Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen

Kyla's POV

After a momentarily carefree experience, I'm back to tugging on his arms and he continues driving. We don't say a word to each until he pulls over.

I assume we've arrived at our destination, so I hurriedly get off. It seemed like a really bad idea because my legs were wobbly, and I felt myself falling. Then, Richard quickly got off his bike and helped me up, holding me by my arm.

That feeling is back once again and I have to exhale to get it all out of my system.

"A restaurant?" I question, he smiles cheekily and suddenly takes my hand.

"Come on. It's going to be fun."

I'm reluctant to follow but he tugs on my arms to I have zero choice than to comply. I expect us to take a seat and order, but we stroll past the tables.

"Aren't we..."

He shakes his head before I can complete the sentence.

"Where are we—"

"You'll see..." he says, cutting me short. I pressed my lips in a thin line keeping my hopes up. We push past the kitchen, and I'm left to wonder why no one has tried to talk to him about trespassing.

"Wait a minute. The "L" Diner. L as in Lockwood,” I thought to myself remembering the name of this place. "Of course his parents own the place. That makes so much sense now. " I rolled my eyes at the realization.

"We're here." He gives my arm a light tug. I wonder if that's his signature move or something. I watch him open a back door forcing us to rush up the stairs. I'm panting hard by the time we reach the top floor. Richard is clearly amused by the grin he has plastered on his face.

"We're here,” he repeats and finally pushes the door open.

"Wow."

My lips parted in shock. I didn't know this restaurant has a rooftop view or something. In the middle was a carefully set dinner date. I'm so glad I don't have a phobia of height. This would've been really awkward.

"It's beautiful,” I said truthfully.

"You're beautiful,” he counters. I'm shock for a second or two which is clearly shown on my face. I quickly replaced it with a slight snicker, so he doesn't get ahead of himself.

"And I think someone else would feel the same."

My lips twitch slightly, suddenly confused. He didn't call me beautiful for himself or what?

"I'm confused,” I state, and he chuckles deeply.

"I brought you here for this surprise, but I also wanted you to meet someone." I'm even more confused compared to the last time he said something.

"I thought we came here to get to know each other."

"Yeah, we did. Just not you and me…"

"Huh?"

"I mean, not just the two of us."

"Huh?"

"Alone…” he adds, and my mind is whirling.

"Hi Kyla,” someone says behind me. I know I've heard that voice somewhere before. In school, to be precise.

"Finally, you're here," Richard says. He hugs Stein before pulling away.

"Stein,” I said, earning a small smile from him. I made a bet with myself, actually wondering how long I would be able to avoid him for. Although I wanted minimal contact with him, just enough to convince everyone we were in love. Seems that plan isn't going to work out so well.

I take in his features and honestly, I'm not surprised Riley is in love with him. Riley. At the mere thought of her, I feel guilt rise up in my chest. This should be her, not me.

"Let's sit."

Then, I notice that there are three chairs set not even two. I guarantee this will not go well for either of us.