Gotta think of an excuse….


    My phone buzzed twice in my hand. It was a message from Lena.


    A gif loaded–a woman, fresh out of the shower, posing seductively in this super skimpy nightgown.


    And Lena’s not–so–subtle advice: [You should try this


    I sent back a facepalm emoji.


    Even though I silently cursed Lena for being such a pery, I couldn’t deny the idea had potential. I


    just needed the right excuse to show Hayden this side of me.


    Still brainstorming. I headed to the bathroom to take a shower.


    If I used Cole’s info, Hayden would definitely catch on, No way that’s gonna work.


    Maybe I could say something’s wrong with the plumbing and ask for help, but I can’t just break


    something for an excuse. That’s out too.


    Hmm, what if I said I was hungry and asked him to cook for me? That could work.


    Decision made, I finished my shower and slipped into a sexy nightgown I almost never wore.


    I’d bought this thing back when Jace and I got engaged, thinking we’d be living together soon.


    Funny how Jace never even got to see it, and now Hayden would be the one to.


    I looked at myself in the mirror–the ck silk clung to me in all the right ces, the contrast with my


    fair skin was almost too much.


    Not to sound full of myself, but I looked hot enough to make someone’s mouth go dry.


    Knock, knock!


    I froze. It waste–who else could it be? Hayden’s here?!


    His timing couldn’t be better. Way easier thaning up with someme excuse to go find him.


    But why is he here sote? Could he be thinking the same thing I am?


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    My cheeks burned. I lightly patted my face and checked myself in the mirror onest time before


    heading out. “Who is it?”


    “It’s me. I made you some xseed oatmeal with mixed berries,” Hayden’s deep, calm voice came


    through the door.


    I swallowed, suddenly nervous. I nced at my reflection, took a deep breath, and then tugged the


    shoulder of my nightgown a little lower before opening the door.


    “Perfect timing. I was just getting hungry,” I said, trying to sound casual.


    Hayden stood there, holding the bowl of oatmeal, his eyes taking me in, I watched his Adam’s apple


    bob as he swallowed.


    It’s working!


    Four words shed through my mind, but I yed it cool and teased him with a smile. “You’ve really


    got that perfect boyfriend vibe going on.”


    He looked away, handing me the oatmeal. The tips of his ears turned red, and suddenly, I felt a


    wicked urge to push him just a little further.


    I almost felt guilty for messing with him like this. Almost.


    As he passed me the bowl, I let my fingers graze his. The bowl wobbled a little in his hands.


    But then he steadied it, his eyes locking onto mine.


    His usually soft gaze had a new intensity, like there was a fire just starting to burn.


    A wave of heat surged through me, and I knew this was trouble. I tried to pull my hand back.


    But Hayden didn’t let go.