Page 104 of Broken Deal

“Because brown sugar boba sounds like it’s going to be obnoxiously sweet.”

“Exactly. It’s amazing.” I give his arm a playful smack. “Come on, one sip. For me?” I persist, bringing the drink back toward him.

He rolls his eyes but leans forward, wrapping his mouth around the straw. The second the taste hits, he grimaces, shaking his head as he pushes the cup away again. “God, that’s even worse than I imagined.”

I roll my eyes. “Okay. Mr. Black Tea With No Sugar. That one does sound disgusting.”

“Hey!” He laughs. “I’m a simple guy. Leave me alone.”

Before I can reply, thunder rumbles in the distance. I glance over my shoulder, watching as flash after flash illuminates the city skyline in shades of purple. The rain starts sprinkling, lightly at first, but true to Chicago summers, it starts to pour in no time.

Lorenzo’s condo is nothing short of luxurious. We’re in the living room, sprawled across a massive sectional couch that’s big enough to sleep on. Behind me, floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the wall, offering a perfect view of the rainy city. The muffled sound of rain drowns out the noise from the TV, the laughter that follows another one of Chandler Bing’s jokes fading into the background.

I stand, making my way to the window, and press my fingertips against the cool glass as I watch the raindrops race down. There’s something so peaceful about it, like the storm outside is washing away all the chaos of the day. I sense Lorenzo’s presence approaching, and we both stand there, quiet, enjoying the view.

Breaking the silence, I say, “I used to love dancing and playing in the rain when I was a kid.” I close my eyes, abittersweet smile tugging at my lips as I recall the few good memories of my childhood.

Amelia loved it, too. We used to beg Mom to let us play outside, and she’d always give in, despite the inevitable outcome—one of us getting sick. But it was worth it, every time. It’s a shame, knowing that’s the same sister who I had to cut out of my life. She will always have a space in my heart, but I can’t say I regret my decision.

Lorenzo’s hand slips into mine, his fingers lacing with mine as he gently pulls me away from the window. His touch is like a lifeline, something I’ve grown dependent on—something that feels like home.

“Where are we going?”

He glances back at me with a knowing smile. “You’ll see.”

We climb the stairs and keep walking until we find another smaller set. At the top, he opens a door that leads us to a rooftop. Soft, twinkling lights are strung around, casting a warm, golden glow that blends beautifully with the cool, misty rain. Some cushioned chairs circle a bonfire pit. The view is the best part of it all, though. Simply breathtaking. The entire Chicago skyline stretches out before us, towers and skyscrapers glowing beneath the stormy sky. Thousands of lights flicker in the rain, each one a reminder of the city’s restless energy.

Lorenzo pulls out his phone, and “Hunger” by Ross Coppermanbegins playing through hidden speakers, catching me by surprise.

“What are you doing?” I ask, laughter bubbling out of me.

He grabs my hand, leading me to the center of the rooftop. The rain starts falling harder, droplets runningdown my hair and skin. I close my eyes, savoring the cool sensation as goosebumps spread over my body.

“Let’s dance,” he says, his voice low.

My eyes snap open as I raise an eyebrow. “Are you serious?”

He rolls his eyes, yanking me into him. I yelp as he barks a laugh that makes my stomach drop with butterflies. He wraps one arm around my waist, pulling me closer. My left arm circles his neck, and I rest my right hand on his chest, feeling the quick rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm.

“Dead serious,” he whispers with a bright smile that tears down whatever was left of my walls.

As the music plays on and we sway together, my gaze locks with his, and it’s like the universe is teasing me. Every feeling I’ve tried so hard to bury rises to the surface until I’m left raw and vulnerable in his arms, unable to ignore how much he truly means to me.

The rain falls steadily, each drop cool and refreshing against my skin, but none of it compares to the warmth I feel when I look at him. I watch his face as he spins me, the joy in his eyes, and I remember how easily he makes me laugh, and how free he makes me feel. Every moment around him makes everything else disappear. It’s like the world has narrowed down to just him and me.

I don’t want it to stop.

I don’t wantusto stop.

After everything, I was so convinced love and I were done. But then there’s…him. A man who’s not asking for my heart. No. He’s earning it, bit by bit, with every kind word, every smile, and every time he makes me feel strong. Safe.Taken care of.

And it hits me, right here as we dance under the rain, how far I’ve fallen for him, to the point of no return. If heasked me to give us a chance right now, I’d say yes in a heartbeat. Because even though I’ve been hurt before, he’s shown me that maybe, just maybe, it’s worth letting myself be loved again. And maybe, after all that running, loving him is a risk I’m willing to take. Because he’s worth it all.

The song finishes, but we keep moving slowly in circles, not breaking eye contact. The world dulls around me, and I see nothing but him as his lips meet mine in a soft kiss. We kiss like we have all the time in the world. It’s not our usual passionate, desperate kisses. It’s…sweet. Exploratory. In that kiss, every hidden feeling surfaces, making my heart take flight.

His forehead meets mine, and in one breathless sigh, he says, “I can’t do this anymore.”

My body goes rigid as he keeps dancing. I can’t move. Have I read this all wrong? Of course, I did. Why was I expecting anything different?

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