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. "Have you eaten

"No," Hayden answered honestly.

over at him. "You've worked hard today. Let

agreed, no hesitation at

I looked around at

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

want!"

as I finished, someone bumped into me from behind, knocking me off balance. Without thinking. I grabbed onto the closest

footing, I realized I had

was just inches from

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

piped up, "They're

Chapter 163

+25 BONUS

more people stopped to watch. I quickly let go

realized-he had an arm

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

once, I actually listened. Instead of shoving him