Seeing that intense look on his face, I took a good look at him. Mature, confident, and yeah, pretty


    handsome.


    Guys his age had that whole grown–up vibe going on. Way more appealing than, like, Brad.


    Older guys were totally in right now.


    It was all over social media–women of all ages, whether they were single, married, or even young


    girls, were into mature men like Hayden.


    But him getting all worked up over the ‘old man‘ thing? Clearly, he didn’t get that his age was kind of


    a flex.


    I stepped closer. “The truth? You’re in your thirties. So yeah, you’re not exactly young, especially


    compared to that kid from earlier who’s barely eighteen. So it’s not weird for him to call you ‘old


    man‘ and-”


    “You really think I’m old?” Hayden cut me off before I could finish.


    He looked tense and genuinely upset.


    Wow, I never thought he’d be this sensitive about his age.


    I tried to rify, “I just meant you’re not, like, young young, but I didn’t-”


    Didn’t get to finish before he cut me off again. “Anyone else can call me old, but not you.”


    I was speechless.


    Seeing him all worked up like this, I couldn’t help but burst outughing. “Are you really worried I’m


    gonna think you’re old? Or that I’d dump you just because of your age?”


    He didn’t respond, just sat there sulking. It was kind of adorable


    I reached up and gently rubbed his cheek. “Seriously, I’m not gonna ditch you. I’m into you because


    of your… I don’t know, mature vibe. Otherwise, why would I have turned down that kid earlier? He’s


    all young and full of potential, right?”


    Still nothing from him, so I gave his cheek another yful rub.


    It hit me then: older guys could be so much harder to handle than I thought. Way moreplicated


    than someone like Jace.


    With Jace, a quick “sorry” was usually enough to smooth things over.


    But Hayden? He was being stubborn, like a little kid who wouldn’t budge. Clearly, I had to try


    something more drastic. So, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him “Happy now?”


    I barely had time to step back before I felt a strong arm around my waist, pulling me back against


    him.


    The grip reminded me ofst night–how he’d held me tight, moving together like we were made for


    each other. My heart raced. “Mr. Ha-”


    Aren’t you the one who said we should keep things professional at work? So why are you getting all


    handsy with a ‘colleague‘?‘ he teased, his voice low and yful.


    His words…


    He really knew how to twist things to his advantage.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I realized how sneaky he was. He’d act all innocent and clueless around me, but the way he


    handled Brad earlier? He was far from naive.


    This guy was definitely ying the fool to lure me in. But what could I say when I was the one


    already hooked?


    I let out a frustrated sigh. “Stop messing around.”


    Hayden didn’t push it, so I turned and headed for the door.


    “Let’s grab lunch together,” he called out as I reached the doorway.


    I pretended not to hear him, but as soon as I stepped outside, I nearly ran into Ron. He grinned at


    me.” Ms. Kay, looks like you’re pretty popr these days.”


    I just stared at him.


    “Come on, Ms. Kay, Ron continued, still grinning. Join us for lunch. We’re having a little wee


    for Mr. Hart.”


    I just stood there, still processing. I guess being Chief Engineer came with perks.


    “Mr. Shane,” I called out as Ron was about to head into Hayden’s office.


    He stopped, still smiling. “Ms. Kay, need something?”


    “When I started, I don’t remember you throwing me a wee lunch.”


    Ron’s smile faltered a bit, and I caught the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.


    party