Chapter 89

I should have known better than to look—it only muddled my thoughts. Just as I was about to turn away, Jace glanced back, meeting my gaze through the floor-to-ceiling window. His brow was furrowed.

I quickly shifted my attention to Hayden, who had just returned my phone after completing our order. I glanced down at the dishes he'd chosen. To my surprise, they were all my favorite foods.

But how could Hayden know my preferences? We weren't that well acquainted. Perhaps we simply had similar tastes?

I looked up, ready to ask, but hesitated. Too many questions would reveal my interest, and I didn't want to give Hayden that impression. Instead, I casually asked, "Want something to drink?"

"I don't drink," he declined. "And I have things to do this afternoon."

Oh, right. He still had to look at apartments. I figured that's why he wasn't drinking and said, "No worries. I'll come with you this afternoon, so no one will take advantage of you."

"There's no need. I've already…" He trailed off, and I gave him a curious look, wondering what he was about to say.

His eyes met mine, steady and unwavering. "I've already decided to look on my own. I want to see more options."

I nodded, thinking that was probably best. I didn't really want to go anyway. It would be exhausting, and if something went wrong with the place I recommended, I'd feel responsible.

Since he wasn't drinking, I ordered two non-alcoholic beverages and submitted the order.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over our table, and a voice I knew too well interrupted, "I thought you were in a hurry to meet the deadline? What are you doing here, having lunch?"

Jace, that insufferable man, had appeared after all. I couldn't help but wonder what lies Tanya had concocted to bring him here. His tone made me want to slap him. Just because we were working didn't mean we couldn't eat!

I looked up, ready to retort, but Hayden beat me to it. "We're taking a break today."

Jace turned his icy glare on Hayden, then back to me. "Who approved this break?"

"I did," Hayden answered before I could.

Jace's expression darkened. "You? You're just a lighting engineer. What gives you the right to request a break? Your job is to help us finish the lighting adjustments and pass inspection."

His rudeness made me unable to remain silent. "Mr. Johnston, I'm the one in charge of the amusement park project, and I approved today's break. Do you think we're supposed to work like robots without ever recharging?"

My analogy wasn't the smoothest, but my point got across. Immediately after I spoke, Hayden added, "I may be just the lighting guy, but isn't that exactly what you need right now, Mr. Johnston?"

Jace's face flushed crimson, realizing he was being challenged by both of us.

"Fine, take your break. Enjoy your meal. This lunch is on my company," Jace muttered before storming to the counter to pay the bill.

I couldn't resist a smirk. "Mr. Hart, do you think we ordered enough?"

Hayden didn't answer, just looked at me, and for some reason, his gaze made me feel oddly self-conscious.

I was about to look away when he suddenly said, "Someone just sent you a message."

"Oh, right. Let me check," I replied, relieved to have a distraction. I opened the message, and my ears instantly burned.

The message was from Lena: [Is Hayden, like, actually impotent? I mean, how do you spend the night with someone as hot as you and not even make a move?]

I wanted to vanish. Why did I have to see that message in front of him?

This morning, after sneaking back from Hayden's room, I'd told Lena about the awkwardness of falling asleep there. She hadn't replied until now. And of all times, why did she have to send this particular message while Hayden had my phone?

I was too embarrassed to look up. But then Hayden's deep voice cut through the silence, "I'm in excellent health, and that function works just fine."

I was speechless.