Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 688

I stood close enough that my voice dropped to a soft, teasing lilt. It was on purpose I wanted to see how far I could push him.

They say men are terrible at resisting a little flirting. Time to test the theory.

"Your place," I murmured, adding just enough suggestion.

But Xander didn't even blink. Cool as ever, he stepped back, putting a safe gap between us. "Let's go to yours."

It was almost irritating how unshakable he was, like Hayden had been when we first met. Always calm, always in control, no matter how hard I tried to trip him up.

I took him back to my apartment, and while he got to work in the kitchen, I stayed in the living room, stealing glances at him.

He tied on the apron Hayden used to wear. The way he moved-washing, chopping, everything methodical and precise-it hit me like déjà vu. For a split second, it felt like Hayden was right there.

I let myself believe it, just for a moment.

But then reality crept in like always, poking holes in my fantasy, and the cycle started all over again. Believe, doubt. Doubt, believe. Rinse, repeat.

Curled up on the couch with my knees to my chest, I stared at Xander, totally lost in my own head, when my phone buzzed. Yuna.

not asleep, right?" she asked,

I said,

late? You haven't eaten yet?

side, making

hesitated, then added, "Keira, have you talked to him recently? I still can't get through. It's making me nervous." "Yeah, we've been in touch," I said, barely paying attention as I

Three stirs. Exactly three.

used to do that-every single time he made cream soup. Not once or twice, but like it was hardwired

possible? Just

so thrown I didn't even catch what Yuna said next. Before I knew it, I was on my feet, drifting toward the

up on the phone. "Wait, are you calling Hayden? Is

stare, then quickly ducked my head and stepped

say his name?" Yuna

25 BONUS

him," I mumbled,

sighed, soft and almost pitiful. "I miss

her so many times already. One more, and she'd probably stop believing me

drifted toward the kitchen, catching Xander's faint reflection in

pressed, not letting up. "Like, how

bit my lip. "In the next