Chapter 94

This was a situation I hadn't anticipated, and suddenly, everything became clear. Being stuck between two guys was incredibly awkward. I knew I needed to diffuse the tension, and one thing was certain: I wasn't starting anything with Wayne. If forced to choose, it would be Hayden. After almost marrying Jace, I couldn't get involved with his brother.

"Wayne, I'm tired," I said softly.

Wayne held my hand a moment longer before releasing it. Hayden took my hand and we began walking. I didn't look back, but I felt Wayne's eyes on me the entire time. Whether it was the alcohol or my racing thoughts, I tripped on the hotel stairs. Hayden caught me, scooping me into his arms.

"Put me down," I demanded, clutching his shirt.

"If you want him to back off, stay quiet and don't fight it," Hayden muttered.

Wayne's words echoed in my mind, and I remained still, letting Hayden carry me. I could get involved with any guy, but not Wayne. He was like a brother—a real brother, with no romantic feelings whatsoever. That bond was too precious to jeopardize. He was the type to keep his feelings private, never openly displaying his emotions. But if he thought I was interested in someone other than Jace, he'd likely distance himself.

So, I let Hayden carry me to the hotel lobby. Even when we reached my room, he didn't put me down. Understanding Wayne's feelings made me realize something else: Hayden had feelings for me. Having essentially dismissed Wayne's hopes, it was time to address Hayden's.

When Hayden finally set me down, I didn't release his shirt. I held on, looking up at him with unusual boldness.

"Hayden, you're really good-looking," I said, my voice equally bold.

"Mm," he replied, meeting my gaze without flinching.

Alcohol apparently does give you courage. I reached up and traced the bridge of his strong nose. "I bet a lot of girls are into you, huh?"

"Mm," he responded again. This guy was seriously confident.

I smiled, letting my fingers trail to the corner of his eye. "Demi likes you too, you know." I wasn't betraying Demi; her feelings were evident. Hayden wasn't blind; he had to have noticed, even without me explicitly stating it.

"And what about you? Do you like me?" This time, Hayden didn't just "mm." He asked directly.

I hesitated, then shook my head. "No, I don't."

His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press. Still, I felt the need to explain. "I'm not into guys who attract other girls. I don't like competing. I want someone who's just mine, even if he's not as handsome as you."

"Okay," he said.

I raised an eyebrow, smiling. "And what does 'okay' mean?"

He looked completely relaxed. "It means I get it."

His response surprised me. I wasn't sure how to interpret it, and I wasn't going to overthink it. I let my hand slide down his face and onto his shoulder.

"Hayden, don't try to seduce me, and don't be too nice to me…" As I spoke, I started to pull away.

But Hayden caught me by the waist. "Liking you and pursuing you? That's my call. Not responding? That's yours. Just do your thing, but don't tell me what to do."

Wait, what? Now I was the one feeling disoriented. He liked me, but didn't want me to interfere?

"So, you're saying you're going to keep hitting on me? Flirting with me?" I asked, without holding back.