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.

light, I broke the silence.

"No," Hayden answered honestly.

glanced over at him. "You've worked hard today. Let me treat you

agreed, no

stepped out, I looked around at the busy food trucks and pop-up stands lining the

dramatic sweep of my arm, I pointed at them. "Everything

want!"

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

footing, I realized I had him

of a cheesy rom-com. And the worst part? Hayden's face was just inches from mine, our noses almost touching, and our lips barely a breath away. Neither of

little mishap instantly turned into a spectacle. People around us

voice piped up, "They're gonna

Chapter 163

+25 BONUS

quickly let go of Hayden and

when I realized-he had an arm wrapped around

did he not let go, but he pulled me even closer, leaning in to whisper in my ear, "If you're embarrassed, stop

once, I actually listened. Instead of shoving him off, I let him steer me through the