“Take the main seats,” Ron waved for Hayden and me to sit down.


    He didn’t look anything like our deputy CEO right now. More like a guy trying way too hard to be


    laid–back.


    Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that I knew Hayden was the real power behind thepany, I


    doubt Ron would be this chummy.


    “Mr. Shane,” I started, raising an eyebrow, “You’re the boss. We’re just employees. Isn’t this a bit…


    much?”


    Ron paused, ncing at Hayden before giving this easy smile. “What’s wrong with being friendly?


    We’re colleagues, like family.”


    I let out a shortugh. “Yeah, but you’re still the boss. Treating us like this makes things feel kinda


    weird.”


    “Mr. Shane, really, you don’t have to be so polite. We won’t be able to enjoy the meal like this,”


    Hayden


    added.


    Ron waved him off like it was nothing. “Don’t overthink it. That’s just my style–no formalities, no


    drama. Right, Mr. Hart?”


    “Maybe too informal,” Hayden replied, keeping it short like usual.


    It was funny, the contrast between them. Ron was ying it so casual, and Hayden, as always, had


    this bossy vibe–even though Ron was supposed to be in charge.


    Ron chuckled, but then his phone buzzed on the table. He checked it and stood up. “Excuse me. I


    need to grab someone.”


    I blinked. “Wait–did you invite someone else?”


    “Yep. Someone you’ve been wanting to meet.” Ron winked at me.


    The way he did it was definitely not subtle, sending a jolt through me.


    Before I could even process that, Hayden cleared his throat. “You alright there, Mr. Shane? Need


    some eye drops?”


    I had to bite my lip to keep fromughing.


    Ron caught the drift, shaking his head with a smile. “No need to get territorial.”


    Hayden didn’t flinch. “When ites to my girl, I’m not exactly generous.


    Ron sighed dramatically and gave him a thumbs–up before walking out.


    As soon as the door closed, I turned to Hayden. “So, we’re just here for dinner with some mystery


    guest?”


    “Yeah. And when the foodes, you can have whatever you like,” Hayden said, like this whole


    thing was super casual, then poured me a ss of water–in a wine ss.


    I wrinkled my nose. “Why water?”


    “You’re still recovering. No alcohol,” he said, like it was a done deal.


    I pouted. “And if I really want a drink?”


    I wasn’t even serious; I just wanted to see how far I could push him.


    He hesitated for a second, then sighed. “Fine. A little, just to taste.”


    I burst outughing.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Hayden, looking puzzled, asked, “What’s so funny?”


    “You don’t want me drinking, so why pretend to give in?”


    He pressed his lips together, stood up, and walked behind me. Leaning down, he picked up the


    ss he poured and ced it in front of me. His arm brushed mine as his lips hovered close to my


    ear. “Because I don’t want you upset.”


    Okay, his breath on my ear was way too warm, and those words? Right in the feels.


    It had been a long time since someone treated me like this, spoiled me without hesitation.


    I reached up, hooked my arm around his neck, and pulled him down for a soft kiss.


    Hayden stayed still at first, so I deepened it, teasing him a bit.


    And of course, just as I was really getting into it, the door to the private room flew open-


    X-