Page 26 of Falling for the Pucking Bad Boy

Large, floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the cityscape, showcasing the sparkling lights of downtown Chicago and the tranquil expanse of Lake Michigan in the distance. The rooftop terrace is elegantly landscaped with lush greenery, creating a serene escape from the urban hustle below.

“What’s your go-to here?” I ask, attempting to settle myself in. I flew over here, and now I need to enjoy it. I had to admit that I wanted to see him as much as he seemed to want to see me.

“Burgers,” he says, scanning the menu. “And they have killer fries.”

“I’ll take one of those then.”

He flicks his emerald gaze up to me and smirks. “Yeah?” I lift my shoulders and nurse my cocktail. My nerves are shot, and I need to make this less uncomfortable. “Two burgers it is, then.”

The silence eats us up, and I begin fidgeting with my fingers.

My father's reputation and the thought that I’m somehow letting him down loom over me like dark clouds, reminding me of the consequences of any misstep. I’ve never needed to worry about my father’s life clashing with mine, except when I was with James.

But that was so short-lived that it didn’t and wouldn’t cause anything.

The thought of being noticed by anyone who might recognize Wells, snapping pictures, and causing a scene adds to my anxiety.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heartbeat. I remind myself that I can handle this and am strong and capable. But the nerves persist, fluttering in my stomach like a restless butterfly.

“You’re nervous.”

I see Wells’s kind eyes; he doesn’t look off-putting. If anything, he understands.

“Yeah,” I exhale. “This is a big deal.”

He bows his head in acknowledgment. “I couldn’t agree more. How about we do a carry-out order and move on to our next spot? You’ll feel more comfortable there.”

“What is it?”

“Drive-in.”

My brows raise to the ceiling. “Really?”

“Yeah. We could do the awkward teenage phase like the outside world didn’t exist.”

I smile because it’s sweet and highly nerve-wracking. Being in a car, alone with Wells, sends those nervous whims right through my frame.

However, I like the idea more than this one.

Wells slides out of the booth and looks down at me. “Don’t move.”

“I won’t,” I promise just as my cell phone buzzes in my purse, and I use the opportunity without Wells here to look down at it.

CHLOE: Why are you in Chicago?

My brows clash together.

RORY: How do you know I’m in Chicago?

CHLOE: Because we always share each other’s locations.

Okay, this isn’t going to work.

I can’t be flying around the country randomly while Nancy Drew is still ‘Drew-ing’ around with my personal life.

RORY: I’m secretly meeting Wells.

CHLOE: Who’s that?

---