Hayden tugged me towards him before rolling until I was half on top of him.
“What are you doing?” I asked unsure.
“Thank you for being honest with me.”
“Oh.” Not what I was expecting, but okay. I’d go with it.
Lifting his head up, Hayden kissed my lips so softly that if I hadn't been paying attention, I never would’ve known he’d even done it. “Do I need to give you a reason to stay?”
Blinking back tears, my heart felt like it was being strangled as I struggled with the overwhelming emotions. “You’ve given me every reason to stay,” I whispered into the darkness, grateful Hayden couldn’t see my face right now.
When he brushed the pad of his thumb over my cheek, my heart cracked wide open and he waltzed straight in. I’d been trying to protect myself, trying to convince myself we were just friends. Friends helping each other get through something horrific. Friends who slipped and ended up in bed together having a fucking fantastic time. I didn’t regret a single moment and I wouldn’t take it back for the world, but I’d never felt this open, exposed, and vulnerable before and I wasn’t sure I liked it.
“Don’t cry. I’ve got you. And in the morning, I’m going to prove it to you,” Hayden whispered before pulling my head down towards him and kissing me with everything he had.
This kiss wasn’t about sex. It wasn’t hard or hurried. It wasn’t full of burning passion and desire. This kiss was sweet, caring, kind, and filled with… Nope. I didn’t want to go there. I couldn’t go there. There were too many hurdles that needed to be overcome first.
“Thank you,” I replied, nuzzling into the crook of Hayden’s neck before letting the darkness engulf me and sleep to drag me under.
I woke up alone, and I panicked.
I didn’t want to admit it, but waking up alone when you expected someone next to you, was a shitty feeling.I probably would’ve felt worse except I could hear Hayden banging around in the kitchen, swearing and cursing.
Sneaking out of bed, I ducked into the bathroom to brush my teeth and try to tame the bird's nest on my head before I scrambled back into bed, tucking myself under the sheets barely a moment before Hayden appeared, tray in hand and the scent of coffee lingering tantalizingly.
“Good morning.” He smiled, setting the tray down and leaning over to place a kiss on my lips, making me thankful I’d freshened up.
“Morning.” I smiled up at him. “You’re up earlier than I thought you’d be.”
“Someone snores.”
“I do not!” I protested quickly.
Hayden chuckled and somehow it soothed my worries. “Nah, you don’t. But you do talk in your sleep.”
“No I don’t. Do I? Oh my God. What’d I say?”
I could feel my cheeks burning as dread filled me.
Dropping down on the mattress beside me, Hayden kissed me again. “Nothing really. Well not that I could understand anyway.”
“Kill me now,” I moaned, pulling the sheet up over my head, attempting to hide.
With a chuckle, Hayden yanked it back down. “I’ve got coffee.”
“I hate you right now,” I grumbled.
“Nah, you only wish you did.” He smirked over the brim of his own mug.
After breakfast and half an hour of toe-curling cardio, we finally managed to get dressed and out the door. Hayden didn’t have all day, he’d need a nap at some point but he was determined to get out of the apartment.
Out on the street, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know how to act or what to do. Thankfully Hayden, as usual, was one step ahead of me. Reaching down he tangled his fingers with mine and guided me through the crowds.
We were in the bedding section of a department store, looking at a new comforter and everything felt so… so… domestic. So easy. So carefree. And when the store assistant trying to help us told us what a cute couple we were, I almost snorted.
“That was awkward,” I commented as she walked away.
“Yep. But hey, it could be worse.”
