Chapter 230

I'd definitely put Ron in a tough spot, but I was also trying to figure out who his mysterious boss was. Even though I doubted it could be Hayden—he always seemed too broke to be wealthy—something about Ron's hints made me wonder if Hayden had more in common with this boss than I'd initially thought.

I had a relatively free afternoon, so after a meeting, I opened my social media app. I checked my new friend request from Cole. Our chat was empty except for the notification that we were now friends—no messages. He'd definitely seen my acceptance, but hadn't replied. Clearly, he was ignoring me to retaliate for my rejection last night. The guy seriously held grudges; even over something so minor, it was evident he was vengeful. This is why Hayden and Jace had warned me to avoid him.

But it was too late; we'd already crossed paths. Pretending I didn't know him was no longer an option. Even if Cole was acting aloof, I sensed he had something up his sleeve. I didn't need to react—just stay calm and wait for his next move.

By five o'clock, I was heading home. Most neighbors were outside with their children or socializing, not yet preoccupied with dinner.

"Keira, you're back?"

Mrs. Lowrey, my downstairs neighbor, greeted me with a warm smile. We'd become quite friendly.

"Yes, Mrs. Lowrey. Not cooking yet?" I asked, engaging in some small talk. These little conversations, however pointless they might seem, genuinely fostered connection.

"I just got back from the grocery store," she said, holding up her bags. "Haven't started yet. Sigh, I'm not as lucky as you, with such a wonderful boyfriend who cooks," she added, gesturing towards my apartment upstairs.

So, Hayden was home already.

I went upstairs and knocked on Hayden's door. His voice called out, "It's open."

I pushed the door open slightly, and the delicious aroma of food hit me, making my stomach growl—I'd clearly skipped lunch. The kitchen fan was running. I walked over and leaned against the doorway. "Whatever you're cooking smells amazing. Even Mrs. Lowrey downstairs is jealous."

Hayden glanced over his shoulder. "Go wash your hands. There's fresh watermelon juice in the fridge."

It was as if he had a camera in my brain. He knew me too well. I had passed a watermelon vendor on my way home and really craved some. Now, he'd already made juice.

"Hayden, are you trying to win me over with good looks and good food?" I teased.

He didn't answer. I shrugged, washed my hands, and went to the kitchen to get the watermelon juice.

The kitchen in this old apartment was tiny. To reach the fridge, I had to squeeze past Hayden, who was chopping vegetables.

"Can you move a little? I need to get something," I said, gesturing for him to move.

He shifted closer to the stove, and I carefully squeezed by, opening the fridge to grab the juice. Just as I was about to step back, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

"Can you get that for me?" Hayden asked casually.

Without hesitation, I reached into his pocket, but the moment my fingers brushed against the fabric, Hayden stiffened. The warmth of his skin burned through the thin material, and I hesitated, my fingers faltering. When I tried to pull back, he stiffened further. The awkwardness made me clumsy, and my left hand, less coordinated than my right, didn't help. The phone, mockingly, remained stuck. The ringtone blared, and with the heat from the stove, I felt sweat beading on my neck.

"I'll get it," Hayden said, noticing my struggle. He quickly wiped his hands and reached down. But just as he did, I managed to grasp the phone, and his hand covered mine.

In the cramped kitchen, our bodies were already close. Now, with his hand over mine, the intimacy made my whole body flush with heat.