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

Chapter 474

I didn't say a word.

Jace leaned closer. "Rea..."

"Don't you think it's kinda low to say something like that right now?" My words cut through the air, stopping him cold.

He froze, staring at me, his face turning red-shame and defeat written all over it. "Yeah... I've let my feelings cloud my judgment before. Hurt Desmond.

"And now, after you risked everything to save me, I've messed things up between you and Hayden too.

"And here I am, shamelessly trying to take advantage of the situation by saying something like that..."

He shook his head, disgusted with himself. "I'm not just a bad person-I'm not even worthy anymore." Without another word, he turned and left.

When Wayne and I headed to the airport, Jace didn't show up to say goodbye.

At the airport, Wayne handled check-in while I sat quietly in the waiting area, feeling... hollow. So hollow it was like my soul had detached, floating somewhere far off. I had no idea where I was going or what I wanted anymore.

"Miss, are you traveling alone?" A soft, sweet voice suddenly pulled me out of my fog.

to me. She had bright eyes, her face full of innocent curiosity. Even though she was clearly foreign, something about her reminded me of home. They say kids can heal hearts, and in that moment, I believed it. Just seeing her brought me back

smiled. "No, I'm not traveling.

and daddy?" she asked, her innocent

I could. But they were gone

I didn't want to burden a child with my sadness. I nodded gently. "And to see my

shy, playful look like I'd just shared

so funny?" I

leaning in closer with a mischievous smile. "I

too.

laugh. It was

That's

still lisping a bit. I figured "boyfriend" probably meant a close

clearly thrilled with my reaction. Leaning in

+25 BONUS

Chapter 474

boyfriend too."

Is your boyfriend as

nodded eagerly, then

handsome. I couldn't stop smiling-she was just too cute. Even at her age, she knew

handsome too, and cool," I said, thinking of Hayden. I threw in a little salute for