Page 66 of Fauxmance

Sean looked like he was gritting his teeth. "Magnolia and I were together for a long time. A really long time. So if you need any pointers, don't be afraid to ask."

"Sean," I hissed, "that's enough."

My ex smiled, but it looked forced. "I was just trying to help."

Sure he was.

"Your boy looks like he could use it."

For his part, Hayden placed a kiss against my temple, and I couldn't hold back a shiver. When I looked up, he was already gazing down at me. His lips were just inches away from mine. If I'd thought I had trouble breathing before, it was nothing compared to now.

"She seems to like what I do to her." Hayden's gaze held mine. "And I like making her happy. That's all that matters."

Sean didn't say a word.

"Later, Shannon."

With that, Hayden ushered the two of us away. Once we'd gone several steps, and the tension had passed, I couldn't hold back a laugh.

"You were brilliant," I said with a smile.

"Yeah well," he said, "it's not hard if you're comparing me to that guy."

I couldn't disagree.

"Acting jealous when he's the one who let you go? What adumbass."

"Hey, I'm not arguing. He was definitely being a jerk. I don't think he was jealous, though. That was never Sean's thing."

Hayden scoffed. "Oh, he was."

"If you say so."

"Why do you think he ran over when he saw us together?"

I shrugged, and Hayden simply shook his head.

"I forbid you to get back together with that guy, Magnolia."

"Um, I wasn't going to," I said then playfully poked his side. "And FYI, I forbid you to forbid me anything. I may be a hopeless romantic, Hayden, but I'm very much a fan of equality. You should know that."

"Noted," he chuckled.

"Besides, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I messed around with other guys? I'm with you now."

Hayden smiled down at me. "Yeah, you are. And I'm with you."

I watched as his gaze swept over my face. A moment passed, and his eyes shuttered, his lips dropping as if that smile had never existed.

"But even when this is over, please just promise me you won't waste yourself on that."

I felt myself tense. The reminder that this thing with Hayden wouldn't last was like getting hit with a blast of cold water. A slightly jarring but much-needed wake-up call.

"I promise," I said softly.

Regardless of whatever happened in the future, I couldn't see myself being with Sean again. I hoped to find my one true love. That was what I'd always wanted. And though I'd been blind for a very long time, there was no doubt in my mind: My ex wasn't it.

Hayden nodded and stopped beside a jet black SUV.

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