Page 43 of The Second Chance Year

But that was a long time ago.

“So, your parents didn’t care if you became a lawyer because you were shy?”

“Sort of. When I was about five they sent me to a child psychologist because they were worried I wasn’t making any friends. She was trained as a music therapist and had all these instruments in her office. I got really into them, and around the same time, you guys moved to town and the teacher sat Owen at my table. He was the same kind of weird as me, and well… you know the rest.”

“And now you’re wildly successful, so your parents must be very pleased.”

He sets his fork on his plate. “I’m not sure I’d say I’m wildly successful. I’m lucky that I get paid to write and play music, and I’m one of the rare people who can live off my passion. That’s all I can really ask for.”

As Jacob leans back on my couch and props one foot on his opposite knee, I’m struck by his quiet confidence. How is itpossible that I ever thought this man was weird or awkward? He knows exactly who he is, and he doesn’t need to apologize or change to please anyone. I wish I could be more like that.

Jacob slowly lowers his plate to the coffee table, and I realize I’m staring. He gazes back at me, and there’s something charged in the air between us. My heart rattles in my chest, and his breath hitches, telling me he feels it too.

At that moment, Gio wanders out of the closet and hops up on the couch, breaking the spell. I’m not sure if I’m glad about that or not. Jacob reaches out to scratch him between his ears and, sensing an easy mark, Gio rubs his head on Jacob’s leg.

“Oh, sorry about the cat fur,” I say, setting my plate on the side table. “I can get him off you.”

“It’s fine.” Jacob smiles as Gio turns up the purr. “How’s it going, living with Giocoso?”

“He’s the love of my life, and no man will ever live up to him.”

Jacob’s face turns serious. “I’m sorry about Alex. You guys were together a long time.”

“Three years.”

“You want to talk about it?” Jacob leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and Gio wanders off to check out his food bowl.

I stare down at my hands. I’m not even sure what to say about what went wrong with Alex. What went wrong with everything. “Have you ever wished for something so badly, only to finally get it and realize it’s maybe not what you wanted after all?”

Jacob is silent for a moment, lips pressed together. “Atleast,” he finally says in a low voice. “You can say you tried. Whatever it is. You gave it a shot.”

“I guess. But I should have it all together by now. Like Owen does… and you.”

He lets out a small laugh, shaking his head, and he seems almost bitter. “I’ve wanted the same thing all my life. But…” His expression darkens. “I’ve never had the courage to reach out and grab it.”

Our eyes meet, and I don’t think we’re talking about his music anymore. The heat that was rising between us all evening suddenly cranks up to a broil. “Why not?” I manage.

Jacob lifts a shoulder. “I guess it’s easier to hold on to hope than it is to try and fail.” His face is tipped up at me, dark hair tousled and slanting across his forehead, one lock teasing the top edge of his glasses.

And—Oh my.

I don’twantto be talking about his music anymore.

“But you could try andnotfail,” I whisper. I grab one hand with the other to stop them from shaking. “How will you ever know?”

He pauses, and my heart is pounding so loudly, I’m sure he can hear it.

And then he stands up from the couch.

Crosses the room.

Sinks down on the bed next to me.

Slides one hand behind my head.

And he kisses me.

Chapter 22

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