I cringe at the question. “Nope.” With the phone tucked between my ear and my shoulder, I check on the roasted chicken in sweet-and-sour sauce I left warming in the oven. “I’m not sweating it. I’m fine.”
“As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Any fun plans for the weekend?”
“Nastya’s mom and sister are coming tomorrow, so I’ll be mostly on my own.”
“Maybe you and Hayden can hang out. It would do him good to have company.”
The sound of the elevator catches my attention, and the butterflies in my stomach dance again.
“Maybe,” I mumble, distracted as I listen for Hayden. “How are you? How are the kids?”
Our call only lasts a few more minutes. As I say goodbye, Hayden strolls into the kitchen. He’s wearing a pair of black sweats, his chest bare once again. My heart gallops, pumping blood through my veins and heating my skin.
He flashes me a lopsided grin. “Hey, roommate.”
I snort.
“How was your day?” He sidles up near me, smiling.
“Just like any other. Lots of kids, glitter, and classical music.” I turn to face him, one hand on the edge of the counter. “What about yours?”
“All good. Played babysitter to Santi so Ines could get her nails done.” He sniffs the air. “Did you cook?”
“Sweet-and-sour chicken. Want some?”
His eyes flash with genuine delight. “Hell yeah.”
“God, this is perfection,”he murmurs after his first bite. “I didn’t know you were such a good cook. I’m not sure I want you to leave. If you’re not careful, I might tie you up and keep you.”
His tone is teasing. It’s a joke, but my core tightens in response; my body clearly hasn’t gotten the memo. “Are you into BDSM? If so, we can definitely discuss the ways in which you can tie me up.”
With his fork in the air, rice falling onto his plate, he gapes.
“I’m joking,” I reassure him.
Something really close to surprise passes over his irises, but it’s too fleeting for me to be sure.
“I wasn’t expecting a comment like that from you.” He shakes his head as if to clear his mind. “Um, I do want to talk to you about something, though.”
I pat my mouth with my napkin and return it to my lap. “And what’s that?”
“A friend of mine owns a few local bars. He asked me to come to the grand opening of his newest one on Friday.” He takes a sip of juice. “Want to join me? Take a little break from your routine to have fun?”
I sit back, a little stunned. “If I say yes, will you actually hang out with me? Because last time didn’t exactly go well.”
He rubs his eye with the heel of his hand. “I feel like total shit for the way I acted, for hurting you. I’ll never make that mistake again. I promise. Please. Come with me. TJ’s bars are always a good time.”
I sigh, knowing I should say no but secretly thrilled at the invite. “Fine. I’ll go with you.” I set my elbows on the table and lean forward. “But fail me again, and you’ll be on my shit list forever, Hayden Hale.”
He angles in closer, our faces inches apart. “Duly noted.”
Hayden wasn’t lyingabout this place. The bar is called Alchemy, and it’s packed. The walls are brick, the wooden floors distressed. The lights are soft, and there’s a live band playing on a small stage. My skin buzzes with excitement, the sensation thankfully drowning out the apprehension that’s been plaguing me since I agreed to come here tonight.
“Let’s go. I’ll introduce you to TJ.” Hayden places his hand on the small of my back, gently pushing me forward.
Goose bumps erupt all over my body. The touch is casual, a layer of clothing between us, but still. It’s more enjoyable than any sensation I’ve felt in months.
At the bar, a guy with his hair pulled back in a bun rounds the counter, grinning. “Hade, my man.” He shakes Hayden’s hand and slaps his back. “I’m so happy you made it.”
