Page 66 of Flirting with Trouble

Half an hour later, I’m still sitting on the terrace listening to music and playing our game, when I realize I no longer feel stifled. How can something as simple and silly as an online game make me feel so good?

As Wells plays the word SWEETS, I know my happiness has little to do with the game and everything to do with the man who was currently whipping my butt in it.

Chapter Fifteen

Victory

“I’m not sure we can be friends anymore,” I joke after Wells orders a saltless soft pretzel and cheese dip from a sidewalk pushcart vendor.

It’s Wednesday evening, and it’s been a busy week and a half since we went to Baltimore. We play WordLink every day and talk every night, but nothing compares to spending time together. Last Wednesday’s walkabout turned into an overnight at the hotel where Wells was staying, and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t feel guilty when I woke up the next morning. There is something to be said about not waking up in my own bed after spending the night with him. Last Friday’s flitabout led to another steamy night at the hotel and a lazy Saturday morning in bed. I haven’t spent a lazy morning in forever, and I loved every second of it with Wells. We spent the rest of the day knocking around the city together until he had to go back to the island, and as I’ve come to look forward to, when I got home, I found more secret memories tucked into my bag.

Wells hooks his arm around my neck, pulling me against his chest as the vendor fills our order. “You’re stuck with me, Braden.”

“At least until tomorrow morning,” I say playfully, and he presses his smiling lips to mine.

We collect our pretzels, and as we step away from the cart, I hold up my cinnamon-sugar pretzel and say, “This is the bomb.”

He scoffs. “What’s wrong with keeping it classic?”

“More like boring. How can you even pretend to be living your best life if you’re missing out on cinnamon and sugar?”

A wolfish grin slides into place on his handsome face. “You’re all the sweetness I need,” he says, and leans in to kiss me again.

“Well, well, isn’t this cozy?”

We turn at the sound of Leni’s voice and find her and Raz watching us curiously. Leni’s eyes glitter with a look that says, Just friends, huh?

“Leni…Hi. Hey, Raz,” I say, futilely hoping I don’t sound as caught as I feel.

“How’s it going, guys?” Wells asks casually. “Raz, I haven’t seen you in a while. Everything good?”

“Things are great,” Raz says, his gaze moving between us. “Looks like things are going well for you, too.”

“No complaints here,” Wells says as he settles a hand on my back.

“What are you guys up to tonight, besides kissing?” Leni smirks.

“Really?” I ask sarcastically.

“Come on, Leni. Can you blame her? I mean, look at me.” Wells motions to himself.

Leni rolls her eyes.

“He’s got a point, babe,” Raz says. “He’s a good-looking guy.” He and Wells high-five.

“Seriously,” Leni says. “What are you guys up to tonight?”

“Just hanging out,” I say at the same time Wells says, “We’re on a Wednesday Walkabout.”

“Hanging out and walking about. Got it,” Leni says with amusement.

“Are you getting excited about your wedding?” Wells asks. “It’s what? A little more than a month away?”

“Excited and nervous,” Leni says. “I wish we could just elope. We’ll have security to keep paparazzi off the island, and our moms have been having fun planning everything, but it’s a lot.”

“My beautiful bride-to-be doesn’t like to be the center of attention.” Raz slides his arm around her and says, “I cannot wait to see you walk down that aisle in your wedding gown and become mine forever.” He kisses her.

My heart squeezes. “I’m really happy for you guys.”