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“You’re right,” he said. “I focused on healing physically, but I still started college a year later than planned. So, I buckled down in order to earn my degree on the original timeline.”
Hayden applied slight pressure to the small of her back, drawing her closer. Violet smiled when his warm lips grazed her temple. The gesture seemed so natural, she doubted he even realized he’d done it. Perhaps she should excuse herself and go home, but she couldn’t. She wasn’t Cinderella poised to make her escape. Neither did she want a prince who wanted her just because her foot fit a tiny glass shoe.
Okay, that made no sense … and she wore a size 8 shoe.
Being with this man was right, like she’d always belonged in his arms.
You’d be a fool to let this man slip away.
“HOW CAN I HELP?”
At the sound of Violet’s voice, Hayden turned and smiled. He was afraid she’d already taken off, but here she was all gorgeous with acan-doattitude. The soccer dads he’d been talking with greeted Violet and then excused themselves.
“You don’t have to stay, Violet. You’ve already paid your penance.” An odd expression surfaced on her face, making him wonder what was going through her mind. The woman was a puzzle, one he’d enjoy figuring out. He also knew better than to believe he’d eversolveeverything there was to know about this, or any other, woman.
“Nonsense. Put me to work.” She tugged off one of her silver sandals then started on the other. When she teetered, he was beside her in seconds.
“Thanks.” She regained her footing and set her shoes by the wall. “What still needs to be done?”
“I’m about to roll up my sleeves and carry the punch bowl into the kitchen.”
“Loyal to your duty to the end.” She eyed the bowl. “You should probably take off your jacket. You know—the slosh effect.”
“Good idea. Thanks.” Hayden slipped out of the jacket and draped it over a nearby chair. “If you want, you can put away the cups and napkins and clear off the table. Everything you need should be under the table.”
One of the other ladies joined her as he headed to the kitchen.
An hour later, Hayden walked Violet to her car for the second time that day. Walking beside her could easily become a lovely habit. “You went above and beyond today,” he told her. “On behalf of the staff at Goldenrod High, we thank you.”
She smiled. “Anytime. I’d say we made great strides toward accomplishing your goal.”
“My goal? Is that a soccer pun?” When she tilted her head with a smile and a knowing look, he chuckled. “Oh, right. ProjectGetting to KnowYou. You didn’t seem to mind, even after our”—Hayden grunted under his breath—“rather animated discussion yesterday.” He scratched the side of his head. “Wasthat yesterday?”
“Yes, but I vote we put it behind us.”
“I’d like that. You keep life interesting, Miss Violet.”
This was the awkward part of the night as she stopped beside her car. It felt like the end of a date, but today had beenbetterthan any date he’d had.Ever.Day by day, Violet grew increasingly important to him. He sensed she might feel the same. He hoped so because he didn’t want to walk this road alone.
“Violet . . ..”
“Hayden . . ..”
They shared a grin.
“Ladies first.” Hayden tucked his hands in his pockets.
She looked up at him, her eyes bright, a gentle smile gracing her tempting lips. Defensive Violet made him want to pull her into his arms and silence her with his kiss.ThisViolet, sweet and vulnerable, elicited every last one of his protective instincts. She also made him feel whole again, something he hadn’t felt since the accident.
Thank you for your boundless grace, Lord Jesus.
“I had the best time today, Hayden. I haven’t had the opportunity to interact much with this age demographic, so it was eye-opening.”
“Age demographic?” He chuckled. “That sounds like a radio host I know.”
“It’s in our blood, right? Being around these kids reminded me what it’s like to be that age with all their insecurities, hormones, emotions, and questions. They’re uncertain about the future, but I think most of them are excited to find out.”
“I don’t know about you, but I still struggle with those things sometimes.”
