Page 18 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

He barely glanced at the pretty red boxes. “I can’t believe you did that. Alden’s about ready to kill me.”

“I’m sorry. He knows it’s my fault. Not yours.” I sighed. I needed to make sure Gage didn’t get in trouble for my deceit. It wasn’t his fault I’d mastered the art of sneaking away during my teen years.

Gage shook his head. “What’s up with the fucking flower? I saw one in your suite.”

I cringed in embarrassment not wanting to admit to anyone else I’d thought Alden might have sent them to me. “I like jasmine flowers. It’s no big deal.”

He narrowed his eyes, something in my demeanor must have tipped him off. “Try again.”

“Listen, it’s getting late. I’m tired. I’m going up to my room.” I walked around the foyer and headed up the grand staircase.

Gage laid a firm hand on my arm. His grip was tight, but he wasn’t hurting me. “The truth, Jess. Alden already messaged me that you got one in the marketplace and you don’t know who it’s from.”

Anger shot through me. Fucking Alden. I turned so hard I threw Gage’s hand off of me.

He stepped back in surprise. Laughter, witty banter, straight out sarcasm—Gage had seen all of that from me—but pure fury not so much.

“Oh, and did he tell you I thought it was from him? I bet he had a good laugh at that one.” I rubbed at the back of my neck, feeling the anger leave me in a rush. I wrapped my arms around my waist and trudged up the stairs not bothering to look at Gage. “It doesn’t even matter anymore. Neither of you will be here for long anyway.”

***

ISIGHED AT THE HEAVINGrapping at my door.

“Come in, Alden.” I’d heard him come home a few minutes earlier.

Lexi had texted me when he left her apartment to let me know the two of them were good. And to warn me that Alden had bugged my shoes.

That cleared up how he found me so fast.

“Jess.” His clear voice rang out across the room. The only indication I had that he opened the door.

“Your final check has been deposited in your bank account. I appreciate your help these last few months.” I stared out into my backyard, a view I typically enjoyed.

Alden’s grunt came from a few feet away.

I barely stopped myself from jumping. What the hell was he doing? He’d been paid. There was nothing else to tie him here.

“Jess.” He was right behind me. Only a hint of his reflection showed in the windowpane. He was over a foot taller than me, his broad shoulders encouraged me to feel safe, and his strong, corded arms made me shiver with desire. The tattoos that peeked out from under the arms of his t-shirt only added to the sexy vibe he exuded.

The heat from his body sought mine, wrapping itself around me. I had to tighten my muscles one by one so I didn’t let myself lean back into his hardness like I wanted to. I had to fight the impulse to let go and let him take over, even if it was for only a few minutes.

“I believe it’s sufficient for the time spent. And the extra expense of bugging my shoes. Perhaps you can share the app with me. It might help when I misplace one of them.” I was pleased that my sarcasm was on point.

“Jess,” he said. His voice sharpened. “What the fuck is happening right now?”

“It’s okay, Alden. We don’t need to pretend any longer.” Pain stabbed at my stomach, reminding me how hard it was to let him go the first time.

“Pretend?” His chest pressed up against me.

“We both know why you were really here.” Why was he drawing this out? And why was he so close?

“Is that right?” He stayed put, motionless behind me.

“And since that reason is gone...” I shrugged. “So are you.” Chills raced down my arms, making goosebumps erupt in their wake. Having him leave was like losing him all over again. It was probably better this happened now before my unreliable heart imagined anything else between us.

I’d soaked in every second with him. Every laugh, the rough sound of his voice, his smile, that masculine scent that was teasing me right now, even his scowls and grunts held a special place inside me. Shoving it into my little memory box marked, Alden.

Not that I’d ever let him know that.

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