Page 77 of Fauxmance

Hayden let out a breath. "I can do that."

"Okay." I smiled. "Don't look so worried, boyfriend. We're good."

With that, he pulled out of the space, and we began the drive back to get my car. I turned on the radio, and we listened for a while. But after a few minutes, he reached over and lowered the volume.

"So, what'd you think of the guys?" he asked with a grin.

"They were cool."

"Even Santino?"

"You mean, Uncle Titi?" I said, laughing as he grimaced. "Oh, I liked him."

"Everyone does." Hayden rolled his eyes. "It's like he casts a magic spell that makes people fall in love with him instantly. I think he liked you, too."

"Really?" I said.

Hayden nodded. "They all did."

"Elliot seemed sarcastic and sweet. And Ryker was probably my favorite with his quiet giant demeanor." He grunted. "You and your friends have no shame or filter."

Hayden let out a short laugh. "Do you mean that as a good or a bad thing?"

"It's refreshing." I shrugged. "Sometimes I wish I was like that."

"I wouldn't change you for anything, Maggie."

My jaw dropped, but before I could say a word, Hayden asked another question.

"So, Ryker was your favorite, huh? I can't wait to tell Santino. He'll be crushed."

"It's nothing personal. Ryker just seemed like a sweetheart, and despite his size, he was the least intimidating."

Hayden tsked. "The guy is charming without even trying."

"Huh, I know someone else who could fit that description."

He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. "Do you now?"

I gave his shoulder a gentle shove. "You know you're a charmer, Hayden. Don't pretend."

"I thought that was the whole point," he said. "Pretending."

I swallowed. "You're right. It is."

As we pulled up to Honeycomb High, my Honda was one of the only cars in the lot. It looked all lonely sitting there by itself. The sun was just starting to set, the oranges and pinks of twilight filling the sky. As Hayden parked his car next to mine, I took off my seatbelt and turned to him with a smile.

"Thanks for today," I said. "You weren't kidding. The Davenports are an interesting bunch."

"That's one way to put it," Hayden said.

"And meeting your band was an unexpected surprise."

He nodded. "I agree. It was a productive afternoon. Even if we were interrupted"—my cheeks went hot at the reminder of our almost kiss—"I think we passed the first test."

When I gave him a questioning look, Hayden went on.

"The guys thought we were a couple."

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