Chapter 262

Oh, crap. How could I forget that? But I had nothing to feel guilty about, so I denied it immediately. "It wasn't molestation—it was a bogus accusation."

"Really?" Hayden's eyes were locked on mine, clearly waiting for details. So, I told him about accidentally knocking Brad over and his overreaction, making it sound like an assault. I ended with, "That little punk's full of himself. Like I'd be interested."

Hayden didn't miss a beat. "So, what's your type then? Older guys? Or the mature and steady kind?"

I glanced at his serious expression and felt the urge to tease him. Leaning closer, I smirked. "I like your type… rough and hard."

His Adam's apple bobbed. Great, I'd flirted with him again. Just as I was about to pull back, he murmured, "And how do you know I'm hard?"

Oh, God. My face went beet red. I'd always thought Hayden was innocent, but that line revealed a surprising confidence.

"Why's your face all red?" Hayden asked, immediately returning my teasing. Then, unexpectedly, "Have you been drinking?"

"No!" I shot back, perhaps too quickly.

"Pull over," he said.

"Why?" I asked, already steering the car to the roadside. As soon as I stopped, Hayden leaned in, cupping my face and turning it towards him. He was too close.

I froze, my eyes widening. Was he about to kiss me? In broad daylight, on a busy street—wasn't he even a little embarrassed? Or did he think that because we were sort of dating, he could do whatever he wanted? Or maybe he was just naturally shameless. Who even considers kissing someone here, in front of everyone?

I couldn't handle Jace's emotional unavailability, but Hayden's "I'll-do-what-I-want" approach was a whole new challenge. I put my hand on his chest, ready to push him back, when he said, "Open your mouth and breathe."

Chapter 262 (continued)

Wait, what? I had no idea what he was doing, but his grip on my chin was starting to sting, so I complied, opening my mouth and breathing as requested. Then, he let go. "You're not drunk, so why's your face all red?"

My eyes widened as it hit me—he'd thought I was acting strangely because I'd been drinking. Oh, my God. This guy.

"You're the one who made a dirty joke! That's why my face is red!" I blurted, much louder than intended.

Hayden's eyes widened, his voice cracking. "Me? A d-dirty joke? W-When?" His words were tangled, his ears turning bright red.

Huh? Wait, did he really not get it? Or was he playing innocent? No way. After what he'd just said?

I decided to be direct. "You asked me how I knew you were… hard."

Hayden froze, his Adam's apple bobbing twice. "I meant…" He trailed off, the blush spreading. It seemed he'd just realized how I'd interpreted his comment.

Seeing him flustered, I believed him—he hadn't meant that kind of "hard." Now I wanted to disappear—it was so awkward. But backing down would make things worse. So, I bravely asked, my face still hot, "So, what kind of 'hard' did you mean?"

Hayden sat up straight, tugging at his collar. "Just drive."

Chapter 263