Right Person, Wrong Time

Chapter 776

After playing for a while, Colton and Hayden returned to Nicole's side.

When Hayden caught sight of an ice cream stall, he pointed at it and said, "I want some ice cream. Please wait for me here." Upon finishing his words, he jogged toward the stall.

A worried Nicole wanted to tag along, but Colton grabbed her wrist. His voice was hoarse and masculine as he said, "He's not far from us. We can watch him from here. Don't worry."

Nicole stopped and retracted her hand from the man's grip before cocking her head to the side.

With Hayden gone, the two of them were left alone. Although there was some distance between them, Nicole felt awkward. Colton looked down at his feet without saying anything. Then, he lifted his head and gazed at Hayden, who was buying ice cream.

Soon, Hayden came back with a cone. After he licked it, there was some ice cream on his lips. He looked up at Nicole and lifted the cone. "Give it a try, Mommy. It's delicious."

As Nicole looked at his expectant face, she didn't have the heart to turn him down, so she picked him up and licked the ice cream as well. The milky flavor soon spread across her tongue. Finding the taste refreshing, she grunted.

Hayden hurriedly asked, "Is it good?"

A pleasant smile appeared on Nicole's lips as she nodded. "It's delicious."

In an instant, Hayden beamed at her, then he turned to look at Colton and held out the cone for him. "Have a taste as well, Daddy. It's sweet."

As Nicole carried the child, she stiffened. Gazing at Colton, she said, "Forget it, Hayden. I don't think your daddy loves sweet stuff."

The instant she finished speaking, Colton extended his head and licked the part of the ice cream where Nicole had had a taste before. The white ice cream stuck to his lips. He licked his lips upon the realization, causing Nicole to blush. He looked the woman in the eyes and said something that seemed to have a deeper meaning. "It's indeed sweet," he commented.

They then kept Hayden company as they took part in all the activities that the child could play. Hayden had never been happier, and Nicole was gratified. Colton is a good father—at least for now.

Regardless of what Hayden said, Colton would listen to him attentively.

When it was over, they went to a nearby restaurant and had dinner. After that, Hayden was so exhausted that he dozed off in the backseat. He seemed to be sound asleep as he curled up.

Colton turned to look at Nicole and said, "I think it's wonderful that we can hang out like a family of three."

Nicole's eyelids twitched as her hands on her thighs stiffened. She squinted at the man momentarily and replied impassively, "Please stop pulling my leg, President Gardner."

Colton gaped at her without a word.

Night fell when they finally reached home. Colton didn't enter the house, and he left the place after they got out of the car.

Nicole carefully carried Hayden out of the vehicle, but she still accidentally woke him up.

Hayden was still in a groggy state when he asked in a small voice, "Can't things always stay this way, Mommy?"

Nicole felt her chest tightening. As she looked at the little one who had closed his eyes again, she felt helpless and sorry for him. She grunted in a muffled voice, then brought him to his room.

Hayden was sleepy. He yawned, found a comfortable position, and slumbered off.