Chapter 139

Hayden had been appearing frequently in my life lately, but this was the first time he'd actually shown up at my doorstep. "What do you want this time?"

"I agreed," he said, surprising me.

Agreed to what?

"To pretend to be your boyfriend. To be your temporary boyfriend," Hayden clarified.

I was taken aback, especially since he'd previously refused. "Why did you change your mind?"

"If I didn't, you'd just keep going on ridiculous dates and end up being stalked again, like today, wouldn't you?" Hayden's tone began resigned but ended with a sharp edge.

I couldn't help but notice the mix of frustration and concern on his face, barely visible in the dim light. It was almost amusing.

"Aren't you going to be miserable, doing something you don't even want to do?"

He caught the teasing in my voice and stepped closer. Instinctively, I stepped back, only to bump into the railing. There was no escape.

He leaned in, his arm trapping me between the railing and his chest. My breath hitched. "Hayden…" "How could you be so reckless, going on a blind date like that?" His voice was right next to my ear.

I felt a tingle in my ear, and my heart raced. He was scolding me, but there was something almost caring in his tone.

I stayed quiet, frozen. The silence stretched, but it felt different this time. I was practically melting into his chest, and I could hear his heartbeat, steady and strong.

After what felt like forever, he finally released me. "Coming home alone this late? Don't do it again."

"Okay," I murmured, far too obediently.

A thought struck me, and I hesitated. "Thanks." Thanks for showing up and saving me today. And thanks for agreeing to be my fake boyfriend, so I could deal with the Johnston family mess—and Jace.

He remained silent, leaving me unsure of his thoughts. I pointed toward the stairs. "I'm heading home."

But as I took a step, his voice stopped me. "That guy already followed you here once. What if he comes back?"

Yeah, what if he comes back?

"I'm not leaving tonight," Hayden said, extending his hand.

"For what?" I asked, completely confused.

"Your keys," he replied.

My eyes widened. "Wait, you're staying at my place?"

"What else? You want me to camp out in the hallway?" Hayden's question left me speechless. He had a point. And then he added, "It's not like we haven't shared a room before."

We'd already spent a night in the same room, and it had been perfectly comfortable.

I handed him the keys, and we headed upstairs together. He unlocked the door and stepped inside.

As the door clicked shut, he said, "I'll crash on the couch."

I glanced at my couch—an ancient thing barely five feet long. No way Hayden, with his tall frame, would fit. Actually, there was another room, but it was my parents' room. I couldn't let him stay there.

"You should take my room. I'll sleep in my parents' room," I said, dropping my bag and rummaging through the closet for an old pair of my dad's slippers.

It had been ten years since anyone had touched those slippers. Who knew if they were still usable? Especially after the pipes burst.

Hayden didn't argue. He took the slippers, and I headed to my bedroom to get my pajamas. I double-checked the room for anything embarrassing before letting him have the room.

As I was about to slip into my parents' room, Hayden called out, "Hold up a second."

Chapter 140