Page 58 of One Last Chance

I try to smile, but unfortunately, it’s the last thing I feel like doing, so I walk out of his office and shut the door quietly behind me.

With my head looking down, I make my way to my office and grab my bag before I head out of the building to go home.

Unlocking the door to my apartment, the familiar scent of sandalwood and amber hits my senses, instantly making me feel at ease. Removing my heels and placing my purse on the nearby couch, the sudden desire to have a glass of wine calls to me.

Opening the refrigerator and then cupboard to grab a wine glass, I pour myself some chardonnay to take the edge off today’s emotions.

This day did not go the way that I’d planned it to.

I’d thought the photo shoot of the Vixen Rapids’ football team was behind me, but then Tom decides to send us a copy of the magazine for me to see the finished product. To be honest, that’s the last thing I needed. I don’t need a reminder of Domenic, and how before the football game, we were planning to be together and work out our lives so we could be—

Stop it, Chloe. You need to forget him.

Taking a sip of my wine, my feet lead the way to my bedroom, where I plan on taking a bath to soak in warm water and lavender-scented oil to help calm me. Looking down at my phone, I flick through my playlist and tap play on the song, ‘I’m a Bitch, I’m a Lover.’ With the music on loud, phone and wine in hand, I make my way to the bathroom, where I turn the faucet on and disrobe.

Singing the chorus of the song, I hear the doorbell. Thinking I have imagined it, I ignore the sound and continue to sing. But then the sound comes through again along with banging, so I stop what I’m doing.

“Crap,” I say under my breath.

Grabbing my towel robe, I cover my nakedness, then make my way to the front door. As I look through the peephole, an image of a shirt comes into view, but because whoever it is, is standing too close, I can’t make out who it actually is.

Tightening my robe a little more around my waist, my hand grips the door handle, and I unlock the latch.

“Yes,” I say, allowing the door to open a little but keeping the chain on the door in place. My body freezes, my hands are barely able to keep my body from falling as they hold onto the door.

What ishedoing here?

“Chloe, can I please come in?”

This can’t be happening.

I’m hallucinating.

Today has been one rollercoaster after another.

Blinking a couple of times, my eyes squeeze shut, then reopen.

Nope, not seeing things.

Domenic Reed ishere.

He smirks and places his palms up. “Chloe, it’s me, Domenic. Can I please come in? I need to talk to you?”

Heneeds to talk tome.

Oh, I don’t think so.

Finally finding my voice, I swallow hard and shout, “No! I’m not talking to you, go back where you came from.” Unshed tears burn my eyes as I slam the door in his face. My hands tremble as I lock it, and stand with my back to the door.

This can’t be happening.

Loud banging sounds from behind the door, making me jump. “Chloe, please, let me explain. You need to understand it’s not what you think.”

My knees give way, and I slide down the door falling in a heap. Bringing my knees up under my chin, I let my tears slide as Domenic continues, “Please, Chloe… all I need is five minutes of your time.”

His voice sounds desperate and full of emotion as he begs me even further.

“Please leave,” I rasp, but it’s almost a whisper. I am trying desperately to hold back my sounds of grief.

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