Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right

I stormed over to Hayden and demanded an explanation. “What’s the deal? Why are we suddenly taking a break?”

“Two days off a week are government–mandated,” Hayden replied, annoyingly calm. “Considering tight our schedule is, one day off shouldn’t be a big deal, right?”

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His calmness only made me more frustrated. “I get it, but we’re up against a serious deadline here. I’ve already told you we have to meet it. Can’t we just push the break back? I’ll even pay you extra.”

Hayden didn’t break eye contact, his gaze unwavering. It’s not about the money, Ms. Kay. We’re not machines. People need rest if you want them to do good work.”

Ugh, he wasn’t wrong, but this wasn’t just any project.

I exhaled slowly, trying to steady my nerves. “So you really need to rest today?”

“Yes,” Hayden said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Knowing there was no winning this one, I turned to walk away.

“And you all need to rest too,” he added.

I spun around, my anger bubbling over as I shot him a glare. “You just worry about your own rest. Whether we rest or not is none of your concern.”

Demi, standing nearby, was barely holding back laughter as she watched the whole scene unfold.

But Hayden? He didn’t even flinch. “Ms. Kay, if you don’t rest properly, you won’t be able to work efficiently. Just like last- Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Hayden Hart!” I cut him off, feeling my palms start to sweat.

This jerk! I’d just told him not to mention last night, and here he was, almost spilling everything.

We locked eyes, and after what felt like forever, I finally caved under his steady gaze and said, “Fine, we’ll

rest too.”

“Demi, let’s go,” I called.

But Hayden wasn’t done yet. “Ms. Kay,” he stopped me again, “I need your help today.”

My frustration was about to boil over. I clenched my teeth. “What? You need someone to give you a massage, or maybe a back rub?”

“No, nothing like that. I just need to buy some things and could use a guide,” Hayden replied, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I almost laughed. “Fine, let Demi go with you-

“I want you to come with me!” Hayden interrupted.

“Pfft!” Demi couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst into laughter.

I found myself laughing too. This wasn’t the cold, stolc Hayden I was used to–he was acting more like a stubborn three–year–old.

“Mr. Hart, you’re not a kid anymore. Don’t you think this is a bit, I don’t know, silly?” I teased.

Hayden didn’t even flinch. “I’m not familiar with the area. What’s wrong with asking for your help? Besides, you promised-”

“Alright, I’ll go!” I cut him off, knowing exactly where he was heading.

If I didn’t agree, he’d definitely bring up the trip to Chiverton, and there was no way I could let Demi hear about that.

“Should I join you guys?” Demi asked, clearly not wanting to miss out on the fun.

“Sure!”

“No!”

We spoke at the same time–me agreeing, him shutting it down.

Demi looked between us, totally confused. Hayden jumped in, “Ms. Young, it might be inconvenient for you to tag along. Don’t you think so, Ms. Kay?”

He was putting it all on me.

From the look in his eyes, I knew if I pushed to bring Demi along, he’d spill about the whole Chiverton situation. This was why lying sucks–one lie could snowball into a hundred.

I sighed and turned to Demi. “It’s your day off. Why not spend it with your boyfriend? I’m sure he misses you.”

Demi shot me a glare, clearly annoyed that I brought up her boyfriend in front of Hayden.

ignored her reaction, and with Hayden’s gaze practically burning into me, she finally left, though she kept throwing suspicious glances back at us. I could tell she was starting to question what was really going on between Hayden and me.

That was a problem for another day. Right now, I had to figure out how to handle Hayden.

C