Page 3 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

The palm of her hand slapped the wooden door shut with a strength that surprised me. She turned the deadbolt just as quickly, its resoundingclickalmost making me jump.

Her back was ramrod straight as she moved directly in front of me, eyes flashing sparks as her breathing grew uneven. “Youhave toagree to be my personal bodyguard.”

“Really?” Ilovedhow she thought I’d fall into line just because she demanded it.

“I’m willing to offer anything in exchange for you taking this job.”

I snorted. “Your money’s no good here.”

There was no amount of cash that would make me agree to help her.

Jess’s shoulders straightened as she moved around my living room, her fingers grazing the few meager possessions I had lying around. A framed photo of my sister at her college graduation, and a few knick-knacks that had belonged to my parents.

She cleared her throat and gave me a nervous glance. “I hear Lexi started her own fashion line.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and nodded. “She’s looking to open a shop in upstate New York.”

“That can get expensive.”

“Yes.”

She muttered to herself and shook her head as she moved further into the room. I was surprised when she stopped at the window overlooking the street. Pushing the curtain aside, she peered out into the darkness below.

“We’ve got it covered,” I said firmly. There was no way I’d admit to her that the rent money my sister needed would probably wipe out most of my savings account.

“You always took good care of your sister, Alden. Always made sure she had everything she needed,” Jess whispered, still not looking at me. Her body tensed as she scanned the street.

“What’s really going on here, Jess?” The Jess I knew—and had loved—wasn’t this guarded. Sunshine and sarcasm filled her world. She gave as good as she got and always had a grin on her face while she did it.

“I’m not sure.” She turned her gaze to meet mine, then wrapped her hands around her arms, rubbing them as though she were cold. “It’s probably nothing.”

I didn’t move from my spot. “You’re not making sense.”

She swallowed hard.

“I feel like I’m being watched.”

“Jess, you’re a celebrity. Of course people are watching you when you go on your shopping trips to Paris.”

She smirked, giving me a glimpse of the girl I once knew. “Been checking up on me?”

I grunted and shook my head. I’d never admit that Lexi followed her success through social media and gave me regular updates. My sister had been obsessed with Jess, wanting to be just like her ever since they met when she was fifteen.

“Lexi’s designs are good.” A tiny smile lifted the edges of Jess’s face. “She’s really talented.” An emotion flashed across her face. One that I could’ve sworn was pride, but it was gone too fast for me to be sure.

“They are, and yes, she is.” I sighed. “Jess, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to help you. We have history. You need to find someone else.”

She shook her head and laid her hands on my arms. “It’s because of that history I’m here.”

I had to stop this before it went any further. Her touch was already affecting me. “When I told you we were over, I meant it. There’s no second chance here for us.” There couldn’t be. I’d drag her down.

She sucked in a breath, but her tone still wobbled. “Fuck you, Alden. This isn’t about getting back together with you.”

I moved away from her. The pain that seared her face before she hid it tore at me. It was better if I kept her at a distance, physically and mentally. “I’ll get you names of people I trust.”

“No, it’s you or no one.” She crossed her arms over her chest, defiance now settling on her face.

“Sorry. Not happening.” I unlocked the door. “I think it’s time for you to go.”

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