Page 17 of The P*ssy Next Door
“Alright, alright,” Hayes interjected after a particularly detailed account of how he'd bamboozled the entire Rebels defense and scored before they were even facing the right way. “I think Willa's heard enough of my exploits for one day.”
“Aw, but I was just getting to the good stuff.” Jules pouted, but her eyes danced with laughter.
I grinned, reaching over to pat Hayes's hand where it rested on the counter. “Don't worry, I still think you're pretty cool. For a football player, that is.”
He caught my fingers with his, giving them a quick squeeze. “High praise, indeed.”
We smiled at each other for a long moment, lost in our own little bubble, until Jules cleared her throat pointedly.
“So, Willa,” she said, propping her elbows on the counter and resting her chin in her hands. “Tell me all about yourself. I want to know everything about the girl who's got my brother all twitterpated.”
I laughed, even as a pang of guilt twisted my stomach. I'd already told myself I wasn't going to get involved with Hayes. I wasn't his kind of girl, and he was the opposite of the kind of guy I thought I'd ever be with. But here I was, flirting and not only leading him on but leading his little sister on. “Oh, I don't know about that. I'm really not that interesting.”
“Doubtful,” Hayes murmured, his gaze warm on my face.
I fiddled with the strings of my apron. “I've got a wonderful job teaching English. I just started a new contract in Vietnam a few months ago.”
Jules's eyes widened. “That's so interesting. I bet you have some cool-ass stories.”
“A few,” I admitted with a wry smile. “Getting to experience new cultures, connect with people from all walks of life, I love it.”
Hayes was watching me intently, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. “Sounds like quite the adventure.”
I nodded, a wistful sigh escaping me. “It has been. I am, was, looking forward to going back next week.”
I trailed off, biting my lip. I hadn't meant to bring that up. I didn't know whether I was staying or coming or going.
“You're leaving next week?” Jules prompted, leaning forward.
I hesitated, glancing at Hayes. This wasn't how I'd wanted to tell him, but I couldn't lie. “My uncles, Liam and George... they've got this big round-the-world cruise planned. To celebrate Liam's clean bill of health after his health scare.”
Understanding dawned on Hayes's face, followed by a flash of something that looked almost like... disappointment? “And you're going with them?”
“No, I...” I took a deep breath. “I'm thinking about staying and running the café for them while they're gone.”
Good god, had I actually said that out loud?
Silence hung between us for a long moment, heavy with unspoken questions. Jules glanced back and forth between Hayes and I, her brow furrowed.
“How long will they be gone?” Hayes asked finally, his voice carefully neutral.
I swallowed hard. “Nine months, give or take.”
He blinked, clearly taken aback. “That's... wow. That's a big commitment.”
“I know.” My heart was hammering against my ribs, feeling like a bird in cage. “I just... they've done so much for me, you know? I can't let them give up this trip. Not when I can do something to help.”
Hayes nodded slowly, a strange mix of emotions playing across his face, surprise, respect, and something softer I couldn't quite name. “That's really amazing of you, Willa. Truly.”
Tingles pricked along my scalp at the quiet sincerity in his voice. “I'm trying to be. I don't know if I'm cut out for this whole responsibility thing, but... I have to try. For them.”
“You'll be great,” he said firmly, holding my gaze. “I know you will.”
Jules, who had been uncharacteristically silent through our exchange, suddenly clapped her hands together. “Wait, so this means you're sticking around? In Thornminster?”
I nodded, tearing my eyes away from Hayes's intense stare. “Looks like it. At least for the foreseeable future.”
A slow, sly smile spread across her face as she glanced between us again. “Well, well. Isn't that interesting.”