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

+25 BONUS Chapter

696

Xander got some serious guts. He knew Wayne had been after me, yet he still stepped up like it was nothing. Bold move, honestly-I didn't see that coming from him.

But with Demi possibly hanging around DracoLux, I had to prioritize that. "Sorry, I've

told him.

Sot other plans tonight," I

Xander? Totally unbothered. "Alright. If you need anything just let me know." Then he left without a fuss.

At the elevator, someone called him "Mr. Hart" again. He just nodded, cool as ever

gave me a polite nod and

not correcting them.

quietly observing, chimed in. "He really does look like Hayden. So, what do you

shut it down too fast, or Wayne would get suspicious. So, I kept it casual with a small smile. "No idea.

"Hayden used to get all fancy with

benefit. If he thought Xander was stepping into Hayden's shoes, he might snap, and I couldn't have that-yet. At the same time, I needed Wayne to think he still had a shot. A little stringing along never hurt anyone. "Find

yesterday," I said, popping open the container.

were slider buns and

credit where it's due-his cooking was top-notch. Just looking at it was enough to make

serious side hustle," Wayne remarked, sounding oddly impressed. "With cooking like this, he could run his

You've gotta taste it, too," I said, leaning into the double meaning

"It's

this solo." I smiled and held the

actually eat. Whatever. I

you didn't eat meatballs,"

ignored him, focusing on the first bite. As the flavor hit, I froze. The rich, saucy meatball tasted

my throat, my hands trembling slightly. How could Xander possibly nail this?