Chapter 184

Social suicide. Right on the spot. This was the second time. First, I’d walked in on Hayden fresh from the shower, and now I’d just fantasized about him—out loud—right in front of him.

I wondered if he’d done it on purpose. I’d been knocking forever; why open the door now? The only way to save face? Act drunk, then feign a blackout. That way, I wouldn’t be embarrassed—everyone else would be.

“Lena, look! He’s home, huh?” I said, trying to sound casual, pointing at Hayden as if I hadn’t just verbally undressed him.

Lena’s lips twitched. Secondhand embarrassment writ large. “She’s had a little too much to drink,” she said.

“I’m not drunk,” I insisted, fully committing to the charade. After all, a drunk person never admits they’re drunk.

Lena pinched my waist lightly. “Oh, right, of course. You only had one glass of wine. No way you’re drunk, huh?”

I was speechless. Is this what betrayal feels like? My ride-or-die, my BFF, throwing me under the bus without hesitation. Right in front of my face!

I couldn’t look at Hayden, but his gaze remained fixed on me. “So, what did you need?” he asked.

“N-nothing. I don’t need anything,” I stammered, already turning and pushing Lena toward my door.

“I need to talk to you,” Hayden’s voice called out.

I wanted to bash my head against Lena’s back and vanish. “I’m dizzy. Whatever it is, let’s talk tomorrow,” I mumbled, practically diving into my apartment before he could respond.

The door slammed shut. Lena burst into laughter. “Look at you, chickening out.”

I shot her my fiercest glare—a full-on, red-faced glare—while she laughed, completely unbothered. “If you’ve got feelings for him, you’ve gotta have the guts to go for it. Just break the ice already. Once those doors open and you two end up in bed, Mr. Johnston or any other CEO won’t stand a chance.”

Mortified, I shoved her. “Get out! We’re done! I’m never speaking to you again.”

“If you and Hayden ever hit the sheets, don’t forget to send me a thank-you gift.”

Lena was serious about setting me up with Hayden.

She left, but my face still burned. I sat, half-listening for any sound from Hayden’s apartment, praying he wouldn’t knock.

The truth was, I’d come home to talk to him about the thugs who’d cornered him earlier and what he’d learned about his father’s accident. But now? How could I face him after what I’d said?

I eventually passed out on the couch, overwhelmed by embarrassment, anxiety, and a jumble of dreams.

When I woke, it was ridiculously early—like five in the morning—and I heard a door open across the hall. Hayden was up, but I didn’t know if he was leaving or going for a run.

Curious, I peeked out the window and saw him biking away, a backpack slung over his shoulder. Did he seriously bike everywhere? How had I never noticed?

At least with him gone, I could breathe. No risk of awkward encounters and reliving last night’s disaster.

At OceanixCorp, I’d finished some work and was about to investigate our elusive boss when Lena called. Still annoyed about her betrayal, I answered through gritted teeth. “Dr. Lane—”

Before I could continue, Lena interrupted. “Rea, Tanya’s here. For an abortion. What the hell is going on?”

I tensed. The morning fog cleared instantly. My mind raced back to our café conversation. “Did she go through with it?” I asked.