Chapter 71

Hayden

Upon picking up Ella and Caleb both from the airport was there an automatic tension within the car. A tension so thick that it simmered just beneath the surface in which I’m sure Grant felt too. Reece and Dylan having been on edge these past three days since Ella’s departure. Meaning it, it also left no room to wonder how the three of them would react should Ella accept her dance offer.

Kris having been talking to Ella about it since the acceptance letter and how she felt about going to New York to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Yet every time Kris asked, Ella was always quick to change the subject. The behavior odd but also, giving us an inside look to what Ella might choose to do.

And while I wanted so badly to be the one to ask Ella what her decision was, I knew it wasn’t my place to ask. As she was not ours. No. She belonged to Reece and his brothers while Grant and I had Kris. Grants hand quick to find my leg as I continue to drive. My eye carefully glancing over to him as he smirks.

“What?” I ask, making sure to keep my voice low so Reece and his brothers wouldn’t hear us.

“Oh nothing. Just exploring” whispers Grant. His hand now resting along my upper thigh. A glare rising as I try to ignore him. My voice low as I move to speak again.

“Stop it. I’m driving here. Plus the Bosses are here along with Ella.”

“So?”

Growling in reply I move to remove his hand. The need to remain professional a must. Not wanting to get either of us in trouble. Grant quick to frown once his hand was removed.

“Party pooper”

“No. It’s called later”

Then, with nothing further, I continue our drive. Our destination vastly approaching as I continued to head for The Waterway Court. A cute little restaurant just off the board walk. The view stunning as it overlooked the ocean. The Waterway Court well known for having amazing pizza and of course, the best view of the house.

~The Waterway Court~

Upon arriving at the Waterway Court do I instantly notice just how packed it was. The place typically normal for many as it offered fabulous food and was highly recommended among many. Including those on the dangerous side of things if you knew what I meant. Ella’s voice soon ringing out from the back seat of the car.

“Whoa.. what is this place Hayden?”

“It’s called the Waterway Court. There well known for the food and of course the scenery. My cousin owns the place.”

“Cousin?”

“Yeah, Aiden. Fabulous Chef and famous among many” I explain. My hands quick to put the car into park before Grant and I both move to exit the vehicle. Grant quick to open the door while I, on the other hand, slowly came around the vehicle. My eyes always on my surrounding in case I needed to draw my gun.

“Relax. Your off duty Hayden. No need to worry. Besides, it’s just dinner. What could possibly happen?”

Glancing to Dylan do our eyes instantly lock. Dylans face now more relaxed, opposed to how it was earlier when heading for the airport. Sighing, I move to nod my head.

“Sorry. Force of habit. After all, the four of you are pretty well known here. It’s hard to forget who I’m working for” I admit. A part of me knowing it was true. Dylan and Reece both famous CEO’s while Caleb was a well known NASCAR racer. And now with Ella in the picture along with Nicholas, it was hard to just relax.

“We know. But for the sake of tonight, please… just relax.”

Nodding my head, we all move to enter the restaurant. My eyes still silently upon my surroundings even though Dylan told me to relax. Another part of me knowing that Grant and I couldn’t just do that until we were safely home.

A voice quick to greet us upon entering the building.

“Dylan? Is that you? Oh my GOD! It’s been like what? 2 years since I last saw you… how’s it been?” Our eyes moving to greet the voice. Our eyes quick to see a girl, no scratch that, a woman as she moves to approach Dylan.

“Han… Hannah?” answers Dylan, shock and surprise evident within his voice. Ella quick to tense as the woman, a woman standing at 5’10 with ample breast and a body to kill slowly made her way over to us.

Her long brown hair hanging loosely around her neck and shoulders as her stunning blue eyes watched her prey carefully.

“What are you doing here?”

“Like everyone else of course. To eat” chuckles Hannah as she slowly moves to approach Dylan. Dylan trying to remain calm while everyone else stood starring at the woman. Hannah eventually moving to hug Dylan in which he freezes. Dylan neither hugging nor stopping the embrace in which Ella tenses further. Reece quick to notice as does Caleb.

“Hannah… we haven’t seen you in over 2 years. What happened?” asks Reece, hoping to draw her attention away from Dylan and over to him.

“Oh you know… a thing called life. Crazy to think it’s been 2 years since I last saw you guys” giggles Hannah as if it wasn’t a huge deal that she just magically vanished over the course of 2 years without a single word.

Ella still uneasy the longer Hannah hung around. My sixth sense rising as I move to speak up. “Cut the crap Hannah. What do you really want?”

“Oh Hayden… still lovely as ever I see” laughs Hannah once she finally pulls away from Dylan. Her eyes never leaving his.

Another voice soon catching our attention as the sound of a males voice moved to greet us. The person now standing behind Hannah. “Hayden, dude. Glad you came. Come I have your usual table ready for you.”

“Aiden, glad to see you too. Thanks.”

“No problem. So how many, six or seven?”

“Six”

Nodding, Aiden move to usher each of us over towards our table. Hannah quick to grab Dylan’s hand in an attempt to get his attention yet again. “Dylan… wait. You can’t just leave me. I just found you again.”

Growling in annoyance, Reece moves to step in. My eyes now on Grant as I silently signal for him to lead Ella and Caleb away. The three of them quick to follow Aiden. “No Hannah. He won’t stay here with you. We have plans this evening. And frankly, I’m not sure what your little game here is but whatever it is, we’re not interested.”

Then, with that said does Reece move to pull Dylan away. My eyes watching them leave before turning to address Hannah. “Better watch your back Hannah. Dylan has someone new now. Face it, you lost your chance to be with him. Try 2 years too late. So do us all a huge favor and leave.”

With that said, I move to follow Reece and Dylan, unaware of Hannah or of the smirk she was wearing. Hannah quick to dial a number. The phone only ringing twice before answering.

“Well?”

“I’m in”

“Perfect. I’ll call you later to work out the details.”

“Great. I’ll be in touch then.”