Chapter 301

Hayden sighed dramatically, as if I were too much to handle. “Because you’re the only one who makes me forget all my principles.” He wasn't trying to be smooth, yet his words sounded like a sappy Pinterest quote. He didn't say he loved me, but it was evident on his face.

I swallowed, still chewing my cornmeal pancake. “Hayden, get over here.”

“What for?” he asked, confused.

“Just come here when I tell you to,” I demanded, perhaps a little too bossily.

He stood and approached. As soon as he sat, I rested my head on his shoulder. He seemed surprised, but I mumbled, “I can eat better leaning on you.”

He chuckled softly, a warm sound that made me smile.

After dinner, we left the hospital and went home. Once Hayden had settled me in, I asked, “Are you staying here tonight, or going back to your place?”

“Staying here!” he replied instantly.

I suddenly remembered his midnight push-ups and cold showers. I narrowed my eyes. “Then no push-ups at 2 AM, okay?”

His cheeks flushed as he attempted a serious expression. “Don’t bring that up again.”

I snuggled closer, wrapping my arms around his waist. “If you don’t do it, I won’t mention it.”

Hayden swallowed hard. “Kiki, don’t tease.”

“Can’t handle it?” I teased, growing bolder.

He tightened his grip on my waist. “Don’t be naughty, and definitely don’t… tempt me.” His voice was deep and rough.

“Hayden, you want to, don’t you?” I asked, each word more daring.

“Kiki…”

My hand slipped under his T-shirt, tracing his skin leisurely.

“Kiki,” he breathed, his voice completely wrecked.

I tiptoed, brushing my lips lightly against his ear. “I’m okay now.”

Hayden froze. I truly was okay, but he seemed unconvinced. Or perhaps he was scared to repeat the experience. I don't know what came over me. I couldn't stop pushing his buttons, relishing his struggle to maintain control—sweat beading on his nose, veins pulsing at his temples.

Chapter 301

“Just wait a little longer. You’re probably still healing. Even if you’re fine now, you need more time to recover,” Hayden pleaded, his voice tight with restraint.

I shook my head. “No, I want it now.”

“Kiki…”

“The more you say no, the more I want it.”

He said nothing, just stared at me, and my heart pounded as if I'd dared him to cross an invisible line. A moment later, his hands were on my waist, lifting me.

My little plan worked. I giggled, resting my head on his shoulder. Then I remembered the conversation with those two girls at work. I traced my fingers over the hickey on his neck. “Hayden, I heard you made the rounds of every office today. Were you showing off on purpose?”

“Yeah, something like that,” he said, his breath still uneven.

“What do you mean, ‘something like that’?” I asked as he carried me to the bathroom.

“I wasn’t showing off. I was making an announcement,” Hayden said, setting me down on the sink counter.

That's when it hit me—something was up. “An announcement about what?”

He leaned in, his breath hot against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His deep voice made my pulse race. His intense gaze made my stomach flip. “An announcement to anyone who thinks they have a chance with me that I’m already taken.”

I burst out laughing, a full-bodied, joyous laugh. It wasn't mockery; it was pure happiness. No one had ever said that to me before, and the fact that it was him made it even sweeter. Hayden didn't interrupt; he let me laugh.

When I finally caught my breath, he reached for my shirt collar, and I realized where we were: the bathroom. Was he seriously planning to make our second time happen here?