Page 51 of Second Chance in Laguna

Nick’s eyes narrowed, his emerald eyes icy chips of glass. “Who was in that car?”

“It was my ex.” Ex-asshole, that is.

His nostrils flared. “Really? The guy who cheated on you and dumped you?”

“Yes, I can explain—”

He surged to his feet. “Is that why you wanted to be alone last night? And he was here this morning with you still in your pajamas? What the hell, Sophie?”

“It wasn’t what it looked like—he showed up unannounced this morning. Heather gave him my address, by the way.”

His brow furrowed. “Heather?”

“Yeah. I’d been careful to make sure he didn’t know where I’d moved, especially when I heard he was looking for me. But she told him, and he showed up, demanding…” She squeezed her hands together, digging her fingernails into her palms.

Nick’s jaw was granite. “Demanding what?”

“He’s delusional. He said he wanted to get back together and got angry when I told him to get out.” Anger flared through her again.

Nick’s face flushed red. “This doesn’t make sense. The guy leaves you at the altar and then hunts you down to ask you to get back together? What aren’t you telling me?”

Even though she was breaking things off, she didn’t want him to have the wrong idea. Nick wouldn’t believe the worst. Would he? He loved her. He trusted her. Would he give her the chance to explain?

“Nick, I’m so sorry, I’m telling you everything…” She stretched a hand toward him.

“You warned me you weren’t over your ex yet, and I should have listened. And now you’re dumping me right after he drives away?” With his face still carved in a grim mask, he pivoted away and crossed to the door.

She rose from the couch and hurried to the open doorway. “Nick, Iamover him. I love you but I just need more time…”

“Stop.” He held up one hand. “I got the message loud and clear. I’m out of here.”

Without a backward glance, he reversed down the drive.

She locked the door, stumbled back to the sofa, and collapsed onto the cushions. Now the tears streamed down her face, sobs racking her body. What had she done?

Her best friend would know what to do. She grabbed her phone, Kelly picked up right away, and Sophie poured out the morning’s nightmare events.

“Oh no, I wish you hadn’t let that bastard Doug into your house. I can’t believe Heather gave him your address. That woman is a piece of work.”

She pressed her hands to her roiling belly. “I know, I know… It was a moment of weakness. It’s so weird because I was with him for so many years, and now I feel like I never knew or even saw the real him. Believe me, if I could turn back time, I would have finished slamming the door in his face. Oh god, what do you think Nick will do?”

“Well, you told him you wanted a break, so he’s got to be upset. Give him a little space. You know men tend to retreat to their caves when difficulties arise. He probably went surfing or something.”

A staccato beat drummed in her temples. “Yeah, I wanted a break but if we don’t clear the air and if he doesn’t trust me, that might be the end of any chance we’d have of getting back together down the line.”

“You’re the most trustworthy person I know. He’s angry and probably hurt. I’d give him time to process. Then call him and explain.” Kelly paused. “But are you sure you want this break or are you just reacting to Doug’s behavior? I think you need to spend some time reflecting too.”

Sophie dropped her head back on the couch and closed her eyes. Yeah, she seemed to act impulsively because of Doug, didn’t she?

“Hey, you still there?” Kelly asked a few moments later.

Sophie curled into a fetal position, spooning Zack. “Yes, I’m here. The break made sense before I saw Nick. I’m sure about my feelings for him but not about the timing, you know? But I’m afraid of giving him too much time to believe the worst. He is not a rebound.”

“It’s all going to work out. Give him some space and trust your feelings. I’m here for you, okay?”

“Thanks. I’ll call you later.” Sophie’s heart cracked open.

Earlier she’d figured backing away from Nick would simplify her life but now? Not even close.

---