Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 18: No Take Backs

After collecting myself, I walked back out to the main room. I could see the curiosity all over Hayden's face.

"Who was that?" he asked, trying to sound calm. He seemed nervous though. I chuckled and walked over to him. Holding on to his hips, I pushed up on my tippy toes and kissed him gently as a smile spread across my face. "I'm so glad that I'm here," I said instead. Hayden only frowned.

"You sounded upset... like you were arguing with someone," he noted. My smile feel and my hands slipped away from him. I walked to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water.

"That was my dad," I finally answered. "It was nothing, he wanted you to... it was nothing," I stopped myself. I felt his arms slip around my waist. He rocked my gently as his lips pressed against my temple.

"If you say so," he muttered. I smiled lightly and stepped out of his embrace.

"I'm going to go get ready for bed," I said. He pulled my waist closer to him as he gazed at me intensely. My breath caught at his smoldering look. His other hand pulled my chin up to kiss him. My eyes fluttered close. Both of his hands pulled on my waist. He laid my down on the couch and practically ripped off my pants. I pushed on his shoulders gently. "Hayden," I muttered. He pulled away and searched my face for a moment. I tried to catch my breath as I sat up.

"Sorry, I just... I don't know. I-I'm going to go take a cold shower," he muttered, getting up. He went to his room and locked the door behind him. I shook my head and pushed my hair back. What was that?

I went the whole week without bringing up the ball to Hayden, but the more I thought about it, the better it sounded. Hayden dressed up in a tux, him meeting my father, the wine, the food, the entertainment. It was appealing. I talked to my dad a few more times. He offered to let Hayden and I stay at a hotel if I didn't want to use the beach house or apartment he had down there. Practices were running smoothly. At the end of the week, a box arrived at the warehouse. We'd just finished running through the contemporary routine and were taking a break.

"Where did that come from?" I asked, grabbing my water bottle. I twisted off the cap and took a drink. Luca picked off a note that was on top.

went ahead and sent your dress. Love, Dad," Luca read off. My eyes widened and I almost spit up my water. I saw Hayden looking at the box curiously. I tried to grab the box, but Luca already had it open. Luca pulled out a costume. My dad sent us costumes, for the girls and guys. I rolled my eyes. I

the matter with you?" Lana asked. I turned

can't just try to buy me when he feels like I'm mad

say from behind me. I turned to find him holding up a lavender dress with off the shoulder straps and looking at the tag. It had tulle all over the skirt and silk corset top. It was long and had silver beading on the high waist. It had a straight neckline. It was elegant and beautiful. It was also very expensive. I

to kill

you serious?" Hayden

to explain. "I'm going to send all of this back and we're going to pretend

something?" Lana asked. I immediately started

just... me,"

take costume costs out of the budget now. Feel free to send the dress back though, but I don't know why you would want to," Luca said. I sighed as Luca took the costumes out of the box and laid them out on the couch. I picked up the dress in its

fine," I sighed before I started walking out. Hayden jogged to catch up

seem... mad that your dad got you a beautiful

He got in the car but he didn't start it. He leaned over and kissed my neck. I felt tingles in

said. A soft smile

me up for a moment, but

warehouse?" I yelled as soon

trying to do something for you," he

wanted to do something, you would come spend time with your daughter; not try to buy her forgiveness!" I snapped back. I knew that