Page 44 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

“Well, well, well… what do we have here?” A male voice interrupted my thoughts and stepped forward with an outstretched hand. He was handsome, tall… about six feet… blonde hair, and brown eyes.

“Hi, I’m Johnathan.”

I looked around not sure where he came from. He was wearing a suit, like most men at this party were.Maybe I met him earlier and I just didn’t notice him.

I took his hand and shook it. “Hi, I’m Gemma.”

I pulled my hand back and I wrapped my arms around me. I did not like being alone in the dark with strangers. It made me feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. I watched him carefully. He was relaxed, his blonde hair slightly ruffled by the breeze. Although it was dark out, the moon outlined his face features. He had a distinctive face with a patrician nose and tortured eyes. His body was nonchalant and relaxed like he didn’t have a care in the world, but his eyes spoke of pain. I had an odd relatable feeling looking at him like this.

“So you are with Kristoff,” his voice was scratchy. “I heard he’s been eyeing you, watching you all night, worried someone will snatch you away.”

I gave him a tight smile. I wasn’t going to answer that.

“You are pretty.”

“Thank you.” I really wished Kristoff would come already.

“I can understand his obsession with you now that I see you up close. Do you know Kristoff and I used to be best friends?”

No, I didn’t know that, you moron.But all I said was, “Hmmm.”

“He doesn’t know how to treat a woman.” His voice was smooth, he sounded satisfied with himself. “That’s why his ex-wife ended up having someone else’s baby.”

I flinched.What the fuck is wrong with these people?I thought to myself. Yeah, maybe my gut feeling was wrong this time.

I kept my lips tight, refusing to acknowledge his comments.

He put his hand on my shoulder, and his finger was tracing down my arm. I took a step back away from him, and pulled my arm out of his reach.

“First of all, Johnathan.” My calm was leaving me, and the words came out through my clenched teeth. This fucking night was too much. “Don’t ever touch me again! If you do, I’ll break your arm. And his ex-wife is stupid to have cheated on a man like Kristoff. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

I walked away with my head held high and pissed off as hell.I’m fucking staying up late, way past my bedtime for shitty conversations like this! And going down the memory lane, that sucks big time! I continued walking towards the parking lot where we left the limo, hoping it would be there. No wonder Kristoff has a business contract to keep his emotional distance after what was done to him. I can’t even blame him. I mean look at me, I can’t even move on. I can’t put the past behind me and give anything a chance. I haven’t had sex in over a year.

I heard someone calling my name. I ignored it. I was not in the mood for another conversation with these stuck up pricks. I heard my name again and glanced back.

It was Kristoff, he was strolling to me with power in his steps and my clutch in his hands. His dark hair was blowing gently against the breeze, and for a second, I forgot every furious thought running through my head and only focused on his good looks.

As soon as he came to stop in front of me, he took his jacket off to put it around me.

“I thought I asked you to wait for me?” Kristoff took his jacket off and put it around me. I enjoyed the warmth of it and pulled it tighter around me.

“The limo is on its way,” he mentioned. He pulled me to the side, and I leaned into him. Kristoff took my face between his hands and studied me. His gaze was concerning, searching for any sign of distress on me. Satisfied that I wasn’t falling apart, he leaned against the vehicle, wrapped me into his arms, and brushed his lips against mine.

“I heard what you said to Jonathan,” he commented quietly. “You defended me… you defended me even though you disagree with the way I handle things, and… thank you, Gemma.”

I reached my hand up to his face and gently put my palm on his cheek. Those eyes of his were watching my every move. Kristoff was controlling in business and his personal life… maybe it is a result of a hard betrayal.

“Kristoff,” I whispered softly. “You are so much better than those people. I hope you know that.”

He shook his head. “You are better than those people.”

His phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and read the screen. “C’mon, let’s get you home.”

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