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

Chapter 688

I stood close enough that my voice dropped to a soft, teasing lilt. It was on purpose I wanted to see how far I could push him.

They say men are terrible at resisting a little flirting. Time to test the theory.

"Your place," I murmured, adding just enough suggestion.

But Xander didn't even blink. Cool as ever, he stepped back, putting a safe gap between us. "Let's go to yours."

It was almost irritating how unshakable he was, like Hayden had been when we first met. Always calm, always in control, no matter how hard I tried to trip him up.

I took him back to my apartment, and while he got to work in the kitchen, I stayed in the living room, stealing glances at him.

He tied on the apron Hayden used to wear. The way he moved-washing, chopping, everything methodical and precise-it hit me like déjà vu. For a split second, it felt like Hayden was right there.

I let myself believe it, just for a moment.

But then reality crept in like always, poking holes in my fantasy, and the cycle started all over again. Believe, doubt. Doubt, believe. Rinse, repeat.

Curled up on the couch with my knees to my chest, I stared at Xander, totally lost in my own head, when my phone buzzed. Yuna.

you're not asleep, right?" she asked, her voice

said, not taking my

yet? What'd you do-takeout or

my side,

I still can't get through. It's making me nervous." "Yeah, we've been in touch," I said, barely paying attention as

Three stirs. Exactly three.

made cream soup. Not once or twice, but like it was hardwired into him. And now Xander was doing it

that even possible? Just a

I didn't even catch what Yuna said next. Before I knew it, I was on my feet, drifting toward the kitchen. "Hayden..." The name slipped out without thinking. Xander

lit up on the phone. "Wait, are you calling Hayden? Is

under Xander's curious stare, then quickly ducked my head and stepped onto the

say his

25 BONUS

him," I mumbled,

soft and almost pitiful. "I miss him too. When's he coming

her so many times already. One more, and

catching Xander's faint reflection in the balcony

Yuna pressed, not letting up.

"In the next