Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right

Chapter 219 Chapter 219

I stared at him, my mind drifting to his dad-the Mr. Patterson I used to know when I was a kid. With the way Hayden was acting around me now, I couldn't help but blurt out, "So, Hayden, you flirting with me like this... does that mean you actually like me?" He didn't even flinch. "Why else? For fun?"

Straightforward. No shame. Just total confidence.

"Okay, but are you hiding something from me? Like... have we known each other longer than I think?" Ever since I found out about his dad, I had this weird feeling there was more to the story. you

His eyes flickered, just for a second. "When you were little, I used to give you piggyback rides. And... y kissed me."

Of course, he'd drop something like that, all casual. If were still the clueless girl I used to be, I'd probably be blushing hard right now.

"Oh yeah?" I shot back, not missing a beat. "And where exactly did I kiss you?"

Hayden stepped closer, closing the already tiny gap between us until there was almost no space left.

My heart skipped a beat-maybe two-but I didn't move

He looked down at me, easily a head taller, his breath warm against my skin. "How about I show you now?

I froze. Totally speechless.

In that moment, it hit me-Hayden wasn't just some quiet flirt. No, he was the master of it, pretending to be all innocent while dropping lines that could leave anyone flustered. And the worst part? He was really good at it. My face betrayed me, heating up before I could stop it i couldn't even make myself meet his eyes.

"In your dreams," I mumbled, and before he could say anything else, I turned and bolted.

Behind me, I heard Hayden chuckle softly, which pretty much confirmed it-he'd been teasing me on purpose.

Then, out of nowhere, this weird memory flashed in my mind. Those dreams I used to have as a kid... being on a boy's back, messing with him, calling him "Haddy." Walt. Could those dreams... have been real?

It sounded crazy, but I couldn't shake the feeling. I was way too young to remember clearly, and my parents-the only people who might know-weren't around anymore. Hayden was the only one who could fill in the blanks. He'd been older than me back then, so if it actually happened, he'd remember.

But there was no way I could just come out and ask him that. Not like this.

I was still running when Hayden easily caught up to me "The lights are all set for testing. Are you free tonight?"

+25 BONUS

Chapter 219

I knew he wanted me to check out the lighting effects once they were done, but my heart was still racing. from his teasing. So I decided to mess with him. "Nope, busy." "When will you be free, then?"

"I'm not sure, 1-"I was about to keep playing around when my phone buzzed.

It was Steve.

Remembering the favor I'd asked, I waved to Hayden and stepped away to take the call. "Steve?"

"Where are you?" Steve asked, sounding all casual.

"Out and about," I said, trying to get to the point. "Did you find out anything about what I asked?"

"Huh?" Steve sounded confused, and I almost rolled my eyes, thinking he'd totally flaked on me. But then he went, "Oh, you mean your boss' identity? Yeah, I've got something."

I let out a little snort. He was just messing with me. "I know I can count on you," I said, playing along.

"Of course. If you want the details, meet me at Luxe Emporium tonight at seven," Steve said.

My eyes flicked to Hayden.

Ugh. If I met Steve, I'd miss the lighting test with Hayden. And even though I'd told Hayden I was busy just to mess with him, I actually wanted to see those lights.

After a beat, I tried, "Can't you just tell me now, over the phone?"

"If you wanna know, come meet me," Steve cut in, then hung up before I could say anything else.