Hello 170

Posted by admin, ? Views, Released on October 17, 2024

Chapter 170

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Hayden’s body went rigid when I kissed him. Clearly, he hadn’t expected me to be that bold, but within seconds, his hand found my waist, pulling me closer.

I pulled back, smirking up at him. “That’s your reward for being such a good patient.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, a memory of Jace hit me–back when he was sick and had to get an injection. He’d always been terrified of needles, so much that he’d rather suffer through the illness than set foot in a hospital.

For Jace, getting a shot was like facing his worst nightmare. He’d practically throw a fit, almost crying at the idea of it. Every time, I had to coax him for what felt like forever, treating him like a kid–covering his eyes, distracting him with random stories, even letting him bite my arm once just to get through it.

After every hospital trip, it felt like I’d just survived some epic battle. And, of course, Jace would expect a reward afterward–whether it was a dance, a song, or some kind of gift.

Whenever he was sick, he’d turn into a total baby.

It was exhausting. And honestly? Super childish.

In contrast, Hayden had been calm, totally chill, and didn’t need any babying. When they gave him the injection, he actually told me to turn around so I wouldn’t have to watch.

He even told me to go walk around and not worry about him while he quietly got his IV.

The difference between Hayden and Jace was painfully obvious: Jace never treated me like his girlfriend. I was basically his “personal maid.”

Hayden’s grip on my waist tightened after my little comment, his voice dropping low. “So, I should get sick more often, huh?”

I knew exactly what Hayden meant. I didn’t bother responding and just ready to head out with him.

As we were about to head out, Jace’s voice cut through the air. “Rea, so this is what makes you feel better, huh? Now we’re even.”

I stopped in my tracks, turning back to face him.

His face was tight with anger, though his voice remained calm. He repeated, “We’re even now.”

Even? What kind of messed–up logic was that? This guy had really lost it.

“Jace Johnston, did you lose your mind?” I shot back, not bothering to stick around for his reply as I walked out.

Hayden’s arm stayed around me the whole way to the parking lot. Just as we reached the car, I went to open the door, but Hayden’s hand suddenly tightened on my shoulder, spinning me around and pinning me against the car.

He didn’t say a word, just looked at me, and that look made my heart race so fast it felt like it was about to leap out of my throat.

I wasn’t dumb–I knew that kiss had stirred something in him. So, I couldn’t let him get the wrong idea.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 170

I quickly blurted out, “Hayden, about that kiss… it was just to get Jace off my back. Don’t read too much into it.”

The moment those words left my mouth, I saw something shift in his eyes. The light dimmed, his expression hardened, and his grip on my shoulder tightened just a little. “So, it was all just part of the act?”

“Of course,” I forced a smile that felt as fake as it probably looked. “What else would it be? We’re just pretending to date.”

His hand pressed more firmly against my shoulder, and his voice turned colder. “You sure sold it.”

“Otherwise, Jace wouldn’t believe it.”

That was the truth. The kiss had been purely strategic, meant to make Jace finally give up. But instead, he twisted it into some twisted game, like I was trying to get back at him or something.

It wasn’t working.

Worse, Hayden had taken it seriously, and now that was turning into a whole other issue.

I couldn’t let him think this was something more. He was a good guy–honest, real–and I wasn’t about to mess with his head.

I pressed my hand against his chest, trying to gently push him back. “Don’t take it personally.”

His expression darkened even more, and for a second, I couldn’t even look at him. His grip stayed firm on my shoulder, and even though I tried to push him off, he didn’t move an inch.

The space between us felt too tight, my breath coming quicker, and I was just about to duck under his arm and escape when his voice cut through the silence.