VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

“What’s wrong?” I look down at her face.

Her eyes meet mine. “Kurt had a minor setback. Noelle is upset.”

“Is he alright?” I don’t consider Kurt a friend, but I respect the man. I want to see him back in the courtroom as soon as possible.

“He’s fine.” She sets a reassuring hand on my cheek. “Noelle could use a friend right now.”

“Do you want me to take you home?”

She leans closer, lowering her voice as her lips sweep over my ear. “I’ll be fine. I need my clothes.”

“Go back to the bedroom.” I kiss her forehead softly. “I’ll bring them to you. I’ll get a car to take you.”

“I ordered an Uber.” Her lips brush against mine. “Tonight was special, Dylan.”

I can’t take my eyes off of her when she turns and goes down the hallway, disappearing into my bedroom.

It was the best night I’ve ever had. I wish it could play on repeat for the rest of my life.

***

Four hours later, Barrett walks into my living room, showered and wearing jeans and a black dress shirt. He looks rested. I wish I could say the same for me.

I didn’t sleep at all after Eden took off last night.

I texted her twenty minutes ago to check in, but I haven’t heard back yet.

I hope to hell she’s fast asleep.

“You’re in love with Eden Conrad,” Barrett says, looking at me. “Don’t deny it, Colt.”

I could. Maybe I should, but why? I am in love with her. I doubt I ever stopped loving her.

“I’m not denying it.” I slide a dark blue tie under the collar of my shirt.

“What are you going to do about it?”

I take time with the tie. When it’s finally perfect, I look at him again. “Nothing.”

“Wrong answer.” He takes a step toward me. “You’re going to tell her how you feel because you fucked that up fifteen years ago and I’m not letting it happen again.”

I huff out a laugh. “You don’t have a say in this.”

His arms cross his chest. “I sure as hell do. I’m the one who watched you waste time looking for an Eden replacement. You’re not falling back into that.”

He’s right. I’m not. The thought of fucking another woman does nothing for me.

I can’t go back to that. I won’t get into bed with anyone else.

I want Eden, but her life is in Buffalo and from where I’m standing, she’s not looking to add me to the mix there.

“This has an expiry date. We both knew it going in.”

“Who had that brilliant idea?” Barrett raises a brow. “You?”

“We both agreed to it.” I slide my suit jacket on. “She’s heading back home once the case she’s working on is settled.”

“You can change that.