Wow, I haven't updated in what feels like forever. I've been a bit ambushed between work, my husband, my daughter... and other things... lol. But here's another chapter, just for you guys!
Chapter 14 – Friday Night
Tonight was the night. Hailey paced her dorm room, feeling like she was making a deal with the devil. She couldn't deny her feelings for Tyler that was for sure, but how could she let him tell her how he felt, knowing that Aaron was behind all of this.
It was his fault. It was his fault that she was in this mess, but it was partially her own. She should have never accepted the bet. But, if she hadn't accepted the bet she would have never gotten close to Tyler, or the girls.
If it wasn't for this stupid bet, she wouldn't have two great girlfriends and a great boyfriend. She wouldn't have any of it. She would just have Aaron. Aaron and his friends.
She shuddered at the thought; he had been on her the last two days, badgering her about their new stipulation to the bet. She shook her head; she was up to her neck in bull. And she didn't have a way out.
Option one; she could tell Aaron to take his bet and shove it, have Aaron come out and tell everyone about their bet, and Tyler will hate her and never want to talk to her again.
Option two; she could tell Tyler about the bet, hope to god that he forgives her or understands why she agreed to do something so terrible, and she would probably end up losing Aaron as a friend.
Option three; she could again tell Tyler, and he would absolutely hater her and never want to see her again.
Two many of her options resulted in Tyler's ultimate rejection, and she wasn't sure if she could handle that. She had gotten too close, she cared about him too much to let that happen between them. She would string Aaron along, string him along until she had something to use against him to keep his mouth shut.
That's it, she thought. She would just have to find out something that Aaron wouldn't want anyone to know… no one at all, and use it against him.
Could you stoop down to his level? Could she blackmail her own best friend in to keeping his mouth shut? Was it possible to keep Aaron Abbott's mouth shut?
She was brought out of her thoughts by a knock on the door. Her heart skipped a literal beat when she turned to look at the large oak door. For some reason, she pushed all of the thoughts out of her brain, as if Tyler could read her mind.
She straightened out the dress she was donning and opened the door, forcing a smile on to her lips. The brunette turned slightly to look at her, a lopsided grin on his lips as he held out a bouquet of wild flowers.
"They're beautiful…" She whispered taking them from him. He grinned as he took in her dress; it was an intricately made black lace dress with a scoop neck. She matched it with a pair of black pumps and a small gold bag.
"Not nearly as beautiful as you," He retorted without much thought.
She blushed slightly and waved him in to the room, "Let me put these in some water…"
Tyler closed the door behind him and he looked around her room, it was neat and tidy. Everything was set up where she could see it, he watched her walk over to one of the built in shelves and retrieve a simple glass vase.
She flashed him a smile as she walked in to the half bath and filled the vase with water and then placed the flowers on the desk next to her computer and a picture of her and Tyler together that was only taken a few days ago.
"You ready?" He questioned adjusting the tie that was around his neck.
"I am…" She nodded with a small smile as he held out his hand for her to take. "So are we taking my car, or did Reid let you keep yours for our date?" She asked raising an eyebrow at him.
"Oh, starting with the sarcasm already?" Tyler asked with a low laugh. He retrieved his hand from his pocket and gave her a small smile. "I got permission to take my car out tonight…" He stated sending her a short wink.
"Talk about sarcasm…" She laughed placing a kiss on his cheek.
"So, do you want to know where we're going?" He asked her.
"I do," She said, and just as he was about to open his mouth she put a finger against his soft lips, "But, I can wait… I like surprises…" She grinned at him.
"Suit yourself," He grinned holding the door open for her as they walked out in to the crisp air of the fall.
He opened the door to the liquid black Hummer for her and trotted around to the other side to get in himself. Her green eyes took in his outfit he had settled for a charcoal colored pin-striped suit, white crisp shirt and navy blue tie. His hair was slightly wet still from his shower and was slicked back, but was slowly falling out of place.
"You look really, really good…" She stated her eyes lingering over him slowly.
"I clean up pretty good, huh?" Tyler asked with a cocky grin on his lips.
"Alright, Reid…" She rolled her eyes at his comment.
Tyler laughed and took off in to town, the two chatted about everything on the way in to town. School, the guys, the girls, swim practice, and anything else that came to mind. Just as Tyler was parking the car, Hailey found herself looking around to find out where they had come.
"Bailey's?" She asked looking at the green neon sign hanging about the restaurant. "Tyler…" She stated as he helped her out of the car.
"Only the best for my girl," He commented.
"You have gone above and beyond for this one…" She stated shaking her head, the soft curls falling around her face.
"You haven't seen anything yet…" He grinned at her leading her in to the restaurant.
"Mr. Simms, it's good to see you…" The hostess smiled at him.
"Holly," Tyler nodded to the girl.
"They're just finishing up your table now; it should only be a few more moments…" The girl beamed.
Tyler nodded his head and pulled Hailey to the bar, he waived the bar tender over and waited for the large guy to ask them for their order.
"What do you want?" Tyler asked glancing at her.
"Um, Martini… dry…" She stated surveying his face slightly as he nodded.
"I'll take a Crown and Coke, and a Martini dry for the lady…" Tyler smiled wrapping his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders.
"Comin' right up Mr. Simms…" The bartender nodded.
"How in the world…" Hailey's question trailed off as Tyler took a seat and offered her the one in front of him.
"My family owns the restaurant…" He lifted a shoulder in disinterest.
"They do?" She asked her eyes wide.
"Yeah, my grandfather had it built for my grandmother…" He smiled at her. "To show her how much he loved her… right before he asked her to marry him…" Hailey's smile grew. "My father brought my mother here the night he asked her to marry him…"
Hailey's smile faded and looked at him straight-faced, Tyler Simms was not about to propose to her, was he? You're crazy, you're only seventeen…. She thought to herself. Get a grip Hailey.
"So why the name Bailey's?" She asked trying to shift the conversation away from matrimony and vows.
"My grandmother's maiden name…" Tyler pointed out as the bartender placed the two drinks in front of them.
"This place is fantastic…" She stated looking over everything that was around them. The inside of the building had an earthy feel to it. There was a running stream down the middle, lots of trees, flowers and greenery. It was simply breathtaking.
"My grandmother was a big nature buff…" Tyler said softly as he sipped his Crown and coke.
"That's why your grandfather had it built this way?" She questioned.
"Exactly," Tyler nodded his head.
"Well, what's the special occasion tonight?" She asked intrigued and ready to find out from his lips.
"You'll just have to wait and see," He grinned.
"Mr. Simms…" The hostess' voice caught their attention. "Your table is ready…" She smiled brightly at him.
"Thanks Holly," He nodded and he led her towards the special table.
Tyler led her to the front of the restaurant; there was a lavish set up, right at the mouth of the indoor creek. The sound of the water hitting the rocks was soothing; the greenery around them really set the mood. He pulled out the dark chivalry chair and took a seat right across from her. The table was set up with two candles and a small flower arrangement in the middle.
"Wow… Tyler…" She was speechless really. "This is…" She shook her head. "Incredible…"
"Only the best…" He smiled shortly at her and pulled the napkin out of his wine glass. "So you like it?" He asked with a large grin on his face.
"Like it?" She asked shaking her head. "I love it…" She whispered following his lead.
"Good," He couldn't wipe the smile off of his face; the waiter came by to make sure they were ok, they both indicated they had already gotten drinks, and gave them a few minutes to order.
"So what's good here?" She questioned.
"I'm not being biased when I say this…." Tyler warned. "But everything is pretty good. I really like the Filet Mignon though…" He pointed out.
"That does sound rather good," She nodded her head in agreement. Her eyes surveyed over the menu and she scrunched her nose up in confusion, he was right, everything looked pretty good. She wasn't sure what she should order.
"Are you ready to order?" The waiter came back dressed head to toe in black.
"Are you ready, Hailey?" Tyler asked softly.
"I think so," She nodded looking up at the waiter. "I'll have the Filet Mignon, with steamed vegetables." She reported.
"That sounds good; I'll have the same…" Tyler announced handing the waiter his menu.
The waiter nodded his head and hurried out of sight as Tyler reach across the table and took her hand in his. His thumb slowly caressed the soft skin, grazing over her knuckles; Hailey felt her entire body shiver at his touch.
It was soft, comforting and passionate, all at the same time. Those pools of blue stared at her, she didn't have to se thee smile painted on his lips; she saw it in his eyes. She could feel her heartbeat quicken, her blood began to boil, and her legs shook terribly.
The fluttering in her stomach wouldn't subside, the flush on her cheeks was evident, and Tyler could see her visibly shaking. He was making her either very nervous, or she knew something was going on. She probably caught on to what was going on at the bar.
He took her here for a reason, his family's 'special occasion' dinners were all held under Bailey's roof. He didn't know how much longer he could wait; he wanted to say it as soon as she opened the door tonight.
"Hailey," Tyler cleared his throat. His voice was cracking slightly, his palms slowly beginning to sweat, his face flushing to match Hailey's mauve tint. He was nervous, it was written all over his face, and his confidence flew right out the window. Get it together Simms, he scolded himself, it's now or never. "I want to tell you something…" He started.
"Ok," She nodded looking Tyler over carefully. "What's wrong Tyler?" She asked.
"Nothing," He shook his head. "Nothing's wrong at all…" he stated shortly. "In fact, everything is perfect…" He told her.
She could feel the butterflies quickening in her stomach, she couldn't breath, and it was now… he was going to tell her now. She could feel it in her bones, she could sense it. What was she going to do, how did she feel? Did she love Tyler Simms?
Yes, her subconscious answered quickly. She wasn't sure if her face showed her confusion at the sudden self-answer, she sure as hell hoped not. Did she really love him? Yes, rang back to her instantly.
"Hailey," Tyler's eyebrows slammed together in worry. "Are you alright?" He asked tightening his grip on her hand.
Hailey looked up at him, "No… I mean yes…" She shook her head. "I'm fine… sorry…" She whispered cursing herself mentally for zoning out like that.
"Well, what I wanted to tell you is…" Tyler paused for another second; Hailey felt as though she had just swallowed her heart, she could barely breathe. "Hailey, I love you…"
The way he said those three little words was almost like music to her ears. She had never had a boyfriend that said it to her the way that he did. It seemed so natural rolling off of his tongue and in to her ears.
"I love you too…" She responded. She didn't have to think about it anymore. As soon as the words escaped his mouth she knew in the bottom of her heart, that she was falling in love with this man, if she hadn't already.
Tyler's expression said it all, he was not expecting her to say it back so quickly. He was pleased, beyond belief, a wave of relief had washed over him the minute she had said the words. He leaned forward grabbing her close to him as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"I can't believe you planned all of this," She whispered.
"Well it's the first time that I've ever said I love you to anyone who isn't family…" Tyler stated softly. "So it was kind of a big deal… and I felt like it was something that I should do…"
"God, Tyler…" Hailey sucked in a breath. "You are so incredible…" She shook her head. "I can't even find the words to describe you right now…" She took a sip of her drink to calm her nerves. "Incredible doesn't even work… nothing does…"
Tyler blushed, he didn't really know how to respond to that, but was flattered. Not soon after the silence between them settled the food arrived. They chatted over the food, naturally, both of them in their own elements, and completely on cloud nine.
After finishing off three drinks a piece and their food the couple was ready to leave. Tyler grabbed his keys out and Hailey looked at him, she was a bit tipsy and wondered if Tyler was ok to drive or not.
"Are you going to be ok driving that huge heap of metal?" She asked eyeing the black Hummer.
"I'm not nearly as gone as you are my dear," Tyler stated shaking his head. "Reid's my best friend; I can handle a little more than three drinks without being toasted…."
"That makes one of us then…" She remarked as Tyler laughed lacing his arm around her middle. "So are we headed back to the dorms then?" She asked.
"I figured that going back to the dorms would really kill the mood…" Tyler stated with a small smirk crossing his lips.
"Oh, what did you have in mind then?" She asked him as he helped her in to the car.
"Why don't you open up the center console…" He stated as he closed the door and walked around to get in the vehicle himself.
Hailey did as he asked and opened the center console just as he was getting in to the driver's side of the car. She pulled out a card. Her neatly trimmed eyebrows came together in confusion as he motioned for her to open the card as he turned the huge utility vehicle on.
Hailey slid her finger under the lip of the envelope opening it carefully. She pulled the card out and it was a simple card that had a heart on the front, she opened it up and two cards fell in to her lap. She pursed her lips together and looked at the card.
In Tyler's neatest handwriting it said simply, 'I love you'. She smiled and picked up the two cards that fell in her lap. She looked at them carefully, scribbled in a neat printed cursive were two words, The Palace.
Hailey's head snapped up as she looked over at Tyler, her mouth hanging open as her eyes narrowed at him, "You're good…" She nodded. "Really good…"
"I do try," He stated with a small smile. "So are you up for it?" He asked her.
"Are you kidding me?" She questioned. "You and me, alone, no roommates, no neighbors that we care for, in a hotel room for a night…" She looked happy, and very content with the idea.
"I thought you might like it…" He smiled.
"How in the world were you able to book a room at the Palace though?" She asked shaking her head. "Don't tell me your family owns it too…" She laughed at her own small joke.
Tyler laughed and shook his head, "Mine don't…" He stated simply turning his eyes back to the road, "Pogue's family does…" He grinned, catching her expression out of the corner of his eye.
Hailey stared at him in shock, "I swear, they're not kidding when they call you guys the Sons of Ipswich…" She shook her head.
Tyler gave her a small wink before turning the large vehicle in to the parking lot for The Palace. He pulled around through the valet parking and the door was opened by the valet boy and she stepped out of the car with his help. Tyler popped the trunk and pulled out a bag that was in the back.
He tossed the keys to the valet and grabbed the piece of paper the slightly younger boy gave him. He grabbed on to Hailey's hand and pulled her inside with him.
"What is in there?" She asked pointing to the bag.
"Sarah and Kate figured they would help me out…" He grinned going straight for the elevators.
She gave him a sideways glance and held on to his arm as they stopped at the top floor, the suite floor. Her eyes lit up as he opened the door to their room, it was lavishly decorated a welcome basket was placed on the front foyer of the room and Tyler smiled seeing her happy expression.
"I figured no one would miss us for the weekend…" He let the bag in his hand fall to the floor.
"You're smooth…" She laughed as he picked her up bridal style. "Real smooth…" She noted.
"I learn from the best…" He tossed her on to the plush bed that was in the middle of the room. "Now," He leaned over her body, a sexy little smirk adorning his handsome face.
"Yes?" She arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow up at him in question, the fluttering in her stomach never stopping.
"I think we need to use our time wisely…" He let his lips linger over hers.
She forced herself upward and her lips touched his, "I completely agree," She grinned.
Tyler gripped her hips with his large hands and pulled her up to meet him in an intense kiss. Hailey wrapped her legs around his waist and forced him down a bit, he obliged by leaning down his knees slightly bent and pressed against the frame of the bed. Hailey's fingers hurriedly untucked Tyler's shirt and started unbuttoning.
The shrilling sound of her phone ruined their moment of intimacy; the ring tone indicating that it was the last person she wanted to talk to at the moment. Tyler grabbed the small piece of technology from her hand bag and rolled his blue eyes at the name blinking on the screen. He held the 'end' button down until the phone shut off.
"No interruptions…" He stated simply tossing the phone over his shoulder and recapturing her lips with his.
You know, I've been getting a lot of Tyler vibes since I've been watching Gossip Girl (strictly for my fix of Chace...). I think he needs another story... lol... ;)