The smell of fresh coffee heightens my senses, and as soon as I peel my eyes open, I see Hayden.
Sexy, seductive Hayden.
Blinking, I realize I’m completely naked in bed as the memories of last night flood my mind.
Oh shit.
That really happened.
Hayden declared his undying love for me and is moving across the country to be with me. Should I pinch myself to make sure this is real life?
Panic settles into my chest at the realization of what this all means.
“Here,” he says, setting down a Starbucks cup on the nightstand next to me. “Before you start thinking of a hundred ways to tell me not to move to New York, get your caffeine fix, and then we’ll talk.”
“You know me so well, don’t you?” I snicker, sitting up and grabbing the coffee. “Even after all this time.”
Hayden leans down and kisses the top of my head. “How could I forget, Sav?” He flashes me a wink, sending butterflies straight to my stomach. He sits on the edge of the bed, kicking off his shoes. “I’m ordering room service. Pancakes still your fave?”
I look at him over the lid of my coffee, hiding a smile. “Mmhmm.” I nod and feel like I’m dreaming. This has to be a dream, right?
“Perfect, because for what I have planned…” He glances over his shoulder at me, smirking. “You’re gonna need the carbs.”
Ten minutes later, I’ve finished my coffee, Hayden’s placed our food order, and I’m bent over the bed—my ass in the air, Hayden’s tongue inside me, driving me to the edge.
He stands and grips my hips, squeezing tight, thrusting in and out as he works through ten years of pent-up aggression. My fingers fist the sheets, hanging on as I moan his name. He grunts and hisses, and soon we’re unraveling together in heated pleasure.
I collapse on the bed, giggling, my legs feeling sore. Marathon sex was always a thing of the past and only with him, so my body is definitely feeling it now.
Hayden towers over me, a palm on each side of me, and groans. “Flip over, Sav.”
He helps me turn around and brings our mouths together, so passionately and sweet. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he nearly drops on top of me.
“Baby…” he says, chuckling against my lips. “I’m going to crush you.”
“It’d be worth it. The best way to die.” I smirk. As I’m losing myself in everything that he is, a knock on the door interrupts us. “I think our breakfast is here.”
“Alright, but then I’m coming back for dessert.” He flashes me a wink before kissing me once more and standing. I get under the covers and watch him slide on his shorts. “Don’t move.”
I laugh, not remembering the last time I felt this happy. Ten years apart, miserable years apart, and now here we are. After all this time.
Biting my lower lip, I watch as Hayden answers the door, admiring his back and ass. Hot damn. That is mine. All mine.
As soon as he opens the door, I hear him growl. “Veronica. What the fuck are you doing here?”
I immediately pull up the sheet, my heart lodged in my throat as I fear she’s going to come in here and murder me. While naked. Oh my God.
“Hayden.” Her voice comes out bored. “I’m here for Savannah.”
My eyes widen, quickly eyeing the floor as I look for my clothes.
“For what?” Hayden asks. “Haven’t you done enough?”
My suitcase is closer, so I take the sheet, wrap it around my body, then tiptoe over and grab what I need from it, then quickly get dress.
“Look, I screwed up, okay? I’m here to apologize.” She sounds almost pained. Almost.
Once I’m clothed, I walk behind Hayden and make my presence known. “It’s fine,” I tell Hayden. I cross my arms over my chest and stand next to him as I give her a death glare. “Say what you’re gonna say.”
“Okay, geez. Right to the point then.” She waves her hand in the air. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lied about Hayden being the father.”
I nod, agreeing. “Trying to trap a man is the lowest of low,” I tell her.
“Okay, Mother Teresa.” She rolls her eyes. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”
“Veronica…” someone hisses from the hallway, and Hayden and I both furrow our brows.
We poke our heads out and see Hunter leaning against the wall with a shit-eating grin.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Hayden asks.
“I drove her here,” he responds casually. “Persuading her to do the right thing.”
Chuckling, I shake my head at him. “That’s why her apology sounds so painful.” I snort.
Veronica glares at me, folding her arms over her chest. “Hormones, okay?”
Hunter clears his throat, which makes Veronica rolls her eyes. “I’m also sorry, Hayden.” She pinches her lips and takes a deep breath. “For trying to trap you and get between you and Savannah. And—” She turns her gaze toward me. “I’m sorry for being a bitch to you all those years.”
I give her a half nod and smirk. “That sounded mostly genuine.”
Hayden looks at me and chuckles. “Guess we’ll take it.”
Veronica throw us the fakest smile. “Great.” Her face drops then looks at Hunter. “Satisfied now?”
“As satisfied as after a drunken one-night stand,” Hunter taunts, moving next to Veronica. “Not that I’d know anything about that.” He pinches his lips together and shakes his head, which has Hayden and me both laughing. I’d be willing to bet he’s had several drunken one-night stands.
Hayden looks at Hunter, smiles, and shakes his head at him. “I should’ve known you were behind this. Always looking out for me.” He nudges his shoulder. “I’m supposed to be the big brother, remember?”
“Can we go now?” Veronica snaps at Hunter, looking annoyed.
Before he can answer, our breakfast is being delivered. “Perfect timing,” I mutter.
Hunter wraps his arm around her, guiding her down the hall. He then looks over his shoulder and gives Hayden a wink, and it’s the sweetest brother moment I’ve ever witnessed.
Once the tray of food is placed in our room, Hayden tips him, then shuts the door behind him.
“Finally.” He sighs, stalking toward me.
“Well that was…weird,” I say, taking a forkful of fruit. “I thought she was here to kill me or something.” I half laugh.
Hayden grins. “I don’t even wanna know what Hunter had to do to get her here, never mind get her to apologize.”
“He’s pretty persuasive, that one,” I admit. “I have a feeling he wasn’t happy about me either.”
Biting into his pancake, he gives me a look verifying I’m right. “He’s got trust issues. Our dad kinda fucked that up for him.”
“When’s the last time you’ve spoken to your father?” I ask. Things were rough when we dated back in high school, so I can’t imagine how they’d be now.
“It’s been years.” He shrugs. “I visit my mom, but he’s never home.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s for the best. Not being in his life keeps the toxicness away. Unfortunately for Hunter, after I left, he still had years before he could leave. Things got pretty bad.”
“Well Hunter loves you, that much I can see. He idolizes you.” I smile as I chew. These are some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had. “I hope he finds someone right for him. I bet if he’d let himself, he could love fiercely. He has a big heart.”
Hayden nods, agreeing. “He does. His example growing up was tainted, but I think when he finds the one, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.”
He leans over and presses a kiss to my syrupy lips. “Mm…delicious.”
Once we finish eating, we shower together, making sure to clean every inch of each other’s bodies. He pins me to the wall, slips inside me, and repeats how much he loves me. Over and over.
“I need to stop in and say goodbye to my parents before I leave. Will you come with me? I’m sure they’d love to see you.” I ask once we’re dressed, and I’ve packed up my things. I fly out soon, and I know we still have a lot to figure out. My mom’s pep talk rings in my ears, and I know with certainty she’d be so happy to hear that Hayden and I rekindled.
“Of course.” He gives me a soft kiss. “How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”
“I saw them yesterday for a couple of hours, but before that, it’d been almost two years. They came to New York for Christmas.”
“I bet that was fun, especially during the holidays.”
“I was slammed with shows, so it was quite stressful, but I was glad to see them. They, of course, lectured me about coming back home, but once they saw me on stage and the life I had in the city, they stopped.”
Hayden peers at me with the most sincere look in his eyes. “I can’t wait to watch you on stage and hear you sing again. I already know you’re brilliant up there.”
I inhale, letting the reality of this whole thing sink in. “Are you sure about this, Hayden?”
“About seeing your parents? Of course.”
“No, not that.” I suck in my lips. “Uprooting your life, leaving your brother, your job. Everything. For me? My life is…chaotic on the best days. I have rehearsals, auditions, studying my lines, voice lessons, and performances. I feel like I’m going to let you down.”
My eyes prick with tears, and I hate how my insecurities are getting the best of me at a time like this. Hayden kneels in front of me and takes my hand, looking so damn sexy.
“Sav, I’ve waited ten years for this moment. I never knew if I’d see you again, never knew if I’d—if we’d—get a second chance. This weekend has shown me what really matters. I knew I loved you when I was sixteen years old, so I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life. If I didn’t think it’d scare the shit out of you, I’d get down on one knee and propose to you right now.” He flashes a smirk and wink.
His last comment has me laughing.
“You and me, baby. That’s all I need. The rest we’ll figure out. I have no doubt about that.” Hayden brings my hands to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.
I smile, his words giving me the reassurance I desperately needed.
Hayden cups my cheek. “I love you. Don’t forget it.”
I lean into his touch, then kiss his palm. “Never.”
After saying goodbye to my parents, and my mother squealing like crazy that Hayden and I were back together, it was time to go to the airport. Donny’s driving the rental car and meeting me there. I felt dread the entire way there, not knowing when Hayden would be able to move. I’d miss him for sure, but another part was scared he’d change his mind. I know I shouldn’t doubt him, but it’s just such a big commitment and change. Though, he knows what he’s doing and what he wants—me.
The entire way there, Hayden’s fingers are interlocked with mine, and when it’s time to leave, I hesitate. Everything feels too good to be true.
“Sav…” His tender tone grabs my attention, and I look up into his soft, kind eyes as if he’s able to read my insecurities. “Let us have this. We deserve it.”
Tilting my head, I smile at the man who holds my whole heart. Who’s always held it.
“I know.” I nod, pulling in my bottom lip. “I can’t help but wonder if I’m going to blink, and you’ll be gone.”
“Never, baby. I’d follow you right now if I could, but I want to do this right. Get out of my lease, pack my stuff, say goodbye to my brother, and figure out my job situation. I want to leave knowing nothing’s holding me back because baby, when I go to you, I’m not ever letting you out of my sight again.” Hayden lifts my chin, giving me the sweetest look. “You got that?”
“Hm…where did this alpha side of you come from?” I tease. “I’m kinda digging it.”
Hayden wraps his hand around my neck, closing the space between us and slamming our mouths together. He kisses me with so much love and heat, I’m nearly gasping for air when we part.
“It’s all you, sweetheart. You release a side of me that’s always been reserved for you.” He flashes me a wink, which has butterflies swarming in my stomach.
“Then I better go before you get out of control,” I tease.
We get out, and he helps me with my luggage. Tears prick my eyes as sadness swarms over me. Hayden holds me in his arms, crushing me to his chest as I inhale his musky scent. I squeeze him, not wanting to let go.
“I’ll be there as fast as I can, okay?”
I meet his eyes and nod. “I know.” He bends and presses his lips to mine for a final kiss. “I’ll be waiting.”
“We’ve waited this long…what’s another few weeks, right?” He grins and winks, which has me nearly bursting into tears.
“All those years we could’ve been together,” I say, lowering my gaze. “I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t you dare put all the blame on yourself,” he demands, tilting my head up. “We both messed up. I could’ve chased you, found you after I knew the truth, but I didn’t. Instead of dwelling on the what-ifs, I’m going to make sure we don’t make those mistakes ever again. Never letting you go again, Savannah. Never.”
As I nod, tears blur my vision, but I don’t care. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for tight hug. “I love you.”
“I love you, baby. This isn’t goodbye because I’m coming for you as soon as possible.”
Cars honk at us, forcing us apart. A guy shouts at us to get moving because we’ve been in the “no parking” zone for over ten minutes. “You better go before you get a ticket or a fight breaks out,” I say between tears and laughter.
Hayden brings our mouths together for one last kiss. “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart. Don’t ever forget how much I love you. Forever.”
I smile against his lips. “Forever.”