24. The Perfect Gift

24

The Perfect Gift

Maxime

My heart broke last night. I knew Hayley had a skewed view of her body, judging from the self-deprecating jokes I've heard her throw around, but I didn't know it ran that deep. I'll make it my mission to tell her how beautiful she is until she no longer needs to hear it. Even then, I'll probably keep going, because I don't think I'll ever be able to stop. Spending the night with Hayley in my arms was the perfect ending to that wild day and heart-wrenching evening. And I'm happy that we're taking it slow. I want to give Hayley everything, but I want to do it at her pace.

"So, what do you feel like doing today?" I ask when she comes out of the bathroom.

"I don't know." She shrugs, her fingers toying with the collar of my shirt as rain patters against the window. I love that she can't seem to stay away either. Every time I see her, I need to be near her. "What do you usually do on your days off?" she asks.

I cringe. "Training."

"Oh, come on." She shakes her head, placing a hand on her hip.

"It's true. Hockey's been my life for so long, that's pretty much all I do. In college, I had classes and friends to play ball with, but since I got here it's been mostly work. Oh, and reading. I read now too." I flash a wide grin.

"Yeah, you do." Her smile matches mine, and her hand falls on my chest.

"That gives me an idea. Hold on. I'll be right back."

I rush down the hall to my room and find the copy I've been annotating. Then, I hustle back to the living room and place it in her hands.

She frowns, unsure what to do with it.

I shove my hands in my pockets. "Open it. Flip the pages. "

She does, and her eyes widen with every page she turns. "What is this? You annotated the book?"

I nod, suddenly feeling awkward. "Every time it made me think of you."

She keeps flipping the pages, her mouth agape.

"I thought about you a lot while I was reading it," I joke, scratching my forehead.

"This is . . . Wow." Her eyes lift to meet mine. "Can I keep it?"

"Yes, but only when I'm done. I have two chapters left."

She does a double take. "How can you live without knowing the ending? You have to finish it. It's a rainy day, AKA, a perfect reading day."

"Now? But what about you?"

A smile builds on her face. "Do you think I go anywhere without a book? I have my new hockey story to start."

Of course she does.

At light speed, she grabs her book from her handbag and curls up on the couch. I love that she's always so excited to read. And I get it now. Every time you open a book, you get to live someone else's life—a whole new experience that enriches your own life.

"Your couch could use some padding, though," she gripes .

I tap on the leather cushion. "This couch is extremely comfortable, Nash. Lumbar support, firm but soft, the perfect size."

She giggles but shakes her head. "Nope. It's not cozy enough. We'll have to add some fluffy blankets," she declares before settling in. I smile to myself. She can add as many blankets and cushions as she wants if it means she'll be spending more time here. Heck, I'll even get a new couch.

From the corner of my eye, Hayley turns the book to its back cover and starts flipping it from the last pages.

I breathe a low chuckle. "You do know it'll end in an HEA, right? It's a romance book."

She raises her head, looking at me as if I said something completely wrong. Then, she slides toward me, until our bodies touch. She runs a soft finger down my jaw, and I close my eyes, my heart constricting. Dropping a sweet kiss on my lips, she says, "You're super sexy when you talk bookish."

I slowly open my eyes, emerging from my haze. Then, a grin flashes on my face. "Good to know. You can expect that on the regular."

Giggling, she drops her head on my shoulder, and I turn my head to kiss her hair. I could do this all day .

She picks up her book and sighs. "And yes, I know I should get either an HEA or an HFN—happy for now—when I'm reading romance. But one time, I stumbled onto a cliffhanger, and I'm still traumatized."

I can't help but chuckle.

"It's true, though. I really am." She sits up, nodding to herself. "I don't mind cliffhangers, but I need a warning, you know? Now I'm ruined for life and have to make sure there's a happy couple at the end. Except if the author discloses the cliffhanger, then I don't want it to be spoiled. But otherwise, I can't enjoy the book if I'm not sure how it's going to end."

Something warms in my chest. "Let me tell you something about our story, then. So you can enjoy it." I swallow hard, my fingers brushing over her hand. "I read the ending, and you'll fall madly in love with me."

She laughs, blushing. "What about you?"

I lick my lips, studying the amazing girl in front of me. "I already have."

Her eyes widen in shock.

I caress her cheek. "Sorry, it just came out. I know I'm supposed to take it slow, but that's how I feel. And I think admitting our feelings trumps going slow, right?"

She is still not saying anything, and my pulse pounds in my ears. Shoot. I shouldn't have said that. Even if that's how I feel, we've been dating for less than a week. But how could I not love her? I think it all began the first time I saw her. "You don't have to say anything now," I add.

She smiles, nodding, and I capture her chin to plant a kiss on her lips. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she deepens the kiss, sending me straight to heaven.

After lunch, Hayley drags me to IKEA to find stuff to decorate my place. Who am I kidding? She's not forcing me. I'd follow that girl anywhere. Plus, I'm actually the one driving. We took my car since it's still pouring and I didn't want to relive that subway ride from last time. Besides, everyone knows you don't come back empty-handed from an IKEA trip, especially with Hayley as your personal shopper.

As we enter the gigantic store, I get a text from Miles reminding me his address for tonight.

My arms fall to my sides. " Merde . I completely forgot."

She frowns. "What is it?"

"It's Aaron Miles's birthday today, and he's having a party at his place. Would you come with me?"

"Of course," she says, grabbing a cart at the entrance—I knew driving my car was necessary .

"Are you sure?" I'm starting to rethink this. Do I really want to go? I continue, "I would much rather stay home with you."

Home. It never really felt like home until Hayley spent the night there. Now, it's filled with her perfume, her laugh, the sight of her reading on my particularly comfortable couch.

"No, I'd love to go. You already missed the after party last night because of me."

That wasn't exactly a sacrifice. As excited as I was about making that hat trick, nothing could beat celebrating at home with my girl. Though hearing the pride in my dad's voice when he called this morning was probably a close second.

I nod. "Okay. I'll text Alice to see if she and Emma want to come too."

"Doubt it. Alice has a date, and Emma will probably want to stay in. Rainy day plus bookish girl equals perfection."

I laugh, but I have a feeling she's right. "I'll ask anyway. And another date? How many has my sister had since she moved here?" In other words, should I be concerned? Even I never dated that much in college .

She shrugs, wheeling into the showroom. "I don't know. Your sister is very determined to find the love of her life."

"Why not just leave it to chance?" That's what I did, I want to add, but I don't. I already said enough earlier. She seems fine with my declaration of love, but I don't want to push my luck.

She bites her bottom lip, and I resist the urge to steal a kiss right here in the middle of this very colorful staged living room. "Maybe she wants to create her own chance? Oh, look, that's cute. It'll go well with your couch." She shows me a large blue-and-gray carpet, then another one. Then, she finds a tall plant, an entryway set with a shoe cubby, a cabinet, a bowl for keys and loose change, and a coat rack. With every new stop, I'm increasingly grateful that we took the car.

We enter the bedroom and bathroom section, and we already have at least two dozen purchases to pick up downstairs. I need some TLC.

Spotting a compact apartment setup, I drag her in. She leaves the cart behind and follows me. "What are you doing?" she asks through fits of giggles.

I guide her to a secluded corner and press my forehead to hers. "I just want to kiss you." With that, I place a soft peck on her lips. "Thank you for doing all this for me. I know you'd rather be reading."

She brushes her lips against mine. "This is fun too."

My hands snake around her waist, pulling her closer before I kiss her forehead, cheeks, neck, and lips, rewarded by her chiming laughter.

"Should we find a bed to jump on, or to make out on?" I ask, teasing her lips.

"Oh," a high-pitched voice squeals.

I turn to see two girls gawking at us. The blonde's eyes widen, and that's when I know she just recognized me. I glance at Hayley, who's now gnawing on her lip, averting her eyes.

"Maxime," the girl says, as if she knows me. But I'm pretty sure I've never seen either of them before in my life. If I have, they didn't leave an impression. The blonde glances between Hayley and me, a slight frown pulling down the corners of her mouth.

"Um, can we have your autograph?" the brunette peeps, rummaging through her bag.

"Sure." I nod, taking her pen and the scrap of paper she finds.

"So, I guess you're taken, huh?" the blonde says. This time, I'm the one whose eyes fly wide. The nerve to say something like that. She chuckles nervously. "I'm, um, the one who proposed last night. With the bra."

Realization hits me, and now Hayley's averted gaze makes more sense. "Oh, that was you. Well, yes. I am taken by this gorgeous and kind human being," I say, taking a step back. I wrap my arm around Hayley, whose face is now as pink as her hair. "Please don't do that again, though. It's a little creepy."

I can tell she's taken aback, but she keeps up a front, flashing a smile. "Right. Thank you for the autograph."

"Bye," the other says, clearly eager to put an end to this exchange.

When they leave, I turn to Hayley, my hands falling to her waist. "Sorry about that. Looks like we can't even get a moment of privacy at IKEA. It's insane."

Her lips pull into a smile, but it's not the full one I'm used to.

"Are you okay? Did they say anything else last night? I didn't want to cause a scene, but if they were mean to you in any way, I'll go after them and—"

She places a hand on my chest, shaking her head. "No, they didn't say anything. Like I said, they were just really interested in you, that's all."

I caress her soft cheek. "Well, too bad. There's only one woman I'm interested in making out with in public places." I press a kiss on her lips and draw her closer to me. "Or in private."

Giggling, she slides her hand up to my neck, placing a gentle kiss on my lips. "Right back at you."

I give her a long look. "This job is going to get me a lot of unwanted attention from girls," I say, taking a step back and swallowing hard. "But you can't let that get to you, Hayley."

Her cheeks tint, and she nods. "I know."

"You can trust me," I say, tilting her chin up. I plunge my gaze into hers, hoping my eyes reflect the sincerity I'm feeling. There is no way I'd ever hurt her or cheat on her like her douchebag exes did. "I mean it."

A smile breaks onto her lips, and I know it's genuine because I can see it in her eyes too. "I'll just block out everyone else but you."

"Sounds like a solid plan," I joke, capturing her lips once more. "Let's get out of here before we get banned from IKEA for life. You're impossible to resist, Hayley Nash."

Her blush deepens, and I take her hand, guiding her out of the apartment setup.

"What time is Aaron's birthday again?" she asks as we reach our cart.

"Eight o'clock. "

"Okay, perfect. We'll finish up here, go downstairs, and still have time to pick him up a present before stopping at home so I can change."

"You don't have to. I already chipped in for the team gift. It's a hot tub, I think."

"Well, I don't show up to a birthday party without a gift—one notable exception made for my mom. Though now that I know she occasionally reads, and which types of books she likes, I'll start bringing her my signature gift. The same thing I'm thinking of getting Aaron."

"Let me guess. A book?"

She smirks. "Yep. He'll need something to do in his hot tub. Right?"

"I suppose." Though I'm not sure reading a book is on his radar, or that he'll ever be alone in that hot tub.

"I'll get him two. One non-fiction book about hockey and one romance novel. Maybe a hockey romance to stay in the theme?"

I smile. "Sounds like a plan."

Hayley was right. Emma immediately declined my offer to come along to Miles's birthday. Hayley and I stopped at Boundless Books for the hockey non-fiction book, and she picked up a fan-favorite hockey romance at her store before we left.

The party is being held at the apartment he shares with Marissa. Yes, the coach's daughter. They've known each other since childhood apparently and are best friends. The party is low-key with mostly the team and a few of Miles's friends. There's a "baby foot" table and a couple of arcade games. The latest hits are playing in the background, and everyone is enjoying a few drinks. The hot tub, sadly, hasn't been installed yet.

We play a little baby foot—or foosball as my American friends call it—and Hayley wins a game of Street Fighter against me on the arcade machine. But my favorite moment has to be right now, as we're just talking with the guys, Hayley secured on my lap. We're leaving for two road games tomorrow, and I want to enjoy every second I have with her.

"You think?" Adler says, looking thoughtful. "Well, I don't agree. We probably have a better shot of—"

I don't hear the rest, too distracted by the tender spot right behind Hayley's ear. I kiss it softly, and she giggles, melting into me. I wrap my arm around her to keep her from falling.

"Oh, come on, you guys," Adler says, dropping his arm. "Get a room. "

"Sorry," I say with a wince. "Please, continue."

He shakes his head. "And to think this all started because of a bet. You guys have come a long way. I'm happy for you but have some decency for those of us who are still rolling solo."

Everyone laughs as my body tenses. Dammit. The bet. Hayley. I completely forgot! It was just a stupid thing that came out of my mouth when I was cornered, but phrased like that, it carries a whole lot of meaning. Hayley's not moving on my lap. She turns around to look at me, and I panic. My eyes flutter as I try to figure out what to say, where to start.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she pinches her lips and climbs off me, scurrying to the front door.

I curse loudly, throwing Adler a deadly glare before running after her.