Page 14 of Harvesting with Hayes
Hayes. Lots of spiked apple cider.
Kissing him. Asking him to spend the night with me.
Oh shit, I really asked that didn’t I?
I pulled the covers over my head and groaned.
This must be his house. Where else could I be?
The last thing I remember was walking out of the festival with him.
This must be his room!
More panic and excitement rushed through me. Okay, keep calm.
Deep breaths.
I totally embarrassed myself last night. There was no way Hayes wanted anything to do with me anymore. I could barely handle two cans of spiked apple cider. He must think I’m such an idiot.
I groaned and rolled to my side, but something hard poked me in the ribs. I pulled out my phone, the screen lighting up with text after text. It was only five in the morning. Thank God there was more time for sleep. But with another long day ahead of me at the festival, I knew I’d need some ibuprofen, a hearty breakfast, and a warm shower.
As soon as I sat up, a strong wave of nausea pulled me back down and I moaned in protest. Why did I drink so much? I despised being hungover.
I tried once more but all it did was cause me more dizziness and more nausea. I needed to throw up and fast. I grabbed the trash can beside the bed, got sick in it, and finally, when I heavedabsolutely nothing, my stomach completely empty, the nausea subsided.
I laid back down and prayed the sleep gods would pull me under.
Moments later, a knock sounded on my door before Hayes popped his head in. I wanted to crawl under the covers and never show my face again. This guy must think I’m a piece of work.
“I heard you throwing up. Everything okay? Want some water?”
“I’m okay. I’d love some water, please.”
Hayes wasn’t gone long before he walked through the doorstep and handed me a glass of cold water.
The spiked cider tasted amazing, not at all like it had alcohol in it. Easy down, and down more went. I felt good, buzzed, electrified.
Okay, maybe a bit more than buzzed. Tipsy, almost.
But kissing Hayes?
That wasn’t a mistake. Far from it.
I thought about it constantly, my body on edge, filled with nervous energy as I worked up the courage, then chickened out again, worked up the courage once more only to chicken out again. A vicious cycle circling round and round until I couldn’t take it any longer.
With the alcohol making me bold, I went for it.
And it was everything I’d fantasized and more.
Our mouths moved together, in sync with the other, as if we’ve kissed for years and not mere seconds.
Hayes deepened the kiss, coaxing my mouth open with his tongue, only to plunge inside and duel with my own. My knees weakened, and I tightened the clasp of my hands at the back of his neck, afraid I’d fall to the ground at any second.
As soon as it got good, it was over, Hayes tearing his mouth away, leaving me feeling empty, lonely, and wanting more. I stepped backwards, running one hand through my hair while I brushed my fingertips of the other hand along my tingling lips.
How? How is this man making me feel so much all at the same time?
My head spun and my feet gave way. Suddenly I saw the ground moving closer and just as I was about to hit the dirt face first, a large arm wrapped around my waist and stopped my fall.
