Page 18 of Left on Read

“Intent is as important as action, so totally.”

“If you’re sure you don’t mind.”

“I’m sure. How about you send me the dimensions over the app so I don’t forget them, and I’ll see what I can find?”

“Okay, um, thanks.”

“Thank you.” I dug my wallet out of my jeans. “You’re saving my bacon.”

“Got a big project or something?” He took the money I handed him and shoved it in his hoodie pocket.

“Kinda. My brother, his BF, and I are doing some side jobs for a buddy of ours who just bought his first house. We went in on some tools together and ended up losing them. These are their replacements.”

“You lost a bunch of tools?” He blinked at me.

“Not really lost. They got stolen while I was supposed to be keeping them safe.”

“Oh.” Hayden nodded slowly, his expression blank. “Well, I’m glad I could help.”

I knew that face. That was the face I saw when people reached their River limit. Time to end the conversation.

“Me too. Thanks again. And don’t forget to send me the dimensions. You did me a huge solid. I wanna help you out, too.”

“Yeah, okay.” Hayden started to stand but paused. “Do you want some help bringing these out to your car?”

“Yeah, thanks. That would be awesome.”

It took three trips, but we got everything in the trunk of my car, and after a quick goodbye, I pulled away from Hayden’s place and drove around the corner to find a place to stop. I had to text Zane, and doing it in front of Hayden’s house might have come across as creepy.

River: got the tools and still have all my body parts

Zane: any creepy vibes?

River: none. Just a nice guy with some shit to sell

Zane: pick me up on the way to work?

River: you got it

Tucking my phone away, I put the car in gear and checked to make sure the coast was clear. Thank fuck I was meeting Gray in a few hours to hit the gym before work. I was antsy as hell and would’ve gone crazy sitting at home trying to occupy myself alone.

4

HAYDEN

I reread the message thread with River, still not completely sure what had happened.

I’d ended up messaging him the dimensions of my wall last night, fully expecting him to either ignore it or unmatch me.

I’d assumed the offer to help with my bookshelf situation was just a friendly offer. The kind of off-the-cuff remark people said but didn’t actually mean or expect you to follow up on.

But River had seemed so genuine, and he’d been nothing like I’d expected.

I didn’t know how it was possible, but he was even hotter in person. Everything about him was model-perfect, from his long, glossy hair to his insane body. He also radiated confidence and had a way about him that commanded attention while not being overbearing or aggressive. He just seemed so open and friendly and happy, but not in a fake or put-on way like so many people I’d met.

He had all the makings of being an egotistical asshole, but he wasn’t. Or at least he hadn’t been when we’d met up.

I was also confused as to why he’d offered to help me at all. He had the tools, and I had the money. That had been the purpose of meeting.