Chapter 32

Hayden leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. His voice was low and husky. "But I missed you. Missed you so much. I want you."

He took my hand, guiding it toward his hardening body. I yanked it back, as if I'd touched something burning. His soft chuckle made me blush. "You don't want me?" he asked.

"No," I lied, trying to sound convincing. "I'm tired. I want to sleep." I pushed him away lightly, fumbling in my bag for my keys.

Of course, I couldn't find them. My fingers were shaking, and I felt Hayden's eyes on me. He reached over, casually pulling out the keys.

"Such a nervous little kitten," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

My face flushed crimson. Why did he always affect me this way?

He unlocked the door, but before I could slip inside, he pulled me back. "You're really not going to let me in?"

"N-no, no," I stammered, avoiding his eyes. But, of course, he slipped in anyway.

"Hayden!" I scolded, glaring at him as he wandered through my apartment.

He grinned, hands in his pockets, strolling from room to room. "Just checking. Doors, windows, all good. Everything's safe," he said, returning to stand before me.

My heart fluttered, and a warmth began to stir within me.

"It's been a long day. You must be exhausted. Go shower, sleep. I'll see you tomorrow," he said, brushing his hand through my hair before gently pinching my cheek.

I understood why he'd kept his distance back home. He was setting a good example for Yuna, and he didn't want to complicate things for me. After all, we weren't married. I wasn't mad anymore; I just didn't want him to leave.

He turned to leave, but I grabbed his arm, holding him back. I couldn't say it—I wasn't brave enough—but I was sure my eyes conveyed the message: Don't go.

He stopped, looking down at me, feigning confusion. This guy. For someone who used to be clueless about relationships, Hayden had become quite adept at turning the tables on me.

"I've changed my mind," I finally muttered.

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah?"

I lightly pinched him. "Stay."

Chapter 327

This time, Hayden didn't hold back. He chuckled. "So you have been thinking about it."

"Shut up. I'm just scared," I retorted, trying to hide my embarrassment. "You freaked me out checking everything."

He laughed softly. "I already told you, everything's fine. I'm literally right next door. If you need me, just call."

I was losing this battle quickly. With a huff, I conceded. "What if I just want you to stay?"

His grin widened. "Not mad anymore, huh?"

"Hayden!" I huffed, my cheeks burning. "If you keep teasing me, I'll really get mad."

He cupped my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. "Don't be mad."

I thought that meant he was staying, but then he pulled back. "I'll be next door. Don't overthink it, okay? Get some rest."

I wasn't stupid. I knew what he was doing—he still planned to leave. But moments ago, the way he looked at me, the heat between us… it was obvious he wanted me. So why was he pulling away now? Even if he was teasing, wasn't this pushing it too far?

I let him go, trying to appear nonchalant, but frustration welled up. "Fine, whatever. Go already!" I shoved him toward the door, my mood shifting dramatically.

Hayden sighed, pulling me into his arms one last time. His lips brushed my ear, and his voice was soft, almost weary. "What am I going to do with you?"

His weariness tugged at my heart. I hugged him back, holding him tight. "Just get some sleep, okay? Don't overthink it either."

With one last sigh, I nudged him out the door, knowing that if he stayed, neither of us would get any sleep.