VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

I squeeze his hands in mine. “I know how to get there.”

“Understood.” Leaning forward, he kisses me softly. “I’ll grab your skirt and blouse.”

“Dylan,” I say his name just as he drops my hands. “Tonight was incredible. It was everything to me.”

His hand moves to cup my cheek. “To me too, Eden. Thank you for all of it. I mean it.”

I know he does. I see it in his eyes.

I don’t protest when he takes a step toward his walk-in closet. I watch him as he moves away from me, knowing that soon we’ll be walking away from each other for good.

Chapter 28

Dylan

I glance at the clock before I swing open the door to my apartment. It’s mi

d-afternoon on Sunday. I know it’s not Eden. She has work on her plate today. I checked in with her late this morning via text.

She told me she’d be tied up today and tomorrow.

I’m looking at a full schedule for most of the week. There’s a good chance that the next time I see Eden, we’ll be standing in Judge Mycella’s courtroom.

I swing open the door because I know whoever is standing on the other side made it past the doorman.

I didn’t order food in, so it’s someone with a face familiar enough that the doorman didn’t view their presence as deserving of a heads-up phone call to me.

“Colt,” Barrett greets me with a nod of his head. “Let me in.”

I step aside to give him room to pass. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“It’s good to see you too, bastard.” He drops his duffel bag and a briefcase at my feet. “What’s going on in your world?”

I slam the door shut and turn to face him.

“I’m about to go out for a run.”

He takes in the black shorts and white T-shirt I’m wearing. “Hold up on that. We need to talk.”

I continue the leg stretches I started before he showed up unannounced. “Let’s start with why you’re here with an overnight bag. Did I miss the text where I invited you for a visit?”

He shoves his hands into the front pocket of his jeans. “You missed a few phone calls. I was worried about my little buddy.”

I laugh aloud. “Since when am I your little buddy?”

“Stroll down memory lane with me.” He walks to the couch, planting himself in the middle of it. “I was taller than you when we were twelve. If I recall correctly, you were my little buddy for six months give or take a week.”

He’ll never let me live that down.

I caught up in height and weight during summer break, but Barrett refuses to let it go.

“Why are you in New York?” I settle back on the heels of my running shoes.

“I thought I’d drop in on my way to London.” He pats his thigh. “I’m looking for an update on you and Eden Conrad. Anything new to report on that front?”

“You’re going to London?” Deflection never works with Barrett, but there’s no harm in trying.

He nods. “I fly out early tomorrow. You’re going to tell me what you and Eden have been up to since I left you in her very capable hands.”