Page 85 of The Chance

“So, you’re dating your lead singer, and I’m … fucked.”

I’d laugh if it weren’t so fucking pathetic.

Dare chuckles, still not denying it, as I mumble, “Aren’t we a perfect bunch.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

I sigh out a heavy breath. “Well apparently I’m stupid, if I’m listening toyou.”

“You should.” I wing a brow at him only to find his sincerity lining his stony features. “Listen to me, that is.”

I twirl a finger in the air, encouraging Dare to get to his point.

“Because in my situation,I’mthe runaway. Just like you.”

Me?

No.

No.

No?

Chapter Fifty-Three

Jordan

“Here are the keys,Mr. Kauffman.”

I swallow hard as the cool metal drops into my waiting palm. The realtor’s back retreats after a mumbled thanks and I just stand there next to the reception desk with my hand in the air for way too long.

This is it.

The foundation on which I plan to build the next chapter of my life laid out before me on mat-covered hardwood.

Three sturdy floors.

A hefty brick exterior.

Original stained glass windows set into the side.

Enough equipment to keep the gym rat side of my brain occupied, and several repairs that will need my attention between that.

It’s my fresh start. The one I needed so that I could leave all the old things in the past.

A rush of something almost warm and familiar breaks through the fog as I wander the floor, run my fingers over the ropes tothe boxing ring, then hoist myself up to just sit on the raised platform and stare.

I did it. I did something for me.

So why does it feel like I’ve made yet another bad decision?

Pushing out a sigh, I fish my phone from my pocket and dial the one number I’ve been dreading.

“What?” my boss snaps over the line on the second ring, his gruffness out in full force.

It makes my palms slick over, even though I know it’s just a cover for how much he cares, and swallow.

“You got a second?”

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