Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Hayley had invited the Lachlan's over for dinner. She wanted to know what Ray's plans were to get Alexis and a dinner seemed like the best place to ask without appearing as one of those nosy moms. She'd serve them dinner then ask for his help to clear the table when they were done. In the kitchen she'd corner him and ask him why he kept staring at Alexis all night. It was a solid plan. In her head. In reality things went sideways the second they stepped through the door.

JR was still holding a grudge against Vince for keeping him away from her all those years ago. Every time they were in a room together, they glared at each like teenagers. Not that Vince actually cared. She'd taken him aside on her wedding day and asked him to bury the hatchet with her soon to be husband and surprisingly he'd said he held no grudges. But JR? Sometimes she wondered how she didn't see his childishness before she married him. He could be such a prick sometimes. Especially the day he found out Jasmine was dating Vince and she wanted to marry him. He'd gone mad and forbade her to even look at him. She wondered how he would react if he found out Ray was in love with Alexis. This is going to be interesting. She muttered to herself as she followed JR to the door.

"Vince. Long time no see" Hayley said pushing her husband aside so she could hug her friend. She didn't get far because something or someone was holding her dress preventing her from moving. Turning her head she threw JR a look and said "Let go of my dress" he blinked like he hadn't realized he was holding it then let it go.

"Oh sorry." he wasn't.

"Do you have something to drink? I'm kind of thirsty" Jasmine said pushing her aside. She dropped a kiss on JR and then she was gone to the kitchen to find herself a bottle of wine. If Vince wasn't in a staring contest with JR he would have the mind to follow his wife and make sure she didn't finish a whole bottle before dinner began. But no. These egotistical men were here acting like children. Shaking her head she took Sasha's hand.

"Come on honey. Let's go find you some treats."

"What about daddy and uncle JR?"

"They'll come after they're done talking. Don't worry"

The little girl frowned "But they weren't talking." she said then looked back just to make sure she was right. "They are just looking at each other"

"That's how grown ups talk. You'll understand when you grow up someday"

"Oh okay." she replied even though Hayley was sure she understood nothing.

In the kitchen Jasmine was already halfway through her first glass. At least Hayley hoped it was her first. It wasn't that she had a drinking problem, but left alone she was quite the party girl. "Jazz how are you?"

"Peachy. What's for dinner?"

"Chicken, sausage, lemon and rocket pilaf. Will you set the table please?" Hayley asked using that as an excuse to distract Jazz from her wine.

"Sure. Sash come help mommy set the table" hand in hand they left just as JR walked in with Vince behind him.

"Are you two done?"

"Not by a long shot" "Not really" they both said simultaneously.

"Good. Now listen carefully. I want you to go sit at the table and the only time you're allowed to open your mouth is when you're eating. Am I clear?"

"Honey..."

"Don't honey me JR. Go sit. Both of you" when they didn't move, she picked up a cooking spoon and that got them to shuffle out. She didn't miss the way they looked at each other. One of these days she was going to stick them in a ring and let them solve their problems in there.

"Hey mom." Alexis walked in a few minutes later with her friend redhead behind her.

"You look pretty. What's the occasion?"

"Uh you told me to dress up for dinner. And we're going out after"

"Are you now?"

"Yes. Would you like to come along?" redhead piped in. Hayley raised her eyebrow in a 'who asked you' manner that had the girl shutting up.

"Not this again mom. I told Marjorie you were nice and sweet and the best mother in the whole wide world. Stop turning me into a liar"

"I am all that. Just not to people who try to steal my husband"

"Okay. Tell her" Alexis nudged her friend. She cleared her throat then said

"I promise that I do not like your husband in any way." then added under her breath even though he's super hot. To which Hayley tightened her fingers on the spoon she was still holding.

"Alexis...."

"Chill mom. She's just trying to get under your skin and you're letting her"

"Keep her away from me and your father or I won't be responsible for my actions"

"Gotcha" Alexis saluted dragging her friend with her out of the kitchen. Hayley knew that girl was only messing with her and that JR would never be unfaithful but she couldn't help feeling possessive of her husband. He'd kept his promise and erased all her painful memories. Not once had she doubted what he felt for her. Even when they were fighting, she knew he loved her. He was the kindest, most loving husband and father there was and anything she perceived as a threat didn't stand a chance. Including that Marjorie chit. Even if she wasn't serious.

Half an hour later they were sitting at the table, eating while they conversed in groups. Kieran and Gavin were always arguing about something while Sasha watched them, Jayden couldn't stop staring at redhead long enough to eat, JR and Vince kept throwing each other weird looks, Jazz was telling Hayley about this nice curtains she recently purchased but Hayley wasn't listening because she was busy watching Ray watch Alexis. She had to give it to him since he wasn't as sloppy as her son who she ought to put some sense into. Ray was meticulous, flicking his eyes to her daughter when he thought no one was looking.

"Jayden is there something wrong with your food?" Hayley asked getting irritated with her son's drooling. Everyone turned to look at him which in turn made him blush and drop his gaze to his plate.

"I think the food is spectacular. Especially the chicken. Don't you Mr. Rutherford?" Hayley swung her gaze to redhead who yelped and she guessed Alexis had kicked her friend under the table. She lifted her knife, considering where to stick it when it was snatched out of her hands.

"Breathe sweetheart." JR whispered in her ear.

"Just one more 'right Mr. Rutherford', and she'll be dinner" Hayley breathed through clenched teeth.

"What was the purpose of having this dinner again?"

"None of your business." she snapped

"Okay. I'll be here when you're done snapping. I deserve to know why I have to share a table with Vincent when it's not necessary." JR said kissing her cheek then going back to his food. Of course he was right. She hadn't told him why she invited the Lachlans for dinner but in her defense, he had a way of ruining things. Especially if he found out what she was doing. Hayley shuddered. Her husband would go berserk, that was for sure.

"So Ray how is work?" she asked throwing a piece of chicken in her mouth.

"It's okay..... "

"That boring. Huh?"

Vince glared at him daring him to agree with her. Christ she was surrounded by Neanderthals. But Ray ignored his father and answered her which only made Hayley happy because her future son-in-law wasn't a pushover. "You have no idea. I barely have anything to do except sit around the office and stare out the windows"

"Really?"

"Yeah. Dad never let's me do anything in fear that I might run the Lachlan legacy to the ground"

"Raymond" Vince uttered in warning but they ignored him.

"No wonder you went shopping with the girls" Hayley mused sipping her wine.

"Yeah. Remind me never to fall in to that trap again. I never knew shopping could take so many hours and energy" he said chuckling and Hayley almost flew off her seat at how easy he fell in to that one.

"That was nothing. But thank you for looking out for them." then she turned to Alexis and asked "Did you thank Ray for carrying you up to your room after you fell asleep in his car?"

"He did?" Alexis flushed keeping her gaze on her plate.

"Oh yeah. Then he tucked you in, went back for your bags and I suspect he's the one who sent you those flowers" redhead added cheerily. For once Hayley appreciated her input because now Ray was blushing too. There was definitely something fishy going on between those two.

"Oh. Thanks?" Alexis whispered darting her eyes to him, her plate then back.

"Yes. Thank you very much Raymond" JR bellowed across the table making Hayley wince. From the tone of his voice, he had figured out why she arranged this dinner.

"What did I tell you?"

"No Hayley. I refuse to shut up."

"JR..."

"Are you serious? Him?"

"Yes. Him. Now shut up before you spend the rest of the week in the guest room."

"Hayley...."

"Shhh. Not a word JR"

"Are we missing something here?" Jasmine asked studying them.

"Nothing. Alexis you were going out?"

"Yes. It's been awhile since I went dancing"

"Dancing? Like in a club?" JR asked again this time almost coming out of his chair.

"Can I come too?" that from Jayden who'd gone back to drooling.

"Sit down James! And no Jayden you're still a minor"

"But mom.... "

"Quiet. Both of you" she pointed from him to his father. "And Alexis, take Ray with you. I don't want you girls out there all alone"

"I'm a grown woman mom. I don't need a bodyguard"

"Well tough. Because you're getting one anyway. And thank God it's Raymond and not an actual bodyguard. Lord knows how your father has restrained himself from hiring a dozen to follow you around"

"Actually I'll...." JR started but she cut him off.

"Think carefully before you say anything"

"I love you?" at that she smiled sweetly.

"Ditto. Now Kieran and Sasha, help me clear the table while Gavin brings out the desert."

"Him too?" Hayley stopped after registering what JR was asking. She hadn't thought about it but those two would make a great pair. Sasha was a year older than Kieran but these days age was just a number. "Honey we're waiting for desert" JR grumbled.

"Coming." she went to the kitchen having started her plotting all over again.

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JR paced in his bedroom waiting for Hayley to come up. He should have known what she was planning. Of all the people she picked Raymond Lachlan? Vincent's son? He was going to... to.... to.... Fuck! There was nothing he could do. Once his wife got an idea in that pretty head of hers, there was no talking her out of it. But Raymond Lachlan? Couldn't she have found someone else that wasn't related to Vincent? Damn woman. Now he'd have to botch every plan she made and make sure she didn't find out or he'll be dinner.

"Oh hey. You're still up?" she asked walking in. He stopped pacing to look at her.

"Hayley we need to talk"

"We do? About what?" he followed her to the bathroom where she closed the door on his face.

"This idea you've got in your head about Raymond and Alexis, you have to stop honey. I don't like it. I really don't" JR waited for her to say anything, yell through the door or something but all he was met with was silence. "Hayley?" oh hell. Now she was giving him the silent treatment. "Hayley?" nothing. Sighing he moved from the door and sat down on the bed. Silent treatment was worse than...... The bathroom door opened and JR had to remind himself to breath. Not the silent treatment but this was worse. So much worse because she knew he wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

"You were saying?" Hayley asked taking small steps towards him. The black piece of lace she wore parted in the middle giving him a peak at the soft creamy skin underneath it. She looked like an angel.

"I Um..... I uh...."

"Think about it carefully my love. What you say will determine if you're going to sleep here, beside me or in the guest room in that big, empty, cold bed alone" she was straddling him now.

JR weighed his options. If he opened his mouth to complain about the Lachlans he'd surely end up in that room, tossing and turning all night. But if he kept his mouth shut he'd have his warm, beautiful, sexy wife to ravish all night. Damn the Lachlans. He inwardly cursed then pinching his thumb and forefinger together, he made a zipping move from one corner of his mouth to the other signaling his silence. Hayley smiled seductively and bent down to kiss him.

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JR is a smart man. Yes?

And Hayley, well, way to go mama.