Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right
Hello 390

Chapter 390

Hayden's tone was serious, and for a second, my teasing mood completely evaporated. I looked at him closely-he seemed worn down, probably from dealing with Yuna's recovery and now this drama with me. I softened a bit, pulling him closer. "Steve and I are just friends, that's why I can joke about him. There's literally nothing to worry about."

The second the words left my mouth, I realized they came out wrong. I didn't mean to say there was nothing to hide-it wasn't about hiding anything. I just didn't care because it wasn't that deep. Hayden's face relaxed a little. "I know," he said quietly, "but it still bothers me."

And yeah, I got it. If he were talking about some girl non-stop, I'd probably be annoyed too. Heck, I might've kicked him out of the car by now.

"Sorry, that was wrong of me," I apologized quickly, feeling a little guilty.

Hayden's expression softened, but there was still a glint in his eyes. "Saying sorry isn't enough around here," he said, his tone teasing but with that hint of something more.

T

I caught on right away and leaned in closer, lowering my voice. "I'll make it up to you room."

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his ears went red. Yeah, he definitely got the message.

ater-back in the

Seeing him flustered like that made my playful side kick back in. "Hayden, I'm tired," I said, pretending to yawn dramatically.

"I'll carry you," he shot back without even thinking, totally serious.

We were in the middle of a crowded hotel lobby, and while he might've been all about that grand gesture, I wasn't ready for it. "No, I was just teasing. I don't need-"

Before I could finish, Hayden swept me off my feet-but instead of carrying me, he plopped me right on top of the suitcase and started pushing me along.

I burst out laughing. I'd never been pushed on a suitcase before.

Back when I traveled with Jace for work, I was always the one hauling the luggage. I'd be in heels, dragging bags that were way too heavy, and yeah, sometimes I wished he'd do something silly like push me on a suitcase. But I never asked. It felt too childish. Too silly. Now, with Hayden, I didn't even have to ask. He just did it, making me feel like a carefree kid as he pushed me through the lobby, both of us laughing.

When we got to the elevator, I started to slide off, but Hayden held me there.

"You won't be able to push me in while I'm

ing on it," I said.

"How do you know if we don't try?" he said, flashing that stubborn side of his.

J couldn't help but grin back. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

Hayden's expression shifted, and I could tell he was thinking of something else. I laughed, realizing how easily my teasing had thrown him off track.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 390

Just as I was enjoying the moment, the elevator doors slid open-and my smile froze.

Jace was standing there.

His eyes narrowed when he saw me, but he quickly pulled himself together, especially when he noticed Hayden. He wasn't alone either; someone was trailing behind him, looking almost nervous. "Mr. Johnston, after we check out the venue, I've arranged a dinner. If there are any other friends or relatives you'd like to invite, please let me know."

"I have no one else," Jace said, his gaze never leaving me as he stepped out of the elevator.

The guy started to say something but froze when he saw me, his face lighting up. "Ms. Kay?!"

He practically buzzed with excitement. "Mr. Johnston, I didn't know your fiancée was here."

I wasn't expecting to get recognized so fast, but honestly, it wasn't surprising. Jace and I had been together for so long, people still saw me as his fiancée.

Jace's words from long ago echoed in my mind: 'Rea, in everyone's eyes, we're already married.'

Suddenly feeling awkward, I started to slide off the suitcase, ready to stand, but Jace's voice cut through the moment. "You've got the wrong person."

I froze, one foot hovering above the floor, and looked up at him.