Stuck On You novel Chapter 19

I hopped in the shower quickly before I walked back into my room with my towel wrapped around me. Hayden was sitting on my bed watching me.

“Jordyn,” he said, looking away from me as I slipped on my underwear and big t-shirt. He stood and pressed his body against mine. It got me excited and nervous all at the same time. “What if I’m falling in love you,” he said softly.

“Now you’re just talking out of your ass,” I whispered.

“You could say it back to me,” he said.

“Stop playing with me, Hayden. This isn’t funny. You shouldn’t say it if you don’t mean it,” I warned, not breaking eye contact with him. I couldn’t help it; I was getting angry. He knew how I felt, and it seemed like he was rubbing it in my face. This wasn’t a joke I’d be laughing at. I took another look at him. He looked slightly nervous.

“I’m serious, Jordyn,” he practically whispered. I knew that he was uncomfortable admitting this. This wasn’t just one of his stories, or a joke. He really was serious.

“I love you, Hayden,” I whispered. And I did. I meant that. Hayden’s lip pulled up in a small smile but he looked sort of scared. I knew what he was thinking.

“Good,” he said despite himself. I touched his cheek gently. I knew what he was thinking and I didn’t want him to go there.

“Hey, I’m not Claire. I can handle myself and I know that you can handle yourself. You don’t have to do everything, okay? It’s not your job to protect me 24/7 I’m not going anywhere… I swear,” I said quietly. A tear escaped his eye against his will. I gave a soft smile before I kissed him. It wasn’t like most of our kisses. This one was soft and tender. It was meaningful and gentle. Both of his hands went to my cheeks as he kissed me deeper.

I could feel him practically willing me to stay. He was afraid that I was going to disappear and I understood that. We kissed for what seemed like only seconds, but when I pulled away, I noticed it was more like minutes. He searched my eyes almost frantically, but surprisingly, I was calm. I gave him a soft smile and a reassuring squeeze. His infamous smirk returned after a moment.

“This doesn’t mean that the bet is off, you know,” he said. I laughed and pushed him down on my bed.

“I didn’t think it was,” I said. I sat on his lap and kissed him gently. I felt him smile against my lips.

“I love you, Jordyn,” he said softly. I pulled away from him and smirked.