Page 54 of Blinded By Love

Everyone opens their gifts, one by one.

I got Chris a football signed by the Rams because he mentioned to me that they were his favorite team and I happened to go to one of their training camps and got a small football signed by most of the team and coaches. He looked like he was about to cry when he saw it. I got Natalia a Billie Eilish sweater which she screamed and tackled me for. She is a huge Billie stan and she told me she will forever be in my debt. I laughed and just pushed her off, telling her not to worry about it. I got both Alex and Carter a self care bag that I bought from Bath and Body Works. They both said it was thoughtful and that they will put them both to good use which Natalia took the wrong way and grimaced.

Now it’s my turn.

Natalia and I think alike because she gave me a Selena Gomez sweater which I’m in love with because Selena Gomez is one of my idols. Chris got me a Barnes & Noble gift-card because he didn’t know what to get me. Alex and Carter got me earrings that looked very expensive. I told them they didn’t have to get me anything but they said I was basically their family now and they were happy to get me that. Alex said that they would look amazing on me.

I didn’t expect Hayden to get anything for me but when I see a small red box that says Cartier, I am shocked and overwhelmed. I look at Hayden and he has a ghost smile on his face. It’s not much but to me it’s everything.

I open the box slowly and smile when I see a tiara charm hanging on a silver chain.

I look back up at Hayden. “How expensive was this?”

“Very, so don’t lose it.”

Alex and Carter chuckle along with Natalia.

“It’s too much. I can’t accept this-”

“Shut up and take the gift. I can’t take it back. It’s custom.”

My eyes almost fall out of my eyes. “Hayden-”

“Can we start with my gifts so she stops complaining?” Hayden looks at Natalia but I’m not done complaining.

“Hayden, this is probably very expensive. You can’t take it back or return it?”

He shrugs. “I can probably sell it to them to sell limited but why would I do that? I got you that necklace for a reason and you’re going to keep it.” Hayden ends the conversation and looks at Natalia. “Let me start with Alex and Carter’s.”

Alex and Carter gave Hayden a special edition Rolex and then some clothes. Natalia gave Hayden a sweater he has been wanting for a while. Chris said that his gift was at his house because he had to get it delivered.

When it’s my turn I give Hayden a small box. That ghost smile makes its way to his face again. He opens the gift and he now has a full on smile on his face which ends up making me smile.

I saw these mini boxing gloves that were red at the liquor store and I had to buy them for him. I didn’t know if I should give him something or not but going to his house for Christmas empty handed seemed rude so I thought these were perfect.

“I would have gotten you something better if I knew-”

Hayden shakes his head, disagreeing with me. “No, I like these. I’ll put them in my car.” He puts the mini boxing gloves back in the box and closes the top.

Hayden keeps his eyes on me, staring at me intensely so that I almost feel out of breath. His eyes go down to my lips making me blush and look away at Alex who is smiling, staring at me and Hayden.

I hope she doesn’t think anything of it.

“Alright, well let's go have some breakfast so you guys can have the rest of the day to yourself. Maybe show Jaclyn around town?” She gets up from the couch and goes to the kitchen while Carter follows behind her.

Natalia and Chris peck each other, saying '“I love you” before getting up and going to the dining room.

I look at Hayden once more, giving him a smile before getting up. I am about to start walking towards the kitchen but I feel a large, warm hand grab mine. I turn around and Hayden is almost an inch away from me. He’s so close that our chests are almost pressed against one another.

“Turn around, princess.”

I nip my lip, forcing myself not to blush or smile as I turn around. I hate that I’m getting all giddy just from a simple command from him.

I feel metal press against my skin lightly making me jolt. I look down at my chest and see Hayden placing the tiara necklace around my neck. I smile while looking down at the necklace because I can’t help it.

“Don’t lose it or else I’ll strangle you with another necklace,” Hayden says and I can’t help but laugh even though I think he might be serious. He connects the clasp to the hook and moves my hair to the side. I turn around and look down at the charm. “It looks good on you.”

I look up at him and I swear I see heat filled in his eyes. It’s almost like he wants to take me to the nearest room and kiss me until I run out of breath.

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