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

Chapter 188

It was Hayden,

He was unlocking his door, holding a bag of vegetables in one hand. My sudden movement must've startled him, because he turned around, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I just stood there, staring at him like I was having some kind of out-of-body experience. I didn't say a word -just watched him, completely zoned out.

It wasn't until Hayden asked, "What's up?" that I snapped back to reality. I shook my head, still not fully awake.

"Are you sick?" he asked, setting the bag down and stepping closer.

I couldn't get my mouth to work, so I just shook my head again, even though I wasn't sure what I was feeling.

Then, out of nowhere, I felt something cool against my forehead-Hayden's hand. His voice sharpened with concern. "You're burning up."

I was still in a daze, barely registering that he was talking about me.

Hayden seemed to pick up on my confusion. Before I could process what was happening, he stepped inside my apartment and scooped me up into his arms. My already light-headed body felt even lighter in his grip, and without thinking, I reached out and clung to him. He carried me over to the couch, then glanced around, "Where are your slippers?"

I'd come to the door barefoot. I hadn't even noticed. I blinked at him, too out of

sigh, Hayden got up and disappeared into my bedroom. A few moments later, he returned with my slippers, gently slipping them

I

glass. But when he checked

scooped me up again, and carried me out of my

ask where he was taking me. Somehow, I just trusted him. It didn't

gently on his couch. He went straight to the kitchen, put some water on to boil, and returned with a thermometer. Handing

in my hand and, worried I might drop it. gently held my hand in his. "I

a grip on it, he let go. "I'll get you some water, and then we'll give

okay?" he added when

Chapter 188

+25 BONUS

and stuck the thermometer under my arm, totally ignoring the fact that Hayden was

waiting until I had it in place before heading to the kitchen.

take this," he said,

sat on my tongue, starting to dissolve, spreading that gross, bitter taste all over my mouth. I cringed and opened my mouth to

I froze, totally mortified.