Chapter 15 I Just Want Him
i just want him
RILEY
It’s strange being at Hayden’s place without him, like I’m in a foreign land and afraid of taking the wrong step. My curiosity is eating me alive. Where is he? Who is he with? Could he really still be at Owen’s wife’s place? It’s been hours.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and when Piper’s name appears, I swipe the screen and answer. “Hey.”
“Hi, Ry.” Her voice sounds melodic and cheerful. “How are you?”
“Good. Had two classes today then went to my place to meet with a rep from a cleaning company. They can start on my apartment next week, and he said I should be able to move back in the week after that.”
“Are you in a hurry to get out of Hayden’s place? He didn’t give you a deadline, did he?”
“Of course not. He said I’m free to stay as long as I need.” I head out of the bedroom. “I just don’t want to take advantage.”
She sighs. “Is that really what it’s about?”
A rush of nerves washes over me. “Um, yes? What else could it be?”
“You had a crush—”
“Stop. That’s in the past,” I mutter.
At least, it should be. How pathetic of me to pine over a man who still thinks of me as a child. But after spending so much time in his company lately, with the way he looks at me and after some of the comments he’s made, I can’t help but wonder if his opinion has changed.
“Sorry. I don’t want to upset you.”
“That’s okay.” I sigh.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
I cringe at the question. “Nope.” With the phone tucked between my ear and my shoulder, I check on the roasted chicken in sweet-and-sour sauce I left warming in the oven. “I’m not sweating it. I’m fine.”
“As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Any fun plans for the weekend?”
“Nastya’s mom and sister are coming tomorrow, so I’ll be mostly on my own.”
“Maybe you and Hayden can hang out. It would do him good to have company.”
The sound of the elevator catches my attention, and the butterflies in my stomach dance again.
“Maybe,” I mumble, distracted as I listen for Hayden. “How are you? How are the kids?”
Our call only lasts a few more minutes. As I say goodbye, Hayden strolls into the kitchen. He’s wearing a pair of black sweats, his chest bare once again. My heart gallops, pumping blood through my veins and heating my skin.
He flashes me a lopsided grin. “Hey, roommate.”
I snort.
“How was your day?” He sidles up near me, smiling.
“Just like any other. Lots of kids, glitter, and classical music.” I turn to face him, one hand on the edge of the counter. “What about yours?”
“All good. Played babysitter to Santi so Ines could get her nails done.” He sniffs the air. “Did you cook?”
“Sweet-and-sour chicken. Want some?”
His eyes flash with genuine delight. “Hell yeah.”
“God, this is perfection,” he murmurs after his first bite. “I didn’t know you were such a good cook. I’m not sure I want you to leave. If you’re not careful, I might tie you up and keep you.”
His tone is teasing. It’s a joke, but my core tightens in response; my body clearly hasn’t gotten the memo. “Are you into BDSM? If so, we can definitely discuss the ways in which you can tie me up.”
With his fork in the air, rice falling onto his plate, he gapes.
“I’m joking,” I reassure him.
Something really close to surprise passes over his irises, but it’s too fleeting for me to be sure.
“I wasn’t expecting a comment like that from you.” He shakes his head as if to clear his mind. “Um, I do want to talk to you about something, though.”
I pat my mouth with my napkin and return it to my lap. “And what’s that?”
“A friend of mine owns a few local bars. He asked me to come to the grand opening of his newest one on Friday.” He takes a sip of juice. “Want to join me? Take a little break from your routine to have fun?”
I sit back, a little stunned. “If I say yes, will you actually hang out with me? Because last time didn’t exactly go well.”
He rubs his eye with the heel of his hand. “I feel like total shit for the way I acted, for hurting you. I’ll never make that mistake again. I promise. Please. Come with me. TJ’s bars are always a good time.”
I sigh, knowing I should say no but secretly thrilled at the invite. “Fine. I’ll go with you.” I set my elbows on the table and lean forward. “But fail me again, and you’ll be on my shit list forever, Hayden Hale.”
He angles in closer, our faces inches apart. “Duly noted.”
Hayden wasn’t lying about this place. The bar is called Alchemy, and it’s packed.
The walls are brick, the wooden floors distressed.
The lights are soft, and there’s a live band playing on a small stage.
My skin buzzes with excitement, the sensation thankfully drowning out the apprehension that’s been plaguing me since I agreed to come here tonight.
“Let’s go. I’ll introduce you to TJ.” Hayden places his hand on the small of my back, gently pushing me forward.
Goose bumps erupt all over my body. The touch is casual, a layer of clothing between us, but still. It’s more enjoyable than any sensation I’ve felt in months.
At the bar, a guy with his hair pulled back in a bun rounds the counter, grinning. “Hade, my man.” He shakes Hayden’s hand and slaps his back. “I’m so happy you made it.”
“Hey, TJ.” Hayden glances at me. “This is Riley. She’s my…friend.”
It’s true, even if I wish we were more. At least he didn’t refer to me as his best friend’s little sister this time.
“It’s very nice to meet you.”
He gives me a once-over as he shakes my hand. “The pleasure is all mine.” To Hayden, he says, “Ready for your shift?”
Frowning, I look from one man to the other. Shift? What is he talking about?
“Two hours. That’s it.”
“Whatever works for you. I’ll be forever in your debt.” TJ shuffles back to the bar.
Hayden turns to me, giving me a wry smile. “I promised I’d help create some buzz. He talked me into bartending for two hours. After that, I’m all yours.” He ducks his head, his expression suddenly serious. “Will you sit at the bar? Hang out near me?”
I scan the space and notice several women already eyeing him. The green monster rears its ugly head.
“Sure.”
“You’re the best.” He guides me to an empty stool, and when I’m settled, he plants a kiss on my cheek.
It’s a damn good thing I’m sitting, because the way my legs weaken in response to that simple gesture is sickening.
“What are you drinking?”
“Rum and Coke.”
“Rum and Coke it is.” With a wink, he darts around the bar.
For the next two hours, I sip on my drink and people-watch. The crowd grows, and I hear several people say they found out Hayden was here because they saw him on friends’ and influencers’ Instagram Stories.
I have to hand it to TJ: asking Hayden to tend the bar was genius.
By my third drink, the jealousy I’ve been fighting all night flares brighter.
He smiles at one customer after another, flirting, bantering, winking.
He’s a natural charmer. No wonder he has so many fans—so many groupies.
His magnetic energy is infectious. It makes it impossible not to look at him.
With nothing more than a smile and a greeting, he makes people feel attractive and desired.
And fuck, if it doesn’t make him even more attractive and desirable.
He moves quickly, pouring drinks with precision, flashing smiles to customers. He looks alive, brighter than he has in months. There’s a glint in his eye again, and his cheeks are pink with excitement and exertion.
This Hayden disappeared the day Owen died. This is the Hayden I’ve known my whole life. The life of the party. The flirt. The heart-stopper.
From time to time, I catch his eye. He smiles and winks, silently letting me know he hasn’t forgotten about me.
“Damn, the guy’s got charisma,” a man to my left says.
I turn toward the voice and find a pair of dark green eyes watching me. They’re not the same color as Hayden’s, but they’re close. He’s probably in his thirties, and his smile is bright, showing off perfectly straight white teeth. He’s in a white tee and blue jeans, a simple, relaxed look.
“I’ve been watching the way he works the crowd. He knows what he’s doing,” the guy tells me.
“Yeah, he knows how to attract attention,” I reply, surveying Hayden again.
The man shifts closer and leans against the bar, facing me. “What about you? Do you know how to attract attention?”
I grin. I can’t deny his attention is flattering. “It depends.”
“On what?”
“On whose attention I want to attract.”
He holds his hand out to me. “I’m Nick.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Nick.” I slide my palm against his, give it a light squeeze, and let go.
A chill rolls down my spine, like I’m being watched. Discreetly, I turn. When I find Hayden looking at me, my heart picks up its pace. The glare he directs toward Nick brings heat to my cheeks. Is he jealous? Or just worried?
There’s only one way to find out.
I fix my focus on Nick again.
“Can I buy you a drink?” he asks.
“Why not?” I lift my cocktail. “Rum and Coke.”
“Got it.”
He wanders down the bar to place the order, and again, I feel Hayden’s gaze on me. Our eyes collide. He isn’t smiling; instead, the intense expression on his face as he stares me down makes my whole body come alive. My center throbs as my heart rate picks up, making my breaths come quickly.
God, how much I want his attention solely on me. His eyes on me. His smiles reserved only for me.
I just want him.