Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Hello 407

Chapter 407

+25 BONUS

A wave of sadness hit me, my nose tingling like I was about to cry. "Seriously, Hayden? I didn't think you'd be this petty. You won't even hear me out?"

"I'm not ignoring you," he shot back. "I called you, but you didn't pick up."

I could totally picture him losing it, scrolling through security footage, finding out I'd left with Jace.

Jace had already told me Hayden was looking for me. I grabbed Hayden's hand. "I wasn't ignoring you on purpose. I was in the ICU."

"I know," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's why I'm not mad. And as for why you couldn't reach me, you'll see soon."

His eyes flicked to the apartment building. "I haven't slept or even had water since you left last night. I'm exhausted and thirsty."

His words made my heart ache. I walked ahead, scolding him. "You knew I had to leave for something serious. Why didn't you rest? And what's this about not drinking water?" He didn't answer, so I dropped it and hurried us inside,

As soon as we got through the door, Hayden set his suitcase and a bag of fruit down, then suddenly had me pinned against the shoe cabinet, his eyes locked on mine.

The way he was looking at me? My breath hitched. I swallowed. "I'll get you some water."

he admitted, freezing me

thought we'd cleared this up already. He'd sounded so understanding outside. Guess

have

a

with a kiss, pulling me in, his

kidding when he said he was thirsty-his lips were dry, rough, and yet somehow, it only made my pulse race

it," he whispered against my lips when he finally pulled away, breathless. "But I was still jealous." That hit me right in the chest. I knew that

wrapping my arms around his neck, trying to calm him down. He nuzzled my nose in that soft, sweet way that made me smile. "So, where's

led him to the living room and handed him a glass of water.

pulling out his phone and mine-and handed

couldn't reach me," he

+25 BONUS

Chapter 407

teased,

glanced between the

watch your friend's competition," he explained. "This is the full video. He crushed

tears pricked at my eyes as I watched

He got me.

to be there, and he knew I'd regret missing it. So, he went for me, sure I didn't miss out. And to avoid distractions, he put his phone on

dropping the phone and wrapping my arms