Stuck on You

Chapter 19: Maybe Change

 I hopped in the shower quickly before I walked back into my room with my towel wrapped around me. Hayden was sitting on my bed watching me.

“Jordyn,” he said, looking away from me as I slipped on my underwear and big t-shirt. He stood and pressed his body against mine. It got me excited and nervous all at the same time. “What if I’m falling in love you,” he said softly.

“Now you’re just talking out of your ass,” I whispered.

“You could say it back to me,” he said.

“Stop playing with me, Hayden. This isn’t funny. You shouldn’t say it if you don’t mean it,” I warned, not breaking eye contact with him. I couldn’t help it; I was getting angry. He knew how I felt, and it seemed like he was rubbing it in my face. This wasn’t a joke I’d be laughing at. I took another look at him. He looked slightly nervous.

“I’m serious, Jordyn,” he practically whispered. I knew that he was uncomfortable admitting this. This wasn’t just one of his stories, or a joke. He really was serious.

“I love you, Hayden,” I whispered. And I did. I meant that. Hayden’s lip pulled up in a small smile but he looked sort of scared. I knew what he was thinking.

“Good,” he said despite himself. I touched his cheek gently. I knew what he was thinking and I didn’t want him to go there.

“Hey, I’m not Claire. I can handle myself and I know that you can handle yourself. You don’t have to do everything, okay? It’s not your job to protect me 24/7 I’m not going anywhere… I swear,” I said quietly. A tear escaped his eye against his will. I gave a soft smile before I kissed him. It wasn’t like most of our kisses. This one was soft and tender. It was meaningful and gentle. Both of his hands went to my cheeks as he kissed me deeper.

I could feel him practically willing me to stay. He was afraid that I was going to disappear and I understood that. We kissed for what seemed like only seconds, but when I pulled away, I noticed it was more like minutes. He searched my eyes almost frantically, but surprisingly, I was calm. I gave him a soft smile and a reassuring squeeze. His infamous smirk returned after a moment.

“This doesn’t mean that the bet is off, you know,” he said. I laughed and pushed him down on my bed.

“I didn’t think it was,” I said. I sat on his lap and kissed him gently. I felt him smile against my lips.

“I love you, Jordyn,” he said softly. I pulled away from him and smirked.

“You’re not going to get all mushy on me, are you?” I asked. He chuckled and gave me a quick kiss.

“Would that be so bad?” he asked. I shook my head and my smile spread. I kissed him deeply. He leaned back and I followed. His hands moved to my waist and I giggled.

 “I’m hungry; I’ll cook something,” I suggested. He nodded excitedly. I rolled off of him and stood up. His hand went to my hip and he kissed my head.

“I love you,” I smiled softly. He smirked and pulled me closer to him.

“I’m not going to say it all the time… especially out,” he smirked. I chuckled and looked at him.

“I figured,” I said. He smiled and rolled his eyes.

“But I love you too,” he gave in. We walked to the kitchen and I started by putting some steaks in the oven. I knew it was really late to be eating this heavily, but I was craving something of substance. Hayden sat on the bar side of the island and just watched me. I started boiling some water before I leaned against the island counter.

“That was my dad on the phone earlier,” I started. I wasn’t even planning on bringing this up, but I wanted him to come with me after all. “He wants me to come up for a charity ball. My mom and I lived in Texas but my dad remarried and moved, so he’s here. Well, he’s in Los Angeles. He asked me to come and stay a few days, and then go to the charity ball. He reserved a hotel room for me, and that was my dress for the ball in the package, and there’s going to be a lot of important people there and… I’m rambling now. Sorry, what I’m trying to get at is… I would love it if you would come with me. It’s very formal, and there’s dancing, and food. I want you to go with me,” I said in a rush. He laughed at me before he kissed my nose.

“Why are you so nervous? Of course I’ll go with you,” he chuckled. I smiled and thanked him before I turned to check on the food.

“You can just stay with me at the hotel and we can find you a suit,” I said, putting the macaroni in the water.

“This sounds really…. extravagant. Is your dad rich or something?” Hayden asked. I shrugged and took the steaks out of the oven.

“I wouldn’t say rich. He’s an important businessman who happens to make a lot of money. I guess he’s been my dad for so long, that I don’t really think of him in that way,” I explained. “He’s the Vice President of the Hyatt or whatever.” Hayden’s eyebrows shot up.

“As in the hotel? That’s a multi-billion dollar industry. You’re dad is rich,” Hayden said. I laughed and shook my head.

“Food is almost ready,” I said, changing the subject. I drained the macaroni and started mixing the cheese in. Hayden slipped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck. I chuckled and put the mixing spoon down. “Will you grab the plates?” I asked. He kissed my head before he did as I asked. I set the food on the table and grabbed some silverware. We sat down and ate; all the while chatting animatedly. I set the dishes in the sink before Hayden and I went to bed. I was exhausted. 

The song for this chapter is 'Finally Falling' from Victorious. I posted a video of the song off to the side. Give it a listen :)