Chapter 392

No clue when my phone finally stopped ringing, but by the time Hayden carried me back to bed from the bathroom, I felt like total mush. Even my bones felt like jelly.

I was so exhausted I didn't even want to open my eyes. I curled up under the covers and quickly fell asleep.

"Rest a bit. I'll make you some oatmeal," Hayden's low, husky voice rumbled in my ear.

I mumbled something in reply, already drifting off.

But even half-asleep, I kept hearing my phone ring. Ugh, I didn't want to move, and I definitely wasn't opening my eyes. I reached for Hayden, but found an empty bed.

"Hayden… Hayden…" I whispered.

He was beside me instantly, leaning down. "What's wrong?"

Without looking, I muttered, "My phone… it's too loud."

"Huh?" He sounded confused.

"My phone. It's loud," I grumbled, annoyed by the phantom ringtone.

There was a pause. Then, in that soft, comforting tone, he said, "Kiki, you're dreaming. Your phone's off."

Wait, seriously? Then why did I keep hearing it?

I didn't argue. I just drifted back to sleep, this time soundly.

When I finally woke up, Hayden sat at the small table across from the bed, engrossed in a sketch. He didn't notice I was awake. I sat up slowly, spotting blueprints spread out before him.

Of course, he was working. No wonder Ron never gave him grief about missing the office—Hayden was quietly getting everything done behind the scenes.

I didn't want to interrupt him, so I tried to slip out of bed quietly, but even that caught his attention. He looked up, saw I was awake, and immediately put down his pen, walking over. "Why didn't you call me?"

"I saw you were busy," I whispered, realizing too late how hoarse my voice sounded.

Instantly, the memory of our earlier conversation flooded back, and my face flushed.

Hayden noticed, of course. "I'll get you some lozenges for your throat in a bit."

"No, I don't…" I trailed off.

His eyes met mine. "You don't want them?"

It wasn't that I didn't want them. I just… couldn't stop thinking about baked pears.

Baked pears, especially with honey and mint, were my go-to remedy for a sore throat. The soft texture, the natural sweetness—it always worked. Comforting, soothing, and exactly what I craved when my throat felt scratchy.

Back in Seavora, there was a shop that made the best baked pears. I refused to buy them anywhere else. Yes, I was stubborn—kind of like how I stubbornly loved Jace for a decade, despite everything.

But no way was I telling Hayden I craved baked pears right now. With him staring at me like that, I had to think fast. "I just don't like lozenges," I lied, forcing a smile. "I'll drink more water instead."

Hayden made me oatmeal, topping it with banana slices and chocolate chips. He whipped it up in our hotel room's kitchenette.

Honestly, hotels these days were really upping their game. It wasn't just about the bed anymore—these rooms were basically mini-apartments.

After eating, my throat felt much better. But while I was fully rested, Hayden looked exhausted. I caught him rubbing his eyes several times, clearly trying to stay awake.

"Hayden, go get some sleep. I'll clean up," I said, gently urging him toward the bedroom.

"I need a shower first. I smell gross," he mumbled, implying he hadn't taken a break after making breakfast and had gone straight back to his blueprints.

I turned him around, nudging him toward the bathroom. "Then go rinse off."

I looped my arms around his neck, pulling him down slightly to sniff his hair. "Smells fine to me—no need to wash your hair."

He frowned. "Who showers without washing their hair?"

I laughed. "You totally can shower without washing your…"