Page 17 of Last Second Chance

His bristling irritation made me hold back the rest of my skepticism. I did say I’d listen to him, after all.

He set his fork down on his plate. “I’m telling you, she was there when I got home, already naked. But I didn’t want her there. She’d crawled into my bed.”

He sounded disgusted, which made me feel slightly gratified. I didn’t know if he was faking it or not, but I was glad to hear it.

“I don’t know what the hell she was thinking,” he continued. “I told her to get dressed and leave. Then, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I tossed my phone and wallet onto the nightstand and went to the bathroom. It seemed like a good idea to leave the room at the time, to give her a chance to get dressed without me around. I was kind of worried that she’d literally throw herself at me if I was still there when she got out of my bed.”

“And that’s when I called,” I chimed in. I didn’t know what to feel right now. I had convinced myself that there was absolutely no way that he could be innocent, but his story was making way too much sense. More than that, there was something earnest in his eyes that I couldn’t ignore.

“Yeah, that’s when you called and my fucking world fell apart.” He reached across the table and took my hand. My instinct was to pull away, but he held on so that I couldn’t, his eyes burning into mine. “I know how it looks, Poppy. Believe me, I know. But I swear to you, Inevercheated. The thought never even crossed my mind. How could it, when I had you to call my own?”

Reaching out with his other hand, he placed something in my palm. I looked down, feeling my breath hitch as I saw the small wooden swan he’d placed there. I knew he must have whittled it. I remembered that he used to like to spend the evenings unwinding by working on a block of wood with his knife. It was a unique hobby, and I always liked to look at the things he created.

The sight of the bird brought forth a memory of when I told him that swans were considered a symbol of love because of their long, monogamous relationships. They committed to each other.

“That’s all I wanted to say,” he continued, and I swallowed around the lump in my throat before looking away from the swan and staring at Scott again. “I just needed you to know the truth. I’m not saying I’m not at fault. I never should have trusted Veronica. I shouldn’t have left my phone in the room with her. Most importantly, I should have fought you harder when you ended things.”

“Why didn’t you?” I couldn’t help asking. I could feel a burning in my nose, a sign that tears were coming. “If this is all true, why didn’t you fight?”

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Honestly? I was hurt that you’d believe I was capable of it. I felt betrayed.”

The idea thathefelt betrayed was almost laughable, even though it wasn’t funny in the least.

“By the time I got over that shit, you had completely cut me out of your life. You wouldn’t even speak to me. But now that you’ve heard me out . . . do you finally believe me?”

I swallowed hard again, my hand closing over the little swan. I just didn’t know what to think anymore. I wanted to trust him, but it was so hard to wrap my mind around this version of events. For over a year, I had no doubt about what happened. It was horrible, and I hated it, but at least I knew the truth.

Or maybe I didn’t.

“I don’t know what to think.” I said. I’d started picking at my food, having lost my appetite despite how delicious the meal was. My emotions were in turmoil and that made my stomach roll. “I think I need a little time to think things over.”

Scott nodded, but he couldn’t hide the disappointment in his eyes. It made me feel guilty, but I couldn’t give him more than that right now. If his story was true, he’d known it for a year, but it was all new to me.

Even if I did believe him, would a second chance relationship even work out? I wasn’t so sure about that. There was baggage now and hurt feelings and uncertainty. Would it even be possible to go back to the way things were?

The waitress came by then to check on how we were liking our food, and we both asked for a to-go box. She looked slightly confused, but brought them along with the check. Scott grabbed it and handed over his credit card. I had been planning to pay my half, despite what I said earlier, but I didn’t even get a chance to offer.

It was almost like we were on a date, but it definitely didn’t feel like one. I was too emotional, and he was sullen. There was so much stuff between us, and I wasn’t sure if it could ever be overcome.

We left the restaurant and rode up the elevator together. Scott walked me to my door and lingered while I fished my keycard out of my purse. Once I found it, I looked over at him, searching for something to say.

I couldn’t think of the right words. I didn’t even know what I was feeling.

But I was pretty sure that I believed him. Maybe I was naive.

He didn’t need words. Scott reached out and cupped my cheek, stepping so close that I could feel his body heat radiating into mine.

Moving slowly, which gave me plenty of time to move away, he dipped his head. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as he pressed his lips to mine. He was kissing me for the first time in over a year, and I didn’t even think of pulling away. Instead, I melted into him as a warm happiness washed over me.

I didn’t know what I wanted long-term, but at this moment, there was nowhere else I’d rather be.

CHAPTER8

Scott

Finally.

I was able to tell Poppy everything that happened that night, laying the truth out for her. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders as I talked. I had honestly expected her to react a little more decisively when I was done.

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