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

Chapter 190

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When I recalled what I'd said earlier, my breath caught in my throat. I wanted to explain, maybe apologize, but Hayden, still kneeling beside the couch, stood up before I could say anything. "Dinner's ready. Come eat."

As he pulled his hand away, I realized how tightly I'd been gripping him. In my dream, I thought I was holding onto my parents-but it had been Hayden all along. And I'd cursed him, thinking he was the one getting in the way. Awkwardly, I let go. His arm lifted, revealing deep red marks from where I'd squeezed too hard.

Without a word, he turned and walked off. I slowly sat up, feeling sticky and uncomfortable. I'd definitely broken a sweat-probably a sign the fever had finally passed. "Here, put this on. Don't catch another cold," Hayden said, coming back with a blanket.

I reached out to grab it, but my grip was still weak, and I almost dropped it. He ended up draping it over me himself, then handed me a warm, damp cloth to wipe my hands.

For a moment, I felt like a kid again-sick, vulnerable, being cared for the way my parents had when I was little.

"Can you manage eating on your own?" Hayden asked, setting a bowl of fragrant pumpkin soup in front of

1. me.

me? If he were my boyfriend, I wouldn't hesitate, but he wasn't. And the

spoon, but my hand trembled, the

his hand over mine.

rather drink some water first," I said, suddenly aware

handed me a glass of water without a word. I drank it down in one go, pleasantly surprised to find it was the perfect temperature, with just a hint of honey. I felt a little touched, though "thank you" seemed too small for

butter shrimp, fried cabbage, lemon honey pork ribs, and cucumber

I asked, unable to resist as I savored another

there to investigate? Your

"But everything you've given me, even the candy, feels like something only someone really close to me

for a second. Then, he casually said, "This is what any good boyfriend

Boyfriend?

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Chapter 190

tell him we were done? Had he not taken

not to ruin the moment with heavy talk. Instead, I stayed quiet and focused on finishing my meal. "Did something happen?" Hayden asked as I neared

to respond. So much had