Page 3 of Coming for His Second Chance
I knew that already, as her dad has mentioned it countless times. He tells everyone who will listen about that place. I have looked Oakside up, and now, I follow the updates on it. There’s even a photo of her on the staff page with a short bio.
I've seen photos of her with the patients and read the write-ups. I'm so damn proud of her.
When they’re doing fundraising, I’ve made several anonymous donations to help them. One of them was for restoring the old barn on the property and bringing in horses for equine therapy. Most recently, I sent in money towards their room for music therapy.
I was lucky enough to escape service without any more than a few scars, but many aren't, and having a place like Oakside, is a game changer. We need more of them across the country.
"Let me see your phone," I say to her.
She hands it over a little too easily, and I make a mental note to talk to her about that. I know I should ask her for her number and give her the choice, but I don't want to chance her saying no. We only have a few weeks together, and I don't want to waste that time.
I find she has it locked, requiring her fingerprint to unlock it. Smart girl. I gently lift her hand and place her finger on the phone to unlock it. That small touch almost brings me to my knees.
Back then, I always thought I had over exaggerated how she made me feel. Brushing it off, I’d say that hormones made it so strong, and that it wouldn't be like that now. I was so wrong.
Once the phone unlocks, I add in my number, and then shoot myself a text message, so I have her number, too. A quick glance at her texts shows all females, so knowing she isn't even talking to another guy, will make this pretty easy.
Though, I know I shouldn't be peeking into her messages like that, but I’ll take any advantage I can get. When it comes to keeping her, I’m going to play dirty.
"How long are you in town for?" I ask.
"Two weeks. I head back just after Christmas. Oakside is putting on a big New Year’s celebration for the guys. The town is also doing a huge fireworks display, and we aren't sure how the fireworks will affect our patients, so it's all hands on deck."
Two weeks. That's more than enough time to win her over. I have a lot of details to work out, but at least now, I have a chance.
"I’ll see you around, Starshine." I tell her with a smile and a wink.
Chapter 2
Kaitlyn
I just stand there and watch him walk away, because he looks damn good doing it. Let me tell you, the view is worth chancing being caught. This Grayson fills out those pants in a way I can't seem to pull my eyes from. Yeah, this is defiantly not the same Grayson I knew all those years ago.
Only once he’s finally out of eyesight, do I turn and head into my dad's building. I have many good memories of this building. We have had lunch together so often here, that it feels more like home than the house I grew up in.
If I had a problem in school, I'd come here, and we'd talk it out. If I needed a quiet place to study, I'd come here, and he'd set me up in an empty conference room or in his office. I've even skipped school a few times just to hang out here.
I know the way to my dad's office, like the back of my hand, and many of his coworkers wave and say hi on the way. This is the kind of job that once you get it, you hold on to it, until the day you retire. So many of the men and women have been here for as long as I can remember.
"Sweet pea!" Dad greets me, when I walk in the door.
He jumps up and rushes over to give me a hug.
"Oh, I missed you. Don't you look fancy?" He says.
This outfit I have on is one I bought just for this trip. Kentucky gets much colder than southern Georgia does. Since I rarely need a coat there, I had to get some warm clothes for my visit home. Though, I don't need to tell my dad that.
"Hey, so you’ll never guess who I ran into in the parking lot," I say, sitting down in one of the chairs across from my dad's desk.
"Who?" He asks, as he shuts down his computer.
"Grayson."
"Yeah, he's out of the military and doing contract work here, too."
He's doing work here just like my dad is. I let that sink in.
"I always thought he’d be a lifer and retire from The Army," I say.
