CHRIS

The house is filled with laughter as the kids play around and we all wait for lunch to get ready. Everyone has been super friendly, and Hailley's fake engagement idea is a complete success.

And I'm miserable.

I keep playing the image of her kissing her ex in my head in a loop, and every time she avoids my eyes, my fucking heart breaks a little.

Does she regret last night?

Does she secretly want me to leave so she and Tom can get back together?

Am I making a fool out of myself here?

Last night meant everything to me and I thought we had made tremendous progress in our relationship. I've loved Hailey from the day we met. She's funny and sassy and has such a big heart, it's difficult to believe she's real sometimes. We basically spend every free time we have together, but I think we've been both afraid to cross that line. We get on so well, and as they say, sex does change things.

I won't lie and say I hadn't thought of making a move on her before, but the timing was never perfect and I was freaking scared most of the time.

Guess deep down, I knew it would screw with what we had. And look if I wasn't right.

"Chris." I hear Hailey's voice and turn to her. I've been staring aimlessly through a big window in the living room for so long, I startle a little.

"Hey..." I shove my hands in my pockets as the urge to touch is almost too much.

"Uh... Can we go for a walk?" She bites her lips, her eyes not meeting mine. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Sure." I swallow hard, bracing myself for the rejection that is about to come.

"Dad lent me his car." She clears her throat. "There's a coffee shop down the road."

"Lead the way," I say as we walk to the door.

The trip to the coffee shop is silent. I hate I feel so twitchy; that I can't stop bouncing my leg. Her inviting me to neutral territory must only mean one thing: She's getting back with her ex and I'm cramping her style.

Skipping a glance at her, I will my heart to function right. She's wearing tight pants and a high-knee leather boot that paired with a black turtleneck sweater make her look fucking phenomenal.

Damn, I sound like a teenager in love.

She pulls over in front of the shop, but I hold her hand so she doesn't leave the car. "Let's do this here."

"You don't want to go inside to get some coffee." She looks at me, the intensity of her gaze hitting me full force.

"I'd rather do it here, so we have more privacy." I look away, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"Okay." I hear her whisper, but before she has time to say anything else, I bring my eyes to her. She's looking ahead, probably gathering the courage to talk.

"I saw you kissing Tom." I cut to the chase and her head turns to me, her beautiful eyes wide and pained.

"Chris. That's not..." She trails off with a bite of her lower lip.

"Not what? You didn't kiss him?" Hurt slams through my chest so hard, I take a deep breath.

"Things got out of hand with him..." she starts and I see in her eyes that she regrets her word choice. But I'm just too pissed now.

"Like last night, right?" I snap, and she recoils as if I'd slapped her. Fuck this is getting out of hand. "I'll make it easy for you and get out of your way.," I swallow hard; my voice louder with every word that leaves my mouth. "I booked a flight for later today. I can hang out here until it's time for me to go to the airport."

"You what?" Her voice rises to match mine.

"You know what, this is getting off track. I don't want to fight... I can't fight with you. Not with you..." I rub my face before meeting her gaze. "It's clear last night didn't mean the same for you. You don't need to spell it out. I get it."

"What are you-"

"I'll get my things in a couple of hours." I open the car door and the moment I step out she's rounding the car and getting in my face.

"What is it exactly that you get it?" She hisses, her cheeks red and her nostrils flaring.

"I saw you fucking kissing him." I lean closer to her, our faces almost touching.

"I didn't kiss him." She hesitates. "Having him admit he screwed up soothed a small part inside of me that still thought I was the problem. That there was something wrong with me."

"You didn't pull away." I search her eyes, letting her see how much that kiss hurt. "I watched you two through your bedroom's window... And you didn't pull away."

"Did you watch it long enough to see me slapping him?" Her voice softens, a small smile playing on her lips.

I feel like finally breathing right again. "You slapped him?"

"He kissed me without my consent. It was that or kicking him in the balls." She shrugs, and I look away, feeling like a fool.

"Last night meant everything to me, Hails. Then, I wake to watch you two kissing... It was messed up." I meet her gaze and she cups my cheeks.

"It meant everything to me too. And I would be pretty mad if roles were reversed." She touches her nose to mine, and it's like I can finally breathe right again. "I'm sorry."

My hands find her waist, and I pull her to me. "He puts his hands on you again, and I'm breaking his nose."

"So, does it mean we're exclusive?" she whispers in my ear, her tone light and teasing.

"Damn right." I cup her cheek, my hand curling around her head as her arms twine around my neck.

When our lips touch, I allow each stroke to mend the cracks in my heart. She kisses with me so much love and emotion, I just know she's the one for me.

"I love you," she whispers over my lips, and my chest expands.

"So much, Hails." I pull away to look into her eyes. "I love you so much."

The smile she rewards me with makes me feel like a fucking king. I never thought her crazy idea of faking an engagement would bring us together. But I couldn't be happier with how well this turned out.

And this is just the beginning.

Our beginning.

I can't wait to see what life has in store for us.

*THE END*

_____

A/N: Thank you for being part of my writing journey! Having you guys with me makes it all so much fun! Hope you have enjoyed Chris and Hailey's story!

Want you o read more of my work? Check out my romance novels:

🌼SAY I DO (Marriage Of Convenience Romance) 

The last thing Livy expects is to fall for Logan, the hot but damaged billionaire who wants to help her pay for her dad's medical bills. The catch: they have to pretend to be married for one year!

🌼 COMING HOME (Second Chance Romance)

Jennifer is called back home to organize a 70th birthday party, not knowing she'll be working with kind, handsome, Matthew - the only man who's ever made her heart race but also the one who broke it all those years ago.

🌼MORE THAN FRIENDS (Neighbors To Lovers Romance)

After having her heart broken, the last thing Alexia Grey expects is to befriend single dad Lucas Hart, the hot neighbor carrying lots of baggage. Even wanting different things in life, can they ignore their sizzling attraction?

🌼 SWEET SPOT (Friends To Lovers Romance)

After having her heart broken, Lisa has sworn off men and now spends her time growing her business while living a celibate/single life. But when a charming vet with a heart of gold barges into her life, she'll need to decide if she's ready to open her heart and risk having it broken again.

🌼 WORTH THE FIGHT (Sports Romance)

After a long night of work, the dread of being cornered by two drunks is the last thing Andie needs. But when a ruggedly handsome stranger steps in to help, she doesn't expect him to be the world's current UFC champion - nor for him to make his way into her heart.

🌼 UNEXPECTED (Best Friend's Brother Romance)

After a nasty breakup, romance writer Joanna Wilson travels to her best friend's parent's beach house for a much-needed escape and an opportunity to write a new book. The last thing she expects, though, is to find rock star Gabriel Morales - aka her best friend's older brother and lifelong crush - only wrapped in a towel the moment she opens the door.

💕 If you want to know more about me, make sure to follow me here CelesteABrook  and on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (same username) 💕