follow Tad, but Gavin held fast.

  “Our family will be fine if you miss a meal. I’ll tell ‘em you’re coming home after dinner.” Tad let out a raucous snort of laughter as he continued toward the car. “Although Mom may die of a heart attack when I tell her you’re eating out with friends... especially a guy friend.”

  “You better not make Mom think this is a date, Tad Martin.”

  “I’ll call him a friend,” Tad threw over his shoulder. “But, you know Mom... she’ll probably have the wedding venue booked by the time you get home.”

  Gavin knew the huge grin on his face probably looked goofy and ridiculous, but he couldn’t help it. Hefting Haley’s skis from her shoulders before she could change her mind, he put a hand on the small of her back, urging her back to the plaza where his equipment was stashed.

  Now to dump Liam and Jonah.

  Chapter Five

  Haley’s mind was a whirlwind. Dinner with Gavin could only be described as intense. In the first place, there was the fact that Liam and Jonah decided, for some inexplicable reason, to eat at a different restaurant, increasing Haley’s level of awkwardness from slightly uncomfortable to please-let-me-crawl-under-a-table-somewhere.

  Then there was their dinner conversation, which varied from spirited political debate and voting on favorite ski mountains to Gavin’s soul-wrenching story about his mother’s death and growing up with two older sisters as moms. When he openly expressed some bitterness toward God for what happened to their family, he seemed disconcerted for having revealed such an intimate part of himself, and quickly changed to something he probably thought was a safer subject—pets. However, pets turned out to be an explosive issue.

  “What do you mean, you don’t like dogs?” Gavin froze, his jaw hanging open, his spoon poised in midair with a scoop of crème brulee.

  “You’re going to catch flies with your mouth open that wide, Gavin.”

  He laughed, dipping his spoon in the dessert dish. “Are you sure you don’t want to try this? It’s amazing.”

  “No, I’m trying to eat healthy. Desserts are just empty calories.”

  He took a bite and made an “Mmmm” sound, immediately scooping another. “You don’t like any dogs, Haley? Not even puppies?”

  “Puppies are cute, but they bite and they pee all over and they tear things up.”

  “I can’t believe you don’t like puppies.” He pointed an accusing piece of crème brulee at her, as if she’d suggested murdering them.

  “I like them just fine, but I don’t want them in my house.”

  “So you admit they’re cute and sweet and cuddly, but you don’t want them to chew up your stuff?”

  “Right. And then there’s the dog hair.”

  “You just need a dog that doesn’t shed—like a poodle or a schnauzer. There are lots of low-shed dogs out there.” He spooned the custard into his mouth and swallowed, his eyes closing in ecstasy.

  “But I don’t want a dog. They’re nothing but trouble. They get sick and cost you money. And you have to get someone to take care of them when you go out of town.”

  “No problem... I’ll take care of him when you go out of town.” He smiled and nodded his head, as if the matter were settled.

  “What are you talking about? I don’t have a dog.”

  “I know, but when you get a dog, I’ll take care of him—or her—when you go out of town.” He dabbed a napkin against his mouth. “Although, I really see you with a male dog for some reason.”

  “Male dogs are the worst! They have to hike their legs up and mark everything in sight, claiming their territory.”

  She spooned out some crème brulee and tasted it, savoring the rich flavor on her tongue. Deciding immediately that skiing had burned so many calories she could eat whatever she wanted, she ate another big spoonful.

  “Male dogs aren’t so bad if you get them fixed.”

  “Then I hope my brother gets his new puppy fixed.”

  “Tad’s got a puppy? What kind?”

  “It’s a Basset Hound.”

  “There’s no way you can’t fall in love with a Basset Hound puppy. Those little guys are so cute, with their floppy ears and great big sad eyes.”

  “Those eyes aren’t sad—they’re guilty! That one little puppy does more damage than you can believe. He’s already chewed up a pair of my shoes, and he’s only been at Gammy’s house for two days.”

  “Your grandmother doesn’t mind him?”

  “No, everyone else in my family is certifiable. They all think the puppy is adorable and excuse everything he does. Of course, he hasn’t destroyed anyone else’s stuff.”

  “Where did Tad get this puppy?”

  “Out of the blue, he saw an advertisement for these Bassets at a home in Denver and decided he wanted a puppy. The only bright side is that he came home with one instead of two. He said he started to buy one for both of us.”

  “I can’t wait to meet him. What’s his name?”

  “Bojangles. Tad calls him Bo.”

  “Awww. That’s perfect. A sad name for a sad-eyed dog.”

  “I’m telling you, it’s guilt and shame that makes him look like that. And it’s well deserved. He also peed on my purse.”

  “He only destroys your stuff?”

  “Yes, I think he hates me, but Tad says it’s because he likes my smell.”

  “Let me see.” Gavin leaned over and buried his face in the hair behind her ear, sending a thousand chill bumps down her arm. “Mmmm... he’s right.”

  “What are you doing?” She twisted away. “People are watching.”

  “I agree with Bo. You smell good.”

  “Stop it—you’re embarrassing me.” She swatted at his head.

  “I know. It’s so much fun.”

  “Arghh! You’re impossible!”

  “Thanks—I try.”

  His hand moved slowly toward her face, and she froze. What is he doing? His finger brushed gently against the corner of her lips, leaving a trail of tingles.

  As the muscles along his jaw rippled, his pupils dilated. “You had... eh hem... you had a little bit of custard there.” His voice was low and raspy.

  “Oh... uhmm... thanks.” She grabbed a napkin from her lap and scrubbed her face until it was raw. “Better now?”

  He turned his head to the side, but not before she saw him smirking. “Yep, I think you got everything off your face now. Maybe even some skin.”

  After that came an awkward silence. Haley tried to find some place to look besides his eyes. Those hypnotizing brown orbs were just too much for her. She tried to grasp at the anger she’d fel
t when he was named top student. Somehow she had a hard time drumming up the same fury.

  He paid the bill, her part being a good bit more than the twenty bucks he’d wagered. Jonah and Liam were waiting outside, not complaining that the couple had lingered over dinner. But as they walked to the waiting car, it was obvious that Liam and Jonah had gotten the wrong impression.

  “So did you two enjoy your romantic dinner?” asked Liam.

  Even in the dim lights, Haley could see the fury in Gavin’s glare, but Liam seemed unperturbed.

  “It wasn’t romantic, Liam,” Haley corrected, so Gavin didn’t have to do it. “You’ve got the wrong idea.”

  “Really? I have the wrong idea?” He lifted his eyebrows in exaggerated surprise. “But what about—Ow! What was that for, Gavin?” Liam rubbed the back of his head, where Gavin had bonked him.

  “I don’t think you should be giving Haley a hard time,” Gavin said. “I think we all agreed, right?” He glanced toward Jonah, who was laughing behind his hand.

  “Technically, we only agreed through dinner time.” Jonah shrugged his shoulders. “And, well... dinner is over.”

  “Excuse us, Haley.” Gavin grabbed both of his friends by their shirts and hauled them to the side. “We need to speak in private.”

  “No, we don’t,” Liam protested. But he chuckled and let Gavin push him far enough away that Haley couldn’t hear the conversation.

  When they returned, Gavin still acted a little tense, but the other two seemed happy. Gavin climbed in the driver’s seat and Haley was directed to the front passenger seat, though she offered to sit in the back, since her legs were shorter.

  Gavin turned on the radio, and Haley thought she might rest her eyes a bit as they drove back to Denver. But Liam cleared his throat to get her attention.

  “Eh-hem, Haley? I want you to know I have no hard feelings.”

  “No hard feelings about what?” She wracked her brain to figure what he was referring to.

  “No hard feelings about the way you rejected me.”

  “Liam...” Gavin growled. “I think this qualifies.”

  “No, this is perfectly legal,” said Liam. “I’m not making a play for her.”

  “Shut up, Liam.”

  “But I’m not,” he insisted. “Flirting doesn’t count, but I’ll stop if Haley wants me to.”

  Haley didn’t like the sound of their dialogue. “Did Gavin tell you not to make a play for me? Because that’s really none of his business.”

  “Don’t worry, Haley.” Jonah hastened to explain. “It’s just a bro-code thing.”

  “Jonah, that’s enough,” Gavin snapped.

  “I’m trying to help you out, Bro,” said Jonah, looking hurt and confused. “Back when you were going out with Shelly, we all agreed—”

  “Wait a minute!” Haley exclaimed. “Why don’t you tell me about this bro-code, Gavin? And explain why I have anything whatsoever to do with it?”

  Jonah raised his brows at Gavin, who kept his eyes on the road, his lips pressed into a firm white line.

  “Liam? Do you want to explain it to me?” she asked.

  Silence.

  “Jonah?”

  The other guy dropped his eyes, his fingernails suddenly a point of interest.

  Haley fumed, “Because this sounds an awful lot like when the two of you claimed you were going to race to the bottom of the mountain to determine my future. If the bro-code is anything like that, I want nothing to do with it.”

  More silence. Liam started to answer, but glanced up at the rearview mirror and then turned to look out the window.

  “I’m not a possession, you know.” Haley started feeling back in control for the first time since Gavin had talked her into staying for dinner. Her anger had returned, and it gave her a much-needed boost of confidence. “I make my own decisions, so your little bro-discussions are a waste of time.

  “It’s not like that.” Gavin’s voice sounded like he was going to his own execution. “I’ll tell you what I said to them, and you may not like it. Still, it’s not as bad as you think.”

  “Fine.” Haley crossed her arms, drumming her fingers on top of them.

  Unclenching his hands from their death-grip on the steering wheel, Gavin wriggled his fingers and heaved a heavy sigh. “The bro-code is just a courtesy thing. If one of us claims a girl, the others agree to give them some space. That’s all.”

  “So you claimed me?” Haley would’ve spat acid at him if she could’ve.

  “No, it’s not like that,” Gavin reached out to touch her arm, but she pulled it away. “Haley, all I said was that I really like you. That’s it, I promise. You can ask them, if you don’t believe me.”

  Jonah was already nodding when Haley looked in the back seat.

  “You’ve got it bad, Gavin,” said Liam, with a chuckle. “I hate to tell you, but I don’t think this chick returns your feelings. Maybe it’s better if you find out now and nip it in the bud, before it gets any worse.”

  “Stay out of this, Liam!” Gavin’s shoulders bunched, and the air crackled with tension. “Haley, I’m just asking you to think about it. And if you’re willing to give me the slightest chance, I only want to see what happens between us. That’s all. I think we’re a really good fit.”

  “Really? What about the dog thing?”

  His lips twitched, finally pulling into a smile. “Okay, I admit we need to work on the dog thing, but everything else is perfect.”

  And so, armed with this earthshaking revelation, she sat trying to make an intelligent decision with a brain resembling half-gelled pudding. She kept her arms crossed with her hands tucked to stop them from trembling. Meanwhile, Liam and Jonah kept a running conversation going, chattering about nothing of consequence. Occasionally one or the other felt compelled to tease Gavin about having fallen for a girl, as if it were a novel occurrence.

  By the time Gavin had dropped both Liam and Jonah at their homes and set his GPS for Gammy’s house, Haley was more confused than ever. And knowing Gavin was expecting her to give an answer made her mouth feel like it was full of cotton balls.

  “Listen, Haley, we’re both accountants, right? I mean, we’re going to be accountants?”

  “Yes,” she answered warily.

  “Then let’s weigh the pros and cons of dating. Fair enough?”

  “I guess so.”

  “Fine. Why don’t you start with the negatives, since that’s obviously what you thought about all the way home.”

  “Okay, first of all, I’ve committed with myself not to have a relationship during school.”

  “Why?”

  “Because a relationship would interfere with studying.”

  “Ah...but this wouldn’t be like other relationships. We’d be the top two students in the class joining forces. Your grades would probably go up instead of down.”

  “Maybe... but so would yours.”

  “So you’re afraid of the competition?” His grin twisted to the side, and she heard the challenge in his voice.

  Her hands tightened into fists. “No way! You think because you beat me in one class you’ll be able to take the overall top spot away from me?”

  “That’s not the question. The question is do you think that? Because I won’t stop trying my best, even if we’re dating.”

  “I’ll stomp you flat and use you to mop up the floor.”

  His lips spread in a smile so broad she could see his white teeth gleaming in the reflected light inside the car.

  “You can try.”

  Chapter Six

  Gavin enjoyed the slightly out-of-control edginess of his interactions with Haley. It felt a bit like taking a kayak through the rapids and down a waterfall—a combination of skill and hard work, along with a whole lot of risk and unpredictability. With her volatility, it would be extremely easy to manipulate her, simply by pushing her buttons, but he didn’t want that. He wanted something real. It scared him a bit to admit, even to himself, but she was marriage mate
rial. Not that he was ready for that now. But when the time came, he could see them building a life together.

  She was smarter than he was, but that intelligence didn’t intimidate him in the least. Honestly, he had a tendency to be lazy, and she brought out his competitive spirit. She was sassy enough to put him in his place, and he loved it.

  But she doesn’t like dogs... That might be a deal-breaker.

  “Turn right here,” Haley pointed to a narrow paved road. “Sorry you had to drive so far.”

  “Morrison isn’t that far from our house. Actually, this’ll be really convenient. Will you be here for the rest of Christmas break?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Great! We can spend a ton of time together. All of my family lives in town, so they can meet you.”

  “Gavin, this is—”

  “Don’t worry. We don’t have to exchange Christmas presents or anything. I mean, unless you want to. But I guess there isn’t much shopping time—”

  “Gavin! Stop!”

  He slammed on the brakes, stretching out his arm as if he could’ve prevented Haley from going through the windshield if she hadn’t been wearing a seatbelt. Haley let out a scream, and he winced, bracing himself for some kind of impact.

  It never came.

  “Cripes!” he exclaimed, taking controlled breaths to slow his heart down. “What was it? Was there a deer in the road?”

  “No! Are you crazy? I wanted you to stop talking. You’re pushing me too fast. I’m not ready to spend all the holidays together or meet your family or have you meet mine. I didn’t agree to all of that.”

  “You did,” he argued, checking the rearview mirror to be certain no one else was coming down the dark country road behind them. “You agreed to try dating, and you agreed to give it your best effort as long as it didn’t interfere with school or studying or your praise team.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “We’re not in class right now. We’re on break, away from school and your praise team. This is our best chance to spend time together without interfering with your other named priorities. Isn’t it?”