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.

boyfriend, I wouldn't hesitate, but he wasn't. And the embarrassment from my drunken confession last night still

by picking up the spoon, but my hand trembled, the

placed his hand

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

to find it was the perfect

simple but perfect: garlic butter shrimp, fried cabbage,

asked,

"What's there

I pressed on anyway. "But everything you've given me, even the candy, feels like something only

his spoon hovering for a second. Then, he casually said, "This is what

Boyfriend?

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Chapter 190

him we were

the care he'd shown, I decided not to ruin the moment with heavy talk. Instead, I stayed quiet and focused on finishing my meal. "Did something happen?"

fork, unsure how to respond. So much had