Chapter 164

Holding hands, hugging, and kissing—each came with a price. That was the deal I made with Pete, that creep, at our first meeting in the coffee shop. So when Hayden mentioned "charging" for a kiss, he clearly knew about it.

That night, after he'd soundly beaten Pete, I sensed there was more to the story—something Hayden hadn't shared. Honestly, I was speechless.

Instead of kissing me, Hayden grabbed my hand and pulled me from the crowd, sprinting through the bustling streets. It was my first time running through such a packed place. People stared, confused, but parted like the sea before us.

There we were, in the midst of the busy street, the crowd yielding as Hayden led the way, holding my hand tightly, glancing back occasionally. It felt surreal, like a movie scene.

The wind whipped my hair as Hayden pulled me along. For a moment, it felt like we were eloping. We ran until I was breathless, then Hayden slowed, coming to a stop.

We stood there, panting, his hand still clasped in mine. My heart raced—partly from the run, but mostly from Hayden and this unexpected surge of excitement.

We didn't speak, just stood breathing hard, until our breaths evened. He still hadn't released my hand. I watched his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed; I did the same. The air thrummed with unspoken feelings. My heart pounded faster. Finally, I broke the silence. "Um... why did you make me run?"

"What, were you going to kiss me for the crowd if we hadn't?"

My face flushed crimson. I had no retort, so I yanked my hand, but he wouldn't let go. Frustrated, I stomped on his foot. He winced, releasing his grip, and I escaped.

I heard his chuckle behind me, making my face burn even hotter. He followed until my embarrassment subsided, stopping before a tart stand.

Chapter 164 +25 Bonus

"I'm getting this one," he said.

I'd offered to treat him, so I couldn't back out. I stared at the array of tarts—tiny ones, huge ones, chocolate, fruit—overwhelmed by the choices. My mouth watered. I loved tarts, but I played it cool. "Which one do you want?" I asked.

"What about you?"

I scanned the options, pointing to various fruit tarts. "One of each of these." Then, glancing back at him, I asked, "And you?"

He pointed to the cheese tarts. "Those."

With our choices made, I paid. Hayden didn't argue, a relief. I'd offered, and his insisting would have ruined the mood. Plus, enjoying the tarts wouldn't be as fun if I felt indebted.

"Is yours good?" Hayden asked as I bit into a strawberry tart.

I glanced at his untouched cheese tart. "Why, do you want mine now?"

"Yeah, it looks really good," he said, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. If it looked so good, why hadn't he chosen one? "Yours is probably delicious too," I said, trying a gentle approach. I loved my fruit tarts, and there was no way I was giving them up.