Page 22 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
“That was then,” I bite out, my jaw tightening. “I am not messed up, now. I am fine.”
“And I will go live in space tomorrow.” Matt sighs, his tone is gentler than the others. “Look, no one is saying you are not fine now. But do not act like seeing her did not stir something up. It is Hazel, man.”
Glaring at him, my jaw tightens in response.
I lean back, running a hand through my hair and glaring at the table. They are not wrong, but admitting it feels like conceding defeat.
“So, seeing her again didn’t stir up…, anything?”
“Nothing,” I lie, my voice flat. “If anything, I’m pissed.”
“She acted like she didn’t even remember me,” I mutter, more to myself than to them.
Ethan leans forward; his tone serious now. “And that’s what’s really bothering you, isn’t it?”
I glare at him, but he does not back down. Damn, Ethan and his ability to cut through the bullshit.
“And you’re not happy about it,” Logan states.
“Of course, I’m not,” I snapped.
“She’s under your skin.”
“She’s not,” I argue, though the words feel hollow even as I say them.
Alex snorts. “Yeah, and I’m the King of England.”
“Shut up,” I snap, but the words are weak, even to my own ears.
Matt places a hand on my shoulder, his voice calm. “Look, Liam, no one is saying this is…, well. Maybe this is a chance to….”
“It’s not,” I cut him off, standing abruptly. “This is not a chance for anything. She is here for work, and that is it. I am calling it a night.”
“Dude,” Logan starts, but I cut him off with a sharp look.
“Don’t.”
The cool night air hits me like a slap as I step outside. For a moment, I stand there, breathing deeply, trying to steady the storm raging inside.
Hazel McKee. Five years, and she still has the power to throw my world off balance.
And damn it, I hate her for it.
Chapter seven
Hazel
The meeting with the planning and media on our arrangement for next week ran longer than expected, but thankfully, no run-ins with Liam. Small mercies, right? After saying goodbye to Lydia, Brooke, and Landon, I debated whether to head straight home or wander around town. Going with the latter, I made my way down the street, taking in the familiar buildings, streets, and sights. Even though they are familiar, they still seem different when you have been away, like they have aged, or you have.
The sun is bright, almost offensively so, yet I am glad I didn’t drive this morning and decided to order an Uber. After wandering and looking around with wonder-filled eyes like a kid in a candy or toy store, I stopped at a café. Not just any café, The Sweet Bean Café has been one of the best cafés in town for as long as I can remember.
The sun filters through the glass windows of the café, spilling golden light onto the rustic wood tables. On the outside, there have been a few updates - a fresh coat of paint, new lightingfixtures but the familiar smell of roasted coffee beans and warm pastries wafting from the inside out is still comforting.
Owned and run by Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave, the café used to be my sanctuary and hiding place. So, I am excited for two reasons: one, to have a taste of their pastries and my personal favorite, the caramel macchiato, and two, to see Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave.
Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. The café smells the same - freshly brewed coffee, buttery pastries, and a faint hint of cinnamon from whatever seasonal drink they are pushing. It is comforting, the warmth I remember.
After a few breaths, I am hit with a wave of unease. Familiarity can be cruel. The last time I was here, I was…, well, a different version of me.
