Hayden sounded polite enough, using “please” and everything, but it still felt like amand from a


    superior.


    And I knew this wasn’t about work. Yesterday, he’d grilled me about those flowers from Brad, and


    now he’d just seen this whole scene go down firsthand.


    Was he nning another interrogation?


    It hit me then–having a boyfriend is basically inviting trouble. If there were nothing between us, I


    could’ve just brushed Brad off and been done with it. No drama.


    But now? I still had to deal with Hayden.


    Ugh, it’s true–no guy is everpletely chill.


    With everyone’s eyes on us, I couldn’t exactly refuse. So, I reluctantly followed Hayden to his office.


    It wasn’t far from mine and was pretty minimalistic, except it was packed with all kinds of gadgets.


    Besides the standard desk, chair, andputer, there were tons of electronic equipment


    everywhere.


    I had no idea what most of them were for, but all that gear definitely looked like the kind of setup


    that screams seven–figure sry.


    I was still trying to make sense of it all when I heard the door click shut behind me.


    Before we came in, I’d noticed the namete on his office door–Chief Engineer.


    Definitely a title that came with a seven–figure sry.


    Hayden looked at me. “Have you had breakfast?”


    His gaze was so intense it made my heart race every time our eyes met. Afterst night, facing him


    directly felt even more nerve–wracking


    I wandered over to his gadgets, pretending to check them out. “Yeah, I ate,” I replied.


    “Didn’t I tell you to take the day off? Why are you here? His question made me stop pretending to


    be interested in the gadgets.


    I turned to him. “Mr. Hart, you’re overstepping.”


    His jaw tightened slightly.


    I pressed my lips together. “We might be together, but that doesn’t mean you get to control my life,


    especially my job. Even if you’re trying to look out for me.”


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    His lips parted. “I get it. I won’t do it again.


    His response was surprisingly sincere, and I didn’t want to push it further, so I nced around the


    room. Your setup here is pretty impressive.”


    He didn’t say anything, and since it was work hours, I figured I shouldn’t overstay my wee. I


    gave a small smile. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. I’m heading back to my office.”


    1.7


    “Kiki,” Hayden called out.


    “Mr. Hart,” I replied, “we should keep things professional at work, and… I’d prefer if no one knew


    about us.”


    He frowned, so I quickly added, “It’s not because I’m ashamed or interested in anyone else. I just


    don’t want people gossiping or it affecting our work.”


    Iid it out there, trying to avoid any misunderstandings.


    “Okay,” he agreed quickly.


    “Alright then, I’ll let you get back to work,” I said, turning to leave.


    But Hayden stepped in front of me again. “What did you call me earlier?”


    Huh?


    I blinked, then realized he was talking about my teasingment when Brad was getting escorted


    out.


    “Oh, that? It was just a joke,” I said, awkwardly.


    “So, you really think I’m old?” Hayden asked, catching me off guard again.


    Wait, what? No!


    I’d just been messing around with the “old man”ment, but he seemed genuinely bothered.


    Guess the tough guy wasn’t big on jokes.


    I shook my head andughed. “No, you’re definitely not old. Not even close.”


    “Tell the truth,” he said, voice serious but almost daring me.