Ryan lay quietly on the bed, listening to Hayley's steady breathing. He couldn't help but feel conflicted, a huge part of him needed to kiss Hayley but knowing he was still engaged didn't just sit well with him. The thought of how she was ready for the kiss brought a smile to his lips as he gazed at her sleeping figure. "Soon" he muttered softly.
The next day, they returned to New York. As it was a Friday, Hayley had a dinner date scheduled with Jerry the next day. She had agreed to it, thinking it was just a friendly outing.
The evening arrived, and Jerry took Hayley to an upscale restaurant. The ambiance was elegant, with dim lighting and soft music. They were seated at a cozy table, and Jerry ordered their drinks.
"So, how was your day?" Jerry asked, leaning back in his chair.
"It was fine, thanks," Hayley replied, smiling. "Just catching up on some work."
Their conversation flowed easily, and Hayley found herself enjoying Jerry's company. As they finished their meal, Jerry glanced at his watch.
"I'm glad we could catch up," he said, smiling. "Maybe we can do this again sometime?" Staring at her a little bit intensely, Hayley nodded, feeling a sense of relief that the date had gone well.
As they were about to leave, Ryan and his fiancée, Yara, walked into the same restaurant. Ryan's eyes scanned the room immediately as he had caught a particularly scent that his wolf had begun to grow fond of, and then they narrowed, his gaze darkening. He had just spotted Hayley and Jerry laughing together.
Ryan's face tightened, his jaw clenched in a mixture of surprise and annoyance. Yara, oblivious to the tension, smiled and waved at someone across the room.
Hayley and Jerry were still chatting while preparing to leave, unaware of the intense gaze fixed on them. The air seemed to thicken, and the atmosphere in the restaurant became heavier, as if a storm was brewing.
As Hayley and Jerry walked out of the restaurant, Jerry suddenly stopped and turned around, spotting Ryan and Yara.
"Ryan, what's up?" Jerry asked, trying to sound casual.
Ryan's response was curt. "Jerry."
Jerry's smile faltered, taken aback by Ryan's one-word reply. His friend was cold originally, but this felt different, as he himself felt Ryan's anger.
Ryan ignored Hayley and turned to Yara, putting his arm around her waist.
"Let's get a table," Ryan said, his voice low and even.
Hayley looked at Jerry, confused, and Jerry shrugged, unsure what was going on.
"I guess we'll catch up another time," Jerry said, trying to sound friendly.
Hayley nodded, feeling a little awkward.
As they walked out of the restaurant, Hayley turned to Jerry and whispered, "What's wrong with CEO Ryan? He seemed really upset."
Jerry shook his head. "I have no idea. I'll ask him later."
Hayley frowned, wondering if it was because of her. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she had something to do with it.
The cool evening air hit them as they stepped out of the restaurant. Jerry turned to Hayley and smiled.
"I'm glad we could catch up, Hayley. You're great company."
Hayley smiled back, feeling a sense of relief. "I'm glad too, Jerry. You're a great person to converse with."
As they parted ways, Hayley couldn't help but think about Ryan's strange behavior. What had triggered his anger? And why had he ignored her? Was it because of what happened? Was he trying to avoid her?
The questions swirled in her mind as she walked away from the restaurant, the sound of the city fading into the background.
Meanwhile, Ryan sat down at his table, his eyes still fixed on the door, his mind racing with thoughts. Yara noticed his distraction and turned to him.
"Ryan, is everything okay?" she asked, her voice low.
Ryan's response was curt. "I'm fine."
Yara raised an eyebrow, sensing that something was wrong. But she didn't press the issue, instead turning her attention to the menu.
As they themselves already had too much issues in their relationship.
As they ordered their meals, Ryan's eyes continued to scan the room, his gaze lingering on the door, hoping to catch another glimpse of Hayley.