Chapter 216

Hayden stiffened in my arms. After a few seconds, he mumbled, "Are you pitying me?"

"I feel bad for you," I corrected.

He remained silent, and he certainly didn't return the hug, making the moment considerably more awkward. Just as I was about to release his hand, I saw Jace standing a few feet away. He was here? And, of course, Demi hadn't warned me.

Instead of letting go, I squeezed Hayden's hand tighter. He tried to pull away, but I held firm. "Don't move," I instructed.

He stopped. Holding his hand, I asked, "You're working late again tonight?"

Hayden murmured, "Hmm?"

Standing on tiptoe, I leaned close to his ear. "I've been craving your cooking."

I felt his Adam's apple move, followed by a soft, "Yeah." A thrill coursed through me.

My gaze darted to Jace. In that brief glance, I saw his clenched fists, his face paling then darkening, his eyes stormy before he turned and walked away.

Releasing Hayden's hand, I was about to speak when Demi's voice rang out, "Hi, Mr. Johnston!"

Hayden, having seen Jace leave, looked back at me. For a moment, I couldn't meet his eyes. He likely assumed my affectionate display was solely for Jace's benefit. And honestly, he wasn't wrong. So, I didn't bother explaining. There was no point.

Demi, breathless, rushed up. "Mr. Hart, one of the guys knocked out the light in section C, group 7-3, while installing the equipment."

Accidents are inevitable on a worksite, though undesirable.

Hayden's expression remained unchanged. He simply said, "Let's go check it out."

He turned and walked away, ignoring me. I stood there, awkward, unsure whether to follow. Feeling embarrassed by my earlier childish behavior, I was about to sigh in relief when I heard Hayden's voice. "Aren't you coming?"

I met his eyes. They were calm and steady, as if nothing had transpired. He truly was a master at concealing his emotions. Moments before, he'd been upset; now, there was no trace of it.

Chapter 216 +25 BONUS

"Keira, come see this. It's bad. Such a headache," Demi called, still complaining.

Despite my recent absence, I still cared about what was happening here, so I quickly followed them. Perhaps I was moving too quickly, or I tripped, but I stumbled forward.

Hayden's arm shot out, catching me, and I landed against his chest. It happened so smoothly, it felt like a rom-com scene. Demi, nearby, widened her eyes before covering her mouth, grinning knowingly.

Normally, I'd be mortified, but not this time. I simply pulled away, calmly saying, "Thanks."

Hayden said nothing, continuing to walk. Demi linked her arm through mine and whispered, "Keira, did you notice? Mr. Hart's ears are red."

I hadn't, but upon closer inspection, they were. For such a tough guy, his reddened ears were…cute.

"Keira, Mr. Hart is so pure. One little hug and his ears are blushing. He's definitely a virgin," Demi whispered, stifling a laugh.

I nudged her away. "Seriously? Is there anything else going on in that brain of yours?"