Page 108 of The Book Club Boyfriend
Not because I’m planning anything.
Just because… anything could happen.
I take a deep breath and shake the thought off. No sense in overthinking it. Otherwise, I’ll completely panic. And we can’t have that—not while I’m inside the airport, at least.
We have a team dinner tonight, which should be fun. I’ve gotten to know a couple of the guys, and he has a hockey game tomorrow. But the rest of the weekend? It’ll be just us.
Outside, the air is colder than I expected—sharp and brisk with a city pulse that vibrates in my chest. A driver holding a sign that says “Calloway” waits in front of a black SUV.
Oh, we’re doing full red carpet treatment now?
I slide into the backseat and sink into the plush leather, nerves fluttering wildly.
It’s just a trip. Just a weekend. Just a hotel room.
But no matter how many times I repeat it… I know better.
This isn’tjustanything.
It’s everything.
And I really, really hope I’m not making a mistake.
I spot Chase the second I step into the restaurant where we’re meeting—tall and lean in a dark button-down, sleeves rolled to his elbows, hair pushed back like he ran his hands through it a dozen times waiting for me. He’s standing just outside the private dining room, hands in his pockets, rocking slightly on his heels. Like he’s nervous.
His whole face lights up when he sees me.
“Hi.”
I don’t get a chance to say hi back before he’s pulling me in, arms wrapping around my waist. I press in without thinking, nose brushing his collarbone, and breathe him in—cologne and clean linen and something warm I can’t quite name.
“You look—” His hand slips to my lower back as he leans back to really look at me. “Wow.”
My cheeks flush instantly. “You’re just saying that because I’m not in leggings and a sweatshirt for once.”
“I’m saying it because it’s true.” His voice drops.
I laugh, and his mouth grazes my temple. It’s not quite a kiss, but close enough to make my chest tighten.
“How’s it going in there?” I nod toward the dining room. “Any early fights break out over the appetizers?”
“Nah, it’s shockingly civilized,” he says, stepping back and sliding his hand into mine like it’s the easiest thing in the world. “Come on, I’ll get you a drink. Bar’s right over here.”
We walk past the open kitchen, the low thrum of conversation spilling out from the team and staff packed into the private room. Bennett catches my eye and grins. Lucy waves. The whole thing feels... almost normal. Like I belong here.
Is that crazy?
Maybe so, but I’m choosing to lean in.
Chase rests his hand on my lower back as we reach the bar. “What do you want? Wine? A cocktail? Whiskey?”
“Surprise me,” I say, smiling.
He leans in like he’s going to whisper a secret, but instead, he just brushes his lips against my cheek and says, “Dangerous words.”
As he turns to flag down the bartender, I step back to wait, letting my eyes drift across the room. That’s when I hear it.
“…thought he’d crack first,” someone says, low and amused. “But turns out Remington’s more stubborn than I gave him credit for.”
