Page 6 of Triplet Babies for Pucking Christmas

“Do I?” I ask coldly. “Because it sure as fuck doesn’tfeellike it.”

She sighs, running a hand through her hair. “Look, I know you’re pissed at me. I get it. But I didn’t have a choice. I had to do what was best for the restaurant.”

I shake my head. “I don’t give a shit about the restaurant anymore. I cared aboutus. About what we built together. And you just...threw it all away.”

Layla steps closer, her voice softening. “Sav, I didn’t throw it away. I saved it. And when the time is right, I’ll bring you back. I promise.”

I scoff. “Yeah, right. Like anyone’s going to want me back after this. I’m a fucking joke.”

“You’re not a joke,” she says firmly. “You’re one of the best chefs in this city, and you’re going to bounce back from this. You just need to lay low for a while, let things blow over.”

I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “Lay low? How am I supposed to do that when the entire fucking internet thinks I’m a walking biohazard?”

Layla shrugs. “I don’t know. Go on vacation. Get out of the city. Do something that makes you happy.”

I stare at her, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. But deep down, I know she’s right. I need to get the hell out of here before I lose my mind.

“I’ll think about it,” I mutter.

She gives me a small smile. “Good. And when you’re ready to come back, Lemons will be waiting for you.”

I nod, though I’m not sure if I believe her.

Chapter Two

Savannah

I fidget with the cord of my headphones as I make my way through the airport, trying to shake off the nerves crawling up my spine.

Chicago. It’s been years since I’ve been back, but I need this. I need to see Millie, talk to her about... everything.

The shitshow with Lemons is spiraling out of control, and if anyone can help me salvage what’s left of my reputation, it’s her. She’s got millions of followers, and with the right push, maybe I won’t be the chef everyone remembers for thatdisaster.

I glance at the gate and flash my boarding pass to the attendant. She smiles, scans it, and says, “You’ve been upgraded to first class, Ms. Brooks.”

Well, damn. That’s a sign, right? A stroke of luck, finally. Maybe thingsareturning around for me.

I flash her a quick smile, pull my headphones back over my ears, and head to my seat. First class isn’t too bad. A little luxury after everything that’s gone to shit? I’ll take it.

I settle into the wide seat, tossing my sweater over my lap and adjusting my mini skirt. The tights I’m wearing cling to my legs, and honestly, I’m feeling good. New hair—beached blonde and way shorter than I’ve ever dared—and a new start. I mean, if I’m gonna go down in flames, I might as well look hot doing it, right?

I’m watching a mukbang on my iPad, half zoning out as this girl shovels noodles into her mouth, when I catch movement out of the corner of my eye.Holy shit.

He sits down next to me, and I swear I lose the ability to blink for a second. This guy—tall, fit, with sharp cheekbones that could cut glass—sits there like he owns the world. His hair is cropped short and it’s jet black, and his eyes? They’re intense, like dark chocolate melting in the heat. He smells like cedarwood and leather, andfuck me, it’s like he stepped right out of a GQ magazine.

He glances at me for a second, just a flick of his gaze, and something in my chest twists. He doesn’t say anything at first, just pulls out a sleek black laptop and starts typing away like he’s saving the world.

Meanwhile, I’m sitting here watching someone eat noodles. Classy, Savannah. Real classy.

I shift in my seat, trying not to stare, butJesus, this guy is ridiculously hot. I’m pretty sure I can see the outline of his muscles through his dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

Every few minutes, I catch him glancing at me, too. Like, not creepy staring, but just enough to make my stomach flip.

Suddenly, he looks over at me. “You like that stuff?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

Shit. Caught.

I pull one earbud out, giving him a sheepish grin. “Yeah…I know it’s weird. I just like watching people eat. It’s oddly satisfying.”

---