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Could this get any more awkward?
Unfortunately, yes. If Hayden discovers my secret, it will be a hundred times worse.
As I tuck the last of the silverware into the dishwasher and slam the door shut, I wonder if I’ve made the right choice. Maybe I should explain everything. But I run the risk of shocking and disappointing my father. Ugh, I can’t deal with that now. After eight hours of travel and one of the most stressful evenings in memory, I’m beat.
Thank goodness my father and Derek were gung ho to scout out the backyard for the perfect ceremony site—and that Hayden seems completely focused on dissecting my fiancé. I don’t expect that to last. He’ll soon turn his attention on me, and then…I’m almost afraid to ask.
I’d been hoping I wouldn’t feel any of this crazy lovesickness when I set eyes on him. But now it’s painfully clear that I’ll have to deal with these nagging feelings until Saturday—just like I’ve done for the past four years.
“Perrie.”
Speak of the devil.
“Hayden.” I don’t look at him as he saunters into the kitchen, his stare glued to me. Unfortunately, I can’t shake the certainty that I’m transparent.Please don’t let him see my heart shivering and naked in front of him.“What’s up?”
He takes hold of my left hand—jolting me with his touch—and stares at my engagement ring. It’s huge and not at all what I would have picked. Even under the kitchen lights, it both sparkles and screams that I’m someone’s woman—which is exactly what Derek wanted.
Without a word, Hayden releases my hand and pins me with the sort of stare that makes me squirm. “Tell me what you’re doing.”
“What does it look like? I’m doing the dishes.”
“Don’t play dumb. Three months, sweet pea? What’s your rush? And don’t give me that one-thing-led-to-another bullshit. You’re not usually impulsive.”
“I appreciate your concern, but Derek is great. Don’t worry.”
He scowls. “Did you think that script would work with me? It makes Dan and his daddy-guilt feel better to believe you, but I’m going to be a tougher sell. Do you love him?”
God, he’s more direct than I remember.
I reach for the dirty pans. “Pass me the dish soap, please.”
Heaving a frustrated sigh, Hayden grabs my shoulders. “The fucking dishes will wait until we’ve talked.”
He’s too close. I can’t take it.
I wrench away and shake my head. “You don’t get to do this. I gave you an opportunity—”
“You were too young.”
“That didn’t make what I felt any less real. But if you think you can swoop in four years later and take me up on my stupid offer now that I’m ‘old enough,’ you’re sorely mistaken.”
“Does he make you happy?”
“Derek has been so good to me. And for me.” It’s the truth.
“Are you kidding? He fucking patronized you. He made your career seem like something cute and barely worth his notice. That can’t be okay with you. I know you way too well to believe that.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Maybeyoudon’t,” he argues as he advances on me again. Backed into the kitchen, the stove behind me, I have nowhere to go. “You deserve someone who’s so proud of you he’s willing to shout your praises. Hell, you deserve a man who worships you. I don’t think that’s him.”
“It’s not you, either, so it’s none of your business.”
“What if I make it my business?”
My heart stops. “What does that mean?”
“Can you look me in the eye and tell me you love this man?”
