Page 8 of Second Chance Saloon

There was something there.

Jackie caught a waft of the woody scent of his cologne and groaned internally. Damn it, he even smelled good.

Mitch’s lips broke into a wide smile. “I was. I really want to take you out, if you’re still up for it. How does Friday night sound?”

Jackie held her breath, unwilling to give him an answer straight away. Make him wait for it. He tortured you for a week. Unknowingly, but still.

They stood there for a heartbeat longer, as people walked past in a hurry, unbothered by the scene taking place in the middle of the third floor’s corridor. If they had paid more attention, they would’ve seen two unsure young hearts at the brink of something special.

She took note of the nervous glint in his eyes. The way he messed with the back of his head, pulling his fingers through his hair. How he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet. How he swallowed: audibly, hard.

When she decided that he’d suffered enough, she cleared her throat. “Friday’s perfect. Pick me up at eight.”

Then, she turned on her heel and power walked down the corridor, hopefully leaving Mitch as excited as she was.

On Friday, the knock on the door sounded almost precisely when the wonky plastic clock in the corner of her dorm room struck eight.

“Just a second!” Jackie blinked at her reflection in the make-up mirror.

She dabbed some more lipstick on and smiled, satisfied with the result. Smoothing her straightened black hair, she took a step back and turned toward a floor-length mirror on the wardrobe door. She’d opted for a pair of jean shorts, and a checkered red-and-white shirt that she tied in a knot above her belly button. Large gold hoops decorated her ears and a triple chain with a pearl pendant disappeared into her cleavage. Her favorite push-up bra underneath gave her a shot of extra confidence.

She turned to the side, lifting her foot to take a better look at her custom cowboy boots. Yes, this would certainly do nicely.

Another double knock echoed through the small room.

Jackie jogged up to the door, almost tripping over a velvet stool in her way. She turned the lock and pulled the door open. “Hi!”

Mitch opened his mouth, his pupils widening as he took her in. He was clutching a small bouquet of pink roses, and wearing a light blue shirt, tucked into navy chinos, and a buttoned-up suit jacket. He’d even put on a navy tie.

She popped her right hand onto her hip and bit her tongue to stifle a laugh. “I didn’t know we’re going to a prom,” she teased.

He looked amazing—handsome wouldn’t do him justice. But this wasn’t the kind of date she had planned for them. Seeing how well he could pull off a smart look, she was almost regretful about that. Almost.

There might be another occasion to see him in a tie.

Mitch cleared his throat, dropping his gaze to her boots. “I booked us a table at Marco’s. Heard that’s the best place around.”

Jackie’s expression softened. Marco’s was the nicest Italian restaurant off campus. “Well, you can call them and say something came up. We won’t be going there.” She nodded toward the roses. “Are these for me?”

Mitch’s cheeks flushed. He tugged on his collar as he sighed. “I’m sorry. They’re too much. I messed this up.”

“Oh no, you didn’t mess anything up!” Jackie reached out for the roses.

He passed them to her, and she brought them up to her nose, inhaling the sweet scent. Aside from prom, no man had ever turned up to a date with flowers. “I love them. Thank you.”

“I thought …” Mitch paused, like he thought better of it. “Never mind what I thought. I’ll call Marco’s and leave you in peace. Sorry about that.” He turned to face the dorm’s corridor.

Jackie furrowed her brow and caught his hand as he started to move away.

Their fingers interlaced—his warm and clammy, hers cool. She held her breath as Mitch’s thumb slowly drew a line inside her palm.

“We’re going out. Just not to Marco’s,” she said.

His back was to her, and she watched his shoulders rise and fall with every breath he took.

He really has nice shoulders.

A group of girls walked past Jackie’s door, their voices loud and animated.