Page 7 of Out in the Country

“A little ambitious this early, isn’t it?” I ask as the chords hit in the song.

“I thought we could use a little pump-up music.” He places our coffees in the cup holders and then hands me my breakfast sandwich before unwrapping his own and taking a bite.

I watch his throat work out of the corner of my eye before focusing on the road. Hayden takes a sip of his coffee and then places a napkin on my thigh. It’s something he’s always done—guy is seriously the best front seat passenger for road trips—but right now all I can feel is the unintentional graze of his fingertips against my leg.

“Okay, but back to my earlier question. Do you think it’s weird that Sorren and Rhea are going together to the wedding?”

I shrug because it had never crossed my mind. “Maybe they’re friends.”

“Like us? I mean, I guess…” His words trail off, and all I want to do is sayfuck no, not like us,but I’m trying to be tactful about this. The little voice in the back of my head is blaring warning bells about not blindsiding Hayden with my announcement of undying love, but I ignore it.

Again.

“Dude is scary,” I add.

“He’s hot. They both are. Why shouldn’t they be together?”

My hand tightens on the wheel, and I take another bite of my sandwich to stop myself from tellin’ him I don’t want him talkin’ about Sorren like that.

Instead, I make a noncommittal noise, and Hayden rattles on about the itinerary this weekend like I haven’t been briefed a dozen times already. He likes plans and order, and I can’t fault him with that. The emergency room can be hectic and soul-crushing at times, and orders and plans are the best way for him to be in control when everything else is out of hand.

“Are you even listening to me?”

Not even a little.

“Yes,” I say confidently, and he gapes at me before pinching the back of my arm. I yelp at an octave higher than I’d care to admit and move as far away from him as I can. “Ow, that hurt.”

“Well, don’t lie to me then.”

He’s so sexy when he’s irritated, and I can think of more than a few ways to make him forgive me.

“Why are you so stressed?” I ask like I’m not pushing his buttons intentionally.

“What? I’m not stressed!” My eyebrows shoot up my forehead as he folds his arms defensively over his chest. “I’m not,” he says with more vehemence.

“Who’s lyin’ now?”

“I’m not lyin’. I’m just…I don’t know. Weddings are weird.”

My head snaps to look at him, and I push my glasses up to rest on the top of my head. “You love weddings.”

“I know, and I’msohappy for Harper and Brian, but I just,”—he sighs and there’s a sag to his shoulders that guts me—“I just thought I’d have my happily ever after by now.”

“You on that romance book kick again?”

“That’s not the point.”

“I know, but it got you to smile.” He huffs but his lips turn up at the corners and I’ll take the win. “And maybe you just need the right guy to sweep you off your feet.”

“Well, where is he?” He looks at me with a mock scowl. “You know I hate waiting.”

I snort because he’s not wrong, but inside I’m equally nervous and barely able to contain my excitement at finally making my move.

Just you wait, baby, just you wait.

3

HAYDEN

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