Page 65 of Single Chance

“It’s not like I have a social life,” Sam said matter-of-factly. She pulled a bag of tortilla chips out, then took the hummus container from the fridge. “Might as well get back to it so I can sleep.”

“Sleep sounds good. Gonna try that myself.” Chance kissed the top of Sam’s head quickly, then headed out of the kitchen. “Night, STEM girls.”

“Night,” we said at the same time.

“Good luck,” I told Sam.

“Thanks. Night, Rowan,” she said, then carried her snacks to the stairs, closed the door, and thundered back down, not noticing her presents.

Then I was back where I started, alone in the kitchen. Except this time, my insides were still cooling down from Chance’s kisses.

I couldn’t help noticing how fast he’d run off, even before his daughter had gone back downstairs. It was as if he didn’t want to be caught alone with me again.

Chapter Twenty-One

Chance

Nearly twenty-four hours later, Rowan and I hadn’t had a private moment since I’d kissed her last night, and I was good with that. I wouldn’t know what to say other thanwhoops, I fucked up. Something told me that wouldn’t land right.

The fact was, at the time, it hadn’t felt like a fuckup. It’d felt…

Dammit. Stop thinking about it.

Today had been utter chaos at work, but that was to be expected when we had a large event at the brewery.

Tonight was Rusty Anchor’s Ode to Love and Beer event—a Valentine’s celebration that highlighted our two seasonal beers. Henry’s was catering it with heavy appetizers and finger foods, many of which would complement the chocolate stout and the cherry wheat. We’d hired Adrian Cormier to DJ later on, with the lower level open for dancing.

Our marketing had targeted not only couples but friend groups, and tickets had sold out. In addition, we’d invited six parties who’d inquired about using the brewery for theirupcoming events. We hoped to convince them to book our venue by letting them experience it in action.

I’d brought my party clothes to work with me, knowing from experience I’d likely not have time to go home and change beforehand. No matter how much preparation we did in advance, shit always came up last minute. Tonight that was in the form of an incorrect QR code on the posters that advertised the brewery as a rental venue. Somewhere we’d gotten our QRs crossed, and they linked to the wrong page.

I’d happened to test one of the codes out a half hour before go time, just a routine check. That had given me just enough time to go back to my office, print out the correct codes, then affix them over the incorrect ones.

Guests were beginning to arrive as I’d rehung the posters in their inconspicuous spots. I’d rushed off to get myself ready. Now I was in the private restroom in Holden’s office, changing into my navy chinos, dark gray jacket, and a light gray sweater underneath.

When I emerged, Holden walked into his office. “Hey, there you are,” he said. “Looking sharp, my friend.”

“Thanks. Posters are fixed. Everything else okay?”

He went to his desk chair and grabbed the jacket he’d shed earlier, which told me prep time was officially over. “As far as I know.” He pulled on the jacket, glanced at the open door, and lowered his voice. “Hey, Chloe told me about you and Rowan.” His brows climbed up his forehead as if asking for verification. “I’ve been trying to find a private moment all day to bring it up.”

Rowan had told me she’d let Chloe in on our secret a few days ago, so I wasn’t surprised, just a little taken off guard by him bringing it up right now.

“Did she tell you all of it?” I asked as he reached my side, still adjusting his jacket.

“The baby? Or is there more?”

With a chuckle, I said, “That isn’t enough?”

“That’s a lot. And she’s living with you?”

“She couldn’t find a place.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that’s tough right now. Are you two…?”

“No. We’re”—I looked away—“roommates. Getting to know each other as friends.” Kissing her popped into my mind, and I shoved it down.

“Maybe more?” Holden asked. “She’s easy to like.”

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