Page 68 of Second Chance Faceoff

I moved past the next row of cars and stopped.

Colton’s voice was low but clear. "Yeah, I was stupid."

My spine straightened.

"I don’t know why I let her twist everything. I gave her the quote—that’s on me. I’m just starting to turn things around. The team’s noticed. My coaches have noticed."

The older man didn’t respond right away. "Why does she think this story is so compelling?"

There was a pause. Colton shifted his weight. "I’ve started falling for someone. She’s smart, she’s sassy, and she’s passionate as hell."

The man’s arms dropped a little.

Colton went on. "But there’s one problem, Dad. She runs the dog rescue that your company wants to build on. Vanessa showed up chasing a scandal. Then she saw a better angle."

They stopped talking.

Their posture softened just slightly—shoulders eased, gestures stilled. They were still talking but now I couldn’t hear what they were saying.

A few moments later, Colton’s father reached out and gave him a brief, one-armed hug.

He turned, walked to a dark sedan, and drove off.

Colton stayed where he was, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets, staring at the spot where the car had been.

I didn’t move. My pulse hadn’t decided if it should slow down or speed up.

He’d said it. Out loud. To his father.

I was the girl he was talking about.

Smart. Sassy. Passionate.

Beautiful didn’t make the list. Noted.

And I was absolutely going to bring it up later.

But that wasn’t the headline right now.

I’d just watched Colton Hayes stand there and own every piece of his past—and then hold his ground anyway.

I’d spent so long bracing for him to mess this up.

Preparing for the fallout. For the inevitable proof that leaving was his only option.

I realized I never considered what it would feel like if he didn't. What if he stayed?

It hit me like a slap.

I don't want him to leave

Without realizing it, I’d started walking toward him.

He turned when I was just a few feet away, his brows drawn together until he saw it was me. Then his whole face shifted.

He ran his hand through his hair. “How much of that did you hear?”

I didn’t answer right away. I crossed my arms, tilting my head. "Oh, just that you’re finally sticking up for yourself. That you’re trying to make peace with your father. That you’re taking control of your own narrative. And, of course, that you think I’m smart, sassy, and passionate."

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