Page 22 of Last Second Chance

I felt a surge of endearment for him, and a warm smile spread across my face. “Yeah, they do.”

The artist cleared his throat to get our attention and turned his canvas toward us. My jaw dropped as I stared at the picture he’d drawn so quickly. It was an exaggerated version of us, so my chin came to a sharp point and my brown eyes looked huge, but it was definitely me. I would have recognized it even if I didn’t already know it was supposed to be my own face. Scott’s sharp jawline was emphasized, and his shoulders were broad. The two of us were looking into each other’s eyes.

Scott accepted the canvas from the artist, handing over cash.

The artist had added a big red heart in the air between us, and Scott turned to me with a wink. “Do you think he sensed something between us?”

We shared an intimate gaze, and my tongue darted out to wet my lips. “Yeah, I do.”

Without overthinking it, I put my to-go box on the bench beside me and pulled Scott closer to me with my hands on the back of his neck. As our lips connected, I pushed aside my reservations about our future and let myself get lost in the feel of his lips on mine.

I could hardly believe that I was initiating the kiss this time, but it was like coming home.

* * *

I had never beento a bachelorette party before, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Movies and TV shows gave me an idea that it would be a wild time, but I was having way more fun than I’d ever had at a party as I tossed back jello shots and played games with the other women. I went a little wild, but I figured that was the whole point of tonight.

Towards the end of the party, I found myself in the center of the dance floor, my head tilted back as I swung my hips to the pounding beat of the music coming through the speakers. The lights in the room were dim, but pink filters on the lights on the stage swept over us, constantly moving and adding to the party atmosphere.

I felt light-headed in my drunken state, my thoughts unable to focus on much of anything and my body loose as I danced. I felt like the music was a part of me, guiding my movements. My inhibitions were lowered to the point that I felt game for absolutely anything.

Then the song ended, and I opened my eyes, looking around. Most of the women were on the dance floor with me, but across the room, right at the entrance I spotted Michael talking to Faith.

Excitement lit up inside of me because if he was here, that meant the bachelor party was over. Scott must have returned to the hotel too. He must have been in his room.

As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I knew that I wanted to see him.Now.

Another song started playing and I weaved my way through the crowded dance floor, heading for the door. There were shaking limbs and swinging hips to be avoided, but I managed to get away from the craziness without bumping into anybody. As I drew closer to Faith and Michael, I caught a snippet of their conversation.

“No way,” Faith said, pushing lightly against his chest with laughter in her voice. “No guys allowed. This is abacheloretteparty.”

“Then, they’d surely appreciate a stud like me joining them,” Michael replied with an exaggerated wink.

“Nice try.”

“Don’t be like that. Imissyou.”

“And you’ll see me when the party’s over. Why don’t you wait in our room? Feel free to be naked,” she added saucily.

Without being noticed, I slipped out the door behind the couple as Michael pulled Faith into a kiss. The lobby was empty this late in the evening, and I started to make my way toward the elevator, tripping halfway there on a rug. I managed to avoid falling, and looked around to make sure no one saw that embarrassing moment. I didn’t see anyone watching, so I thought I was in the clear until I heard a voice from right behind me.

“Poppy?” I turned to see that Faith had successfully kicked Michael out of the party and he was following me to the elevator. “Where are you going? The party’s back there.”

He gestured over his shoulder and I rolled my eyes.

“Iknowthat. I’m done with the party,” I said, proud of myself when I barely slurred my words.

“Whoa, hold up.” Michael reached my side and took a hold of my arm. “You’re way too drunk to be wandering around the hotel on your own. I’ll take you to your room.”

I huffed. “No, I’m not.”

“I just saw you trip. And your eyes are a little glassy. Oh, and your cheeks are flushed—”

“Okay, okay. I get it.”

We went to the elevator together. As we rode up to the eighth floor, all I could think about was seeing Scott. I was tired of playing it safe and questioning the wisdom of being with him. We’d already lost so much time together over a misunderstanding. The brief kiss we shared at the boardwalk this afternoon wasn’t enough.

When we reached the right floor, Michael stayed at my side until I stopped in front of a door. I knew it was Scott’s room because I’d seen him go into the room when we returned to the hotel this afternoon. I hesitated, not wanting to knock with Michael at my side. This had potential to be awkward already, we didn’t need a chaperone.

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