His Second Chance Read online

  “Not all of it was true, of course,” I began. “You know how they can be. If you go anywhere with anyone, you’re sleeping with them. Or if you go out partying, you have a problem.”

  “So you didn’t have a drug problem?” she asked softly. It was the way she said it that gave me pause. As if she were afraid to ask but still had to. Like she had crawled into a shell to protect herself.

  “I think that would depend on how you define ‘problem’. I did dabble a little bit for a while. Nothing too serious, though. I did like to drink though, and that was enough for them. Absolutely anytime I went out to a bar for a while I was labeled an addict. Of course, I wasn't doing so hot at the time, so I didn’t really give a damn what anyone was saying at that point. I had a few months where I went into a self-destructive mode and decided to give them something to talk about.” I was doing my best to be absolutely honest without making myself look too terrible. I never said I was perfect and she knew I wasn’t. I had become labeled as a “bad boy” for many years. While I didn’t care at the time, now I wasn’t proud of it.

  “Did you have to go to rehab?” she asked, coming out of her shell a little more. It was plain that she was uncomfortable with asking but still wanted to know. Who could blame her really? If I had heard the things about her that they had said about me, I’d want to ask too.

  “No, I didn’t,” I said shaking my head. “But I almost did. My brother, Ronnie, he had a talk with me one night about how I was acting. He thought I should probably go. I told him I didn’t need it and that I could straighten up on my own. He wasn’t totally convinced but he let me do it my way anyway. Thank goodness. I don’t do drugs anymore, but I do still have a drink from time to time. I don’t get wasted though. I’ve learned my lesson from all of that.” I had too. I knew my limits now and realized what I had been doing to my family. At the time I had been no better than my father. Dragging the family name through the dirt and making them all the target of the tabloids to see what they thought of my antics.

  “How is your brother, anyway,” she asked. “He keeps a fairly low profile.”

  “Yeah he does,” I said. “Maybe I need to take notes from him. He’s got a little girl now. She’s adorable and so smart. I think he’s been doing all he can to make sure she stays out of the limelight as much as possible.”

  “That’s probably smart. So who is his wife?” she asked.

  “Well, they’re divorced now. She didn’t even want custody.” It still broke my heart to think about how that little girl cried. Granted, her mother hadn’t done a whole lot with her, but she was too young to understand. All a kid knows is that you are there and when you aren’t, they wonder where you’ve gone and when you’ll come back. I still felt a pang of guilt for leaving too, but I had to in order to keep myself on the straight and narrow. Being around my mom and dad wasn’t good for my sobriety.

  “So are your parents divorced now?” Leslie asked, bringing me back. “I know there were a lot of rumors about your dad.”

  “He’s an asshole,” I blurted without thinking. “Sorry, but I’m not fond of him anymore. After everything he’s done to our family, I don’t want anything to do with him. And no, amazingly my mom is still putting up with it all. Why, I have no idea.”

  “So he’s still unfaithful?” she asked as she grabbed another slice of pizza. It amazed me how we could be talking about something like this and yet I could still find her irresistible. The woman was adorable even when eating a big slice of pizza.

  “Yeah, that’s the one thing the gossip columns seem to get right,” I sighed. It was so embarrassing to see those headlines too. I hated it. Every time I saw a picture of my dad with some other woman I wanted to set them all on fire.

  “I guess that was the one thing that I had always hoped was just rumors. Like maybe he’d been unfaithful before but now they just wouldn’t let it go,” she explained. She turned and sat cross legged on the couch, facing me. I watched, almost speechless as she pulled her hair over one shoulder. I could practically taste her skin on my lips rather than the pizza.

  “Nope, all true,” I said as I shook my head. More to clear the thoughts of her than to dismiss what she’d said. “Which makes me so mad. But to be honest, I’m not sure who I’m mad at more. My father for doing it or my mother for putting up with it.”

  “Maybe she really loves him?” Leslie supplied.

  “I get that, but she’s still right where she was all those years ago. It’s like she’s never learned. She’s still financially dependent on him, still letting him run around and do whatever he pleases.” I thought about her trying to commit suicide but decided to leave that part out. I may not understand her or get her motives but I still wasn’t going to drag her through the mud like that. Besides, it was probably only a matter of time before the news hit the tabloids anyway.

  “I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all of that,” she said gently. “That had to be hard. No wonder you acted out the way you did.”

  “It’s still no excuse for my behavior,” I began. I remembered the more motivating factor for my behavior was actually losing Leslie. She’d been my reason for being good, essentially. When she was gone, I didn’t see any reason to care. “I wish you would have stayed in touch,” I finally said. I had been thinking about it but was too afraid to say it. Now that it was out there, though, it felt good.

  “I know,” she said. “I regretted not leaving you a note or something. I went to your house to tell you but I was told you weren’t home. I can’t tell you how many times I replayed the whole thing in my head. I would have done things so differently. But once I understood what was happening, I was embarrassed. I didn’t want anyone to know that we’d lost all our money. Of course, everyone eventually found out anyway,” she shrugged. “But at the time I thought if I just slipped away that everyone would think we moved to some foreign place or something.”

  “I was confused and hurt when you left,” I admitted. “I tried to figure out what happened but I didn’t even know who to ask. For a while, I would think I saw you in the most random of places. At the mall or in a restaurant. Every time when I realized it wasn’t you, it broke my heart all over again.”

  I looked up into her eyes and realized she was surprised by my admission. Did she really not know what she had meant to me?

  “Are you serious?” she asked suddenly.

  “As a heart attack, Leslie. I missed you so much.”

  She closed the gap between us so quickly I almost didn’t see her move. It was as if she were on the other side of the couch and then in the blink of an eye, her lips were pressed to mine. After I recovered from my surprise, I put my hand on the back of her head and held her to me. Parting my lips, our tongues met and moved together as though they were happy to be reunited. As the kiss deepened, I could feel myself breathing heavily.

  Sliding my hands down her body, I pulled her closer. She followed my lead and soon was sitting on my lap, our mouths never parting. Her hands found the hem of my shirt and began to pull it over my head.

  “Leslie,” I said as I broke free from her kiss. I felt like I needed to say something.

  “Just shut up,” she muttered and continued to kiss me. I knew better than to argue and besides, I didn’t want to. If she didn’t have any objections this time, neither did I. My hands slid under her shirt and began to slide across her bare flesh. I couldn’t get over how soft and supple she was. Like a cool breeze on a hot day, she energized me in a new and surprising way.

  Soon she was pulling her shirt over her head and my mouth went to her fleshy mounds. She tossed her head back and sighed as I kissed them, her hands running through my hair. I freed her breasts from their cups and suckled deeply, drawing the nipple into my mouth. She straddled me and I nipped at her skin, causing her to gasp. I reached up behind her and undid the clasp of her bra, and she pulled it from her shoulders. I lavished attention on her beautiful breasts for a while longer until she began to work her way down to my chest. Sh
e circled her tongue around my nipple and I drew in a sharp breath. Her hands moved to my fly and began undoing my pants. I was nervous about letting her but my cock was already pressing hard against the material, begging to be set free. When she stood and started tugging my jeans down, I lifted my hips to help. I kicked off my shoes and soon my jeans were in a pool on the floor. Her hand began rubbing my member through my boxer briefs and I tipped my head back, closing my eyes. Feeling her smaller hand on me, even through the cotton, was like heaven. So when she freed my cock from my underwear, I knew I grew rock hard. Her hand slid up and down the length of me slowly in a nice and steady rhythm.

  I tried to keep my eyes open but I couldn’t. It felt just too damn good. So when I felt her tongue run up the length of my cock, I drew in a sharp breath in surprise.

  “Did I do something wrong?” she asked quickly.

  “No, it feels amazing,” I said looking down at her. She looked so sweet and innocent. I felt a pang of guilt but I knew she wanted this. She instigated it. Leslie was a grown woman that could make her own choices. I saw the hesitation in her eyes as she slipped her lips over the head of my member. I touched the side of her face reassuringly as I suppressed a groan. Her mouth felt like heaven as she drew me inside. Her tongue flicked over the end of my shaft as she began to get more into what she was doing.

  Moaning I said, “Yes, like that.” She took the encouragement and ran with it, suddenly lapping at me like a pro. I’d waited for this for so long, I knew I wouldn’t last if she kept it up. “Come here,” I said, encouraging her to stand up. “I won’t last long if you keep that up.”

  She smiled and I started to kiss her neck as my hand undid her pants. Once they were unbuttoned, I slipped my hand into her panties and in between her folds. She was already incredibly wet and somehow that made me even harder. My finger slid along her folds, spreading her juices around. She gasped and wrapped her arms around me as I moved my finger in a circle around her clit. Then I pushed farther back and slipped it just barely inside her.

  “You feel so amazing,” I whispered in her ear before I started tugging her jeans down. I helped her step out of them right before she pushed down her panties. She stood before me, nude and stunningly beautiful and I realized that no other woman I’d been with compared to her. I went to my knees in front of her and placed her foot up on the table. When I looked up at her, she was looking down at me in such a way. Like a queen standing over one of her subjects. I buried my face between her legs, my tongue tasting her juices. Inhaling her musk, I licked along her folds before gently tugging with my lips. I made love to her with my mouth, as I brought my fingers up to her crevice. They met with my tongue and began to pleasure her the best way I knew how.

  Crying out, Leslie grabbed a fistful of my hair and pushed my face against her. I smiled and continued to lap at her.

  “Brett,” she cried softly as she pulled me to my feet. I did as she wanted and as I stood she pulled my mouth down to hers. I was certain she tasted herself on my lips as she seemed surprised at first but then deepened the kiss.

  I cupped her bottom and lifted her slightly to press her mound to my shaft. As I slid my hands down, I picked her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist. I held her as I carried her to the bed slowly. Once I felt my legs touch the foot of it, I climbed on it on my knees, still holding her. Once I had both knees on the bed, I lowered her to the downy soft blanket.

  Laying there on display like that, I couldn’t resist touching her again. I spread her damp folds with my fingers and then pushed one inside her. She reached for me so I lowered my face to hers, claiming her mouth with mine as my finger pushed up inside her.

  “Yes,” she cried between kisses. “More.”

  I longed to put my cock in but I was doing my best to refrain. I didn’t want to do it this way, but a small part had begun arguing in my mind that it was just as good a time as any. I longed to feel those velvety folds wrap around my cock and grab hold. I knew she’d be tight by how she gripped my one finger.

  “Please, Brett,” she cried and I added another finger. She gasped as I rubbed her clit with my thumb but settled my hips between her legs. I couldn’t resist thrusting a little with my hips. I wanted to be inside her so much but I knew I had to restrain myself. Still, my body was starting to take control and I couldn’t stop myself.

  “Oh yes,” she panted and I noticed her voice was getting high pitched. She was moaning almost constantly and her juices were starting to run down onto the bed. My lustful side started taking over and I resisted the urge to yank off my boxers and plunge my cock inside her. Instead, I allow my hips to push harder and faster as my fingers pleasure her. Lifting her hips to meet my thrusts, it’s as close to sex as we could be in that moment without taking her virginity. Not that I don’t want to. Watching her toss her head back in pleasure beneath me is enough to make me want to come right there.

  “Yes,” she cried out as she clawed at my back and I felt her body clench around my fingers. Shuddering, she climaxed beneath me, completely spent.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said bashfully once she collected herself.

  “Don’t you even worry about it,” I consoled her. I moved to lay beside her and began trailing my fingers along her belly.

  “Mmm, that was amazing,” she said softly as she snuggled up beside me. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close. I started softly brushing strands of hair from her face as she smiled like a satisfied cat. Her eyes closed and I continued to gently play with her hair and study her face. I took in each eyelash and freckle, all the time thinking just how beautiful she truly was. While I did my best to memorize her face, her breathing began to slow and then she fell asleep. I smiled to myself, feeling as though I’d just won the lottery. She fell asleep in my arms, it didn’t get much better than that. I didn’t want to move, so I closed my eyes and tried to memorize the moment.

  Chapter 10

  Leslie

  When I woke up the next morning, I felt more rested than I had in years. Ever since I had started helping out with the bills, I seemed to sleep fitfully. My dreams were filled with not having enough money or going to the store and our card being declined. Some nights it was just not being able to slow my mind enough to rest. I couldn’t begin to count the nights I tried to figure out how I could make some extra cash to help keep the lights on or some other necessity. Stretching, I opened my eyes and looked over to see Brett standing next to the bed, getting dressed.

  “Good morning,” he said with a grin. His smile was real now, not the fake ones I had seen online. It was bright and full of excitement. It made my heart feel warm to see it.

  “Good morning,” I said with a smile. “Are you going somewhere?”

  “Unfortunately, yes,” he said. “I’m expected to go have a few meetings at the hotels today. I need to get my hands dirty and start diving in with work. They’re expecting me, otherwise I would put it off and stay here with you.”

  I nodded, understanding. “Maybe I’ll go start looking for things for your new place then,” I said as I sat up. “Since you already managed to buy one.” I gave him a pointed but playful look and he laughed.

  “That sounds like a great idea,” he said as he pulled out his wallet. “I’ll leave a credit card with you so you can get whatever you need. I actually already signed the papers this morning and sent them back. I should have the keys to the place today.” He held up a black credit card and then set it on the nightstand. “Get whatever you think will look good.”

  “Are you going to remodel the upstairs?” I asked. I wanted to make sure we were on the same page. I wouldn’t bother with anything up there if he was.

  “I thought about it, but I don’t think I will just yet. I’d love to have an even bigger bedroom, but honestly, they’re nice sized as it is. Plus, I may want the other room for guests.” He winked at me but I chose to ignore it.

  “Makes total sense,” I said in agreement. “I’ll see what I can find today.”


  “Great,” he said as he picked up his phone and checked the time. “Crap. I have to go. But I’ll see you later, okay?”

  I nodded and he rushed for the door. After I heard the door close, I tossed back the blankets and began to look for my clothes.

  I had to hand it to Brett. I would have let him take my virginity last night, but he didn’t even try. I was extremely surprised and more than a little grateful. Simply because he didn’t try to take advantage of the situation. It showed he was a better person than a lot of guys out there and I hoped it meant he respected me too. Knowing that he was that kind of guy made me let down my guard just a little more. Granted, part of it was still up. But I had to let him in just a tiny bit. It was only fair, after all.

  After tugging on my clothes, I retrieved the credit card from the nightstand and headed across the hall to my room. Time to get ready for the day so I could do a bit of shopping. I picked one of my nicer but still comfortable outfits and slipped it on. Next I ran a brush through my hair and scrubbed my face before applying minimal makeup. Today wasn’t necessarily about trying to look gorgeous. It was about being a professional. If I wanted the job, I had to act like I already had it. Finally, I was ready to hit the town and see what it had to offer.

  Later, I was in a higher end retail store doing a bit of shopping. At this particular store, there were plenty of pieces of art and decorations to keep me browsing. I had chosen two pictures for Brett and was debating on a third. It was a painted city landscape that was done in black and white. The original painting seemed to have been done with a knife, rather than a brush, judging from the style of the painting.

  “I’m just not certain of the size,” I told the saleswoman. “I love the piece itself but I’m not sure if the size is particularly what I’m looking for.” I had already purchased a couch at a different store earlier and wanted to make sure the painting balanced well with everything else so far.