Page 51 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

“Kristoff,” I protested. “That’s silly. I can drive. Plus, I need the car for tomorrow to take the kids to school.”

“I’ll have a driver come to you in the morning, and he’ll take care of you and the girls. Or drive that truck? But, it is not smart to drive while tired.”

“The battery in that truck is dead and I hate driving it,” I answered.

“That’s fine, the driver will pick you up then.”

I just accepted it, too tired to argue.

I spent the evening with my girls outside soaking up the sunshine, the kids squealing with delight, running and chasing each other. Kristoff was on my mind, and I hated that he consumed so much of my thoughts. After our outside adventure, I gave my little ones a bath, read them a bedtime story, and gave lots of kisses good-night. Sienna was preparing for a big exam tomorrow, so we all stayed clear of her. She was a cranky mess.

After tucking the kids into bed, and a quick shower, I was finally crawling into my bed. I glanced at my phone before I turned the lights off, and saw an unread message from Kristoff.

I hope everything is ok,I thought to myself as I opened the message.

Take off tomorrow. I’m flying out of town for business. Kimberly is off too. Driver will drop off your car before school. K.B.

So short and to the point. You’d never even guess we had sex. I felt a little ache and chose to ignore it. Instead, I typed a quick reply.

Ok, thanks. See you Monday.

And I clicked off send. Before I put my phone down, it buzzed and I checked it. Kristoff replied.

You still awake?

No, it is my personal secretary. I haven’t made an employment contract for him yet, I answered smiling. So silly. My phone rang next. Seeing his name flash, I giggled like a little schoolgirl. I laid back against my pillows and answered.

“Hello?”

“Are you trying to be funny, Gemma?” Kristoff’s voice sent tingles down my body.

I chuckled. “I thought it was pretty funny.”

“How come you are still awake?” he asked. I was wondering if he was calling just to chitchat. I foolishly hoped so.

“Girls and I were outside for a bit enjoying the sunshine. It gave me just enough boost to still be awake. I guess it is waaaay before your bedtime?” I said jokingly.

“Yes.” I could hear a smile in his voice. “Unlike you, I get cranky when I don’t get food.”

“Oh gosh, I hope we are not in the same room when I am tired, and you are hungry.” We both laughed. “By the way,” I added. “Thanks for giving me a day off tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it!”

“You’re welcome,” he answered. “You deserve it. Will you do anything fun?”

“I’m going to surprise the girls and take them hiking. Sienna has a big test, so we’ll just do it after her chemistry class.”

“She hasn’t been skipping classes anymore?” he asked teasingly. “No more boys?”

“Haha, very funny. No, she hasn’t been skipping classes.” I answered. “I think serving her thirty days of punishment opened her eyes, and she realized the boy she likes wasn’t that great after all.”

“I’m glad she is doing better,” he said. “It must have been hard for you when your husband passed away.”

The silence stretched on while I thought what to say. Then I finally just kept it short.

“Yes, it was hard on everyone. But no harder than on any spouse and their families when they lose someone.”

I didn’t know how to explain the relief and guilt I felt about Jack’s death. I had felt such a relief that he’d never hurt me again. He’d been a good father to our girls but I always worried if he’d ever transfer that anger from me to them, or if it continued to escalate what impact it would have on them. On the other hand, I felt tremendous guilt for not ending our marriage years ago. If I had, maybe he wouldn’t have been making all those choices that led to his death.

“Kids will like the hike for sure,” Kristoff interrupted my morbid thoughts by switching the subject. “Is that how you stay in shape?”

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