Page 95 of Single Chance

Presley and I laughed, but I noticed Chloe didn’t.

“I’m so surprised by him,” Chloe said pensively, gripping the railing. “I know Chance. Like, I know him well. There’s gotta be some serious fear going on there, because it’s just not like him to be cold and unyielding.”

I knew what she meant, and of course I agreed he was scared. It didn’t make me feel any better.

“Screw that,” Presley said emphatically. “We all have fears, but sometimes you’ve gotta step up and find a way around it. If he thinksthisis going to be better for a kid, he’s dumber than dumb.”

“Ah, my eloquent friend,” Chloe said. “But I agree.”

“So you’re going to move out?” Presley asked.

“As soon as I can find a place.” I’d even considered moving back into the Honeysuckle Inn.

“I’d offer to let you stay with us, but all we’ve got is a couch,” Chloe said.

“You’re sweet.” I didn’t mention it would be awkward to live with both my bosses. Chloe was becoming a friend first and foremost, but Holden was the guy in charge of everything.

“You know what?” Presley said, casual as could be. “I have an extra house you could borrow.”

Chloe and I both angled a look at her.

“You do have an extra house,” Chloe said slowly. “It’s…kind of empty but…”

Presley scoffed. “We could move the furniture from the spare bedroom in my condo tonight.”

“We could pick up a second-hand couch and a TV,” Chloe added.

“I don’t need a TV,” I said, “but I can’t move into your house before you do.”

“Of course you can.” Presley became animated. “I don’t even know if or when I’m moving in. It’s just sitting here until I can hire a contractor. You can stay in one of the upstairs bedrooms for as long as you need. I mean, it might suck that ninety percent of the house is empty, but we can fix that gradually. The main thing is you could get out right away. No more awkward nights locking yourself in your bedroom in that stupidhead’s house.”

“Yes,” Chloe said. “He’s my employee and good friend, but he’s being a stupidhead, and you need a refuge.”

I thought about this big, empty house that was more than I’d probably ever have for myself. It would be a little odd to stay here, but… I shuddered as I imagined waking up in Chance’s house every morning, running into him in the hallway in my pajamas, making life uncomfortable for poor Sam. Presley’s offer was hard to resist.

“Let’s do it,” Presley said. “If we leave now and drive straight to my condo, we can load up enough for tonight and get the rest tomorrow.”

“You think we can fit the bed into my SUV?” Chloe asked.

“Good thing you got the biggest model,” Presley teased.

“Kind of like you got the biggest model of house,” Chloe shot back.

I stood between them, half listening to their banter while I considered my options. Because suddenly I did have an option.

My heart felt heavy with sadness at the thought of moving out and distancing myself from Chance. I’d apparently been harboring more hope for a happily-ever-after between us than I’d ever realized. This was me throwing my hands up and admitting that was a pipe dream. As hard as that was, though, I needed to do it. The only way to move forward, start healing from this latest loss, and prepare for being a mom was to make a clean break. I’d still have to work with him, but it was easier to keep boundaries at work than in the place I called home.

“You went quiet, Rowan,” Presley said. She wove our arms together again. “Are you on board, hon?”

I turned my mind to practical matters for now. “I’ll pay you rent and move out as soon as I can find a place for my baby and me.”

“No rent, and we’ll help you search, but there’s no rush other than your due date,” Presley said. “And that’s only because Iknow you want to settle in your own place. I’d never kick you out.”

“I’m not living here for free.”

“I paid cash,” Presley reminded us matter-of-factly. “I don’t have a mortgage. I’m not charging you rent.”

“What if she paid for utilities?” Chloe said.

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