Love's Second Chance (Second Chances #1)(8)
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.