Chapter 242

Hayden's text arrived about half an hour later. What took him so long? Was he, like in those cheesy romance novels, taking a cold shower to cool down?

Thinking about our earlier intimacy made me blush furiously, so I didn't reply. I barely slept that night. Perhaps I should have taken a cold shower myself; I was restless, a strange energy buzzing beneath my skin. Once you open the door to desire, it's difficult to close it again. I learned that the hard way.

I woke early the next morning, but Hayden was already up and running. The man's stamina is incredible. Seriously, where does he get all that energy? I bet he'd be… intense in bed, too.

I couldn't stop thinking about it, feeling strangely spellbound. And who's to blame? Lena, with her terrible advice last night! Regardless of the hour, I grabbed my phone and texted her: "Hungry? Get up and have breakfast with me." I'd had oatmeal last night, but my overthinking had left me ravenous. Normally, if I mentioned hunger, Hayden would already be preparing breakfast. But today…

Yeah, I think it's best to avoid him for a while. I know I'm being dramatic, but I can't cope right now. I've been alive for over twenty years, and last night was a first. Even though nothing actually happened, it somehow felt less awkward if something had. The more I thought about it, the more embarrassed I became.

I wondered: do other couples feel this awkward after taking that final step? Do they wake up the next morning as confused as I am? Ugh, I'm losing it.

Just as I hit send, Lena's video call appeared, as if she'd been waiting for my meltdown. My fingers hadn't even left the screen.

"Well, looks like nothing happened last night, huh?" she teased, wasting no time.

"Seriously, if it weren't for you, would I be starving this early?" I retorted, shifting the blame.

Lena, lounging in her office chair in her white coat, smirked. "What happened last night? Spill. I need some drama to kickstart my day."

I rolled my eyes. "Dr. Lane, don't you have any professional ethics?"

"Insult me all you want, but don't disrespect my sacred profession," she said, jabbing a finger at me through the screen.

"Buy me a meal, and I'll tell you everything." I stood. "You're at the hospital, right? I'll come find you."

Lena yawned. "Sure, but bring me some almond milk pudding and crispy buns."

"Alright, Dr. Lane." I hung up and breathed deeply before heading to the bathroom. Even though I'd barely slept, my reflection wasn't bad. My skin was glowing, my eyes bright and awake. Weird. Shouldn't I have dark circles? Is this the "in love" glow?

I freshened up, got dressed, and carefully opened the door, trying to sneak out unnoticed. Perfect! I managed to lock the door and slip downstairs without incident. But as I sighed with relief and headed for my car, Hayden's voice cut through the morning air. "Going somewhere this early?"

I froze, clutching my keys as if they were lifelines. Without turning, I replied, "Just meeting Lena."

His footsteps drew closer. My brain screamed, run! I took a step forward, hoping for a clean getaway. No chance. With his long legs, he was in front of me in seconds, his eyes fixed on mine. "Are you okay? Did something happen?" His voice held worry.

I shook my head, avoiding his gaze. "No, no, Lena's on duty and hungry. I'm bringing her food."

That excuse might have worked years ago. But now, with food delivery apps, she could have anything delivered in minutes. No need for me to be running around this early.

Hayden wasn't stupid; he knew I was inventing excuses. He sighed softly. "I knew you'd try to avoid me." I froze, caught completely off guard.

Chapter 243