Page 122 of Fauxmance

"Well, if you hadn't messed up royally, I wouldn't have had a chance with him. I might've never known how wonderful he is, kind and talented."

Hayden spoke into my ear. "Maggie, it's okay. You don't have to do this."

"Oh no, I do," I said, patting his chest. "Without her, we wouldn't be standing here today. I might've never met the one guy who makes my heart sing. I owe her so much. Thank you, Rochelle."

"It's Rachel," she said.

I waved that away and looked up at Hayden.

His eyes were bright as they looked down at me.

"Thank you for letting him go, so I could have him."

I watched the words sink in.

Hayden's breath hitched as I tugged him closer.

"It's okay," I whispered. "You're with me now. I'll protect your heart."

I kissed him.

Without a thought to anyone else or where we were, I kissed Hayden like we were the onlytwo people on Earth. He was the air I needed to breathe. His lips were warm against mine. The feel of them smooth as he kissed me back with just as much fervor.

A sigh escaped me becausethis.

Oh, I'd missed this.

Hayden's hands went to my waist, pulling me closer, and I went willingly. I was on my tiptoes. He was supporting me with his arms. And still I wanted him closer. Time meant nothing. The kiss went on for eternity.

It wasn't until someone bumped into us that we broke apart for air.

Looking around, I saw that the guys and—thankfully—Rachel were nowhere to be seen.

I looked up at Hayden, and he stared down at me with a look of awe.

"Thanks for that, Maggie," he said, sounding a little breathless.

"It was my pleasure."

"That kiss…"

I blushed as he ran a hand along my cheek. "I know."

"It almost felt real."

My body froze, but I recovered quickly, hoping Hayden hadn't noticed.

"It did," I agreed.

"Gottaadmit," he said. "This whole fake relationship thing is working out better than I'd thought."

I made a noncommittal noise of agreement in my throat, but inside I was dying.

"I guess you liked the dedication?" he said with a grin.

It took me a second to catch up. The kiss had jumbled all my thoughts.

Oh yeah, that's right.

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