Page 140 of Fauxmance

His lips were on mine before I could draw breath.

But with Hayden kissing me, who needed to breathe anyway?

I lost track of time again. That always seemed to happen when we kissed. But it must've been for a while because the next thing I knew I heard someone over the intercom say, "How are you two doing in there?"

I leaned back with a look of surprise.

"Dr. Moorehouse?" I said.

"Yep," she said, "did you kiss and make up already?"

"We'll need at least a few more minutes," Hayden said.

"Alrighty, well you guyslet us know if you need anything. And Maggie, I'm so glad you and Hayden turned this whole fauxmance into a real one."

There was a beat, and we were once again alone.

Looking to Hayden, I laughed.

"You actually got your mother to help you with this?" I asked.

"Yeah," he said. "After you left the engagement party, I told everyone the truth. Gigi didn't look mad at all. She just told me what an idiot I was to let you go and that I should get you back immediately or else. Mom, apparently, already knew. And the others didn't care."

"They didn't?"

"Self-absorbed, remember," he said. "Plus, it wasn't even the most shocking news of the night. Annabelle got that prize when she told everyone that she and Nathan were already married. They eloped and didn't tell anyone."

I blinked. "Wow. I bet they didn't take that too well."

"You'd be right."

"Hey," I said, "I just remembered. Don't you have an important performance tonight for some record label?"

His brows lifted. "Yeah…how'd you know about that?"

"Santino. He came to me, trying to get us back together." I nodded as Hayden's jaw dropped. "Your grandmother did, too."

"Well, thank you Titi and Gigi," he said.

"Hayden, be serious." I laughed. "What time is the performance? Don't you need to go?"

His gaze was locked on mine. "Some things are more important."

I opened my mouth to argue, but Hayden shook his head.

"The band can wait."

"But it's your dream," I whispered. "I don't want you to miss your chance. Not for me."

"There's still time, Maggie. At least an hour. I'll make it—and if I don’t, we can reschedule. Like I said, there are just some things that are more important."

No matter what I would make sure Hayden got to that show.

Until then…

Hayden placed a kiss against my forehead, and I sank farther into him.

"I love you," he said again.

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