Chapter 184
Chapter 184
Social suicide, right on the spot!
This was the second time. First, I walked in on Hayden fresh out of the shower, and now I’d just fantasized about him–out loud–right in front of him.
I couldn’t help but wonder if he did this on purpose. I’d been knocking forever, so why open the door now?
The only way to save face? Act drunk, then pretend to black out. That way, I wouldn’t be the one embarrassed–everyone else would be.
“Lena, look! He is home, huh?” I said, trying to sound casual, pointing right at Hayden like I hadn’t just verbally undressed him.
Lena’s lips twitched. She was clearly suffering from secondhand embarrassment. “She’s had a little too much to drink,” she said.
“I’m not drunk,” I chimed in, fully committing to the act
After all, a drunk person never admits they’re drunk.
Lena pinched my waist lightly. “Oh, right, of course. You only had one glass of wine. No way you’re drunk, huh?”
I was completely at a loss for words.
Is this what betrayal feels like? My ride–or–die, my trusted BFF, throwing me under the bus without hesitation. Right in front of my face!
I couldn’t even look at Hayden, but he kept his gaze fixed on me. “So, what did you need?” he asked.
“N–Nothing. I don’t need anything.” I stammered, already turning around and pushing Lena toward my door,
“I need to talk to you,” Hayden’s voice called out from behind me.
I wanted to bash my head against Lena’s back and vanish. “I’m dizzy. Whatever it is, let’s talk tomorrow,” I mumbled, practically diving into my apartment before he could respond.
As soon as the door slammed shut, Lena burst into laughter. “Look at you, chickening out.”
I shot her the fiercest glare–full–on, red–faced glaring while she just kept laughing, totally unbothered. “If you’ve got feelings for him, you’ve gotta have the guts to go for it. Just break the ice already. Once those doors open and you two end up in bed, Mr. Johnston or any other CEO won’t stand a chance.”
I shoved her, mortified. “Get out! We’re done! I’m never speaking to you again.”
“If you and Hayden ever hit the sheets, don’t forget to send me a thank–you gift.”
Lena was serious about trying to set me up with Hayden.
She left, but my face still felt like it was on fire. I sat there, half–listening for any sound from Hayden’s place, praying he wouldn’t knock on my door.
The truth was, I had actually come home to talk to him about the thugs who had comered him earlier today and what he’d found out about his dad’s accident. But now?
+25 BONUS
Chapter 184
How could face him after what I just said?
I
I eventually passed out on the couch, stuck between the embarrassment, anxiety, and a mess of dreams.
When I woke up, it was stupid early–like five in the morning–and I heard a door open across the hall.
Hayden was up, but I didn’t know if he was leaving or just going for a run.
Curious, I peeked out the window and saw him biking away, a backpack slung over his shoulder.
Did he seriously bike everywhere? How had I never noticed that before?
At least with him gone, I could finally breathe. No risk of awkward run–ins and reliving last night’s disaster.
At OceanixCorp, I’d just finished some work and was about to dive into figuring out who our elusive boss was when Lena called.
Still annoyed about how she sold me out last night, I answered through gritted teeth. “Dr. Lane–”
Before I could get another word in, Lena cut me off. “Rea, Tanya’s here. For an abortion. What the hell is going on?”
I tensed, all the morning fog clearing in an instant. My mind raced back to our conversation at the café. Did she go through with it?” I asked.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 185
