Chapter 216 

Hayden went totally stiff in my arms. After a few seconds, he mumbled, “Are you pitying me?” 

“I feel bad for you,” I corrected. 

He didn’t say anything, and he definitely didn’t hug me back, which made things way more awkward. 

Right when I was about to let go, I glanced up and saw Jace standing a few feet away. 

Wait, he was here? 

I 

And of course, Demi didn’t bother giving me the heads–up. 

I was about to drop Hayden’s hand, but instead, I squeezed it tighter. He tried to pull away, but I held on. 

Don’t move.” 

He stopped. I kept holding his hand as I asked, “You’re working late again tonight?” 

Hayden gave a quiet, “Hmm?” 

I stood on my tiptoes, leaning in close to his ear. “I’ve been craving your cooking.” 

I heard his Adam’s apple move, followed by a soft, “Yeah.” A tingle shot through me. 

My gaze flickered over to where Jace stood, 

In that quick glance, I saw him–fists clenched, face shifting from pale to dark, his eyes stormy before he finally turned and walked away. 

I let go of Hayden and was about to say something when Demi’s voice rang out from nearby, “Hi, Mr. Johnston!” 

Hayden turned and saw Jace walking away, then looked back at me. 

For a second, I couldn’t meet his eyes. He probably thought my whole affectionate act was just for Jace’s benefit. 

And honestly, he wasn’t wrong. So, I didn’t bother explaining myself. There was no point. 

Demi came running up, out of breath. “Mr. Hart, one of the guys knocked out the light in section C, group 7- 3 while installing the equipment.” 

Accidents are the last thing you want on a worksite, but they’re bound to happen. 

Hayden’s expression didn’t change. He just said, “Let’s go check it out.” 

With that, he turned and walked off, acting like I wasn’t even there. I stood there, awkward, unsure if I should follow or stay. 

Feeling embarrassed about my childish act earlier, I was about to let out a deep breath when I suddenly heard Hayden’s voice. “Aren’t you coming?” 

J met his eyes. They were calm and steady, like nothing had ever happened. 

He really was a master at keeping his emotions in check. Just moments ago, he’d been upset, but now there wasn’t a trace of it.. 

Chapter 216 

+25 BONUS 

“Keira, come see this. It’s bad. Such a headache,” Demi called out, still whining. 

Even though I hadn’t been around much lately, I still cared about what was happening here, so I quickly followed after them. 

Maybe I was moving too fast or tripped over something, but suddenly I stumbled forward. 

Hayden’s arm shot out, catching me, and I ended up crashing into his chest. 

It all happened so smoothly, it felt like a scene straight out of a rom–com. Demi, standing nearby, went wide–eyed for a second before covering her mouth, grinning like she knew exactly what was up. 

Normally, I’d be dying of embarrassment, but this time? Nah. 

I just pulled away, super chill, and said, “Thanks.” 

Hayden didn’t say anything, just kept walking. Demi hooked her arm through mine and whispered, “Keira, did you notice? Mr. Hart’s ears are red.” 

I hadn’t before, but now that she mentioned it, I glanced over. Sure enough, they were. 

For such a tough guy, his ears turning red was kinda… cute. 

“Keira, Mr. Hart is so pure. One little hug and his ears are blushing. He’s definitely a virgin,” Demi whispered, trying to hold back a laugh. 

I nudged her away. “Seriously? Is there anything else going on in that brain of yours?”