Even though Yuna's surgery was a success, her recovery still came with risks, so she needed round-the-clock care. Hayden hired a caregiver, but only for the daytime. At night, he stayed by her side.So lately, I hadn’t spent much time with Hayden—after all, we both had work during the day.To my surprise, Hayden said, "I'll go.""But what about Yuna—" I started, but he cut me off."I'll take care of it," he said in that reassuring way."I haven't spent enough time with you lately," he murmured, pressing his forehead against mine. His words made my heart ache a little.Wasn't that the truth?He'd been with Yuna every night, and of course, that meant there wasn't much time for us.I couldn't really be jealous of that—but still, I felt a little neglected.The game Steve invited us to was in Ferndale, a few hours away, so Hayden and I flew out. When we landed, we were surprised to see someone holding a sign with my name. Hayden and I exchanged a look, but the driver quickly explai
Hayden's tone was serious, and for a second, my teasing mood completely evaporated. I looked at him closely—he seemed worn down, probably from dealing with Yuna's recovery and now this drama with me.I softened a bit, pulling him closer. "Steve and I are just friends, that's why I can joke about him. There's literally nothing to worry about."The second the words left my mouth, I realized they came out wrong. I didn't mean to say there was nothing to hide—it wasn't about hiding anything. I just didn't care because it wasn't that deep.Hayden's face relaxed a little. "I know," he said quietly, "but it still bothers me."And yeah, I got it. If he were talking about some girl non-stop, I'd probably be annoyed too. Heck, I might've kicked him out of the car by now."Sorry, that was wrong of me," I apologized quickly, feeling a little guilty.Hayden's expression softened, but there was still a glint in his eyes. "Saying sorry isn't enough around here," he said, his tone teasing but wi
Jace's face was cold, like way colder than I'd ever seen it."Huh?" The guy next to him blinked at me, totally confused. "Mistaken? No way, your fiancée is gorgeous, how could I—""My fiancée's at home with my parents," Jace cut in, already walking off, his legs moving like he couldn't get away fast enough."What? But..." The guy's eyes darted between me and Jace, completely thrown. "They look so alike... practically the same person."I stood there, frozen. He didn't lie to embarrass me, which, honestly, I didn't see coming.Jace, of all people, could've called me out and made this painfully awkward for Hayden and me. But he didn't.Even when he walked past, he acted like I wasn't even there—like he didn't recognize me.This version of Jace? He wasn't the guy I used to know. No more fiery temper over dumb stuff. Now he could just walk by, emotionless, like I was a total stranger.Since he came back, other than that one time he popped up outside my place in Willow Residences, he
No clue when my phone finally quit ringing, but by the time Hayden carried me back to bed from the bathroom, I felt like total mush. Like, even my bones were jelly.I was so wiped I didn't even want to open my eyes. I curled up under the covers, and it didn't take long before I crashed."Rest a bit. I'll make you some oatmeal," Hayden's voice rumbled in my ear, all low and husky.I mumbled something back, already slipping into sleep.But even half-asleep, I kept hearing my phone ring.Ugh, I didn't want to move, and I definitely wasn't opening my eyes. I reached out for Hayden, but all I got was an empty bed."Hayden... Hayden..." I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.He was by my side in a second, leaning down. "What's wrong?"Without looking, I muttered, "My phone... it's too loud.""Huh?" He sounded confused."My phone. It's loud," I grumbled, super annoyed by the phantom ringtone.There was a pause. Then, in that soft, comforting tone, he said, "Kiki, you're dre
"Yeah, but not every time I wash my hair do I need a full shower," he shot back, making me laugh even harder."Whatever, just hurry up before it's morning!" I shoved him toward the bathroom, half-worried he'd drag me in with him if I stalled too long.On the surface, Hayden's the cool, restrained type—the guy who seems completely uninterested in women. But now I knew better. Once he lets go? It's like opening the floodgates.While he was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I'd picked up from my parents—never leave dirty dishes overnight.While Hayden was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I'd picked up from my parents—never leave dirty dishes sitting overnight.I was almost done tidying up when the doorbell rang.At first, I figured I misheard, thinking it was coming from a nearby room. But then it rang again. And again. No doubt it was our room.Who would be here this late?I wiped my hands with a napkin and cautiously walked to the door. Even though Hayden wa
"Sir, we're kinda running out of time," the flight attendant said.I sighed. I knew even private jets had rules—there was no way I could make a call now without messing up the whole schedule."Forget it," I muttered, leaning back in my seat."One minute," Jace said suddenly.He was talking to the flight attendant. Then, to my total shock, he handed me his phone.Wait, what? Jace was actually letting me make the call? I stared at him, confused. He had every reason to say no, both as my ex and... well, just because he was Jace Johnston.He didn't bother explaining himself. Instead, he turned toward the window, staring out into the night like we weren't in the middle of something weird.I hesitated but then handed the phone back to the flight attendant. "Just take off."Jace looked over at me, clearly surprised. The flight attendant paused, too, like she wasn't sure who was really calling the shots here. After a beat, Jace sighed, his voice all cool and distant. "Take off."The f
"No, no way. It was just us at home, and even the pets don't stress him out anymore," Lindey said, then suddenly went quiet.I raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off. Before I could ask, Lindey grabbed my hand like she was hanging onto a lifeboat. "Wait... after I massaged him and he said he'd lie down on the couch, my phone rang. I picked it up, and... I think I heard him on a call too."My stomach dropped. Could that phone call have set him off?"Where's his phone?" I asked, trying to keep calm.Lindey patted her pockets and frowned. "Ugh, I didn't bring it. It's probably at the house."Perfect. No way to grab it now, but something about that call wasn't sitting right. Like, what if that triggered all this?Before I could spiral further, Wayne and Jace came back, looking super serious. Whatever Wayne told Jace while I was with Lindey must've been bad. They both looked like they knew more than they were saying, and it made my chest tighten.I wanted to ask them what they'
Seeing Matthew struggle so hard to speak, I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.I'd seen him in so many ways—confident, strong, always in control—but never like this, never this weak."Don't cry, Rea... don't cry," Matthew whispered, lifting his hand with all the strength he had left, trying to wipe my tears away.I quickly grabbed his hand, wiping my tears on my sleeve instead. But then I froze.Wait—this wasn't my jacket.It was Jace's.He'd dragged me out of the hotel earlier, and I was still in my nightgown. Once we got in the car, he handed me his jacket. I wanted to refuse, but it's not like I could go out in just a camisole, so I put it on. And I'd been wearing it ever since."Mm, I won't cry," I promised, lifting my tear-streaked face and forcing a small smile.Matthew looked at me with an expression that was both gentle and complicated, the kind that made my stomach twist. I tightened my grip on his hand. "You'll be okay. You have to be okay.""I know my own body," M