One Pucking Secret (One Pucking #1)

Chapter 25

Chloe

“Ready?” Lainey’s voice cuts through the rooftop bar’s lively noise, sharp yet steady with support.

“Ready,” I reply, feeling my pulse pick up in sync with the rhythm of anticipation.

I’m perched on a metal chair, Lainey across from me, her blond hair catching the last rays of daylight like spun gold. The bar is alive with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the energy of a Friday night.

Jasper is spending the weekend with my parents, giving Wyatt and me the freedom to carry out our plan. For Jasper. For our family.

Alec is exactly where Lainey said he’d be tonight. Her search through his socials—and a few recent tags—revealed this bar as one of his regular spots, so it wasn’t hard to pinpoint him. Sure enough, there he is, weaving through the crowd with his usual swagger, his dark hair and faint mustache catching the light as he claims a seat at the bar.

With a quick nod to Lainey, I rise, making my way over to the bar under the guise of ordering a drink. My nerves steady as I fall into the role, each step calculated, each breath grounding me.

As I reach the bar, I let my gaze sweep casually over the menu, waiting for Alec to notice me. Sure enough, I feel his eyes on me, and I turn, feigning surprise.

“Chloe?” he says, recognition flickering across his face.

I widen my eyes, giving him a small, hesitant smile. “Alec? Alec Harding from the LA Knights, is that you?”

A smug grin stretches across his face, the kind worn by someone used to being recognized. “Yeah, that’s me.”

I let out a small laugh, glancing away as if embarrassed. “Didn’t expect to run into anyone I knew here. Just came up here to take a breather…” I trail off, letting my voice falter as if unsure.

He raises an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Bad day? Need someone to talk to? ”

“Oh, geez, not with you,” I say quickly, lowering my gaze as though caught. “I mean, you’re close to Wyatt.”

He chuckles, leaning in a little closer, his tone smooth and easy. “I’m a great listener, and I promise I won’t say a word.”

I let out a soft sigh, as if debating with myself, then slide onto the stool beside him. “Okay. I’m trusting you.”

Alec’s gaze sharpens, his curiosity clear as he gives me his full attention, his ego clearly relishing this unexpected moment.

“It’s just… Wyatt acts like this devoted father, but he knew about Jasper all along.” I roll my eyes, letting bitterness slip through my tone. “He didn’t want anything to do with us until it was convenient for his image, you know? Now he gets to look like the doting father in public.”

I pause, glancing down as if conflicted before adding, “Is it terrible for me to say thank God someone exposed it all? I mean, if someone hadn’t beaten me to it, I might’ve done it myself.”

Alec’s eyebrows lift, and a flicker of satisfaction plays at his mouth. “Sounds like you’ve had enough of his act.”

“More than enough.” I exhale, letting frustration settle into my expression. “And the worst part? This whole mess could cost me my job.”

Alec’s eyebrows lift, surprise flickering across his face. “Really? I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah,” I reply, glancing away as if embarrassed. “I mean, who’s going to trust me to represent anyone if they think I’m tangled up in all this drama?”

He chuckles, his tone softening as he leans in. “Well, look on the bright side—you’re not repping him anymore.”

I let out a rueful laugh. “That’s true. If I’d known what it would turn into, I’d have handled things differently.”

He nods slowly, almost conspiratorially. “If I’d known it would touch you and Jasper like this… well, I’d have done things differently, too.”

I pause, giving him a look of surprise, as if the realization is just dawning on me. “Wait… what do you mean? You did all this?”

His grin spreads, a satisfied smirk tugging at his mouth. “Yeah. That was all me. I thought the focus would stay on Wyatt. Didn’t expect it to drag you and Jasper into it.”

I let my eyes widen slightly, feigning admiration and disbelief. “Wow. I can’t believe you did that. I’m impressed. ”

He chuckles, leaning back as if savoring my reaction. “You haven’t seen anything yet. I can do more damage if you want. Consider it a peace offering.”

I pause, as if mulling over his offer, then nod, lowering my voice. “You’d really do that for me?”

“Of course.” He nods, his grin widening even more. “After what you’ve been put through, it’s the least I can do.”

Alec’s phone buzzes on the bar, and he glances down at it before finishing off his drink. “Let’s exchange numbers,” he says, sliding his phone over. “I’ll work out the details, and we’ll make sure he pays.”

“Sounds good.” I smile, typing in my contact info and sliding his phone back. “I’m glad I ran into you tonight.”

Alec stands with the confidence of someone who thinks he has the upper hand. He leans in close, voice low. “I’ll be in touch,” he says with a wink before disappearing into the crowd.

I exhale, waiting until I’m sure he’s gone, then make my way back to our table. Lainey’s wide eyes meet mine, and I flash a quick thumbs-up.

I settle into my seat, reaching for my phone to ensure the recording is saved. “Got it all.”

“I can’t believe it worked! ”

“He was bound to slip up eventually,” I reply, Alec’s proud smirk still fresh in my mind. “He let his jealousy get the best of him.”

“Well,” she sighs, nodding slowly, “Wyatt did take his starting position.”

I pause, almost feeling a pang of sympathy. “I guess so… but still, it’s wrong. He went too far.”

Lainey raises her glass, her eyes glinting with a mix of triumph and disbelief. “And that’s why you’re Luminous’s top publicist.”

The city stretches out before us, endless and alive, as we savor this quiet victory.

“Let’s enjoy this moment,” I say, clinking my glass with hers.

The crisp taste of the cocktail is sweet, almost as sweet as the success we’re savoring. But beneath that sweetness lurks the bitter aftertaste of the game we’re playing—one that’s far from over.

With a few taps, I send Wyatt a message.

Chloe: Mission accomplished.

The three dots of his typing response flash almost instantly—a lifeline pulsing on my screen.

Wyatt: Perfect. Working on mine now.

I exhale, the night air around us like a cool balm .

“Now we wait,” I say, my voice steady with the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.

A smirk plays at Lainey’s lips, an echo of my own resolve. Pocketing my phone, the soft leather of my bag feels like a shield against the storm we’re ready to unleash.

“Imagine his face when he realizes,” Lainey says with a hint of triumph.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I reply, though the image of Alec’s downfall lingers in my mind. “As long as Wyatt’s side goes smoothly, Alec Harding won’t see it coming.”