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?"

until he said that that I realized I'd come to the door barefoot. I

later, he returned with my slippers, gently slipping them onto my feet. "Do

some water, I mumbled,

fill a glass. But

scooped me up again, and carried

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

his place, setting me down gently on his couch. He went straight to the kitchen, put some water on to boil, and returned

might drop it. gently held my hand in

let go. "I'll get you some water, and then we'll give you some

okay?" he added when

Chapter 188

+25 BONUS

out of it. Without thinking, I tugged down my collar and stuck the thermometer

fast, waiting until I had it in place before heading to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he came back

he

took the pill and water, ready to swallow it like always. But for some reason, I just couldn't. The pill sat on my tongue, starting to dissolve, spreading that gross, bitter taste all over my mouth. I

I froze, totally mortified.