Second Chances (17 page)

“What?”  She drew back, unsure. 

“Status-quo?  Who wants that?”  He threw his hands up.  “I want you in my life, Paige.  If anything, this week has proved that.  I haven’t slept.  I must have lost five pounds.  Katie has been worried that I’m getting sick.”

Relieved, she nodded with understanding.  “I can honestly say  it never hurt this much with Davis.  I think I mourned the idea of being his wife.  I mourned the time invested in a marriage without anything to show for it, but I wasn’t heartbroken like this.”

It was then that she knew she had never loved Davis like she did Nick.  When the realization hit, she laid a hand on his chest and turned her crystal blue eyes up to him and noticed how his filled with warmth.  As desire pooled into the depths of her, she brought his mouth in for a supple kiss only to pull back, resting her forehead on his.

Breathless, she said, “When I lost you…”

“You didn’t lose me.”

She nodded. “When I thought I lost you, I was...”

“I know.”  He lifted his hands to both sides of her face and kissed her with every emotion he’d been feeling since seeing her for the first time. 

When they finally parted, Paige bumped back against her car still feeling the effect. “That was some kiss.”

Nick stared into her loving blue eyes, unable to keep the truth from her any longer.  Even if she didn’t return the sentiment, he needed her to know how he felt.

“I’m in love with you, Paige Knight.  Please don’t ever leave me again.”

Her eyes watered once more, only, this time, it was from the peace that ran through her soul.  She blinked and took a leap.  “I love you too.”

“Yeah?” He placed his hands at both sides of her face and pulled her hair back to seek her eyes for the truth.

“Yeah,” she said, caught somewhere between laughter and happy tears.  “And it’s the scariest thing I’ve felt, ever.”

“Even when you were with Davis?”  He needed to know.

“It was never like this with him.”  She couldn’t bring herself to spoil the moment by saying his name.  “I never had with him what I do with you.”

“Me neither.”  He admitted.

“Well, I hope not!”  She laughed wholeheartedly.

“No, I meant …” 

“No, I know what you meant.” She softly added, before kissing him.

“So, now what?”  He grinned, feeling as if all heaven was shining down on him.

Paige exhaled and shrugged.  “We have all the time in the world.  You wanna pick me up Friday night?”

“I’m there, but do I have to wait until then?”

“When do you want to see me?”  Her stomach flipped.

“I’m not trying to rush things, but I want to see you every chance I get.”  He patiently waited for her response.

“I think we could work something out.”  She grinned.

Just then Poppie rushed out to the parking lot waving a uniform in her hand.

“I’m glad you’re still here.”  She was out of breath.  “You forgot this in your locker.”

“I thought someone else could use it.”  Paige tried to push the uniform back into Poppie’s hands.

“Nope.”  She took a step back empty handed.  “Company policy – you bought it when you started.  You take it when you leave.  Bye!”  She yelled over her shoulder.  “Come back and see us!”

Nick watched Poppie run back into the restaurant and sent Paige a quizzical look.

“Today is my last day.”

“Why?”

“Nevermind.  It’s water under the bridge.  Long story short – Natasha’s husband, Jack, needed an administrative assistant, and I start Monday.”

“But you get to keep this?”  He lifted the outfit from her hands and gleamed.

“Yes.”  She laughed.

“Sweet.”  He beamed.

She cut her eyes up at him and unlocked her car door. 

“Slow down, Casanova.  We’ve only just gotten back together.”

Nick planted a quick kiss on her lips before jogging back to his truck.  Before he got in, he yelled over his shoulder, “That won’t stop me from thinking about you in it.”

As she slipped in behind the wheel, she smarted back, “You’ll have to work a lot harder for that, Nick Granger.”

“Awesome. I look forward to it.”

She watched as he hopped in his truck, and waved goodbye through his window.  Before he pulled from the parking lot, he paused to reach for his phone.  The next thing she noticed was a text notification from Nick.

It read:
I love you.

Paige lifted her eyes to meet his through her window and mouthed the same words in return.  She slowly shook her head in disbelief, and then looked up to the sky and thanked God with a grateful heart.

Chapter 29

Paige carefully applied her mascara in the mirror reflecting on what had recently transpired in her life.  In one month’s time, she’d not only started a new career, but she’d built a solid relationship with Nick, a man who made her feel like the future was full of possibilities. 

True to his word, he spent every free evening by her side, showing her what it meant to have someone loyal in her life.  He was like a breath of fresh air, as she never knew what it was like to have someone’s undivided attention like she had with him.

Paige felt a warmth spread within when she thought of his dedication.  With him, she was truly appreciated.  She wasn’t his trophy.  He didn’t need her to put on a happy face to appease a dinner crowd. Nick just wanted her time, and that was the most refreshing part.  She shook her head trying to imagine Nick in Davis’ shoes, expecting his wife to prepare a five-course meal for a dinner party.

She giggled to herself, imagining him sitting at a table full of stuffy companions waiting for his food to be served.  Thankfully, it was the furthest thing from reality.

With him, she knew she’d never be expected to put on a show, or any airs.  She could just be herself.  And, the difference he brought to her life was more inspiring than she’d ever imagined. Truth be told, she couldn’t see her life without him.

As she put the last finishing touches on her makeup, she was more than ready for a night out with her man – even it if was to her high school reunion.  Thankfully, Natasha eventually guilted her husband into taking her so that she wouldn’t be a third wheel.

Paige drained the last of her Moscato and grabbed her earrings before pulling her keys from her purse.  As she slipped on her heels, she pushed out the front door with her hip and almost bumped into Nick on the porch.

“Hey there.”  His eyes lit up as he looked her over from head to toe.  “You look beautiful.”

Paige beamed, happy for the desired result.  She’d painstakingly taken steps to remake her image from her recent makeover.  She’d straightened her normal curly locks, which now softly framed her oval face.  Her smoky eyeshadow dramatically brought out her blue eyes, and her pink gloss was a perfect compliment for her heart-shaped lips.

“Thanks.  So do you.”  She gave him the once-over, thinking she was the luckiest woman in Granite.  His form-fitting polo had her doing a double take.  Of all Nick’s many physical attributes – his bulging biceps were her favorite.

On the ride over to the school gym, Paige stared out into the night, wondering how she’d feel when she saw her ex.  It would be the first time she’d be in the same vicinity with him since she left Alexandria. 

As if Nick could read her mind, he softly grabbed her hand and squeezed, saying, “It’s going to be okay.  I’ll be with you.”

She let out a breath and turned her attention toward what mattered most, saying, “You’re right.  I’m sorry.  He doesn’t matter anymore.  But…”

“I know.  It’s not easy.  You had a life with him.”

She cleared her throat.  “If you want to call it that.”

Nick sent her a quick wink.  “Thankfully, we have each other now.”

He slowly pulled his truck up to the valet, and handed his keys over before jogging around to open her door. As she slid from his truck into his arms, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Is it okay if I admit that the main reason I wanted to show up tonight so I could show you off?”  She sheepishly grinned.

Nick’s chest burst with pride.  “I’m happy to be your man-candy.”

She laughed off any remaining nerves, placed a hand on his large bicep to confidently stride inside.

As they entered the gym, Davis did a double take when he saw Paige.  If he didn’t know any better – he thought she’d lost ten years since he last saw her.  She was glowing.

What did she do to her hair?  And why did she never look like that when they were married?

Veronica saw his dumbfounded look and followed his gaze toward the door.  When she saw Nick and Paige, her gut twisted with envy.

“Davis, honey.  Get me a drink, please.”

Davis blinked, trying to assemble something other than thoughts of his ex-wife, and slowly turned back toward his girlfriend, who looked none too pleased.  He absentmindedly followed behind her, as Veronica pursed her lips and turned toward the bar.

As the evening wound down, Paige was pleasantly pleased that neither Davis nor his mistress stirred up any drama.  She was able to catch up with a few out of town classmates and could honestly say she had a really good time. It got a little awkward having to explain more than a few times that she and Davis were divorced, but only because of their reactions not because of the explanation itself.  You would have thought she’d told them someone died.

As Paige worked the room, Nick admired how she moved throughout with ease.  He also kept an eye on Davis, as he eyed Paige throughout the event.  Thankfully, Paige ignored any attention from him and continued to own the room.  Nick quietly approached her, with a drink in hand, as there was a break in her discussion with her classmate, who looked like she’d seen something horrific. 

“Thank you for the rescue.”  She eagerly took the glass and ushered him away to an empty table.  “You’d think I was telling people that their pet ran away or something.  Why is it such a big deal that I divorced?”  Paige looked up to Nick, hoping for insight.

“Well, you guys were a class couple.  Some of these people are still looking to relive the glory days, and the fact that reality set in with your marriage means that their idealization of school maybe isn’t so perfect after all.”

“Living in the past is never a good idea.”  She blinked.

As if on cue, the DJ’s voice filled the speakers, saying, “Alright Granite High!  It’s time for the class of 1990 King and Queen to dance to their song.  Would you please find their way to the dance floor?”

“Aw, crap,” she groaned and rolled her eyes.  She slammed her drink down on the table in frustration.  “Really?”

“You don’t have to do this.”  Nick watched Davis approach Paige with hand outstretched.

“They’re playing our song, darling.”  Davis patiently waited for her to respond.

Nick shook his head and growled.  “No way.”

Paige watched as all eyes were on the three of them.  Hoping to avoid any more gossip to the mill, she looked to Nick with reassuring eyes, and said, “What’s the worst that can happen?  Besides, you’re going to be right here.  If I need you, I’ll signal.”

Nick sent her a look of pure displeasure, but knew making a scene wasn’t the answer.  He nodded to her and cut his disapproving eyes toward Davis, giving him a knowing look that left nothing to interpretation.

“I thought you were going to make me stand out here by myself.”  He nervously laughed and pulled her to the dance floor.

“I’m still thinking about it.”  She graciously smiled to the crowd that had gathered.  “I feel like a couple of guppies in a fish bowl.”

“I’m sure they’re thinking the same thing I am.  You’re …”

“Stop.”  Her eyes snapped up to his.  “And since when do you want to dance?  I always had to beg you when we were married.”

“Maybe I’ve grown up since then.”  He looked deep into her eyes.  When he saw no flicker of interest in return, he chuckled, saying, “Besides, we can’t disappoint the masses.”

              Nick saw the change in Paige’s body language but kept his anger in check. If it were up to him, he’d tear Davis away to a dark corner, where no one could see what he had in store for him. But Paige had yet to look to him for help, so he stayed put hoping Davis would mind his manners.

              For the fourth time that night, Nick absentmindedly pat down his jacket for the box that had been weighing him down all night.  He had hoped to pop the question sometime this weekend but was waiting for the right moment.  Something told him that after dancing with the devil, getting married might be the last thing on her mind.

              As Natasha and Jack stepped in next to him, Natasha looked to the dance floor with wide eyes. “Man, we go outside to call the kids for five minutes, and we miss all the action.”

              Nick withdrew his hand from his jacket and looked at Jack, with a pained look, saying nothing.  He fixed his eyes back on Paige, waiting to see if she needed a rescue.

Natasha saw the look that exchanged between Nick and her husband and understood his concern.  At the moment, she thought Nick looked to be on high alert, but she couldn’t blame him.  Paige was the most beautiful girl in the room, and from the looks of it, Davis was feeling a little too nostalgic.             

Davis softly slid a hand up Paige’s back to evoke a reaction, but to his dismay, she instantly pushed against him, putting a stop to his advance. 

                  “I’m only dancing with you to keep from making a scene in front of our whole class.  But trust, me if you’re not careful.”

                  “What?” He innocently asked, without breaking hold.  “What if I were to tell you that I made a mistake?”              Paige threw her head back and laughed. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

              Davis’ eyes shifted back and forth, as he smiled nervously toward a few former classmates.

              “I’m serious.”  His eyes dilated.

              “So am I.”  She half-laughed.  “But I have to tell you.  No, I need to thank you.”

              That was all the permission Davis needed.  He quickly planted a soft kiss on her lips only to feel Paige push at his chest.  As she tried to separate herself from him, Davis kept a firm grasp around her waist.

              “The song isn’t over yet,” he murmured.

              Natasha’s wide eyes went from the scene on the floor to Nick, whose jaw was twitching.  He looked like he was ready to knock Davis into tomorrow.  Before he could take a step, she firmly laid a hand his arm and said, “Easy, cowboy.  Let Paige handle this one on her own.”

              Nick’s questioning eyes flashed down to Natasha.  She was crazy if she thought he could stand by and let Davis paw all over her.

              “Seriously.  She was burned by him.  Let her return the favor.  In fact, we’d all like to see that.  Wouldn’t we, Jack?”  She sweetly smiled at her husband.

              Jack used his beer bottle to push up his cowboy hat, and said, “We would.  Davis was always too big for his britches.”
              “Tell me something I don’t know.” Nick grumbled but went against his better judgment and stood firm.  After all, she technically hadn’t waved him over.

              As the song came to a close, Davis pulled her in and whispered into her ear.  “Tell me you don’t miss me.”

              It was the last straw.  Paige swiftly broke their frame, saying, “Actually what I was going to say is that I’m thankful you let me go because I never understood what true love was until you left me.  And I admit I was hurt.  My pride and my ego hurt, and I thought my heart had broken.  But what I’ve found with Nick is true love.  If anything, your kiss just proves what I’ve never felt for you.” Paige glanced over Davis' shoulder and nodded toward Veronica, who was staring daggers at them. “And I can honestly say I wish you the best.  Oh, and by the way,  your grandmother’s ring is at the bottom of the Potomac.  Chew on that while you make love to your mistress.”

Davis watched her turn on her heel and make a beeline for Nick, who wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a warm embrace.  As she slipped her hands around Nick’s neck, she pulled him in for the kiss he’d hoped would be for him.

Davis felt like an explosion had gone off within.  Not only did she embarrass him in front of their whole class, but the thought of his grandmother’s ring submerged in the clay at the bottom of the Potomac was enough to push him over the edge. He sneered at the spectacle she was making and promptly strode across the room to grab her by the arm.  She wasn’t getting off that easy.

Before Davis could get a word in edgewise, Nick pushed Paige behind him and put his arm up to block him from reaching her.

“If you value your life, you'll stop right there.  You had your chance, and luckily for me, you blew it.”

Veronica had seen enough to know she didn’t want to be someone’s second choice.  She didn’t take Davis away from his wife to be humiliated in front of all his friends.

As Davis left the dance floor to follow Paige, Veronica thought he looked like an angry toddler – not a man.  Her decision made, she quickly scanned the tables around her for any available man who would give her eye contact.  Anyone would do – she wasn’t going to waste time being picky when she could get revenge.

Her eyes landed on a decent enough looking fellow in a sharp suit.  He looked like he’d spent too much time on a computer.  Normally, his glasses and tousled hair would be a turnoff, but she sauntered over to him as if he was the sexiest man in the room.  She glanced at his left hand, which showed no wedding ring.

Good.
She didn’t need any more wives in the picture.

“You.”  She pointed at him.

Alan thought she was surely talking to someone else and promptly looked over his shoulder.  When he realized there was no one there, he blinked and turned back to Veronica, asking, “Me?”