Love's Second Chance (Second Chances #1)(13)

“What the hell happened here?” she asked, sounding disgusted. “This is terrible! Who’s your decorator?”

I glanced around the room, appearing to be disgusted as well. “Someone who doesn’t work for me anymore, that’s who.” I turned to Rebecca. “We need to find someone to come in here and fix this as soon as possible. We have a showing tomorrow and I can’t have it looking like this!” I called out, sounding as angry as I could muster.

“I tried! I called everyone I could think of, and so far no one is available. We might have to cancel the showing,” she sputtered, sounding defeated.

I sat in one of the mismatched chairs and lowered my head in my hands, groaning in anger, or at least pretending to be. Please take the bait, I said to myself. Out of the corner of my eye I could see her hesitate for a few seconds, but she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. I smiled inside because I knew I had triumphed. When that look of concentration took over her face I could tell she was entering her zone.

I lowered my head quickly before Korinne saw me watching her. She walked over and pulled my hands away from my face gently. Tears began to build in her swirling gray eyes. They didn’t appear to be tears of pain, but tears of … joy.

“Galen,” she whispered, looking deep into my eyes. “I don’t know how well I’ll do, but I think I can fix this. I’ll do it for you.”

“I thought you weren’t ready, Korinne. I don’t want you feeling obligated to help me.”

She shook her head. “I don’t feel obligated, but I feel in my heart that I can do this. Besides, you’re going to owe me big time if I do it.”

I raised my brow, intrigued. “What do you have in mind?”

She quirked her lips and smiled. “I’m sure you can think of something, and it better be good.” The old Korinne was slowly peeking out, and I was enjoying watching her resurface. I could think of a million things I could do to her that would make it good, but it just so happens I knew what I was going to do to pay her back.

I nodded in agreement. “I have just the idea. There’s been a change of plans, this weekend is mine.”

Her smile was contagious, and I found myself wishing it was Friday already. When I accentuated the “mine” part of my statement, I meant that in every way possible. The gleam in her eye was answer enough. I could see and feel that her needs were just as great as mine. So much for keeping it on the friend level.





Chapter Seven





I didn’t know how it happened, but to be able to find my inspiration had opened a new door for me. I wanted it again, to feel the way I did when my ideas just flowed. Transforming that monstrosity of a house into something beautiful and elegant was heaven for me. It made me feel … alive.

It was Friday morning and everything seemed brighter … clearer. I thought coming home would be a mistake, but it was turning out to be the best thing I could have done. I would never forget Carson, but getting back to work helped me forget the pain for a while. I felt free and happy for the first time in months.

Galen had something special planned for the evening and all I could think about was how nervous I was. He owed me the date even though it was my weekend to pick the place. He always chose fun and creative things to do, so I wasn’t going to complain. Our relationship was never boring. In fact, that was what scared me. The look in his eyes conveyed that he had more than just a simple date in mind. When Galen wants something he gets it. I meant it when I said we should keep things on a friend level, but I could see the need in him. It burned in him the same way it burned in me. I couldn’t resist him in the past, and I didn’t think I was strong enough to resist him now.

The text startled me as I was finishing up the last touches of my makeup in the bathroom. I looked down and smiled while reading the text from Galen.



Galen: Are you ready for tonight?

Me: I think so … lol.

Galen: Good! Wear something nice.

Me: Okay, where are we going?

Galen: It’s a surprise! No questions.

Me: FINE!

Galen: Pack a bathing suit and a change of clothes, too.



What was he thinking? We were still in the winter season. Unfortunately, with Galen there was no telling what he had in mind. Once, in college, I dared him to jump into a frozen creek. Needless to say, he pulled me in, too. We both ended up sick for a week after that. My phone dinged with another text from him.



Galen: Oh, yeah. Be ready by six-thirty.

Me: Why do I need a bathing suit?

Galen: No questions, remember?

Me: OKAY!



Looking at the time, I had one more hour to spare. Finding a bathing suit wasn’t going to be easy since I didn’t know what box they were stored in. Rummaging through them, I finally found my collection of bathing suits. I grabbed two of them, and packed several changes of clothes in my overnight bag. I was sure Galen was going to tease me when he saw how huge my bag was.

After numerous changes from pants to skirts and then back again, I settled on a cream-colored sweater and brown dress slacks. The outfit was dressy, just like Galen asked, but not over the top. I made sure to show a little cleavage so I wouldn’t look like a prude. My stomach was in knots and my mind was racing. I went to the kitchen and poured a glass of wine. I needed about twenty glasses to help calm my nerves, or better yet maybe a few shots of vodka.