Chapter 118

As soon as those words left my mouth, a wave of embarrassment washed over me. I cringed inwardly, thinking I'd been far too blunt. I imagined Hayden felt equally awkward.

But instead of retreating, he simply stared at me for what felt like an eternity before saying, "Oh."

Just "Oh"? Seriously, how was he so calm?

I glanced up, watching as he slowly straightened. Then he added, "Your eyesight is terrible. Even after I showed you exactly where it was, you still missed it. How else was I supposed to help without getting closer?"

His logic was so impeccable that I felt like I was the one with the inappropriate thoughts.

Hayden casually walked to the side, sat down, and picked up his tablet to work. I stole a few glances at him before taking a couple of sips of water, trying to regain my composure. Sure, there were minor issues in the document Hayden had flagged, but nothing significant. He could easily have handled them himself. Even if he needed my input, a quick phone call would have sufficed. Making me stay late felt excessive.

Was this intentional?

I couldn't resist another look. But he was completely engrossed in his work, not even glancing my way, making me think I was overthinking again.

Still, I finished the last of the issues he'd pointed out and looked over at him. But when I turned, I was completely taken aback. Hayden had fallen asleep, half-sprawled on the hotel chair with the tablet still clutched in his arms.

I'd always assumed he was tireless, but clearly, I was wrong. He's human, after all—who wouldn't get tired? Even gods take naps; that god in the show I'd watched earlier certainly did.

I remained silent, watching him sleep. His eyes were peacefully closed, and though his skin wasn't perfect, his warm tan gave him a ruggedly handsome appeal. His nose was straight and sharp, and the way the light caught his face made him look like a television heartthrob, no special effects needed.

Considering Demi's complaints about exhaustion, Hayden must have been even more depleted. Over the last few days, despite occasionally directing me, he'd been constantly on the move, climbing up and down, using both his muscles and his brain to perfect the lighting. After a full day of that, it's no wonder he was out cold—he had to be completely exhausted.

Suddenly, a breeze stirred the curtains, and I felt a chill. I glanced at Hayden in his short sleeves and decided to get him a blanket.

As soon as I draped it over him, his eyes snapped open, and he grabbed my wrist. I couldn't tell if I'd been too loud or if he was simply that alert even while sleeping. His grip was so strong, I genuinely feared he might break my bones.

"It hurts," I gasped softly.

He loosened his grip slightly but didn't let go. He just stared at me. At that moment, I was close enough to see the panic in my eyes. And being this close, I saw a deep, dark intensity in his gaze.

We didn't speak. My lips moved, but the words wouldn't come. We remained frozen in silence…until my leg cramped, making me shiver and nearly lose my balance. Then he used his other hand to steady me. Both my hands were now trapped in his. I snapped out of it and quickly explained, "I… I saw you sleeping, so I wanted to cover you with a blanket so you wouldn't get cold…"

As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized how they sounded, so I hastily added, "Don't get the wrong idea. I didn't mean anything by it. I just… didn't want you getting sick and messing up the setup."

I finished speaking and tried to pull free, desperate to escape. But Hayden didn't release me. Instead, he pulled me closer, so close I almost fell into his arms. "Just worried I'll get sick and mess up the setup?" His voice was rough and husky from sleep.

My heart pounded, my breath hitched, and I felt my cheeks flush. "...Yeah."