Page 64 of Fauxmance

I shrugged. "Hayden is kind of cynical. I don't think he's looking for his HEA."

"Really?"

"Yeah," I said. "I'm just saying don't expect him to make some big grand gesture. He's not that kind of guy. And honestly"—I grimaced, thinking of my past romantic history or lack thereof—"I'm not sure I'm the kind of girl who inspires that type of behavior anyway."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Ruby said, and I could hear a smile in her voice.

"Huh?"

When I looked at her, she gestured with her chin, staring at something past my shoulder. I followed her gaze, noticing the crowd had parted while we were talking. My car was now visible. But what was more interesting was the person leaned up against it.

Hayden's lips tipped up when he saw me.

I thought my mind was playing tricks until Amanda said, "He's even better in person."

"I second that," Ruby said.

"Get over there quick before someone else snaps him up."

"You chase that HEA, Magnolia."

I blinked, but Hayden was still there, black leather jacket with a white Ramones teeunderneath, well-worn jeans and three silver chains attached. He looked like a rockstar who'd just stopped by our little Honeycomb High parking lot to shoot a music video.

Straightening my shoulders, I said goodbye to the girls and finished the trek to my car. People were staring. They had been all day, but now I couldn't really blame them. I didn't want to take my eyes off Hayden either.

"Hey," I said.

"Hey," he said back, pushing away from the car to stand.

"You remembered which one was mine." He shrugged, and I tilted my head. "I meant to ask, were you the person who changed my flat tire?"

"Don't know what you're talking about."

I narrowed my gaze but didn't call him on it.

"I brought you something," he said.

"Is it the gift of your presence?"

Hayden laughed. "You're a trip, Magnolia. But no, I actually got you these."

I hadn't realized until then, but he'd had a hand behind his back while we were talking. As he brought it around, I saw what he was holding. A small bouquet of chrysanthemums. My eyes went to the flowers then back up to his in question.

"They're to celebrate our first full day as a couple," he said.

I swallowed as he handed me the flowers.

"And because I thought you'd like them."

My mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out.

As my silence continued, Hayden's expression dimmed. "But if you don't, that's fine. I can take them back. It's—"

I gripped the flowers to my chest as he reached forward.

"No!" I said then modified my voice to a normal level. "No, I love them. I really do."

"Are you sure?" he said. "I could've gotten roses, or the lady at the shop suggested lilies. But I got these because I didn't know your favorite, and they made me think of you."

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