Chapter 165

“Then try it,” Hayden said, pushing his cheese tart toward my mouth. I instinctively turned my head, but he raised it again, giving me that look that brooked no refusal. With a sigh, I gave in and took a bite. Honestly, it wasn’t bad, but it didn’t compare to my sweet fruit tarts. Definitely not worth trading for. Still, with Hayden watching me so closely, I forced a smile and mumbled through a mouthful, “It’s really good.”

“I want to try yours, too,” he said, ignoring his own tart. Without thinking, I shoved my strawberry tart behind my back like a child guarding candy. Hayden burst out laughing. “Relax, I just want a bite, not the whole thing. Look at you, freaking out. You’re being stingy.”

Okay, maybe I was being a little dramatic. It was just a tart. Fine, he could have some. I pulled out the box of mini fruit tarts—five in total, all different flavors. “Here, take your pick.” But Hayden didn’t even look at them. His eyes were fixed on the one in my hand. “I want that one.” I froze. That was the one I’d already bitten.

Before I could react, Hayden leaned in and took a bite, snagging the strawberry-topped piece as if it were nothing. By the time he finished chewing, I just stared at the half-eaten tart, unsure whether to eat it or toss it. Hayden said nothing. He simply turned and walked ahead.

I stared at his back, then at my half-eaten tart. No way I was throwing it out. I quickly shoved the last bite into my mouth, hoping to finish before he noticed. But as soon as I looked up, Hayden turned back, his expression amused. He was grinning in a way I’d never seen before. My face flushed—again, for what felt like the hundredth time.

“It’s too sweet. I need some water,” Hayden said, nodding toward a nearby drink stand, breaking the awkwardness.

I offered, “I’ll get it,” probably sounding far more generous than I felt.

After the tart incident, I didn’t even try to choose anything with him. I let him pick whatever he wanted and paid immediately. “You’re not getting anything?” he asked, sounding either genuinely confused or teasing. “Nope, not thirsty,” I replied, paid, and left without waiting for a response.

Hayden followed in silence. After a while, it almost felt like he wasn’t even there. But every time I glanced back, there he was—keeping a steady pace just far enough behind me. Not too close, not too far.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I stopped and turned. “Why are you walking behind me? This is Seavora. What if you get lost?” I could barely keep a straight face. He wasn’t a child, after all.

“I can see you better from behind,” Hayden said, his words stopping me cold, heat rushing to my face again. Lately, it felt like I was blushing constantly. Maybe I should see a doctor. But I couldn’t let Hayden see how flustered I was, so I kept my voice steady. “Who said you need to watch me? Walk in front, and if you want to eat something, tell me now. Otherwise, the food’s going to be gone.” So far, all he’d had was a bite of two tarts and some water.

“What do you want to eat?” Hayden asked, unexpectedly. Before I could even answer, he added, “Whatever you eat, I’ll eat.”