Love's Second Chance (Second Chances Series) (4 page)

Glaring at Jenna, I pulled my hand gently from Galen’s clasp. I did not sign up for Jenna to play matchmaker with me. Even though Galen and I had a past, I didn’t think I was ready for anything like that yet. My hands went clammy and my heart felt like it was in my throat.

“But you already ate, Jenna,” I said with an edge to my tone. I knew she clearly understood what I meant by that tone, but she smiled and quickly peeked over at Galen before looking back to me.

“It’s okay,” Galen interrupted, looking at his brother and my traitorous friend. “I’ll keep her company. She’ll be safe with me.” For some reason I didn’t believe him. No part of my body was safe with Galen around.

He lightly grasped my elbow and led me to a secluded corner of the room, where we sat on a vacant sofa. “I’m so glad you came. Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.

I nodded while taking a sip of my champagne. “I am actually. It’s the first time I’ve been out in a while. You seem to be doing very well for yourself,” I pointed out, looking around the room.

Shrugging, he smiled. “I’m managing pretty well I guess.”

“I’m actually impressed with the setup you have here. I bet your employees love you! I mean, look at them,” I said, watching the crowd. “They seem happy, all smiling and laughing.” I paused because I was rambling, and Galen knew that rambling is what I do when I get nervous.

He laughed and took my hand. “Korinne, you don’t need to be nervous.” My face turned scarlet red in that moment, so I bowed my head and bit my lip to hide the embarrassment. Galen released my hand and settled it on my leg. His fingers brushed my thigh and it made everything inside of me burn hot. Shifting in the seat, I cleared my throat and moved over a little bit on the couch so I could have more space.

Meeting his steady, yet amused, gaze I found my voice to speak again, something to get my mind off of his touch. “How does it feel to be owner of one of the most sought out architectural firms in the United States?”

Galen shrugged. “When my dad died it was hard, but it was a learning process. I seem to be doing well I think.” He tilted his head to the side and studied me. “How about you? I’ve heard some amazing things about your talents. I believe I saw you in a couple of magazines, if I’m not mistaken.”

I grinned. “Yes, that was me. It feels like that was a long time ago.” We sat there in silence for a moment, and I hesitated before I spoke my next words. “You know, I always wondered if I would hear from you,” I said softly. Averting my gaze, I took a sip of the champagne. I would have loved to work for M&M, but given mine and Galen’s past, I knew it probably wouldn’t have been such a good idea. I didn’t think Carson would’ve liked it if I worked for a man I used to be in love with.

“I did,” Galen admitted.

Choking on my drink, I coughed a couple of times as his admission sunk in. “What do you mean? When ... how?” I sputtered.

Deep in thought, Galen rubbed his smoothly shaven chin and looked down at the floor. “If I’m not mistaken, it was about four months ago, but I was told you had taken a leave of absence. I’m assuming it was after your husband passed away.”

“That’s true,” I confessed sadly. “But who did you speak to? I never knew you called.”

“I believe it was your mother. I didn’t want to pry, so I left you be in hopes that one day you would get back to me,” he added.

“My life was a bit harder back then,” I stated. “I left Charlotte and moved to Charleston to stay with my family for a while.”

“Are you back in business now? We could always use your expertise,” he said while playfully nudging me in the side. I could tell he was trying to lighten the mood.

I smiled at his playfulness, but I knew my eyes showed the sadness I felt. “Actually, I’m not decorating at the moment. I just don’t feel like I’m ready,” I admitted softly.

“I understand. Take all the time you need, but when you do decide to start back, make sure you let me know,” he pleaded.

I smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Galen laughed, and I saw the dimple in his left cheek that I used to always love back when we were in college. My fingers ached to touch it, and I almost brought my hand up to do just that. Luckily I caught myself in time and clasped my hands firmly together. It all brought back memories. Memories of a time when we were carefree and happy and of a time when we were always together. Galen sidled closer and reached for my hand again. His hands were warm, and that warmth travelled to every nerve ending of my body. I missed having a man’s touch, and Galen’s was one I remembered very well. Wait, what was I thinking? I shouldn’t be feeling that way. I couldn’t let myself fall for someone again, even if that person was a man I’d already fallen for once.

Jenna and Brady were heading our way and I couldn’t have been happier. I feared what my traitorous heart was going to do if I stayed there with Galen much longer. “Kori, it’s getting late. I think we’re about to leave. Are you ready to go?” Jenna asked with a smirk. Letting out a relieved sigh, I quickly stood and moved away from Galen. Jenna saved me from getting too close. It’s too dangerous to be that close to him.

“I can drive you home if you want to stay,” Galen insisted.

My heart screamed for me to stay, but my head was telling me to leave and never look back. I glanced from Galen to Jenna. They both appeared hopeful, but I knew I was about to burst both their bubbles.

“I’m a little tired. I think I’ll go home,” I revealed sheepishly.

“I’ll be out of town for the next three weeks, but I would love to give you a call when I get back. Maybe we could have coffee or dinner?” he suggested. Galen searched my face for an answer, but I kept my expressions blank. My emotions were everywhere and I didn’t know exactly how I was supposed to feel. It was all so confusing.

“We’ll see,” were the only words I could muster up.

“Whenever you’re ready,” Galen offered. Smiling at him, I turned around to follow Brady and Jenna to the elevators. Before the doors closed, the last thing I saw were Galen’s piercing blue eyes staring straight into my soul and into my heart.

Chapter Five

Three weeks had passed with no word from Galen. In a way I secretly wished he would call, but I also thought it would be good if he didn’t. Our relationship was full of heat and passion when we were together, and I knew that if we picked up where we left off years ago there would be no protecting my heart. My phone buzzed, and I saw that it was a text from Jenna.

Twink:
Has he called yet?

Me:
Nope.

Twink:
Give it time, I’m sure he will.

Me:
It may be best if he doesn’t.

Twink:
Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that.

My phone rang only a few seconds after the last text, so I was assuming it was going to be Jenna trying to argue with me. Unfortunately, I didn’t look at the caller ID before answering the phone.

“Leave me alone about it, Jenna!” I screamed into the phone.

“Korinne?” a deep, male voice said on the other end. I pulled the phone away from my ear to look at the number, not recognizing it, but I would know that voice from anywhere.

“Hi! Yes, this is Korinne. I’m sorry about yelling in your ear, but can I ask who’s calling?” I asked, trying to sound like I didn’t know who it was.

“Please tell me you haven’t forgotten about me already?” he teased.

“Galen?” I asked, sounding surprised.

“Yes, it’s me. I told you I would call when I got back in town. Did you not believe me?”

“Honestly? No, I didn’t think you would,” I confessed.

“Would you have preferred I didn’t?”

I hesitated. “No, it’s not that.”

Galen sighed in disbelief. “You know me better than that, Kori. It may have been years since we’ve talked, but I’m still the same.” Hearing that confession, and the way his voice sounded deep and masculine with a hint of desire and longing, made my heart feel things it shouldn’t have been feeling. “Hey, listen … what are your plans for tonight?”

I paused for a few seconds before I responded, “Umm … nothing I don’t think.”

“Great!” he exclaimed. “I’ll pick you up at seven o’clock. Oh yeah, make sure to wear comfortable clothes. A T-shirt and jeans would be perfect.” He sounded excited, and I admit I was curious. He was always fun and spontaneous, and I remember loving that about him.

“Galen, I don’t know what your intentions are, but I’m going as friends. I hope you understand.” He had to know that we couldn’t pick up where things left off.

“Korinne,” he spoke softly. “I understand more than you know. I’m perfectly fine with taking things slow. Let’s just go out and have some fun. We could both use it.”

“Then it’s a deal,” I agreed happily, and at least for the time being I knew I was safe.

Galen arrived on time to pick me up and I was surprised to see that he came in the old blue truck he had when we were in college. I couldn’t believe he still had it after all those years. “With all the money you make, I would think you could afford a newer car,” I teased.

He scoffed playfully and caressed the dashboard. “You can’t tell me you didn’t miss ole blue.” The corner of his lip curled into a smirk and he turned to look at me. “I do have other cars, Korinne, but I thought you would enjoy seeing Big Blue again. He’s been kept away for far too long.”

“I don’t care what car you drive, Galen. Big blue is perfectly fine. It gives you character. Most men with your money would be flaunting it around like crazy and using it to impress people. You’ve never been like that, and I’m glad you aren’t now,” I admitted whole-heartedly.

He smiled warmly at me, and for the rest of the drive we continued on in silence. It didn’t take long before we reached our destination. Peering out the window, my jaw dropped the instant I saw the sign on the building. I then understood why he told me to wear jeans and a T-shirt. It was because we were at an indoor race track.

“What exactly are we doing here?” I asked, curious and bewildered. The race cars at that place were known to be fast and powerful. Surely he wasn’t expecting me to race one. Galen must have noticed my hesitance, because he grabbed my hand and tried desperately not to laugh at me. He failed miserably.

“Trust me, you’ll be fine. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, but it’s really fun. You’ll enjoy it.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, and to my surprise I leaned into his touch. That reaction was not what I was expecting, but what really concerned me was that I actually liked it.
Get it together, Korinne
, I thought to myself.

No words were spoken as we both smiled at each other before getting out of the truck. Grabbing the two duffel bags out of the backseat, Galen carried them with us inside. We made it to the counter and were given disclaimer forms to fill out before we rode. If I was scared before, this made me even more anxious. Squeezing my shoulder, Galen whispered in my ear, “You’ll be fine. Just relax and have fun, okay?”

Taking a deep breath, I gave him a nod before signing my life away on that dotted line. “If I die, I’m going to haunt you in your sleep,” I promised.

He laughed. “Stop being dramatic. They have to make everyone sign those forms just in case something did happen. As far as I know, no one has ever gotten hurt here.”

I used to not think twice before doing stuff like this, but after Carson’s accident there was always the fear that something could go wrong with anything I did. I knew it wasn’t a way to live life, but I felt more comfortable taking the safe road. When it was time to pay, I reached into my back pocket to pull out my money. Galen pushed me out of the way and laid his own money out for the guy at the counter. When I scowled at him he laughed.

“Now what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t pay?” That earned him a smack on the arm and a low growl from me, which in return I was graced with a smug expression.

“I can pay for myself you know. I don’t expect you to pay for everything,” I argued.