Page 29 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
Cara turns to me then, eyes alight with mischief. “Did you know she was here?”
“Yup,” I reply dryly, my gaze locked on Hazel, “I’m very aware.”
Cara snickers. “I bet you love that.”
“Ecstatic,” I deadpan, not even trying to mask my sarcasm.
Hazel’s lips twitch at that, a barely-there smile that she quickly smothers.
“I should head out,” Hazel says, glancing between us. “But it’s good to see you, Cara.”
“Don’t be a stranger!” Cara calls after her, still grinning as Hazel walks toward her car. “Now that I know you are here, you will see me all the time. Get ready for a constant visitor.”
“Looking forward to it...,” she says, blowing her a kiss.
I watch Hazel go, every step she takes is deliberate, every move precise. She does not look back. She never does.
“Wow,” Cara says, turning back to me with her arms folded. “I forgot how pretty she is.” She raises a brow, leaning in like she is about to tell me a secret. “You still mad, big brother?”
“Go pick your flowers, Cara.” My tone is clipped, and my patience is worn thin.
But she just laughs, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "If you say so, grumpy."
I watch her skip toward the garden, humming a song like she has no care in the world.
Hazel’s door clicks shut in the distance, and I stare at it for a bit too long.
Six months.
Only six months.
I will survive.
I have to.
Chapter nine
Hazel
Pulling up outside the Avalanche Training Center, I let out a groan when I spot Brooke and Lydia chatting animatedly with Landon, who is leaning against his car, phone in hand. Dang it. I am late.
Grabbing my bag and equipment from the passenger seat, I step out, boots crunching against the gravel, and head toward them. Brooke notices me first, a grin lighting up her face. “Look who finally decided to show up!”
“I’m late by one minute,” I counter, rolling my eyes.
“One minute is still late,” Lydia teases, hands on her hips.
“All right, all right, sorry for keeping you waiting,” I reply, adjusting the strap of my equipment bag. “Can we go in now, or are you going to lecture me,” I turn to look at Lydia, “On lateness?”
They laugh, and after a few pleasantries, we head toward the entrance together.
“Wait, are we outfit twinning?” Lydia asks, her voice tinged with amusement.
I glance down at myself and then at her. Sure enough, we are all in boyfriend jeans, though each of us has styled them differently.
Lydia has paired hers with a fitted black turtleneck and white sneakers, giving off an effortlessly chic vibe. Brooke paired hers with a tailored cream blouse tucked neatly into her jeans and black heels.
As for me, I have a simple white button-up tucked loosely into my jeans, scuffed ankle boots, a delicate gold chain, and tiny hoop earrings. My hair is tied back in my favorite ponytail.
