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The cookies smell amazing. I really don’t need one, but they’re far too enticing to keep my fingers from grabbing hold of one.
“Fuck it.” Grumbling under my breath, I pick one up and sink my teeth into the soft texture. My lips melt into the icing just as someone steps into my room.
Shit.
I quickly swallow the half-chewed portion of the cookie and wipe my face before I turn around. The gentle, near-mute sound of my classroom door clicking closed doesn’t startle me. Some parents prefer a one-on-one.
“Hello.” Smiling brightly, I turn to the parents and student, only to have the warmth wiped off my face and my heart fall to the floor.
Chase leans against one of the desks. Ironically, it’s the same one his nephew sits in. His arms are crossed but not in a defensive way, more in the way of protecting himself. I don’t know why he feels the need to protect himself. I’m the one who needs battle armor when he’s near.
“Chase.” I cross my arms, mimicking his stance by leaning against my own steadier desk. “Why are you here?”
This is a night for parents and their kids, not for random uncles coming into classrooms to harass teachers.
“Ridge told me where I could find you.” He shrugs as if that’s a good enough answer to give me.
“And why would he do that?” I shoot back.
He looks around as if we’re about to be interrupted. He closed the door and drew the blind over the tiny window of it as well. Everyone will think my classroom is closed for the night. “Because he wanted to help his uncle correct the mistake he made.”
“What mistake is that?” I’m being dense on purpose. I don’t want to think back to Saturday night. As far as I’m concerned, it never happened.
“I should have never left the other night. I panicked and should have stayed put instead of walking out.” I try not to let his words and the remorse he conveys get to me. I fell for his tricks twice now, and I willnotlet it happen for a third time.
“I think you should leave.” I nod to the door. “I still have a few students who haven’t stopped by yet, and I don’t thi—”
“I’m sorry, Angie.” He cuts me off, rushing to me at the same time. “I’m sorry for being a dumbass and pulling the same shit I used to pull with all the others.”
I bristle at the mention of others. He sees it, recoiling as well.
“I didn’t mean it like that. You’re different. Different in a good way.” He’s struggling to find the right words to use. “Really good.” I quite like watching this usual confident man squirm.
I relax, cocking my head as I continue to watch the show. I keep the smile to myself.
“Listen—”
“That’s what I’ve been doing.” I chime in.
He flounders for a moment, gaping before he can find his words again. “I don’t know the first thing about being in a committed relationship—”
“That’s obvious.” I interrupt again.
His scowl nearly breaks my control over my laughter. “May I finish?”
“Of course.” I wave for him to carry on.
“I’m too old to do the shit I’ve done in the past. I want to be in a relationship, and I want it to be with you.”
I thought a lot could come out of his mouth, but that certainly wasn’t one of them. I’m completely taken aback. How could I possibly believe him after everything he’s put me through in the past?
He’s feeling too old to be a player? Well, good for him. It’s about time he finally grew up and started getting serious about his life. He can count me out.
“Please, give me a chance?” he pleads.
I frown at him, nearly disgusted.
“I know I messed up, and I shouldn’t expect you to forgive me, but please give me a second chance?”
