Page 99 of Fauxmance

The scene replayed in my head as if it was on a movie screen.

After the reception, Hayden and I were waiting outside for the valet to bring his car around.He turned to me and said, "Thanks for this, Maggie. I had a good time."

"You don't have to lie," I said.

"No really," he added. "I think it's the most fun I've ever had at a family function."

"Glad to hear it."

Hayden gave a small smile. "You should be since it's all because of you."

"Please."

"What? It's true."

I tried to wave him off, but he captured my hand in his.

Looking up, I met his eyes, and they were filled with sincerity and something else I couldn’t name.

"I had a great time," he said again. "Did you?"

"Hmm," I said. "The wedding itself was lovely; the cake was delicious—thanks for letting me sneak some for my mom, by the way. She's going to love it—and your family… Well, I think they all hate me, but that's okay."

"Annabelle didn't hate you."

"I liked her a lot, too."

"My mom definitely doesn't hate you," he added. "After the shock wore off, she looked happier than anything. I think she liked seeing us together."

Maybe a little too much, I thought.

I'd noticed it as well. Dr. M kept throwing smiles our way quite a bit throughout the evening. I couldn't blame her for wanting this to turn real. If I was being honest, I wanted that—but Hayden didn't. I had to remember that and keep it light.

"The pros definitely outweighed the cons," I said, bouncing my brows. "I mean, I had the most captivating, hottest date by far."

Hayden's smile grew. "Oh yeah?"

I rolled my eyes. "Come on. You have to know how good you look in a suit."

"No, enlighten me."

I shook my head. "I'm not going to feed your ego, Hayden."

"But it needs to be fed, Maggie. Desperately," he said. "I have real self-esteem issues over here."

"You seem healthy to me."

Hayden pretended to pout then he gave a soft laugh. "Okay, okay, you already called me captivating and hot and told me how amazing I look in a suit, so I guess I'll live."

I tilted my head. "I believe the word I used was 'good.' You look good in a suit."

"Ah, but I read your true meaning."

My laughter trailed off as he took a step closer.

"Seriously though, you're wrong," he said, shaking his head as he placed a hand against my cheek. "You didn't have the most captivating date."

"I didn't?" I asked.

---