Page 31 of Second Chance Serenity

“A few strands of hair? He’d used your clippers to shave half his head.”

Matthew grins at me, and I roll my eyes.

“Fine. But if you ask me, he could use a haircut right about now.”

CHAPTER 10

Reyna

At the soft knock on my office door, I glance up as Jaxson stands and pulls it open. Liam peeks his head in and smiles at me, then moves in all the way and I see the bouquet of red roses in his hand.

Annoyance toys with my already frayed nerves and I have to force my own smile. “Hey, Liam, what are you doing here?”

“I went by the bank today and your mom said you were at work. I wanted to bring you something to brighten your day.” He offers me the roses, and I stand to accept them.

“This is sweet, thanks.”

He glances back at Jaxson, then turns to me again. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore, but better.” The bruises on my face have already begun to turn yellow thanks to the near-week since the attack. And so far, everything has been quiet. I canceled all of my cards, ordered a new ID, and my mother replaced the purse that was stolen as an early birthday gift. Things are getting somewhat back to normal—minus the nightmares that still won’t leave me alone.

“I’m so glad to hear it. I’ve been worried about you.”

“I’m doing better. But I will take all the prayers I can get.”

“Absolutely.” He rubs his hands together. “So, listen, I know you have a lot going on right now, but I wanted to see if you might be up for dinner again. I’d love to take you out a second time, if you’re interested.” He laughs nervously, and I glance back to see Jaxson trying his best to stifle a grin as he sits down in the chair he’s occupied most of the day.

“I appreciate that, but I cannot accept any invitations until I know what my life is going to look like. You know, given everything.”

“I completely understand,” Liam replies. “And, seriously, please don’t mind me, I’m around if you need me.” He turns to Jaxson. “Jaxson, nice to see you again.”

“You, too, Liam. Have a great day.”

“You, too.” He smiles again, offers me a wave, and slips from the room.

Jaxson continues grinning from where he’s sitting.

“What?” I demand.

“That was uncomfortable.”

I can’t even deny it, and truth be told, I appreciate him calling it like it is. Because it was awkward. “He’s so nice, I just?—”

“He’s not Michael.”

“What? What do you mean?”

Jaxson looks up from the book he’d just picked back up. “You know exactly what I mean.”

“There is nothing between Michael and me.” Even though I’d been appreciative moments ago that he’d called it like he saw it, now I’m annoyed at the implication.

“Look, it’s none of my business, and I don’t want to get involved. I just think that if you don’t feel for Liam the way he clearly does for you, it would be better for you to tell him sooner rather than later. No decent man wants to be in a one-sided relationship.”

The way he says it makes me wonder if he’s had experience with heartbreak himself. I know he’s not married, relatively quiet, and spends most of his evenings at the diner reading quietly in a booth by himself.

But was there someone else in his life at one point?

“I don’t want anything with Michael,” I tell him. “But you’re right about Liam. There’s just nothing there.”

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