Chapter 243

He had a helpless yet fond smile. "You've done this before. You have a track record."

I was speechless. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and annoyance. Seriously? He knew, but did he have to say it so explicitly? His emotional intelligence was clearly lacking.

"Kiki," he said softly, "you're so bold when you're doing something naughty, but afterward, you're scared. You've been like this since we were kids."

I was about to retort, then it hit me. Doing something naughty? Last night, showing up at his door in my nightgown...he didn't think it was an innocent mistake. He knew I'd done it on purpose? Oh my God! This was beyond humiliating.

I almost crushed my car key, straightening up to argue. "Who are you calling naughty? It's clearly you! You're the one who—" He leaned in and kissed me. His lips were cool, maybe from running. I froze. I saw his eyes close, his lashes brush his cheeks, the perfect line of his nose…

Just as I was losing myself in the kiss—and, let's be real, how gorgeous he looked—Hayden pulled back, his hands still holding mine. "From now on, let me be the one doing the naughty things…"

I blushed furiously. I stared at my feet, too flustered to speak.

"You're really just seeing Dr. Lane, and nothing's wrong?" Hayden asked.

I shook my head, speechless. Why was I so shy? With Jace, people teased us constantly. He'd pinch my cheek, put his arm around me, even kiss me in public. I'd never felt this embarrassed. But now? I was acting like a middle-schooler with her first crush, all nervous just holding hands. And to think I'd tried to act cool and composed in Chiverton. Pretending and building walls didn't work when someone saw right through you.

"I was going to make you pasta, but I guess you're good," Hayden said gently. "Drive safe, okay?"

I remained silent. He chuckled. "Kiki, do you know what seeing you like this makes me want to do?"

"What?" I asked.

He leaned in, his cheek brushing mine, his lips grazing my earlobe. "I want to kiss you more. Because if I kiss you enough, maybe you won't feel so shy anymore."

My embarrassment soared. I smacked him twice. He laughed, making me blush harder.

"Stop laughing!" I said, covering his mouth. But then I felt a soft kiss on my palm. A shock ran through me, and I yanked my hand away as he chuckled. "Alright, I'll stop teasing. Go on, drive safely."

My face burning, I quickly got into the car. Hayden stood outside, watching me with a warm, bright smile—a rare sight. My heart felt warm and fuzzy. So this is what real love feels like. It makes your blood race, your heart skip, and feels like floating on a spring breeze, everything sweeter than honey.

I started the car, still jittery under his gaze. I drove a distance, but when I glanced in the rearview mirror, he was still there. Then I remembered his comment from the amusement park—he was leaving today. But I'd never asked where.

I slammed on the brakes.