Even though Yuna’s surgery was a sess, her recovery still came with risks, so she needed


    round–the- clock care. Hayden hired a caregiver, but only for the daytime. At night, he stayed by her


    side.


    Sotely, I hadn’t spent much time with Hayden–after all, we both had work during the day.


    To my surprise, Hayden said, “I’ll go.”


    “But what about Yuna-” I started, but he cut me off.


    171 take care of it,” he said in that reassuring way.


    “I haven’t spent enough time with youtely,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against mine.


    His words made my heart ache a little.


    Wasn’t that the truth?


    He’d been with Yuna every night, and of course, that meant there wasn’t much time for us.


    I couldn’t really be jealous of that–but still, I felt a little neglected.


    The game Steve invited us to was in Ferndale, a few hours away, so Hayden and I flew out. When


    wended, we were surprised to see someone holding a sign with my name. Hayden and I


    exchanged a look, but the driver quickly exined Steve had arranged it.


    I hadn’t expected Steve to be this thoughtful.


    Good thing I came, or I would’ve missed out on his sweet gesture.


    The flight was full of people, and it soon became clear most of them were Steve’s fans. It was the


    first time I realized just how big of a deal he was


    We hadn’t even reached the stadium yet, but the energy from his fans was contagious, and I started


    getting excited too.


    “I never would’ve guessed Steve was this famous. All these years, I just thought of him as the guy


    running a pool hall,” I said, still amazed at the buzz.


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    Hayden stayed quiet, and that was fine. His quietness never bothered me.


    Since Hayden didn’t know Steve that well, I pointed out the banners and posters of him all over the


    city, sharing stories about his crazy skills–whether it was snooker, billiards, or anything involving a


    cue. I even mentioned the time I managed to beat him.


    When the car finally pulled up in front of the hotel, I asked the driver, “Is Steve staying here too?”


    ore excited.


    “That’s the word,” the driver replied, which only made me more


    “I’ll introduce you to him tonight,” I said, giving Hayden a yful pat on the shoulder.


    But he didn’t respond. I nced over and noticed his expression had darkened.


    His mood was so off, I couldn’t just brush it aside. “What’s wrong?” I asked.


    Hayden didn’t answer. Instead, he got out, grabbed the luggage from the trunk, and headed toward


    the


    hotel.


    Silent treatment? This wasn’t like him at all. Since we’d been together, he’d never acted this way–


    except maybe when we first met.


    “What’s going on?” I stepped in front of him.


    ??


    Still nothing, which only frustrated me more. “Hayden, talk to me.”


    Finally, he spoke, and his wordspletely threw me. “Do you like Steve?”


    “What?” I let out augh.


    “You’ve been talking about him non–stop this whole trip, Hayden muttered, sounding… sulky?


    Wait–was he jealous?


    I’d never seen him like this. Not even when it came to Jace. But here he was, jealous over Steve of


    all people..


    I couldn’t help myself. “Obviously I like him. Why else would I have talked about him the entire way


    here?”


    Hayden’s face got even darker, and for a second, I thought he might snap. Instead, he grumbled,


    “Let’s go,


    and started dragging the suitcase.


    I didn’t move.


    He stopped and turned around. “Why aren’t youing?”


    “Because I’m annoyed,” I huffed, letting my bratty side show. “You’re being super petty, and it’s


    totally killing my vibe.”


    Back when I was with Jace, I’d never have done this–always ying the perfect girlfriend.


    But now? With Hayden? I was a whole lot more… bratty


    He sighed and came back over. “You keep talking about another guy. Of course, it bugs me.”