Page 2 of One Last Chance

As for Sophia, I couldn’t face her.

She had called me several times, wondering why I never said goodbye, and I finally answered her call on her tenth attempt to reach me. I gave her the same reason for leaving suddenly as I did to my parents—that Jim Slone needed me urgently, and I’d had to get on the next flight to New York.

Over the last five years, Sophia has visited me twice. We talk almost every month, but our friendship is not as strong as it used to be. And that’s my fault and all on me. The guilt I carry with me for sleeping with Domenic still haunts me, even though she’s revealed to me several times she’s no longer dating him.

After Sophia graduated, she was accepted into a college to study graphic design. I’ve wanted to tell Sophia for so long about the night I spent with Domenic, but I just can’t, and what would be the point now, anyway?

I’m here, and he’s there.

But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been following his career. Domenic got a scholarship and played college football. After a few years he was drafted and is now playing professional football for the Vixen Rapids.

I’ve stalked his social media pages and spent hours in front of the television watching him play. And yes, I may have—or have not, but totally have—been tempted to run my tongue over the screen when I’ve seen him without a shirt. But honestly, can you blame a woman? His six-pack, his toned and bulging arms, his back wide and muscly—yes, all of that—can almost bring a woman to her knees.

He’s changed but in a good way—taller, wider, and has one of those ‘V’ things going on that draws a roving eye straight to the area where your eyes shouldn’t go. His dark hair still has a messy appearance, which I love. And those eyes—God, those eyes—I still remember the way they hungrily raked over my body once I was standing naked before him.

“Uh-hum. Chloe, you’re somewhere else again.” I squeeze my eyes shut, then reopen them, and see Jim frowning at me. “So, what’s it gonna be?”

I exhale, and reply, “What if I say no?”

Standing, Jim walks over to me and places his hands on my shoulders. “I can’t force you, Chloe, but you’re the best damn photographer I have.Sleek Sports Magazinehas requested the best, and that’s you, unfortunately.”

He lets his hands fall and walks over to his office window and stares out at the scenic view offered. Jim is an attractive man for a fifty-year-old—black hair with streaks of silver running through it, an athlete’s body due to the time he spends each day running, and golden skin that’s surprisingly unlined for his age. He’s from Greece originally, and every chance he has, he goes home with his family. Jim’s been good to me over the years, and it kills me to say no to him.

Can I go and potentially come face-to-face with Domenic?

I’m brought back when Jim says, “I understand you have your reasons for not going back to Vixen Falls, but Chloe…” he turns to face me, “… this is your career, and what have I always told you?”

“Never mix business with pleasure,” I reply automatically, feeling defeat wash over me.

He nods. “That’s right, so what’s it gonna be? The flight is tomorrow, so I need your answer right now. Tom fromSleek Sports Magazinewants an answer by the end of today as to whether you’re coming or not.”

I bite down on my bottom lip, and with all the courage I can muster, I give in. “Okay, I’ll do it,” I say, not feeling particularly confident with my response.

A wide smile plays on Jim’s lips as he walks over to his desk and picks up the handset of his phone. Before he calls Tom, he looks back over to me. “You’ve made the right decision, Chloe. Now, go shower, relax, and I’ll contact Tom telling him he can expect you tomorrow evening.”

I nod, then walk over to him, picking up my camera bag from his desk, then turn and step out of his office, praying to God I haven’t just made a huge mistake.

CHLOE

Past

Grabbing my books from my locker, I slam it shut as the sound of the bell rings for my next class—biology. I hate biology, the things the teacher says go way over my head, and I completely suck at it. Rushing to class, I turn a corner, and when I do, a locker door opens and slams against my forehead so hard, I drop all my books and fall flat on my ass.

“Watch it, asshole!” I yell, rubbing my forehead with my palm. My eyes are blurry from the hit, and I’m mad as all hell. I’m running late, and now this happens? Too busy to look up at who’s responsible, I scurry to my knees, picking up my books as quickly as possible. I can only imagine the bump I now have growing on my forehead, and to top it off, it’s throbbing, causing a slight headache.

“Here, let me help you,” a husky but strong male voice offers.

I don’t look up, just continue to pick up my books, that is, until I see the hands belonging to the voice. Tanned, manly hands, with long slim fingers. I don’t miss the veins popping out on top, causing my eyes to look further up to his muscled biceps and wide chest covered in a tight white T-shirt.

Domenic Reed.

“Oh shit, Chloe. I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you coming,” Domenic explains, handing some of my books back to me. I feel heat cover my face, so I know I am blushing. I’m embarrassed now that I had yelled at him. I mean, this isDomenic Reed, star quarterback football player for Vixen High. He’s hot, popular, and my best friend, Sophia Dawson’s boyfriend.

“Oh, is the poor baby going to cry?” Justin teases over Domenic’s shoulder.

Justin is also on the football team and an A-grade asshole.

I’ve tried everything in my power to ignore him, but it’s virtually impossible when he’s on the football team with Domenic. Everywhere Dom goes, Justin’s there too.

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