Page 40 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

“Ah, no… no… you can’t gift me these. They must cost a fortune!” His eyes never left me. Then Saoirse came to him, pulled on his hand, and decided to jump in.

“If Mommy won’t take it, don’t worry. I’ll take it. It will go with my dress-ups!”

She was looking up at him beaming, so satisfied to be helping.

Everyone laughed. “We’ll get you one similar to Mommy’s. Ok?” I heard him say to her, and Saoirse swooned. I hoped he was joking, but I couldn’t tell for sure.

Diane came to me with a black silk wrap and put it over my shoulders.

“Have a great time, Mom.” Sienna kissed me on the cheek. “If Saoirse is getting the necklace, I want the dress for my prom.” She had a wide smile on her face.

“We’ll get you your own dress… even better than this one,” I said. Sierra was still holding on to my leg so I kneeled down to her eye level although it was difficult in this dress.

“Sierra… sweetheart… remember how we said that Mommy has to go somewhere tonight.” I was speaking gently to her, at her eye level. Her beautiful baby blue eyes were serious, and she nodded.

“Miss Betty will stay with you. And Sienna will read you a story tonight. To you and Saoirse together. I’ll come back late, but before I go to bed, I’ll come to your room and give you a kiss. I promise. When you wake up in the morning, I’ll be here.”

She gave me a big hug, and then Sienna took her hand gently. Saoirse came over and gave me a big hug. “Love you, Mommy. Will you come and give me a kiss too when you come back?”

“Yep, I’ll come and give all three of you a good night kiss.” Betty looked at me and mouthedGo. It will be ok.

Saoirse went to Sienna and Sierra. As I started to get up, Kristoff took my hand and helped me.

“Ready?” he asked.

I nodded and he had his hand on my lower back as we walked out, holding me closer to him than usual. Outside a limo was waiting for us. The driver opened the door, but Kristoff would not let him help me in. Instead he stayed with me and helped me into the car himself. Then he came around to the other door and sat next to me.

“You look stunning, Gemma.” His voice was deep. “Just beautiful.”

I looked at him and couldn’t help not being flattered. “Thank you,” I said in a breathy voice. “It is all thanks to your team and your clothes. You really thought of everything.”

“No, it is you… just you.”

He poured a glass of champagne and handed it to me. I sipped on it to hide how nervous I was while he was pouring himself a glass of scotch.

We drove in silence. I was looking out the window thinking how ironic life is. I was broke just a few weeks ago, and now I am riding in a limo with a billionaire… a possible trillionaire… wearing an expensive dress and wearing jewelry that is probably worth my whole year’s salary, if not more.

I took a deep breath, and with my free hand I smoothed my dress, thinking about Jack, and the first jewelry piece he gave me. We were so broke before we got married, his first jewelry gift was a ring from a bubble gum machine.

“I see you are comfortable with silence,” Kristoff interrupted my thoughts. I looked at him. His whole presence screamed money, lots and lots of money. And confidence… he probably never felt out of place anywhere or anytime. So unlike me.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I answered. He leaned forward, pulling me to him. His lips lightly traced across my shoulder and up my neck.

“One day, I hope you will learn to trust me and share your thoughts with me,” he whispered against my skin, right below my ear.

I closed my eyes, relishing his hot breath on my skin. I wondered if I am cutting myself short by not signing his second contract. Maybe if I had, we’d have more intimate moments like this. I loved his hands on me, and his expert touch was branding me as his. Maybe it is his contract, but I would have him as mine for a little while too.

I shake my head chasing my wishful thoughts away. I cannot let myself fall prey to my desires. I needed to behave responsibly and my body reacted too wildly around him. I should not be even considering signing his contract, which meant after two months I would no longer be around him.

I wanted him badly, I enjoyed his company and his touch too much. His interaction with my girls surprised me and made me wish for things I gave up long ago. It was dangerous to go down that same road again; it could only lead to heartbreak. I should not be wishing for his heart and soul, nor give him mine. Wanting a man to share my happiness and sorrows with would be disastrous. Kristoff was clear on what he wanted and needed. He just wanted me at his disposal, and I had no intention of being at someone’s disposal like that.

With the battle raging inside me, I felt his lips on mine. His kiss was soft, gentle, and something in my chest fluttered.Stop it,I thought to myself. It is just loneliness and Kristoff being the first man that touched me since way before my husband died. I almost wished the two months were behind me, so I wouldn’t see him again. He was dangerous for my self-preservation. Even with Jack, I was always able to keep part of me separated. Kristoff, on the other hand, was consuming each fiber of me and that is dangerous.

The limo stopped, but Kristoff didn’t stop. I gently pushed him.

“The door will open any second,” I mumbled against his lips. He pulled away, and the door opened the same second. Getting out of the limo, he reached for me, helping me step out. I realized the plane waiting a few feet away from us with the name Baldwin emblazoned on its side.

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