Page 21 of One Last Chance

“You two are going out tonight, and that’s final. Domenic, Chloe’s staying at Vixen Lodge, pick her up and take her out, and fix whatever this is between you two.”

I swallow, nervous to see Domenic’s reaction. I hate that he’s being forced to do this.

God, why is this so hard?

“Fine,” he concedes. “But I’m not picking her up.” He looks back at me. “Meet me at Harry’s Bar at seven and don’t be late.”

His chair slides against the wooden floors as he stands. “Happy now, Coach? Can I leave?”

Coach sighs and looks at me. “Are you okay with that, Miss Mason?”

Hesitantly, I say, “Sure. I’ll meet you at Harry’s Bar.”

Domenic turns to face me then restates, “Don’t be late.”

Then he leaves the room, slamming the door behind him.

CHLOE

Past

I wake with a jolt as the morning light hits my face. Images of last night come to mind and the way Domenic had woken me twice, wanting me again and again. I sink my head in my pillow as guilt washes over me.

I can’t believe I did this. I slept with my best friend’s boyfriend.

Slowly, I turn to face Domenic and see him sleeping on his back, one hand is behind his head, and the other lays flat on his stomach. The sheet is low beneath his waist, and I can just make out the hair on his pelvis. His mouth is slightly open as he takes even breaths, and I take a moment to have my fill of him.

What will I do when he wakes?

What will I say? I mean, I’m leaving for New York next week.

How can I ever face Sophia again?

Oh God, I’ve made a mistake. Dammit, Chloe, what were you thinking? Regret and guilt run through my mind, and a plan forms on how I’m going to get out of this.

Sophia is my best friend—I can’t stick around to see her reaction when she finds out.

Slipping out of bed, I spot my panties and dress on the floor. I quickly grab my panties and pull them on, being as quiet as possible. I watch Domenic sleeping as I slide into my dress, and when he doesn’t wake, I quickly grab my shoes and tiptoe out his bedroom, being very careful not to make too much noise.

I shut the door behind me and tiptoe down the stairs toward the front door. I don’t know if anyone is around because all I can focus on is getting the hell out of here and out of Vixen Falls.

And that’s exactly what I did.

CHLOE

Present

Looking at my watch again, I see it’s seven forty.

Asshole, how dare he stand me up.

With the shoot happening tomorrow, I wanted to have a quiet meal by myself and head to bed early. It seems an early night is not on my radar tonight.

Taking a sip of my red wine, I feel a man’s eyes on me. So, I look up and see that he’s seated at the end of the bar. He’s attractive from what I can see. He takes another sip of his amber liquid, gets up off his stool, and heads over to me.

“What’s a pretty girl like you doing alone?”

He’s wearing a gray suit, gray tie, and white shirt. His hair is blond, and he has blue eyes.

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