Page 8 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

Betty had been pushing me to get back to the dating scene for over six months now. Thankfully, Rick was on my side and kept reminding her to stop pushing me. I was really in no rush, although maybe I should be considering I was thirty-five. Less than a handful of the dates I went on were all set up by Betty. I couldn’t allow myself to get past the friend zone with any of them. I felt no attraction, connection, or interest with any of them. I wondered if Jack had ruined my desire for companionship, but then I’d scold myself. Only I can dictate my own life, and I tried not to think about the past but focus on the future.

Instead, I countered back at Betty. “I am pretty sure it means exactly that. My sixth sense is usually right. And it is telling me to keep away from Kristoff Baldwin. And I sure as hell will not fuck him.” I shook my head like she could see me. Betty has always been and will always be a damn lush.

“Really, Gemma? You are just scared you’ll find him so hot, you won't be able to resist him, and you’ll jump his bones, he’ll jump your bones, and you two will be going at it all day.”

“Betty,” I said with the sigh. “You really have to grow up! You are about to turn forty, for Pete’s sake.”

“Nope, never! You are serious enough for both of us,” she replied chuckling. “By the way, Rick said he will talk to his HR to try to get you an interview. But promise me, you’ll keep your options open. You’ll go to the second interview!”

Betty was so lucky. Rick was hard working, a great provider, a wonderful husband and father. I always wanted all that too. A little ping of jealousy hit me, and I immediately pushed it away.

“Yes, Rick messaged me about it,” I answered. “Thank you so much, Betty. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!”

“Show me how much you appreciate it by going to that second interview, and Rick will let you know the day and time for your interview at his company.”

I loved Rick and Betty! Through all the times we’ve been together, I had a hard time imagining my life without them. He was the brother I never had, always there to ensure girls and I were ok. My phone beeped signaling a text message and I glanced at it. Seeing Rick’s name pop up, I smiled and opened the message.

Hey beautiful! You got the interview for Monday morning. I know they’ll love you, just like I love you!

The following Monday, after Betty and I spent the entire weekend digging through both of our closets, I was in downtown Washington again, walking into the elegant marble lobby. I was wearing a beautiful and elegant Micheal Kors light blue business dress. Luckily I didn’t have to borrow anything from Betty. She tended to have the latest fashion, but also more risqué clothing, which would have made me feel uncomfortable. Rick had been able to get me an interview with his company and I had just finished that one before making my way here. I got great feedback from the interview and felt good about that. I had done a good job of showing them what I could bring to the table.

I hoped things were finally going to pick up. This past year has been hard to say the least. Our family was still trying to recover from losing a father and a husband.

He was an asshole, but the girls did love him.I immediately pushed the thoughts out of my mind. There was no point in thinking about the past now.

I reported to the front desk with the folder in my hand containing the signed confidentiality contact and was told to go back to the fiftieth floor. The familiar anxiety and nervousness crept up my back as the elevator smoothly lifted up to the targeted floor. After taking the elevator, I found myself in front of Kimberly. This time, it was just us, nobody else was waiting.

“Have a seat. He’ll be right with you,” Kimberly quickly glanced up, smiled, and was back to whatever she was doing.

I sat there, feeling trembles throughout my body. I really could not remember ever being so nervous around another human being. I felt like every nerve in my body came alive in anticipation of seeing Kristoff Baldwin again.This will not do, not at all!I should just get up and leave.

Finally, deciding I did not want to have another interview with Kristoff Baldwin, I got up, ready to leave, when Kimberly glanced up with a firm look in her eyes. “Miss Rose, he will see you now.”

I stood there, indecisive. I knew Kimberly thought I was crazy. Standing there, like I couldn’t remember which way his office was, when in fact, I needed to get the hell out of here. Finally, I straightened my back and walked towards his office. What did I have to lose?

He sat in his chair, leaned casually back, and watched me walk to him with his green hooded eyes.God, those eyes!

I could just imagine how they would look in the heat of passion.Yep, it is time to switch from romance books to mystery books!

I sat in the chair opposite his, my back stiff, unable to make myself comfortable. I kept shifting, trying to find a better position, and for the first time in my life, I was uncomfortable with the silence.

“Hmmm… hello again,” I greeted him with a slight tremor in my voice.

His eyes sparkled. I wasn’t sure whether it was in amusement or something else.

“Did you review both contracts?” he asked in his oh so sexy voice.

“Hmmm… yes,” I answered, and my voice sounded soft, like I was melting.

Oh crap!The thought hit me. I just realized I never went back to the second attachment.

Shit! Double shit!

I cleared my throat, then added, “I have few questions though.” Maybe I could figure out what that second document was about if I asked the right questions.

“Ok, fair enough,” he responded. “Do you mind if I go first?”

I shook my head, and my hair fell into my eyes. Nervous, I pushed my hair out of my eyes and noticed his stare. Then as if he woke himself up, he added, “You are friends with Betty Feely. You spoke to her about this position?”

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