Chapter 244

“What’s wrong?”

“Hayden!”

We spoke simultaneously.

“You said you were leaving today, right? Where are you going?” I asked, panting as I ran toward him.

He frowned slightly, probably because I’d just bolted from my car, but his expression softened at my question, a smile playing on his lips. “What, worried I’m going to run away?”

His teasing flushed my cheeks. I feigned anger. “Seriously, where are you going?”

“I’m not leaving, not right now,” Hayden said, evasively.

I frowned. “Huh?”

“I planned to leave; my work here was done, and there wasn’t much keeping me. But things have changed,” Hayden said, stepping closer and leaning down, his eyes fixed on mine. “Because now I have a girlfriend.”

A jolt of electricity surged through me. I stumbled back, overwhelmed, then turned.

Before I could move further, he caught my wrist, pulling me into his arms.

His chin rested on my head; his voice was low and husky. “I’m not going anywhere. And if I ever have to leave, I’ll tell you, and I won’t go unless you’re okay with it.”

My heart soared; my body felt ablaze. Seriously, this early in the morning? This unexpected affection was overwhelming.

I was about to speak when a voice called from behind, “Oh my gosh!”

I jumped, trying to pull away from Hayden’s embrace. Too late. Whoever it was saw everything. “I was wondering who was getting cozy out here at this hour. Didn’t expect it to be you two!”

It was Mrs. Lowrey.

Even though our neighbors believed Hayden and I were a couple, being caught like this was mortifying.

“Good morning, Mrs. Lowrey,” Hayden said, completely composed, while I wanted to vanish.

“Not as early as you,” Mrs. Lowrey said with a knowing smile, aware of Hayden’s early morning workouts. She tilted her head, looking at me. “It’s rare to see Keira up this early.”

Do they all think I’m lazy?

“She gets up early every day too,” Hayden interjected, smoothing over the awkwardness. He turned to me. “You should get going.”

I nodded, leaving immediately. What was I waiting for?

As I walked away, I overheard Mrs. Lowrey say to Hayden, “Keira’s so lucky to have a boyfriend like you—handsome, caring, and good at everything.” She sounded genuinely envious.

“You’ve got it backwards. I’m the lucky one to have a girlfriend like her,” Hayden replied.

Mrs. Lowrey laughed. “Hayden, you’re too humble. You’re even better than everyone says…”

I didn’t hear the rest, but I was sure it was complimentary.

I drove off. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I saw Hayden still watching me. His gaze felt unwavering.

I bought almond milk pudding and crispy buns for Lena, but she didn’t get a chance to eat them. Before she could ask about last night, she was called to the OR for an emergency delivery.

With Lena busy, I had nowhere to go. Going home felt impossible.

So, I went to the office. Stepping out of the hospital lobby, I almost collided with a rushing man.

I dodged him, but stumbled. He caught me. “I’m so sorry… Oh, wait… it’s you?!”

Looking up, I recognized him. It was Brad, Tanya’s brother.