Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 163

"Alright," I nodded, then turned to Lindey. "We're heading out."

She gave me a quick look, clearly sensing something was up. Her eyes flicked upstairs, probably wondering what had gone down between me and Matthew, but she didn't push it. "Drive safe." Hayden and I slid into the car, and right as I was about to turn the key, he pressed his hand over mine, stopping me, "What's up?" he asked, his tone all gentle but definitely not letting it go.

"Nothing, we talked about my parents," I admitted, not even trying to dodge it.

"You asked about the accident, didn't you?" He nailed it, like he always did.

I gave a dry laugh. "Yeah, looks like you're rubbing off on me. I had to know."

"And?" he pushed, not dropping it.

Remembering Matthew's words, I started the car and hit the gas, giving Hayden the answer. "It was just an accident."

As we pulled away from the Johnston residence, I added, "There are official reports and everything. Hayden didn't push any further. We drove in silence, the quiet only broken by the hum of the city as we got closer. The streets were lit up, alive with people, and traffic was already building near the pedestrian

street.

red light, I broke

"No," Hayden answered honestly.

worked hard

agreed, no hesitation

pulled over. As we stepped out, I looked around at the busy food

arm, I pointed at them. "Everything here's on me-go

want!"

from behind, knocking me off balance. Without thinking. I grabbed onto

I finally regained my footing, I realized I

thing felt like something straight out of a cheesy rom-com. And the worst part? Hayden's face was just inches from mine, our noses almost touching, and our

middle of the crowded street, the little mishap instantly turned into a spectacle. People around us started cheering, and I could

piped up, "They're gonna

Chapter 163

+25 BONUS

felt my face heat up as more people stopped to watch. I quickly let go of Hayden and tried to

had an arm

not let go, but he pulled me even closer, leaning in to whisper in

I actually listened. Instead of shoving him