Page 78 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

“They look like they’re having fun.”

“They do.” I sat behind her, gently pulling her into my embrace.

She leaned back, not taking her eyes off of them. “I’d always wondered what it would’ve been like to have a childhood like that.”

Jess hadn’t talked about her family, or how it was for her growing up, when we’d been together. It was why I’d been so shocked when her parents had approached me and informed me about who she really was, her wealth, and her standing in their community.

“No playgrounds?”

She shook her head. “I needed to be the proper daughter. I did not get dirty, or speak unless spoken to. I minded my manners and did as I was told. All they wanted was to groom me as the perfect daughter, who would later become the perfect wife. Thank God for Jax, or I’d never have had any fun or learned all my favorite swear words.”

When I’d first seen her and Jaxon together last month, jealousy had speared my gut and twisted my heart unlike anything I’d ever expected. They were close, probably closer than Jess and I had ever been, and I hated it.

It didn’t take long to see their friendship was one of mutual respect that had been forged through, and deepened by, protecting each other from their shitty parents. Once I got over myself, it was easy to see their love for each other was based on friendship, not desire.

“Jax was so mad when he found out I wasn’t going to college after graduation. I had this guidance counselor at school that was pushing me to go. She said I had so much potential. When my parents found out they called the school and threatened to withdraw their money if she talked to me again.”

“They’re fucking assholes.” I loved that Jess had become this bright, vivacious, doesn’t give a shit person in spite of all she went through.

“They are, but if I’d gone to college I don’t know if I’d have ended up here or tried my hand at becoming an influencer. Some of the social media apps had just started and were gaining popularity. Because I had nothing better to do, I worked at figuring them out and branding myself.”

“I’m glad you found the career you love. You deserve to be happy, Jess.”

She shrugged. “Don’t we all.”

“I want you to be happy.” And I did. More than anything.

She snuggled against me. “I’m happy right now.”

“Me too.” This was the most Jess had opened up to me. I wanted to hear more about her life. “Tell me about your grandparents’ business. From the little I’ve picked up from you and Lexi over the past few weeks it sounds like you’re pretty involved.”

She turned her head to look back at me.

I hated the guilt that flashed in her eyes.

“I’m sorry we lied to you, Alden.”

I kissed her cheek and wrapped my arms around her. “It’s as much my fault. After we broke up, I was hurting so bad that any time Lexi brought up your name I snapped at her. It was probably better you kept it from me.”

The gaping hole that was created the day our relationship ceased to exist was now slowly mending as we spent time together. “Thank you for helping guide her career. I’m sure there were many doors that opened because of you.”

Jess’s body stiffened the tiniest bit in my arms. “Maybe, but Lexi was a hard worker. I just helped out a little.”

“Only helped out a little? Then why are you so uncomfortable right now?”

She let out a sarcastic huff and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not uncomfortable.”

I wanted to laugh as she displayed the classic signs of hiding something. “Did you do her homework for her in college?”

Jess snorted. “Of course not.”

“Hmmm, invited her out to clubs when she wasn’t old enough.”

Jess squirmed. Okay so that was true, but that wasn’t what had made her uncomfortable in the first place.

“It was only a few times, and I kept a really close eye on her.” I know she would have destroyed someone to keep Lexi safe if she had to.

I don’t know what made me think of it, but suddenly I remembered Lexi running into the house and throwing herself at me. Her body was shaking, and she was screaming and crying with excitement.

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