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

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

his hand over mine. "Take

rather drink some water first," I said, suddenly aware of how dehydrated I felt after sweating

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

dinner spread was simple but perfect: garlic butter shrimp, fried cabbage, lemon honey pork ribs, and

spying on me?" I asked,

me. "What's there to investigate? Your taste

me, even the candy, feels like something only someone really close to me would

paused mid-bite, his spoon hovering for a second. Then, he

Boyfriend?

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Chapter 190

him we were

me and the memory of all 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?" Hayden asked as I neared the

how to respond. So much