Hayden let out this dramatic sigh, like I was too much to handle. "Because you're the only one who makes me forget all my principles."He wasn't even trying to be smooth, but everything he said sounded like it belonged on some sappy Pinterest board. He didn't say he loved me, but it was written all over his face.I swallowed, still chewing on my cornmeal pancake. "Hayden, get over here.""What for?" He looked at me, confused."Just come here when I tell you to," I demanded, probably a little too bossy.He stood up and moved closer. As soon as he sat down, I rested my head on his shoulder.He seemed surprised, but I mumbled, "I can eat better leaning on you."He laughed softly, this warm sound that made me smile, too.After dinner, we left the hospital and headed home. Once Hayden had me all settled in, I asked, "Are you staying here tonight, or going back to your place?""Staying here!" he replied without a second thought.I suddenly remembered him doing push-ups and taking c
When I returned to bed, wrapped up like a human burrito, I realized I was the one with the dirty mind.Hayden's self-control was something else—I couldn't even put a dent in it.All he did was give me a bath. A regular, innocent bath.Even though I'd already pushed his limits, I couldn't resist teasing him. "What, afraid you can't keep up?"That's the kind of comment that would get under any guy's skin. But Hayden wasn't just any guy. He pinned me down, his voice firm. "Knock it off and behave. You're wasting your time."He saw right through my little game."You've really hurt my feelings," I said, pretending to be all sad and pulling the blanket over my head in frustration.He pulled it right back and gently pinched my cheek. "It's not that I can't keep up, and trust me, you definitely attract me. I'm just worried about hurting you. Let's wait until you're fully recovered, okay?"My cheeks warmed. "So, what, if I'm always this fragile, you're just never going to touch me again
"I get it," Hayden said.I was so exasperated that I let out a laugh. "Now I understand why you're still single in your thirties—you're way too boring!""You think I'm boring too?" he asked softly.I thought about how he seemed pretty clueless when it came to flirting, and I couldn't help but smile. "I mean, you're not exactly Mr. Smooth-Talker."Hayden was quiet for a few seconds. "I always figured sweet-talking was just fancy lying."I blinked, caught off guard. That was... different."Do you want me to sweet-talk you?" he asked again.I mean, who doesn't like a little flattery? But it should come from the heart, not be some fake act—like it was with Jace."Nah, just be yourself," I said, snuggling closer into his chest. "You're kinda perfect just the way you are.""If I proposed to you, would you say yes?" Hayden suddenly brought up the marriage thing, picking up right where we left off.I hadn't really thought about it, and now that he was asking so casually, I just blurt
"Why aren't you answering?" I asked casually."I will," Hayden said, like it was no big deal. "I'll take the call in a minute. You should get up, wash up, and have breakfast."I raised an eyebrow. "You made breakfast?"I thought he'd been by my side the whole time. Turns out he'd already whipped something up and then come back to bed to keep me company.As expected, exceptional people are always putting in the work behind the scenes."Yeah, I made some banana oatmeal. It's got extra electrolytes to help you recharge," he said, ruffling my hair.Hayden left to take his call while I slipped my hand out from under the blanket, staring at the ring on my finger. I couldn't resist taking a picture and posting it on social media with the caption: [Limited Edition].I scrolled through my feed for a bit before finally dragging myself out of bed. Hayden was still on the phone, so I didn't think much of it and headed to the bathroom.It wasn't until I got there that I noticed the ointment
I had said that, but I didn't think he'd take it this seriously—like, doing that during a work trip?Noticing my confusion, Hayden leaned back in his chair. "I talked to Mr. Shane about it.""Oh," I replied, not feeling that there was anything wrong, and took another spoonful of oatmeal.But after a few bites, I paused. "Wait, so are you guys, like, super close or something? You asked for time off for me, and he just agreed? And then he personally let me know?"Hayden kept eating his breakfast, completely unfazed. "Not really."I laughed. "Not really? It's like he treats you... like you're royalty or something."I meant more like his dad, honestly. It was like, whatever Hayden asked for, Ron just had to go along with it."Close enough," Hayden said with a smirk. "He needs me to develop new products and make money for him. So if I ask for something, he's not gonna say no."Wow, okay. I gave him a mental double thumbs-up, totally speechless.People who know they've got skills ju
"Yes, this is Keira. Who's calling?" I asked, my eyes drifting back to Jace.He didn't seem to notice me, heading over to a nearby seat on his own."I'm from Amour Eternel Assurance, agent number A8338. Four years ago, you and Mr. Johnston purchased a love insurance policy from us. The policy term has expired, and we need to verify some information with you."A chill ran down my spine. I glanced instinctively at Hayden.He had been holding me close, but the moment I took the call, he stepped back, giving me space.Hayden was always so considerate, always making sure I felt safe and supported, but never stifled."Could you please confirm if you and Mr. Johnston are currently in a relationship or married?" the agent asked.My eyes flicked back to Jace. He was on his own call, a deep frown creasing his forehead."Ms. Kay, are you still there?" the agent pressed, probably wondering why I'd gone silent.I swallowed hard. "Yes, I'm here. We..."'We've already broken up.' I was just
"This is an airport terminal. There are people everywhere, including kids," I reminded Hayden.He just hummed. "I know.""Then why are you still..." My face turned red."Please," he said softly but firmly.I figured he'd noticed Jace too and was probably acting out of jealousy. Maybe he just wanted to send a message, make sure Jace knew to back off for good.Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, bracing myself for Hayden's kiss right there in the bustling terminal.But instead of feeling his lips, I felt something heavy slip into my hand.I opened my eyes and looked at Hayden, then down at my hand, now holding a small pouch."What's this?" I asked, totally confused.Hayden nodded toward the pouch, urging me to take a look.Still confused, I opened it and found two bank cards, along with a couple of documents.One was his discharge certificate from the army, and the other was a certificate showing his record of blood donations."What does this mean?" I asked, still not get
Was that even a real question? No one likes being lied to.I looked at him, feeling a little defensive. "So, are you planning to deceive me in the future, or have you already lied about something?"He hesitated, then said, "...No."I couldn't tell if he was being completely honest, but I made my stance clear. "Hayden, I won't put up with being lied to."He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I understand."It was better to set boundaries upfront. I was making it clear now: if he ever dared to lie to me, he couldn't expect me to just let it go.The boarding announcement came over the loudspeaker, calling for a flight heading overseas.I couldn't help but think of Jace, and sure enough, I spotted him wheeling his luggage toward the security checkpoint.What was he going abroad for? Business? Or... something else?"Kiki, we should head to security," Hayden's voice pulled me back to reality."Oh!" I snapped out of it and looked at him.Guilt washed over me. I was worried