Page 10 of Your Second Chance
Luna stood up, and I reached across the table, shoving her down.
“A romantic connection?” Clive chimed in, his voice loud enough to cut through the pub chatter.
Before I could stop him, he stood up, whistling dramatically and pointing right to where Luna’s gaze had shifted.
“You,” he called out, jabbing a finger toward Will. “Come here.”
“Oh my fucking god,” I groaned, burying my face in my hands.
“Is that him?” Luna leaned in, clearly enjoying this way too much. “He’s a little old, Nove.”
“Noooo,” I groaned again. “That’s not him. Oh my god, no.”
My hands stayed firmly over my face, but the heat radiating from it was a dead giveaway. This was mortifying. Absolutely mortifying.
Clive, of course, was unfazed. I could’ve sworn I heard the waitress mutter, “Two nights in a row? Good to see you boys back.”
Two nights in a—oh my god.
“Get out of here.” Will grinned as he approached the table. “The new hire?”
I peeked out from behind my hands just as Clive turned and pointed straight at me. Luna was practically doubled over with laughter, clutching her pint like it was the best show she’d seen in years. Meanwhile, one of Clive’s friends dragged over two more chairs and plopped them down right next to me.
“This one here’s got a crush on ya,” Clive declared proudly, nodding like he’d announced something monumental.
No.
No. No. No.
This could not be happening. I wanted to crawl under the table, let the ground swallow me whole, and disappear forever. Even then, it wouldn’t be far enough.
“I do not,” I grumbled, finally dragging my hands down from my face. My cheeks were flaming, and I knew I looked like a tomato, but there was no escaping this. “Hi, Will.” I forcedmyself to meet his amused expression and then closed my eyes briefly, gathering what little dignity I had left. “I do not have a crush on you.”
Will raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained.
“Andwe are not children, Clive,” I snapped, glaring at the older man, who looked far too pleased with himself.
Will shook his head, pulling up one of the empty chairs. “Well, this is the most interesting introduction I’ve had in a while.”
“What did I miss?”
I looked up, and Oliver looked so fucking... large inside the bar. How the hell was he going to fit on one of those chairs? It wasn’t that he was overly tall, but he was really wide and strong.
He was dressed in a tight black shirt that clung to his chest and arms, paired with black jeans and boots that looked almost identical to mine. His dark hair was styled neatly to the side, with enough gel to hold it in place without looking overdone, and as he moved, I caught the faintest glimpse of a tattoo peeking out from the cuff of his sleeve, stretching across the back of his hand.
“Hi, Oliver,” I mumbled as he slid into the chair closest to me, plopping down with a casual ease.
“You feeling better, love?” he asked, leaning in like the question was meant for me and no one else. His fingers went to my straightened hair. “I like it like this.”
I nodded quickly, my cheeks warming again. I wasnotgoing to look at Luna. I refused to?—
“Hi.” Luna’s voice cut through, full of pride. “My name is Luna, and I’m Nova’s roommate.”
I finally looked at her, and she wasbeamingat Oliver like he was the best thing she’d seen all night.
“Ollie.” His eyes lingered on mine for a moment before turning to Luna. “I work with Nova.”
Luna’s grin widened as she turned to Will. “Hi.” She stuck her hand out like she was introducing herself to royalty.
