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

Chapter 300

The scene was as awkward as you'd expect.

Except for Hayden.

"Just a moment," he said calmly, carrying me over to the couch like it was the most natural thing in the world.

He didn't rush out either. Instead, he took his time, wiping my hands with a wet wipe. "Eat first. The soup's a little hot, so take it slow."

Wayne hovered awkwardly at the door, clearly unsure if he should step inside or make a run for it. Even I felt the tension.

"I can manage, thanks," I said, hoping Hayden would take the hint and go see what Wayne needed.

Before leaving. Hayden made sure to open all the food containers, even placing the utensils in front of me with such care it almost felt like a final blow to Wayne Standing there in the doorway, Wayne had to watch this whole display of tenderness. I couldn't imagine how much it must've hurt, considering his feelings for me.

"What did you want to talk about?" Hayden asked as he walked over to the door.

Wayne stepped out, and they started talking in hushed tones, too low for me to catch.

Hayden came back three minutes later, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever.

Since I couldn't get a read on him, I decided to just ask. "What did Wayne want?" I asked, sipping my soup. "Nothing much," Hayden said, brushing it off. Then, maybe realizing how vague that sounded, he added, He was trying to recruit me." I blinked in surprise. "Recruit you? For RiverwaveCorp?

executive director now. Recruiting new talent wasn't his job-it should be handled by HR

what was the point of everything he said to me earlier? Was he testing me, or maybe

Just asked if I'd be interested,"

stirred my soup with my spoon. "And what did you

bluntly, without a hint of

So

He glanced at me. "What's

laughing at how direct you are. It's kind of adorable,"

handed me a commeal pancake. "That's

Chapter 300

#25 BONUS

compliment you then?" I teased,

You can compliment me, but

guard for a second, before realizing what he

fingers brushed. The tiny spark between us was hard to ignore. "Hayden, you're a bit possessive,

"Yeah, but only when

sweet-talker, always ready with a romantic line to catch

the pancake. It was soft and slightly sweet, delicious, but still different from the ones my mom used

now that my mom was gone, I'd

it good?" Hayden