Page 64 of The Wingman

That’s my fault, because I coasted along with the current and faded into the background of his life. I never asked for anything and I never put myself first. I let myself be the person he wanted instead of who I am.

God, this is so fucking hard. Breaking Kit’s heart all over again wasn’t something I was prepared to do, but I think about the way Hayden dates with full transparency and kindness, never leading someone on.

“I’m starting to date,” I tell him, forcing the words out. “And I think you should, too. It’s time to move on from each other.”

I hear his low, unhappy laugh. “Unbelievable. I have to go. Bye, Darcy.”

He ends the call, and tears spill over, streaming down my cheeks. Sobs shudder through me. My pillow is soaked, and my face is puffy and hot.

There’s a soft knock at my door. “Darce? Are you okay?”

The low, gentle tone of Hayden’s voice sends another wave of tears to my eyes.

“Yep,” I croak, panic shooting through me. Hayden can’t see me crying. “I’m fine. Just going to bed now. Good night.”

He doesn’t say anything, but I can sense him waiting on the other side of the door. “I’m coming in.”

CHAPTER 30

DARCY

When Hayden opensmy bedroom door and sees me curled up on my bed, crying, his expression hardens.

“Hey, hey, hey.” The bed sinks as he sits beside me, hand brushing over my hair. “What’s going on?”

“Kit called.”

His hand stills on my hair. “What?”

I recap the conversation as tears continue to fall. While he listens, he strokes my hair, watching with concern. When I’m done, he lies down beside me and gathers me into his chest, pulling me half on top of him.

“Honey,” he murmurs, mouth on my temple, breath on my cheek.

After how I’ve been freaking out about our practice kiss, we shouldn’t be doing this, but he smells so good. His heartbeat against my ear is calming, and he’s so warm. I like when he calls mehoney, too. He probably calls tons of women that, but I don’t care. I’m taking all the comfort I can get right now.

“Do you think I’m changing?” I ask quietly.

A beat passes where he doesn’t say anything, but his arm tightens around my back. “Yes and no. You’re learning to do new things, and you’re figuring out who you arewithout him.” His hand lingers on the back of my hair, warm and heavy. “But you’re still the same Darcy we all know and love.”

“That’s how I feel, too.” I wipe a tear away. “I feel like the same person, just better.”

His hand stroking over my hair combined with his steady, slow heartbeat under my ear lulls me into a sense of calm.

“He’ll be okay,” Hayden murmurs. “He just needs time. Just like you.”

I wake the next morning to sunlight streaming into my room because I forgot to close the blinds.

Both physically and emotionally, I feel brand new and clear-headed. For the first time in a month and a half, I’m well rested and my eyes don’t feel gritty and dry. I usually toss and turn throughout the night, but I don’t remember waking up once. It’s the best sleep I’ve had since I broke up with Kit.

I’m also draped over Hayden while he sleeps half-naked in my bed.

My pulse skyrockets, tripping and stumbling, and I blink, eyes wide.

We’re still in the same position as last night, but the duvet covers us. Hayden’s only wearing tight black boxer briefs, and while I’m still in my t-shirt, I’ve lost my pajama bottoms, wearing only underwear.

He’s on his back, tucking me close to him with an arm around my back. My thigh is wedged between his, and I’m pressed against him, my full weight on him from head to toe. He’s even caught my cold feet between his calves.

There’s something about the softness to his expression, the handsome lines on his face, the tilt to his mouth, even in sleep, that makes my heart squeeze. When I startto shift off him, careful not to wake him, his arm tightens, locking me against his body.

---