Page 129 of Fauxmance

"Oh?" I said, caught somewhere between wanting to laugh and cry. "Want to elaborate a little more on that, Hayden, because I'm reading all kinds of things into it."

"I thought you understood, Magnolia. I don't do relationships."

I knew that, but it still hurt to hear.

"It's not you," he went on, pleading with his eyes for understanding. "This is all me."

"Sure," I said, feeling like I was in a daze.

"I'm serious."

Nodding, I felt him take my hand. Hayden seemed to be struggling with something he wanted to say. I knew exactly how he felt.

"Remember that girl," he said, seeming to have come to a decision. Every word sounded as if it were being ripped from his throat. "The one who came to watch our band? Her name's Rachel and she's…she's my—"

"Your ex-fiancée," I finished because I couldn't stand to see him struggling. Even at a time like this.

Hayden jerked back. "You know?"

I nodded. "Annabelle just told me."

He looked like he didn't know how to feel about that, but he forged ahead.

"Well then, you already understand why I can't do what you're asking," he said.

"No," I said. "Please, explain it to me."

"I like you, Maggie. A lot. You have to know that. But I don't do love. It's just not in the cards for me."

I shook my head. "Hayden, I'm sorry for what happened to you. Truly, I am."

He had started to relax, but then I said my next words.

"But that is ridiculous."

Hayden looked shocked. "Which part?"

"I don't do love?" I repeated. "Who says things like that, let alone means them?"

"I do," he said. "Commitment isn't my thing, not anymore. I swore I'd never let myself beput in that position again. Dating with me is always no-strings, and the girls I hook up with understand that."

I swallowed the tears that threatened to fall.

"Sorry," I said. "How stupid of me. I thought I might be the exception."

Hayden looked like I'd landed a physical blow.

"You have to forgive me, though," I said. "Since I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Ah Maggie," he said. "You're killing me here."

"I definitely don't want to do that."

I met his eyes, hating the way he was looking at me, but needing to get this out.

"I'm…sorry, Magnolia," Hayden said. "I wish I could be who you need me to be. But I can't."

"That's okay, Hayden," I said and really meant it. "But I don't think I can keep faking it. My feelings are too real now. Obviously. And besides, your grandmother sees how awesome you are. We did everything we set out to do."