You're Still the One (13 page)

Cam fell into step beside him. “She's not the reason you're maybe off your game or whatever?”

That could be part of it, he supposed. Okay, yeah. Last night he'd had every intention of meeting up with Kayla, his cousin's cute friend, but then he'd gotten caught up with Bex and her shoe and stroking her damned silky flesh, and he'd completely missed the opportunity. And he hadn't felt bad about it. At least not about Kayla. About Bex . . . he didn't like that he still found her attractive, that she distracted him in ways he didn't want her to.

“I'm going with jet lag and the fact that I've missed out on a ton of stuff the past year.” That was completely true. So much had happened while he'd been gone. It's like life had been catapulting forward while he'd been sitting still. Which wasn't true at all. He'd been busy, he'd been moving forward, too. Then how come he felt left behind?

“So what do you think? Really. Don't give me any bullshit answers. I'm your best friend and hopefully your business partner.”

Hayden paused. “Would that be okay? Us being business partners?”

Cam lifted a shoulder. “I think so. I can't make wine. You can't market it.”

“Well, I
can
. . . ”

Cam punched him lightly in the bicep. “Shut up. You get your area of expertise, and I get mine.”

Hayden grinned at him. “I thought yours was philandering.”

“Ha ha. I'm still waiting for your bullshit-free answer.”

Hayden was afraid to say it out loud. He'd been ready to commit to France, to the next chapter in his life away from Ribbon Ridge. Coming back meant dealing with whatever issues he had with his family, and then there was Bex. He hated that she factored into this decision at all. He'd spent so long getting over that whole situation.

He chose his words carefully. “I'm not saying no. And that's not a bullshit answer. I'm . . . intrigued. I have a lot to think about. We need a business plan before we can talk seriously.”

“Jamie's going to start working on it ASAP.”

“Luke's going back to California tonight.”

“Right, but we can talk things through over the next week or so. Amos isn't putting the property on the market until at least next week. We have a little time to crunch numbers and process everything.”

They continued walking up the hill, the afternoon sun beating on them. Hayden took a deep breath. He loved being out here, rain or shine. The smell of the ripe grapes in September would be amazing.
His
grapes.

“Admit it,” Cam said softly. “This would be pretty incredible.”

It would be more than incredible. It would be everything he ever wanted.

Maybe not quite
everything
.

O
VER THE NEXT
four days, Hayden was thrown into a whirlwind of activity as things got busier up at The Alex in preparation for the soft open. Plus, the annual Ribbon Ridge Festival was starting tonight and would run through the weekend, and he'd volunteered to help out with that, too. In his spare time, primarily late at night, he e-mailed and texted with the Westcott brothers as they discussed a business plan. This pipe dream seemed more viable every day.

Being so busy meant Hayden had little time to think about or even see Bex, which suited him just fine. It also meant his parents weren't badgering him about his plans. He'd sent off a note to Antoine, telling him he needed a little more time to decide. But what had seemed a runaway decision to return to France and take the amazing life-altering position had somehow shifted into a dead heat between Burgundy and Ribbon Ridge.

It was seven o'clock—time for Hayden's shift at the festival booth to conclude. He had plans to meet up with Cameron and Jamie later to talk about the winery. Jamie had put together a top-notch business plan, and based on that, Luke was working on pulling money together, while Jamie flat out said he'd have to borrow some to put in his share. Hayden wondered if Jamie would take a loan from him, but didn't know if that would muddy the waters.

Sean was working the booth with Hayden and Ford, one of Archer's employees whom Hayden had worked with for years. Both Sean and Hayden were done in a few, while Ford was staying on to close the booth. It was a beautiful evening, and even though it was only Thursday, the stream of thirsty festivalgoers that afternoon had been steady.

“Hey, guys!” Another Archer employee, Trish, arrived at the booth. “I'm here to relieve somebody.”

“That would be me,” Sean said.

Hayden sent him a look of mock offense. “Hey, it could be
me
.”

Sean clapped his hand on Hayden's bicep. “True, mate.”

Hayden had spent some time with Sean this week and liked him a lot. Tori had chosen a spouse who not only fit into their family, but also stood up to it. Marrying into the Archer clan was not for the meek.

Tori came toward the booth, dressed in cutoff shorts and a paint-stained T-shirt, and her hair in a ponytail. She smiled at Sean, and he stepped out to meet her, kissing her cheek.

Hayden looked at her. “Did you get drafted into painting?”

“Yeah. Helping Chloe with some accent stuff in the spa. It's not going to be ready the same day as everything else, but it'll be close.”

The soft open was in two weeks, so it was crunch time. There were a myriad of last-minute things going on, many of which Hayden had helped with all week long, aside from taking care of a bunch of wine stuff and trying to find a sommelier for the restaurant. He had settled into a groove, finding at least a temporary place within this project. It felt great to be a part of it and to be working with his siblings. Maybe that had helped tipped the scales in favor of returning to Ribbon Ridge.

Everything was coming together—the rooms were decorated, the staff was mostly hired and trained, the grounds looked spectacular, and the restaurant was cooking every day to practice. And now their food was getting center stage at a booth that Kyle was running as a preview to advertise the restaurant.

A young guy came running up. “Am I late?” he panted. “Sorry. I'm Andy.”

“Hey, Andy, you're not late. Go on in.” Hayden stepped out of the booth as he called out, “See you later, Ford.” He went to join Sean and Tori.

“Everyone came down for a quick dinner,” Tori said. “I said we'd bring beer. There'll be eleven of us—assuming you're coming, Hayden—but Sara wants cider of course.”

Hayden was hungry, and Cameron and Jamie were going to meet him here in a bit. “Sounds good.”

They filled a couple of growlers, grabbed some cups, and snagged a cider for Sara then made their way to the eating area where there were picnic tables as well as extra tables and chairs set up for the event. Food booths, including the one for The Arch and Fox, and carts ringed the area. “Guess we're not eating at Kyle's,” Hayden said. That line was easily the longest.

“No kidding,” Sean said. “Bummer because I was looking forward to the pork sliders.”

Tori flashed them both a smile. “Kyle's making ours. It'll be ready in a few.” She nodded toward Liam and Derek, who were loitering near the side of the booth. “They're picking it up.” She looked over the tables and pointed. “There's Aubrey and Chloe.”

Hayden handed his growler to Sean, who carried the other. “I'll give them a hand with the food.”

Tori and Sean went and sat at the table while Hayden walked up to the booth. He looked at Derek and Liam. “You need help transporting?”

“Probably, thanks,” Derek said. He and Liam were both dressed in work clothes, and had clearly just come from The Alex.

Kyle poked his head out of the doorway. “Food's about up. Everybody here?” he asked.

Liam pushed his sunglasses more firmly on his nose. “Sara and Dylan are on their way. Evan and Alaina aren't coming. Too many people for his comfort, and she'd just as soon keep a low-ish profile since she suddenly looks pregnant.”

“Cool,” Kyle said. “Ah, here we go. Open the door, will you?” He turned while Liam held the door open. Kyle handed a tray with food stacked on it to Derek and then another to Hayden. “One more.” Liam stuck his foot in front of the door as he took the last one.

“That it?”

“Yep. Maggie and I'll be over in a sec.”

They went to the table and deposited the food, which was a variety of what the booth was offering: pork sliders, a mixed green salad, and chicken cilantro tacos. Hayden helped himself to a couple of sliders and a taco then poured a beer.

Kyle and Maggie joined them, still garbed in their aprons. “We have a bit of a reprieve!” Kyle sat down next to Hayden. “Beer me,
please
.”

Hayden obliged. “You guys are swamped.”

“No kidding. I had to call in reinforcements here.” He nodded at Maggie next to him then blew her a kiss.

She caught the kiss and flashed a smile. “I can only stay another hour or so. I need to get back up to The Alex and check on the irrigation.”

“I can help you out here if you need it,” Hayden said to Kyle, thinking he could probably get Cam and Jamie to pitch in if necessary. Although, Cam was arguably the worst cook ever. Next to Tori.

Liam, who was sitting next to Hayden, grinned at him. “Aren't you the jack of a thousand trades?”

Hadn't that pretty much been his role since birth? Hayden bit his tongue before he said that. It was fine. He didn't mind that role.

Kyle lifted his beer. “And I appreciate the hell out of it. To Hayden being back and saving our collective asses.”

Hayden hadn't saved anything. They'd been doing just fine without him. “I wouldn't go that far. You've all done a great job. I'm just coming in at the finish line—the credit is all yours.”

Tori looked at him, her lips slightly pursed. “Don't discount your contributions. This project launched because of you.”

Sara and Dylan walked up then, the latter looking more tired and frazzled than Hayden had ever seen him. He felt bad that Sara and Dylan wouldn't get their official honeymoon until next month. But then they were taking two full weeks in the UK, including a brief visit with Sean's parents.

Tori patted the seat next to her. “Sit, you guys. I'm glad you made it.”

Sara sat and pulled Dylan down beside her. “I had to practically drag him.”

Kyle looked at Dylan. “Everyone has to eat.”

“I can eat at the job site,” he muttered.

“Dude, it's all coming together.” Kyle grinned. “Don't sweat it.”

Dylan ran his hand through his brown hair and reached for a pair of pork sliders situated in a small paper dish. “It'll get there.”

Sara smiled at her new husband as she patted his knee. “We know. Besides, we had to come down to the festival, at least for a little bit. You can't miss it.”

Tori looked around the table, smiling. “It's so nice to have everyone here. I wish Evan and Alaina had come.”

Conversation broke off around the table, as it usually did with so many of them in one place.

Kyle leaned over toward Hayden. “How's it going? You ready to blow back to France yet?”

Hayden gave him a teasing stare. “Are you asking if I'm sick of you guys yet?”

Kyle raised a shoulder. “I might be if I were you. You held down the fort for a long time. I don't blame you for wanting to be off on your own.”

Hayden took a drink of beer and set his cup back on the table. “What's you're motive here, Kyle? I'm already selling you my house, which you love.”

Kyle chuckled. “No ulterior motives. But I do appreciate your selling us the house. We
do
love it. I still can't believe you're willing to give it up.”

Hayden shook his head with a laugh. “It's a commitment I don't need. I don't know when I'll be back in Ribbon Ridge.”
Or if he was even leaving
, but he didn't say that.

Kyle sat back a little, understanding sparking in his gaze. “I get it. You want to be loose and free. Taking a page from my book now, are you?”

“Minus the part where I alienate people.”

“Ouch. But I totally did that.” He sighed. “I was a complete dick.”

Hayden picked up his beer again. “Wow, you're, like, so grown up now.”

“Have to be. It's easy when your life clicks into place. But you know what that feels like. You've been grown up and responsible for as long as I can remember.”

Ha, right. Unfortunately it
was
right. Boringly, disappointingly right. That was one of the reasons he'd left. It had been past time to stretch his wings and stop being the go-to guy. Maybe he
was
following Kyle's lead—to a point.

Yet here he was, home for just a couple of weeks, and he was right back in that role of stalwart, dependable Hayden. Hell, he didn't know what he wanted. He wanted to feel needed, he wanted to be free. What the fuck?

Screw it, maybe he should go off and do something like Liam would've done before
he'd
fallen in love and returned to the fold.

Hayden swigged his beer. “Which is maybe why I want to unload the house and, you know, be irresponsible for once.”

Kyle looked at him without his usual swagger. “Well, whatever the reason, Maggie and I are thrilled. Thank you.”

Hayden smiled. “It makes me happy to know you guys love it.”

“Are you sure this doesn't mean you're out of here for good?”

Hayden looked him in the eye, but let his mouth quirk up into a smile. “Isn't ‘never say never' one of your mottos?”

“Maybe. Sounds more like Liam though.”

Liam looked over at them upon hearing his name. “What does?”

“Nothing,” Hayden said. He leaned toward Kyle and spoke a bit lower. “Did you talk to Aubrey about the sale?”

“Yep. It'll be super easy since we're paying you cash thanks to Dad giving me my trust fund back.” He said this without animosity. He truly had put all of his darker days behind him. Hayden was glad.

Now he'd be even more liquid to make this winery start-up work.
If
he was going to do it.

Liam turned in his chair to face Hayden. “Hey, stop talking about me over there.”

“Not talking about you at all, jackass. But I did want to ask you something. When are you taking me skydiving?”

Liam sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Damn, I forgot. Next weekend?” Liam shook his head. “No, that's the hike and campout with Bex.”

Hayden had been so busy that he'd forgotten about that entirely, but clearly Liam hadn't. He'd remembered Bex's hike but not Hayden's request for a skydive? Irritation pricked at his neck, but he worked to ignore it. “Is that happening?”

“It is for us. I talked to Bex this week. We're all set to hike up. We're going to watch the weather, but right now we're planning to just sleep under the stars so we won't need to haul tents. Just basic cooking stuff and water.”

Sounded complicated. But fun. Except it was with Bex. Could he do that?

Why not? They seemed to have formed a tenuous friendship. Like boring grown-ups.

He glanced around, wondering where she was today. Since she was living at the house right now and working at The Alex, she seemed as much of an extension of his family as she had five years ago. Only she wasn't.

“Is Bex at the brewhouse today?” he asked no one in particular.

“Yeah, she was up there this morning,” Dylan answered. “But I haven't seen her in a while.” He threw Sara an apologetic glance. “I guess we should've invited her to come with us.”

“Actually I saw her an hour or so ago,” Sean said. He looked toward Hayden. “You'd stepped out of the booth for a few minutes.”

Hayden almost asked why Sean hadn't told him that, but why would he have? The better question was why did Hayden think that was something Sean ought to share? He and Bex had no connection, especially to someone like Sean who hadn't ever known them as a couple.

“Well, this is a sorry-looking lot.” Cam's voice carried around the table from where he stood behind Kyle's chair, grinning with his hands on his hips.

Kyle turned his head. “Where'd you come from? I must've missed the cat that dragged you in.”

Cam winced as he blew air between his teeth. “Dude, that was kind of a whiff. I think you're losing your touch.”

Kyle threw up his hands. “What can I say? I've been working my face off the last week. Hell, the last year.”

Liam cocked his head to the side and gave Kyle his most condescending expression. “Poor Kyle. Wife in the weal world is so hawd,” he said in a singsong voice.