Chapter 80

Ugh, so awkward! I could practically feel Demi's secondhand embarrassment radiating off her. She was definitely flustered, but covered it with a laugh. "Sure thing, Mr. Hart, thanks a ton!"

Demi set down my bag and practically dragged me away. Under her breath, she muttered, "Did Mr. Hart wake up on the wrong side of the bed or something? He's so moody today."

I remained quiet. While Demi noticed Hayden's harsh tone, I sensed something else… Perhaps he'd told her to get her own breakfast so she wouldn't disturb me. Was he concerned about me? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I worried I was overthinking, making a mountain out of a molehill.

"Let's sit separately," I suggested once we had our food, hoping to avoid any more awkward encounters with Hayden after last night.

"Why? Wouldn't it be better to sit together? We can go over today's plans," Demi countered, using work as an excuse I couldn't easily refute.

But I called her out anyway. "You just want to look at Mr. Hart while he eats, don't you?"

"Keira, you're catching on too well!" Demi replied, grinning like a guilty child.

Knowing I couldn't avoid sharing a table with Hayden, I let it go. The last thing I needed was for Demi to start piecing things together. She was sharp, always good at reading between the lines.

But just as we were about to sit down, someone approached. "Demi, is that really you?"

A cute girl with a breakfast tray smiled at her. Demi jumped up, her face lighting up. "Peggy, what are you doing here?"

"I'm on a business trip. It's been ages! How about we eat together?" the girl suggested, clearly excited. Demi's first instinct wasn't to check with me, but to glance at Hayden, then back at me before saying, "Sure, sounds awesome."

She grabbed her tray, gave a quick nod to Hayden and me, and left with her friend.

And just like that, it was down to Hayden and me. The awkwardness, already palpable, was about to intensify.

"You don't need to be embarrassed. Last night, you only slept in my bed—it's not like we actually… slept together," Hayden said so casually I nearly choked on my cream soup.

I covered my mouth, and he handed me a napkin. I shot him a glare as I snatched it. After wiping my mouth, I leaned closer and whispered, "Why didn't you wake me up last night?"

Chapter 00

"I did. You didn't wake up," Hayden replied, cool as ever, still eating his breakfast.

"I don't believe you," I snapped. I was a light sleeper.

"Well, I tried. Believe what you want," Hayden said with a shrug, as if my belief didn't matter.

His nonchalant attitude only annoyed me further. I knew I ended up in his bed because he put me there. Just thinking about it made my face burn with embarrassment. "Even if I didn't wake up, you could've taken me back to my room."

"Fine, next time I will," Hayden replied, and I froze.

Next time? He had to be joking. There wasn't going to be a next time.

I bit into my custard roll a little too forcefully, chewing while trying to compose myself. Then, I remembered something and warned him, "Don't tell Demi about last night."

Hayden had already finished his meal. He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "What are you so afraid of? That she'll get the wrong idea? Or are you worried it'll ruin your reputation, or… that your boyfriends might find out?"

I nearly choked. "What did you just say?"

"If anyone should be worried, it's me," Hayden said, neatly folding his napkin.

"What are you worried about? Hm?" I asked, feeling both confused and irritated.