Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 20: Just You

The next morning, I woke up to find Hayden's arms around me loosely. Our legs were tangles together and I could feel his warm, steady breath on my neck. I rolled over to lay on him and smiled. His eyes fluttered open sleepily. When he saw me, he closed his eyes and smiled.

"I love you," he said sleepily. I chuckled and kissed him gently. His hands went to hold my waist as he deepened the kiss. I felt him get excited as he pulled me closer to him. I chuckled and pulled away from him. He looked at me briefly before he flipped me over and kissed me again. My legs went around his waist automatically. "Hayden, no," I muttered. I might have been saying no, but both of our bodies were saying yes. Hayden hesitated before he stopped kissing me. His head lolled in the crook of my neck as he tried to catch his breath.

"I don't think I'll be able to hold out on this bet any longer," he muttered into my skin. I laughed and slipped from under him to stand. I stretched and smiled at him.

"You'll be fine," I said. He practically groaned before he sat up.

"I guess I'll go take another cold shower... again," he said grumpily. I belly laughed as he walked to his bathroom. After we showered, we drove to the warehouse for practice. We ran the routine in the costumes a few times before we changed and just relaxed. "Hey, we're still going to your dad's charity ball thing in three weeks, right?" Quinn asked. I nodded.

"Hayden is going with us too," I informed her.

"Charity ball? Is your dad rich or something?" Luca asked.

"He's rolling in it," Hayden answered for me. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Is not," I countered. Quinn laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Yes he is Jojo," she said, backing up Hayden. I looked at their faces. They seemed so smug about it. Luca's face was different. He looked like he just came up with the best plan in the world.

that week away to just be Hayden and me, but I could see now how that wasn't going to happen anymore. "Maybe the crew

about the idea now. Their eyes brightened at the thought. "No way, it's in a few weeks. It's too short of a notice," I tried. The only one who didn't seem all that

dance at the ball. People would be mortified. My eyes widened and I shook my head. "There's not a chance in hell of us doing that one. Half of the people there

up. I sighed and closed my eyes. There were really determined to do this. I sighed. There was no way I was winning this one. "Fine, I'll ask," I agreed.

when you are," he said. I thanked him quietly and

that I didn't. It, surprising, didn't bother me that much. "Hey, Hayden!" Sophia called after him. Hayden turned and looked at her. "Call me later," she said. She was starting to bother me with her persistence. I walked forward without him. He grabbed me around the waist and I

before he set me down. I pushed my hair back behind my ear and smiled at him. I interlaced my

I said. His

should meet your dad," Hayden

fine,"

of the camera. My dad smiled at me. "Hi, princess. How's it going?" he asked. My dad was a bit more on the accepting side than my mom was. It was part of

Hayden, aren't you?" he asked. I glanced at Hayden before I

crew was wondering if we could perform at the ball; just as a little entertainment in between the other songs or something. It's okay if you

Maybe even rent out the hotel ballroom as a practice space for you guys beforehand. I'm just glad that you found something over here that you enjoy. I'll support whatever it is 100%. You know that," he agreed. I groaned inwardly before I remembered Hayden sitting

one. Hayden gave a tight smile before he stuck his head in the

McCormick," he

got to run, but call me again tomorrow, okay pumpkin?" he said. I was a little disappointed that he had to go so soon but I was used to it by

love you, bye," I said, before signing off. I closed my laptop and set it

sighed and moved to lay

said dryly. I loved my dad but it seemed like he was trying to buy my love sometimes. I wasn't complaining about it, I'd just wished that he actually spent time with me. It only got worse after Thomas died. I wanted him to