Page 36 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...” I hurried off the dance floor. My fingertips pressed against my chest as though they could force my beating heart to slow down.

I didn’t want anyone to see me like this.

All I could think to do was try the guided imagery my yoga teacher used to relax us.

I closed my eyes and imagined the ocean, its waves drawing up and crashing down, the surf bubbling, then disappearing as it raced to the shore.

Heat wrapped around me, and the scent of his cologne wafted my way. I knew without opening my eyes, he’s close.

Worried people will start thinking something’s wrong with me, I opened my eyes, and was shocked to see the man I was actively avoiding.

“Jess. Lovely to see you here.” Jareth’s smooth voice rumbled, and at over six feet, he towered over me.

Alden was there, too, standing at my side, his hand sliding possessively to the small of my back. I felt weak from the need to steel my body from sinking further into his hold.

“I didn’t notice your name on the guest list.” I’d been careful to look for it.

His black eyes fixed on mine and the heat simmering in their depths gave me pause.

Could he be attracted to me?

Alden’s lips thinned and his hand guided me closer to him. The weapon at his hip gently pressed against me—a stark reminder of our relationship this evening. Protectee and bodyguard. Nothing more.

“Last minute plus one.” Jareth shrugged, his perfect bespoke suit shifting, emphasizing the muscles in his arms. As usual, his dark hair was cut with precision and not one dared be out of place.

Who would have invited him to the event?

Not for the first time, part of me wished I could be attracted to him. We’d gotten along well enough when he first started working with my parents and he was everything I should want in a partner. Unfortunately, any good thoughts I might’ve had of Jareth had been soured by my parents attempts to force me into marrying him. In addition to the lingering thoughts I still had about Alden.

Alden’s thumb rubbed against my back. A silent reminder of who my escort was this evening.

“Jareth, this is my date, James Alden.” I placed my hand against the center of Alden’s chest.

Jareth offered his hand.

Alden thrust his arm out and grasped it.

The two locked eyes and remained that way, some sort of silent communication happening between them before they let go.

Jareth angled his body closer to mine. “I hear you have a birthday coming up.”

My back stiffened. “How do you know that?”

“Your parents mentioned it in passing.”

In passing. Right. I wouldn’t put it past them to try throwing me a birthday party and a wedding to Jareth all in one. Just the thought of it made me cringe inside.

“Will you be celebrating your special day?” Was Jareth simply making small talk or was he motivated by personal interest?

Small talk had ceased between us right around the time I started avoiding him.

“I haven’t really thought that far ahead.” My gaze traveled over the room as if searching for a friend.

“Didn’t you need to speak to Sean?” Alden, God love him, began steering me away from Jareth.

“Oh, yes.” I looked up at him. “Thank you.” Turning back to Jareth I said, “I’m sorry. I’ve been trying to catch him all evening.”

His jaw rippled and his eyes narrowed briefly before a smile stretched across his face.

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