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.

asleep, right?" she

for dinner," I said, not taking my eyes

You haven't eaten yet? What'd you

my side,

here, he'd never let you cook for yourself." She hesitated, then added, "Keira, have you talked to him recently? I still can't get through. It's making me nervous." "Yeah, we've been in touch," I said, barely paying attention as I watched Xander stir the pumpkin cream

Three stirs. Exactly three.

time he made cream soup. Not once or twice, but like it was hardwired into him.

even possible? Just

knew it, I was on my feet, drifting toward the kitchen. "Hayden..."

"Wait, are you calling Hayden? Is he

under Xander's curious stare, then quickly ducked my head and stepped onto the balcony. "No,"

why'd you say his

25 BONUS

miss him," I mumbled,

"I

so many times already. One more, and

toward the kitchen, catching Xander's faint reflection in the balcony glass.

pressed, not letting up. "Like, how soon?

lip. "In the next couple