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

Chapter 837

The rest of my words caught in my throat as Hayden pulled me into his arms.

His cheek brushed mine, his voice low and steady. "Lena's fine. I didn't hurt her. She's safe, I swear."

His scent, his warmth, his words-they worked slowly easing the panic clawing at my

chest.

"You're not lying?" I asked, my voice trembling

"I'm not lying. Aaron's with her. He'll bring her back," he murmured, his lips brushing my

hair.

"Then why are you here?" I wasn't ready to let this go so easily.

His breath tickled against my skin. "Because I missed you. I missed you too much."

Missed me? Really?

minute he was cold and unreadable, and the next, he was this warm, familiar version of himself again. It was

my eyes because he loosened his hold, his hand grazing my cheek. "Hit me, yell

you really Hayden?" I asked quietly, skipping

on his

hand and pressed it against his chest. But I pulled my hand back, needing space. I walked into the apartment and sat on the couch, eyeing the fruit platter on the coffee table and the smell of fresh food in the air. Looking over at the dining table, I froze. It was set with all my favorite

hand. "Kiki, I know you're upset.

too well-too well for my liking. I pulled my hand

237

cared too much. But the version of Hayden who'd taken

Not with the memory

me, then nodded softly. "Let's eat

1/2

475 BONUS

My appetite was nonexistent, but the baby growing inside me had other plans. I sat

since you've had a proper meal. Taste it

I remembered. His cooking

But I had.

I ate more than I expected. When I looked up, I realized he hadn't touched his plate. "Why aren't you eating? Did you poison the food?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. He laughed. "A little late to worry about

point I'd already