Chapter 371

“Take the main seats,” Ron waved for Hayden and me to sit. He didn’t look like our deputy CEO; more like a man trying too hard to be relaxed. Honestly, if Hayden weren't the company's true power, I doubted Ron would be so chummy.

“Mr. Shane,” I began, raising an eyebrow, “you’re the boss. We’re employees. Isn’t this… excessive?”

Ron paused, glancing at Hayden before offering a casual smile. “What’s wrong with being friendly? We’re colleagues, like family.”

I chuckled. “Yes, but you’re still the boss. This feels… odd.”

“Mr. Shane, really, you don’t need to be so polite. We won’t enjoy the meal like this,” Hayden added.

Ron dismissed him with a wave. “Don’t overthink it. That’s my style—no formalities, no drama. Right, Mr. Hart?”

“Perhaps too informal,” Hayden replied succinctly.

The contrast between them was amusing. Ron was excessively casual, while Hayden maintained a commanding presence, even though Ron was ostensibly in charge.

Ron chuckled, but his phone buzzed. He checked it, stood, and said, “Excuse me. I need to fetch someone.”

I blinked. “Wait—did you invite someone else?”

“Yep. Someone you’ve been wanting to meet.” Ron winked, doing so with unmistakable intent, sending a jolt through me.

Before I could react, Hayden cleared his throat. “Feeling alright, Mr. Shane? Need some eye drops?”

I bit my lip to stifle my laughter.

Ron caught on, shaking his head with a smile. “No need to get territorial.”

Hayden didn’t flinch. “When it comes to my girl, I’m not generous.”

Ron sighed dramatically, gave a thumbs-up, and left.

As soon as the door closed, I turned to Hayden. “So, dinner with a mystery guest?”

“Yes. And when the food arrives, order whatever you like,” Hayden said casually, then poured me water—in a wine glass.

I wrinkled my nose. “Why water?”

“You’re still recovering. No alcohol,” he stated matter-of-factly.

I pouted. “And if I really want a drink?”

I wasn’t serious; I just wanted to test him. He hesitated, then sighed. “Fine. A little, just to taste.”

I burst out laughing.

Hayden, puzzled, asked, “What’s so funny?”

“You don’t want me drinking, so why pretend to relent?”

He pressed his lips together, stood, and moved behind me. Leaning down, he picked up the glass and placed it before me. His arm brushed mine as his lips neared my ear. “Because I don’t want you upset.”

His breath on my ear was too warm, and those words… deeply affecting. It had been a long time since someone treated me so well, spoiling me without hesitation.

I reached up, hooked my arm around his neck, and pulled him down for a soft kiss. Hayden remained still at first, so I deepened the kiss, teasing him slightly. And, of course, just as I was truly enjoying it, the door to the private room burst open—