Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 839

I glanced over at Hayden. He was already awake, his gaze soft and knowing.

"Dr. Lane," I shot back, "are you slacking off lately? You're an OB-GYN, but you're throwing around lines like that? Who's really got the dirty mind here?"

Lena's laughter exploded through the phone. "Me? All I said was 'love paradise'! You're the one who made it sound X-rated. Don't blame me for where your mind went!"

I was speechless for a moment, then blurted out, "How are you? Are you hurt?"

This was what worried me most.

Even though Hayden had promised me Lena was fine, I needed to hear it from her directly.

"Didn't your Hayden already tell you? Or did you not even let him talk and just went straight for the jugular?" Lena teased, knowing me all too well.

When it came down to Hayden or my best friend, I was always picking her.

"I want to hear it from you," I said, noticing it wasn't a video call.

"Fine, I'll call you on video. I didn't start with that in case I interrupted something... intimate. You know, a live show," she said, her words dripping with innuendo.

and turn your camera on," I huffed, ending the

video.

waited, Hayden

to grab it just

Hayden?" she

water. What, you miss him already? Catch feelings after all that time

him for a year, I might've been in trouble,"

didn't overthink it. I knew her too well to take her seriously. Besides, Hayden had already explained how he'd taken care of her during those days-every move calculated to keep her safe and, yeah,

hair with dramatic flair. "Obviously. Your bestie only picks the cream of the crop.

the confidence!"

1/2

in a plug Menket. Her fare

and jump around Spin for me $uh, squinting at the screen like I was trying to spot inviside

T

me to

you're not hiding anything," I joked, playing,

think you get to see this?"

last bit of my anxiety, Hayden had told the truth she was fine,

"Uncle Aaron brought me here. No idea where this is," she said nonchalantly. Hearing she was with Aaron brought a wave of relief. "Good. If he's with you, I can finally stop worrying. But come

was a pause