“You can stay at my place,” Hayden says before my best friend can answer. “I have plenty of space.”
My heart lurches. Is he out of his mind? I can’t stay at his penthouse. I can’t be in such close proximity to him.
“Maybe I can stay at yours?” I peer at Nastya, silently begging her to agree.
“Sorry, Ry. My mom and Ksyusha will be here on Thursday.”
I blink.Shit. I knew her family was visiting. The lack of sleep and the stress of dealing with my ruined things are scrambling my brain.
“As much as I mean it when I tell you you’re always welcome, our place is already going to be crowded.” She smiles apologetically. “I think you should take him up on his offer.”
I give her anAre you for real?look, but she only arches an eyebrow, as if challenging me to argue. Instead, I huff and toss my rag onto the shelf. She’s backed me into a corner.
“You’d have your own room, and my place is closer to the studio. It’s a win all around,” Hayden chimes in. “And I’ll feel better knowing you’re safe and won’t be breathing in fumes and soot. I’m sure our family will feel the same.”
Our family. The phrase almost makes me gag. I don’t want him to be my family, not in the sense he’s implying.
Staying here will surely be bad for my health, but staying with Hayden will be bad for my heart. Maybe exposure therapy will do me some good. Maybe seeing him day after day, flaws and all, will help me let go.
I take a deep breath and instantly regret it. Now my lungs are full of soot and God knows what else.
With my face buried in the crook of my elbow, I cough. Then, straightening, I zero in on Hayden. “Okay. Thank you for offering.” I scan the dingy room. “I’ll find someone to come clean. That way, I won’t be abusing your hospitality for longer than a few days.”
“You’re welcome to stay for as long as you need.” He gives me a cheeky smile. “Do you need my help with anything?”
“Could you take out the trash? Nastya can help me pack.”
“Okay.” He dips his chin. “I’ll wait in my car, give you some space. Call when you’re done packing, and I’ll help you bring your stuff down.”
Without waiting for an answer, he turns onhis heel and walks out. When it’s just Nastya and me, I sag against the wall, my head hanging low.
“This will be a disaster,” I mutter.
She steps in front of me and puts her hand on my shoulder. “This is the best option for now. If you need to escape, you can hang out with my mom and sister and me.”
“You’re right.” I meet her eyes. “Just…it’s going to be hard to stay with him while I’m trying to get over my crush.”
“It’ll probably only take a couple of days once you’re there. I’d bet anything he leaves his dirty laundry on the floor and the toilet seat up.”
With a laugh, I shake my head. “I hope you’re right. My poor heart can’t keep taking hits when it comes to him.”
Rather than call Hayden, we bring my things down ourselves. When he sees us, he scowls and hops out of the driver’s seat. I ignore him, tossing my things into the back of his SUV and reminding myself I am in control of this situation, no matter how bizarre it seems.
Before I climb into his car, Nastya hugs me extra tight and tells me to call her when I need her, even if it’s just for a distraction.
And I’m sure as hell I’ll need it.
Steppinginto Hade’s penthouse with my suitcase in tow feels weird. My mouth is dry, my hands clammy. I’ve been here dozens of times, yet it suddenly feels like unfamiliar territory. Hade’s presence only adds to my discomfort. After last Friday, I’m on edge just being around him.
“I’ll show you to your room.” He steals my duffel from me and strolls down the hallway.
I follow, willing my nerves to calm and my heartbeat to steady. It’s just Hayden, and I won’t be here for long. This is a temporary arrangement. I shouldn’t let myself get all worked up.
“Here you are.” He eases a door open and steps inside the guestroom. His movements are a little disjointed, and if I’m not mistaken, his cheeks are slightly pink. He even fluffs a pillow nervously, like he’s uncomfortable too. “I hope you like it.”
It takes everything in me to plaster on a smile. “Thanks. It’s lovely.”
The crease between his eyebrows deepens. He opens his mouth and closes it again. Then, with a short nod, he heads out of the room. “I’ll leave you to unpack.”
