Page 19 of A Second Chance

“Like you don’t know.”

“I don’t…. I’ve been nothing but nice to you and you hate me.”

Her mouth dropped open, and she shook her head. “I can’t freakin’ even, right now,” Gwen muttered.

“What did you mean by, ‘this time?’”

“Are you being serious with me?”

Jason pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and first finger. His brain might explode.

“Fine. Does this jog your memory?” Gwen went up on tip toe pressed her lips to his. Her arms wrapped around his neck; electricity surged through him. His hands threaded into her hair, tilting her head more to suit him and pushed her back against the side of the car, her soft little body pressing against his. It had been a long time, and his tongue plundered her mouth.

She broke it off, her breath ragged. “Well?”

“That was great.” He managed and leaned down to kiss her again, but met with a face full of her palm.

Gwen wrinkled her face. “How promiscuousareyou that you don’t even remember who all you’ve slept with?”

“Wait… what?” he stepped back away from her.

“You don’t remember sleeping with me?”

Now most of his blood had rushed south. And his penis was hoping it was about to have something other than his palm, and he didn’t quite understand what she’d said. “You’re screwing with me right now.”

“I most certainly am not.”

“We just met.”

“Oh my god,” she pointed a finger at him. “Five years ago, before you deployed. In the hot tub at Weasel’s party, you giant jackass.” Gwen stomped around to the other side of the car, told him that he was number one with a hand gesture and slid inside. Jason stood frozen in place and unable to move and stop her.

It couldn’t be true.

Eight

Gwen drove the short distance home, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She remained in the car in the drive until she could go inside and not rouse suspicion that anything bad happened. Avery didn’t need to see her upset and worry. Gwen was the big sister; she did the caretaking.

How could he act like they’ve never met? Those things he said to her that night in the hot tub, she was stupid for believing them. Why did she have to kiss him tonight? Did she hope he’d admit to remembering her? And what difference did it make now, four years later? If she wanted to stay friends with all of them, she had to get used to Jason. Too bad for her heart, his kiss was as amazing as the last time. She needed space and to take a break away from the group and figure this out.

Through the front door, Gwen hung her sweater on the hooks lined up behind the door. She loved the three-bedroom bungalow that she shared with her mom and sister. The living room had a stone fireplace and an open floor plan through the dining area and kitchen. The laundry room and her mom’s bedroom were in the back and she and Avery had the upstairs rooms. With the fall temperatures starting to drop at night, it was a perfect time to light the gas fireplace.

The house was empty; Gwen found a bottle of white wine in the fridge and poured a glass. She deserved it after such a crappy night. Avery came through the front door, while Gwen curled on the couch, enjoying her wine by firelight.

“Are you alone?” Avery asked.

“Of course,” she replied.

“You’re now drinking alone and in the dark.” She hung her bag on a hook and slid off her jacket.

“You say that like it’s a problem.”

“Bad day?”

“Something like that.”

“Weren’t you out with your friends tonight?”

“I’m back.”

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