Chapter 85

It was strange. I hadn't blinked while dealing with the complicated amusement park lighting, but now? I felt overwhelmed.

"Don't trust me?" Hayden asked.

"It's not that, just..." My eyes drifted over him—his shirt was grimy, and his pant cuffs were soaked. Seeing him like that stirred guilt in my chest.

"I can handle it. Now hurry up," he said, patting my head. "Be good."

A shiver ran down my spine. Wayne had done the same recently, but this was... different. Hayden's touch was warm, almost sweet, like something I'd craved without realizing it.

I couldn't quite place it, but it was there—a strange mix of comfort and longing, making me feel on the edge of something new. His gaze was so soft, I had to look away. I practically sprinted to get the supplies. He was already mopping the hallway when I returned.

The recently flooded floor was now dry and spotless. He hadn't wasted a second while I fetched supplies. As I stood there, admiring the pristine apartment, my nose tingled with emotion.

"I checked downstairs. No water damage, so you're off the hook for repairs," Hayden said.

This man wasn't just capable; he was thorough. My throat tightened. I couldn't speak.

Hayden resumed fixing the pipes, his hands moving with the same easy confidence he'd shown with the lights. Leaning against the doorframe, I smirked. "Is there anything you can't do?"

He didn't pause. "Actually, yeah."

"Like what?"

He glanced back. "Having a baby."

The little cloud of sadness vanished instantly, replaced by laughter. "Good thing you don't need to worry about that. Just gotta know how to make it happen."

"Trust me, that's not an issue," he replied smoothly.

Heat rose to my cheeks. Why were we being so... suggestive? Trying to shake off the awkwardness, I added quickly, "Whoever ends up with you is going to be incredibly lucky."

Without hesitation, he retorted, "So why don't you marry me?"

His bluntness surprised me. I dropped my gaze, feeling unsure. After a moment, I managed, "I'm complicated. I have an ex-fiancé and a lot of close guy friends. You've never even had a relationship—you're too good for me."

He said nothing. After watching him for a while, I went to the balcony, fiddling with my potted plants.

Later, I heard him heading downstairs. Peeking from the balcony, I saw him under the sink, turning a valve. Was it finally fixed?

I went to the kitchen and turned the faucet. Clear water flowed smoothly. The new faucet was perfect.

Lost in thought, I felt warmth at my back. Hayden's arm encircled me, pulling me close. He leaned in, his breath tickling my ear as he turned off the water. "Ever heard of conserving water?"

My heart skipped a beat. I tried to step away, but he held me. "Hayden..." I muttered, raising a hand to push him off, but my palm landed on solid muscle. It felt like touching fire, and the warmth spread quickly...