Page 34 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

We all missed it. We’ve spent a few weeks there every summer ever since Sienna was born. Jack never accompanied us so it was always just girls’ time. There was something magical about the atmosphere in that country, and the smell of salty sea air that creeps into your lounge and takes hold of you like the sound of the sirens’ call. If I wouldn’t have gotten a job, Croatia was my safety plan, last resort.

A few hours later, Kristoff was driving us all home. The girls were worn out and fell asleep before we left Lena’s neighborhood.

“Thank you for coming,” Kristoff echoed his mother’s words.

“We had a really good time,” I answered with a smile. “Thanks for having us. Although, I still think it is weird to go to my boss’ mother’s birthday party.”

“Well, you could always go as my girlfriend,” he commented back. “The job is still open.”

I snorted. Yeah, like that is ever going to happen. His first mistake was thinking a girlfriend is a job position. That alone was evidence to me that he wanted someone he could boss around and control.

“I don’t want to bring up business,” he started breaking up the silence.

“Please do,” I answered, grateful for the neutral topic.

“Next Wednesday, there is a fundraiser ball in New York that I need you to come along with me.”

“Ah,” I answered. “The reason for hair and wax?”

He laughed. “Yes, the reason for hair and wax.”

“By the way, the wax was completely unnecessary,” I tried to sound stern but I failed. “I don’t ever want to think about the places they waxed. Honestly, what was that about? Because I am sure nobody,” I look at him pointedly. “...will be seeing those places at a fundraiser ball.”

His face was serious, but there were crinkles around his eyes that told me he was enjoying this way too much. “Maybe I am hoping to see those places.”

My body heated up to the idea. Shaking my head, I decided to ignore his comment and my cursed body. It is probably the safest thing to do right now.

“How many days do we need to be away?” I questioned.

“We’ll be back the same evening. It will probably be very late.”

“Got it. I’ll just arrange for a sitter.”

“You sure it’s going to be ok?”

“Kristoff, that was clearly part of your employment agreement. So yes, it’s going to be ok. Their grandma will probably come over or they’ll visit with her.”

“Speaking of employment agreement,” he started cautiously. “Are we going to talk about yesterday?”

I glanced back at my kids. They are one of the reasons I never started dating again. And the horribly bad marriage experience. That’s enough reason to keep everyone at arm’s length, right?

Thinking about my little sexual encounter with Kristoff yesterday, I knew I should have never let it get so far.

I remained quiet, and thankfully, so did he. When we arrived home, Sienna quickly went into her own bedroom, and Kristoff helped me by carrying sleeping Saoirse into the house, following me with Sierra in my arms. I had him take Saoirse into the same room as Sierra, deciding it would be better if they share the room tonight, although they regularly did not. We took their shoes and socks off, and I covered them both up, kissing each on their forehead.

Kristoff waited at the doorway, and we went downstairs together.

“Want something to drink?” I asked. “Coffee… tea?”

“No, thank you. I’m going to get going. It is rather late and I still have another sixty minute drive.”

I nodded, without saying anything. I wanted to wrap my hands around him and feel him hold me, but I knew that was not what either one of us was after. So I quietly walked him to the door, exited with him , and leaned against the column of the covered porch.

“Gemma,” he started. “About yesterday…”

“Please, Kristoff.” My voice was shaky reflecting how nervous I was. “That was a mistake. It should have never happened.”

He stared at me, his green eyes studying me carefully. I kept my expression neutral. I didn’t want him to know that I loved his hands on me, that even now I craved it. I didn’t want him to know that I felt horrible about myself for letting down my guard from him because of my physical desire for him. That was the reason I knew this was not for me. I couldn’t sleep with someone just for the mere physical act.

“Thank you again for coming today,” he said shortly. I had no idea what was going through his head. But I guess it didn’t really matter.

I smiled. He was so different today from the boss I knew during the week. He never says thank you.

“You are welcome, Kristoff,” my voice came out in a whisper.

He leaned and kissed me lightly on the cheek. I leaned into his kiss, closing my eyes, wanting the closeness. Slowly his soft lips found mine and deepened the kiss. I returned it. I knew I shouldn’t, but I wanted it. My body ached for him and betrayed the words I just told him when I claimed yesterday was a mistake.

He pulled away too soon. “Good night, Gemma.”

“Good night,” I mumbled and I remained unmoved from my spot, till he left the driveway and I could no longer see his car, then I returned inside the house and locked the door.

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