Borrowed Time

Hayes paused, still smirking but his eyes softened just a bit. He tilted his head, studying my face like he was trying to read me. One hand came up to tuck my hair behind my ear, thumb brushing my cheek.

“Alright, alright. I’m listening, baby,” he said, still teasing but gentler now. “What’s got my girl all worked up? You know you can tell me anything.”

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding so loud