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That might be the one thing he hasn’t gotten mad about. Which makes me wonder why he’s always showing up when all I do is frustrate him? The alcohol in my system encourages me to give voice to the question, but my heart begs me to wait. What if the answer crushes me? I can’t hear his response yet.
Not when he’s cradling me to his chest like I’m precious to him.
Chapter27
Calista
The sports caris just like I remember it, luxurious and sleek.
I really hope I don’t puke.
Hayden settles me in the passenger’s seat and secures my seat belt while I watch him, not bothering to conceal the fact. I’ve given up trying to hide my attraction to him. If he doesn’t know I want him after that kiss, then nothing I do will get the message across.
He walks to the other side and fills the driver’s seat with his body, and the interior of the vehicle with dark energy. It washes over me, shrinking the space around us until all I can see and feel is him.
Hayden turns the car on and grips the steering wheel, then freezes. Except for his eyes; they find me.
“Why did you kiss me?” he asks. His voice is quiet but demanding. However, his need for my response is loud. “I want the truth, Callie.”
“Because I wanted to.”
His gaze narrows infinitesimally. “Are you sure it wasn’t to save that man’s life?”
“Partially, but that wasn’t my main motivation. If anything, he was an excuse.” I bow my head and fiddle with my purse, unable to meet his eyes. They’ve always seen through me, forcing my secrets to the surface where they’re visible. But I want to know his, what lurks behind those blue depths. “Why did you kiss me back?”
“Because I wanted to.”
My lips twitch with repressed exasperation. “You can’t use my answer.”
“Why not if it’s the truth?”
My skin breaks into a flush at hearing that, but I’m also relieved. For a long time, I thought I’d fantasized about a man who wasn’t attracted to me. Now I know better. He kissed me like he wanted to fuck me right on the dance floor.
I might’ve let him.
“Speaking of the truth… why were you here, Hayden?”
His gaze drills into mine, making me squirm under the intense perusal. “I think the real question is: Why were you here? To provoke me?”
I sigh, the noise full of frustration. “This might come as a shock, but not everything in my life is about you.”
“I wish I could say the same.” He closes his eyes briefly and lets his head fall back against the headrest. “You have no idea how much.”
I part my lips to ask him to explain that cryptic remark, but my tender heart revolts out of fear. What if he’s toying with me? I’d bet all of the money in my bank account—which is larger thanks to Hayden—that he’s never gone without a woman’s company, if desired. I’d also wager he’s never been in a serious relationship. Not just because Harper made the comment, but due to the fact that this man is unattainable.
Because he chooses to be this way.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’ve caught him, but for some reason I’ve snared his attention. Even now when he opens his eyes and looks at me, I know he’s mine. The only problem is I’m not sure for how long…
A night?
A week?
How long does it take to break someone’s heart?
I’ve lost my former life, my fiancé, and my father. I’m not strong enough to be with Hayden, only to lose him when he decides he’s through with me. I don’t know much about men, but I’m positive that he can’t give me the commitment I’d eventually want.
He pulls the car onto the street, and our silence accompanies us through the city. I gaze out the window, taking in the beauty of my surroundings while continuously drawn to the beauty of the man beside me. The one time I sneak a glance at Hayden, his eyes are already on me.
