Page 139 of Fauxmance

This was unbelievable. "Well, go ahead, so we can get out of here."

Instead of saying anything, Hayden started strumming. A moment later, his voice filled up the space.

Take me out tonight.

My heart was melting even before he hit the chorus.

I hadn't thought anything could top the first time I watched his band play when he dedicated this song to me. But Hayden's acoustic version ofThere Is A Light That Never Goes Out, the way he was looking at me, the intimacy of the act itself… Nothing was better than this.

He was making love to my ears with every word.

And I never wanted it to end.

My eyes were wet, my throat tight, by the time he finished.

"I was wrong," Hayden said as the last note died away. "So wrong. When you left, it took me a full six days to recover. I had a lot of feelings to sort through."

"Hayden, you don't have to do this," I said quietly. "You already told me how it is. I get it."

"That's just it. You don't. Because I didn't either until after that night."

I waited for him to go on.

"I thought I was being strong," he said and shook his head once. "I thought it was the right thing to do. Protect myself from being left again, protect you from getting hurt because I didn't think I could be the man you need."

"Hayden—"

He shook his head. "But I realized later that that is exactly who I want to be."

I couldn't seem to catch my breath. Was he saying…?

"I know it's probably too late," he said. "And I know I don't deserve you. Magnolia, you'rethe best person I've ever met in my life. I'm sorry for asking you to keep faking with me. I'm also sorry for asking you to do no-strings—which you were absolutely right. You are worth so much more than that."

I couldn't look away from his eyes. They were so full of sincerity.

"I love you, Maggie," he said. "I've never felt this way about another person, didn’t think I ever would. I made sure of it."

He smiled, and oh my heart.

"But somehow, you broke through. And I want you to know that even if it is too late you'll stay there. I'll keep you in my heart forever."

I didn't even realize I was crying until Hayden held out a handkerchief.

It was identical to the one currently resting in my pocket.

"That's okay," I said, pulling it out to wipe away a tear. "I've already got one, but thanks."

His eyes tracked the movement of that handkerchief as I wiped it over my cheeks.

"I mean it," he said. "You had me since the first time we were on this elevator, and you started praying. I love your humor, your curves, your heart. You're the sincerest person I know. You give so much of yourself, and it makes me want to do the same, to be a better person but also to be worthy of your love."

"Hayden," I said.

"I love you no matter what," he said again, and my heart took flight. "Even if you don't love me anymore."

"Are you crazy?" I said, tears in my eyes and laughter in my voice. "Of course, I love you, Hayden. Now, kiss me before I change my mind."

Hayden swung his guitar to his side and pulled me to him in one sure move.

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