บททั้งหมดของ Love's Redemption: บทที่ 81 - บทที่ 90

"You probably don't know this, but I've never been in a relationship before. I'm as pure as they come. Not like you, with your complicated love life—an ex-fiancé, that guy who keeps messing with your hair, and let's not forget Wayne." Hayden's voice was so calm it almost drove me crazy.I opened my mouth to snap back, but before I could get a word out, he dropped his gaze. "So, really, I should be the one worrying. If people find out we shared a room last night, they might think I'm not so innocent anymore.""Are you saying I ruined your precious purity?" I shot back, feeling my temper flare up."Not at all. You were very well-behaved last night—no improper advances toward me whatsoever," Hayden said, his tone dripping with fake innocence, like he was some damsel in distress and I was the sleazy villain who'd taken advantage of him.'Unbelievable. This guy is so full of it!' I fumed silently, too angry to even find the right words.I took my frustration out on the custard roll in

"What's your deal? Are you seriously using our acquaintance and last night's incident to blackmail me?" I confronted Hayden."No," he said, but his eyes didn't quite meet mine.His guilty expression was all I needed to see. I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to punch him."I'm unfamiliar with this place. What's wrong with asking for your help? I've helped you before too," Hayden added, his tone softening, almost like he was trying to guilt-trip me.He was right. Debts had to be repaid, whether it was money or favors.I let out a sigh. "Okay, Mr. Hart, where do you want to go today? What do you need to buy? Just tell me, and I'll take you.""I want to check out some apartments," he said, catching me totally off guard.I blinked at him. "Looking for an apartment? Aren't you heading back once your work here is done?""I might not be going back, so I'm planning ahead," Hayden's words hit me like a sudden jolt.I couldn't explain it, but something about that felt off, unsettli

It was weird. I hadn't blinked when dealing with that complicated lighting at the amusement park, but now? I felt like I was drowning."Don't trust me?" Hayden asked."It's not that, I just..." My eyes drifted over him—his shirt was covered in grime, and the cuffs of his pants were soaked through.Seeing him like that made guilt twist in my chest."I can handle it. Now hurry up," he said, reaching out to pat my head. "Be good."A shiver ran down my spine.Just recently, Wayne had done the same thing, but this was... different. Hayden's touch was warm, sweet, almost like something I'd been craving without realizing it.I couldn't put my finger on it, but it was there—this strange mix of comfort and longing that made me feel like I was on the edge of something new.His gaze was so soft, I had to look away. I practically sprinted out to get the supplies he needed. When I got back, he was already mopping up the water in the hallway.The floor inside, which had been flooded just a

"Got any wet wipes?" Hayden asked. "Or another towel? I need to clean up."He was clutching my towel, but it was pretty obvious he wasn't about to use it on his dirty clothes."I've got some face towels," I offered, digging out a couple. "You can wet them and use them the same way."He hesitated, staring at the face towels like they were alien tech or something.I couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously? You've never seen these before?""Yeah, first time," he admitted, which somehow made him even more likable.It kinda made sense, though. He hadn't been in a relationship and didn't have any women in his life. And honestly, face towels were a pretty recent trend anyway."They're disposable face towels, mostly for women," I explained, wetting one and handing it to him.Hayden nodded, finally getting it, and started wiping the dirt off his clothes. As he did, I noticed a smudge on his shoulder, so I grabbed another towel and reached out to clean it off.The second I touched him, he t

I should've known better than to look—it just messed with my head.Right when I was about to turn away, Jace glanced back, locking eyes with me through the floor-to-ceiling window. His brows were furrowed.I quickly shifted my gaze to Hayden, who'd just handed my phone back after finishing our order. I glanced down at the dishes he picked.To my surprise, they were all my favorite foods.But how could Hayden know what I liked? We didn't know each other that well. Maybe we just had similar tastes?I looked up, ready to ask, but stopped myself. Asking too many questions would make it obvious I cared, and I didn't want to give Hayden that idea.Instead, I casually asked, "Want to drink something?""I don't drink," he declined. "And I've got stuff to do this afternoon."Oh, right. He still had to check out apartments.I figured that's why he wasn't drinking and said, "No worries. I'll come with you this afternoon, so no one's gonna rip you off.""There's no need. I've already..."