VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

Going back to the office is a must, but I take a second to do something before I hit the pavement for the walk back.

I scoop the silver hoop earring out of my pocket, place it my palm, and snap a quick picture of it.

Attaching it to a text, I send it to Eden with a short message.

Dylan: Look what I have.

I start down the sidewalk, hoping she’ll respond soon.

I look down when my phone pings in my hand.

Eden: Yay! I love that earring.

Walking and texting is a dangerous endeavor in Manhattan, but a man has to live on the edge sometimes.

Dylan: It’s available for pick-up at my place tonight.

Her response arrives just as I’m crossing the street.

Eden: Perfect! I’ll bring that something special from high school I told you about.

Dylan: You’re the only something special from high school I care about.

My thumb hovers over the send button, but Eden beats me to the punch.

Eden: I’m running into a meeting. I’ll see you at eight!

I delete every word of the message I was going to send her before I pocket my phone.

The expiry date we put on this is inching ever closer. My time is running out, and I’m not ready for that. I need to make a move before it’s too late.

Chapter 39

Dylan

Eden arrived right on time.

I went down to the lobby to greet her. I exited the elevator at five to eight but hung back when I noticed her standing to the side talking on her cell.

She was nodding her head. A wide smile bloomed on her mouth for the person on the other end of that call.

I watched her twirl in a circle after she dropped her phone in her purse. She smoothed her hand over the skirt of the light blue sundress she’s wearing.

That’s when she noticed me.

With a wave of her hand, she walked over and greeted me with a soft kiss to the mouth.

It literally made my knees shake.

We’re in my apartment now. She’s on the couch with her legs crossed and a smile on her face. I assume that has to do with the ‘something special’ from high school that she’s going to spring on me.

“Did you just get home from work?” She points at the dark blue trousers and white button-down shirt I’m wearing.

The sleeves of the shirt are rolled up, but a tie still hangs around my neck.

Work kept me in my office until thirty minutes ago. I had just enough time to come up here, lose my suit jacket, and take a shot of scotch before I rode the elevator back down to meet her.

“I don’t do nine-to-five like some attorneys in this city.” I hand her the glass of water she requested after I shut my apartment door.