Page 159 of California Wild

A voice behind her.

Low, familiar. Firm.

“Hayley.”

She turned, already knowing who it was.

Caiden stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his usual cocky ease missing.

He looked… serious.

Too serious.

“Leaving already?”

Hayley forced a small smile, brushing hair from her face. “No. Just needed air.”

Caiden nodded, stepping closer, his blue eyes searching hers.

Then—soft, careful, deliberate.

“Look, I haven’t seen you much lately, but I’ve been wanting to tell you. That month on tour was amazing. We were amazing. Together.”

Hayley’s stomach tightened.

She knew where this was going.

Caiden exhaled, shaking his head slightly, like he was working through something.

His gaze was heavy, intent, pinning her in place.

“Having you locked in, no distractions, no running? It was different. It was real.”

Hayley swallowed.

“We nailed it out there, Hayley.” He tilted his head, watching her carefully. “The chemistry. You know what I mean. You felt it too. Right?”

Her chest went tight.

Because she had felt something.

But not what he thought.

Caiden stepped closer, his voice dropping. “I feel a lot for you. More than I ever thought I would.” His jaw clenched. “After that month we spent together, every night on stage, every day messing around and having fun… you are my best friend. More than that. I’m falling for you.”

Hayley’s breath stalled.

This was it.

She had to shut it down.

“Caiden… we shouldn’t do this.”

His expression flickered, something hardening behind his eyes.

“Why not?”

“Because we work together. Because the band is everything right now. Because it’ll get messy and complicated.”

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