Page 59 of The Chance

Who the fuck am I kidding; I can barely fuckingbreathe.

The collar of my shirt is already toting a tear, but I yank on it anyway, desperate to rid myself of this choking feeling wrapped around my throat.

Every day, I’ve heard from Jordan. And every day, I clung to those words like a sermon of my religion. Stowing away all the little details he’s sent me like I’ll need them for eternity.

Every night, wished he was there.

Yet it’s been too long since I saw his face up close. Felt his presence warm my side. Known that if I just turned around, he’d be there.

He hasn’t been there.

The fist with a death grip on my heart tightens when I do just that, turning to my right, and see the seat next to me empty.

It’s always empty.

How poetic.

I flatten my lips, thinning them against the rush of hurt, and turn to the front where Leo’s directing us off the airplane.

This is it.This is the moment.

Drawing in a deep breath, I snag my bag and stand.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Jordan

The first crown ofcurls to exit the plane has my stomach dropping and my fingers fiddling with the shit in my pockets as Rex all but runs across the tarmac to his wife and kids. They collide, her jumping into his arms, the twins’ tiny bodies hooking onto each of his legs.

Pang.

Next is Fin and his brooding that’s no match for when his partner tucks herself under his arm and they share sly, knowing smiles with each other.

Pang.

Then Anna’s ass as Toby carries her over his shoulder off the plane, her laughter trailing them.

Pang.

Leo talking to Peach over his shoulder with a friendly grin. The rest of security piling out behind them.

Pang.

“C’mon,” I mutter under my breath, my pounding heart in my throat as I step closer to the stairs leading from the belly of the aircraft.

Please be alone. Please be alone.

My mouth moves like the words are a prayer.

Mac. Mac. Mac.

He’s here.Home.So close that I feel the ghost of a burn left behind by his stubble heating my pec. The way his curls capture my wandering fingers in their sleepy tangles. Hearing his puffing breath when he’s truly asleep …

Three days.

It’s not nearly enough time to convince him, to hold him. To be near him.

But I plan to use every second of it as if it’s the only chance I’ll get.

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