Hailey sat on the edge of her bed, feeling well rested after one of the best nights of sleep she had gotten in a long time. Having Jay in her bed seemed to ward off all the nightmares and memories that usually kept her awake. She wasn't sure where things were headed between them, they hadn't really discussed the lines they were blurring in their relationship. One thing Hailey knew for sure, was that he was becoming more than just her work partner faster than she could keep up. And surprisingly, it wasn't something she minded. In fact, she'd almost be willing to admit that she liked the idea. But she was sure Jay didn't reciprocate her feelings, he had only been here for her because he was a nice guy and he felt bad for her situation. Hailey sighed and looked down at Jay's still sleeping form. At some point, he had removed his shirt and now she was able to trace the pattern of his freckles littered across his shoulders and back. He stirred then, rolling over so that his toned chest was exposed to her. It wasn't the first time she had scene him topless, but something about him being topless in her bed made it a little different. She must have been lost in thought because she heard a chuckle come from him and her eyes darted up to see his smiling face.
"Hey. How'd you rest?" Jay asked, voice thick with sleep.
"Good. Really good actually." She nodded and gave a sheepish smirk through pursed lips.
"That's good." Jay shifted and sat up, leaning against her head board. "So, what's on your agenda for today?"
"I'm not really sure…I have the next few days off. I don't go back until Monday." She sighed, thinking of her first day back.
"Huh, what a coincidence." Jay shrugged playfully, chuckling at her confused look. "I'm off until Monday too."
"What? How?" Hailey shook her head, confused as to how they both got time off from work.
"Don't get mad…" He started, hands going up in mock surrender knowing this could flare her temper. "But Voight text me before you got home last night and asked if I wanted to burn some time." Jay finished with a grin, hoping he wasn't about to feel her wrath. Hailey nodded slowly, taking in the information and feeling grateful that her boss was looking out for her. Voight didn't approve of in-house romances, not that this is what that was, but she knew he had given Jay the time off so that he could spend it with her.
"Well, we're usually pretty boring around here….cartoons and racetracks. Maybe you could go golfing? Or visit Will?" Hailey suggested, giving him an out but hoping he wouldn't take it.
"Hailey." Jay smiled at her, sending her heart racing. "I want to spend it with you. If that's alright…" He tacked on at the end, feeling suddenly nervous that he was crossing some lines.
"That sounds great." Hailey smiled genuinely and found herself getting lost in his eyes. They both jumped when the sound of tiny feet running towards her room came from the hallway. Hailey jumped out of bed, giving Jay a sheepish look as she bolted to her door to head Lucas off. While she was glad that Jay was there with her and that they apparently had a few days to themselves, Hailey didn't want to confuse her son with the sight of a half naked Jay laying in her bed. Hailey ducked out the door, scooping Lucas into her arms and Jay smiled as he heard the little boy giggling back down the hallway. Hailey carried him down to the kitchen, plopping him on the counter and looking around to decide what was for breakfast.
"Jay!" Lucas exclaimed excitedly and Hailey looked up to see a fully clothed Jay entering her kitchen.
"Hey bud!" Jay exclaimed, just as excited. Lucas motioned to be let off the counter and Hailey grinned when he instantly went to fetch some toy cars, ready to start his morning with a race.
"He likes you." She beamed at Jay.
"I like him." Jay replied warmly. "And his mom." Jay's face flushed at his last statement, realizing what that implied. Hailey blushed too but thankfully the moment was interrupted by Lucas running back into the room, race track in tow. Hailey set about making some breakfast for them and then they settled around the dining table to eat.
"Hey Lucas?" Jay asked, glancing at Hailey before he continued. "Have you ever been camping?"
"Jay…." Hailey started, instantly panicking at the thought. If she was being honest, the great outdoors were not her thing. She wasn't a girlie girl by any means but nature was not in her comfort zone whatsoever.
"What's camping?" Lucas asked, bouncing in his seat. Jay started to explain to him all about camping and Hailey found herself suddenly interested in the idea. Jay was pretty convincing.
"Mama lets go camping with Jay!" Lucas exclaimed and Hailey choked on the orange juice she was taking a sip of.
"Buddy, I'm not sure he wants to go camping with us." Hailey's eyes darted to Jay, trying to give him another out.
"Of course I do! Someone has to show your mom how to do it." Jay gave him a huge grin before sending Hailey a wink.
"Yea!" Lucas yelled, excitement bubbling over.
And that's how, a few hours later, Hailey found herself standing on the front porch with Lucas eagerly awaiting Jay's return. Hailey had told him they didn't have anything one might need for a camping trip, not that she was really even sure what that list might include. But Jay had assured her he had it covered. He had instructed her to pack some clothing and some snacks and that he would be back in a bit to get them. She couldn't help the smile from forming on her face when Lucas started to bounce up and down when they saw Jay's truck pull onto their road. She had to grab a hold of his shirt to keep him from running out onto the road but there was no stopping him once Jay was in the driveway.
"Can we drive this?" Lucas yelled back towards her, pointing to Jay's truck.
"Um…" Hailey hesitated, the picture of Lucas's car seat secured into Jay's truck sending her mind wheeling.
"Uh we totally can!" Jay agreed, waggling his eyebrows towards her. Hailey sure hoped that Jay had packed some alcohol because at the rate this impromptu trip was going, she was going to need it.
The first half of their journey had only caused Hailey's feeling for Jay to increase as he more than happily made the multiple pit stops one needed to take with a three year old, even buying Lucas his favorite snack at one point, earning a huge smile from the little boy. Now Lucas was fast asleep in his car seat and Hailey was watching the scenery around them rapidly change. Hailey couldn't remember the last time she had left the hustle and bustle of the city, but she could feel herself relaxing more with every mile they drove.
"So, never been camping? Like ever?" Jay asked after a while, breaking the silence.
"Nope." Hailey smirked, emphasizing the P with a pop.
"Not even as a kid?" Jay pushed, not believing her.
"We weren't a 'campy' type of family." Hailey shrugged. "Unless you count the time my brothers and I slept on the trampoline because our dad locked us out." She tried to keep her tone light and joking, but the heavy topic made it fall flat. "Sorry…" She grimaced slightly in apology.
"For what?" Jay asked, a puzzled look on his face.
"For bringing up a topic you don't want to hear about." Hailey replied, quickly continuing when he started to protest. "And one I don't want to talk about."
"Noted." Jay gave one quick nod. "Have you at least had a s'more?" He asked, trying to lighten her mood. Hailey debated lying to him, feeling suddenly guilty that she had never tried the dessert, but he saw right through her hesitation and playfully scoffed at her. "What?! That's the first thing we're doing then!" Jay smiled when his announcement earned him a genuine laugh from her. They fell back into a comfortable silence then and Hailey watched the world speed past as they continued their journey.
"It can't be that hard." Hailey huffed, looking at the pile of fabric and metal rods that lay before her, which was somehow supposed to turn into a tent. Jay had brought two tents and had offered to set them both up when Hailey protested that she could set hers up by herself.
"Mmkay, well just let me know if you need anything." Jay smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. By the time Hailey had her pile somewhat sorted out, Jay's tent was fully assembled and he now stood beside her, arms crossed against his chest and looking smugger than ever.
"Shut up." She told him, feigning irritation.
"I didn't say a word." Jay grinned before bending down to begin assembly of her tent. Hailey watched as he skillfully erected the makeshift shelter in record time. Next, Jay went back to his truck, returning with a box labeled 'Mattress'.
"I even brought you the air mattress so you wouldn't have to sleep on the ground." Jay beamed, pulling it out of the box and starting the process of inflating it.
"I'm not that much of a city girl." Hailey protested.
"I don't have to blow it up then." Jay challenged, glancing up at her with another smug smirk.
"Well…it might be better for him…" She nodded towards Lucas, knowing damn well he saw right through her.
"Mhmm, sure." Jay turned back to focus on the task at hand and soon Hailey had a fully assembled tent, complete with a bed and sleeping bags. Jay had even provided a small lantern, stating he wasn't sure if Lucas needed a night light or not. Hailey wasn't sure her heart was going to make it through the next few days without exploding.
Once the tents were assembled and Jay had brought the rest of their camping gear from the truck, Hailey watched as he skillfully went about stacking wood for a campfire. She couldn't help but grin as her eyes trailed after him, this was a stark contrast to the Jay she knew from work. He glanced up at her a few times, giving her a smile each time their eyes met, but he silently went about his work. Hailey sat on one of the camp chairs he had provided and grinned down at Lucas, who was playing with some toy trucks in the dirt beside her. He was so happy and she was incredibly thankful to Jay for this experience.
"Alright, done." Jay stood, brushing his hands against his legs. "We'll light it a little later, but it's ready to go."
"I didn't know campfire building was a skill on your resume." Hailey teased.
"There's a lot of skills on my resume you haven't seen yet." His eyes flashed mischievously and Hailey found herself gulping hard at his words. Jay turned to Lucas then, giving Hailey a second to recover. "Hey bud, wanna go check out the creek?" Lucas jumped up and excitedly agreed, despite the fact Hailey knew he didn't even know what a creek was. Jay scooped him up and sat him on his shoulders before turning to see if Hailey was coming. She stood from the chair and hesitantly followed behind them as they wound down a small path into the trees she hadn't noticed before. After a brief hike, the sound of running water met their ears. Hailey laughed when she heard Lucas gasp excitedly and wiggle for Jay to let him down. The second his feet hit the ground he bolted towards the small stream with Jay close behind him. Hailey's heart soared as she watched the two splash about in the water, Lucas giggling like crazy as he flung water at Jay who exaggerated his response to entertain the boy. Hailey, lost in thought, suddenly felt some cool water hit her face and looked to see Jay shrugging innocently and nodding towards Lucas.
"Come join us, the waters fine." Jay called, splashing more water towards Lucas.
"I'm good right here." Hailey replied, shaking her head.
"Come on mama!" Lucas called, giggling and stomping the water.
"Yeah come on mama." Jay called again and Hailey felt a light blush trace her cheeks. Hailey slowly made her way to the waters edge and timidly stuck her foot in, gasping when the cold water hit her skin. She had every intention of going in slow and steady, giving her body ample time to adjust to the temperature, but suddenly a wave of water came rushing through the air towards her, soaking her lower half. She looked up, mouth gaping open as the coldness shocked her, to see Jay with a huge grin plastered on his face. It was on then, Hailey rushed into the shallow water, cupping her hand into the water and sending it flying towards Jay. Not that it really mattered, he was already soaked, but it still sent a gasp falling from his lips. Hailey found herself lost in the moment then, the sound of water splashing and Lucas giggling brought a newfound joy to her heart. They played like that for a while, Lucas loving every minute and Jay and Hailey laughing as they each tried to douse the other. Hailey made a sudden move in an attempt to splash water at Jays face once again, when her foot landed on a slippery rock just under the water. She lost her balance and fell forward, clamping her eyes shut and holding her breath as she anticipated the cold water to engulf her. But instead, strong arms stopped her fall and when she opened her eyes she realized Jay's arms were wrapped around her, holding her just above the water, his faces mere inches from hers. The breath she was holding caught in her throat as she looked up into his eyes. Jay's eyes were dark with a look she didn't recognize, a small smirk crossed his mouth. Slowly, he pulled her into a standing position, but his hands didn't break contact and slid down to hold her waist. Hailey's heart raced and she couldn't look away from him. She didn't know what she was expecting to happen but the options that were racing through her mind were driving her crazy. Suddenly, cold water hit both of their faces and it was enough to break their contact. Hailey smiled at Lucas's giggling but her eyes still held Jay's, breaking only when she heard Lucas call her a second time.
"Mama Jay save you!" Lucas jumped up and down in the water excitedly.
"Yeah he did." She said quietly, looking back up at Jay. Her face felt flush and she wasn't sure if it was more from their play or the moment they had just shared. They played for a little while longer before Lucas announced that he was hungry. Jay lugged them both out of the water and started telling Lucas how cool dinner was going to be. Hailey once again trailed behind them, watching as Jay bounced her son up and down as they made their way back to camp.
After dinner, which was a surprisingly delicious meal compared to what Hailey was expecting, Jay brought out the ingredients for s'mores, expertly making them each one. Hailey had to admit, she was sorry she hadn't had this experience before and found herself enjoying another one soon after the first. Then, Hailey took Lucas into the tent, cleaning him up the best she could and getting him into some pajamas. After his day of play, it didn't take long for the boy to pass out and soon Hailey joined Jay by the campfire. She pulled the sweatshirt she had put on in the tent a little closer as the cool breeze blew softly against her skin. Jay sat across from her, poking at the fire to keep it going. She watched as the light from the fire danced across his features, highlighting parts she hadn't noticed before. Her face reddened when he noticed her staring.
"So what's the verdict on camping so far?" He asked, giving her a hopeful smile.
"It's not that bad." She teased, exaggerating her words slightly. "Okay, it's actually pretty great." She conceded when he raised an eyebrow at her.
"Will and I used to go all the time. Sometimes our dad would take us, but eventually we made it our own thing." Jay looked down at the fire while he spoke. As much as Hailey avoided talking about her past or family, Jay seemed to do the same. She only knew he had a brother because Will worked at Med.
"I definitely feel like I missed out on the whole camping thing." Hailey said with a sad smile.
"So if you didn't camp, what kind of stuff did your family do as a kid?" Jay gave her a somber look, gently broaching a topic he knew was usually off limits.
"Uh…not much." Hailey admitted, dipping her head down to look at her lap as memories from her childhood flooding her mind. "We weren't the happiest of families…"
"I can understand that." Jay nodded slowly, his own memories coming to the fore front.
"It wasn't always bad. But, there definitely wasn't much of a balance." Hailey sighed and glanced up to Jay.
"Well, here's to making new memories." Jay gave her a warm smile then. "And at least Lucas has an awesome mom who agrees to spontaneous camping trips."
"You didn't give me much of a choice." She joked.
"Hey, I get the crappy childhood thing. So I'm glad I got to be apart of a happy memory for him." Jay smiled again and Hailey felt tears suddenly threatening to spill from her eyes.
"So..anyways.." She breathed out, eyes wet and face reddening.
"Tequila?" Jay asked, thankfully ignoring her rush of emotions.
"Yes please." Hailey nodded, wiping at her eyes. Jay opened the bottle and handed it to her. She glanced around for something to pour it in but saw Jay shrug sheepishly in his chair.
"I sorta forgot the glasses." He said, half embarrassed. Hailey laughed then and took a swig before passing it back to Jay.
"No worries, a few more shots and I'm not going to care anyway." Hailey blushed again as she caught sight of the look Jay gave her when she conversation, along with the tequila, flowed easily after that and they both lost track of the time. When Jay looked at his found he was surprised to see just how late it was. Together, they had just about finished the bottle of alcohol and Hailey was more than feeling it, especially when she went to stand up. Hailey giggled when she lost her balance and plopped back into the chair behind her. Jay walked over to her, seemingly handling the liquor a little better than her and pulled her into a standing position. The ground swayed underneath her and for the second time today, Hailey found herself leaning into Jay with his hands placed gently on her waist. She looked up then, meeting his eyes and seeing that unfamiliar dark tint to them again. The alcohol raging through her veins had her feeling a little braver than she might otherwise have been and she found herself biting her lower lip as she stared up at him through heavy eyes. Her breathing rate had increased drastically and she wasn't sure if she was drunk or if Jay's had done the same. Their eyes were locked together, neither wanting to make a move. Hailey slowly tilted her head, eyes still boring into him and her body shifted forward ever so slightly. Either her world was swaying again or Jay's head had tilted too. They inched closer, ever so slightly, and Hailey was sure she was about to cross a line they hadn't even brushed against when she felt Jay's hands tighten on her waist, stalling her movements.
"Hailey.." His voice was deep, husky, and it sent a heat shooting through her. "You're drunk." He grinned down, biting his own lip now.
"So are you." She challenged, suddenly wanting to cross all the lines between them.
"Exactly. Now probably isn't the best time for…this." He trailed off. His cheeks were reddened and his eyes were darker than ever.
"I know you're right…but that doesn't really help this situation." Hailey all but whispered, shocked that they were actually having this conversation but knowing the alcohol was to blame. Jay chuckled at her words, his hands still firmly gripping her waist. "I want to…believe me. But…sober." His words came out choppy as if he was afraid to admit them. Jay leaned forward then and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Hailey's heart threatened to beat right out of her chest at that moment and she felt her arms wrap tightly around his torso. They weren't going to cross any major lines tonight, but that didn't stop her from wanting to feel his embrace just one more time before they separated. Jay pulled her impossibly closer, holding her there for a moment before they broke apart.
"Good night Hailey." He whispered against her ear.
"Night Jay." She smiled up at him before sheepishly ducking away and into her tent. Hailey was thankful for the tequila she had consumed, otherwise there was no way she was going to sleep. She quietly changed into some comfier clothes and crawled onto the bed next to Lucas and was fast asleep in moments.