Read Last Chance: A Second Chances Novel for Free Online Page B

her away, I would do it—no matter the consequences.
    “He’s going to ask her to marry him,” Evan called out.
    I froze mid-step and watched Lara retreat to the back of the restaurant. She knew I was coming for her. Only now, it felt like a knife had been wedged in my heart, flaying every shred of hope I had.
    Closing my eyes, I stood there helpless. “How do you know?”
    He sighed. “There’s a surprise party for Lara tonight, here at the tavern. He wanted everyone to be there.”
    Opening my eyes, I could feel the anger welling up. I was a smart man, and knew my anger was misplaced, but I didn’t care. “Except me.” I jerked around, my fists clenched so tight my fingers were going numb. “When were you going to say something?”
    He shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s not something I looked forward to telling you.”
    “Fuck!” I growled, pushing my hands through my hair. Time was running out. Summer pulled into the parking lot and I knew I had to go. She didn’t hate me anymore, but her tolerance was thin at best. She glanced warily at us and slowly got out of the car. I turned back to Evan, hoping like hell he could hear the urgency in my voice. “You have to let me see her, Evan.”
    Evan shook his head. “I can’t. Lara doesn’t want to see you. She’s made that perfectly clear.” Summer started toward us and the desperation took over.
    “Figure out a way,” I pleaded. “When Grayson proposes tonight, look at her eyes. I can’t be the only one who sees she’s not happy.”
    “Hey, guys,” Summer announced. “What’s going on?”
    Evan held out an arm and she fit into his side. Looking at her made everything worse. She looked exactly like her sister. “Nothing much,” Evan lied. “Just talking to Luke about his next race.” I did have a motocross race coming up, but it wasn’t the battle I was focused on winning.
    “Awesome,” Summer exclaimed. “I’m sure you’ll kick ass.”
    Plastering on a fake smile, I nodded. “I hope so.”
    Summer kissed Evan’s cheek and let him go. “All right, you two, I need to get to work. I’ll see you inside,” she said to Evan. He nodded and watched her walk away, his gaze never leaving her backside.
    “Imagine being close to her and never being able to touch her, to tell her how you feel. Can you see how hard that would be?” I asked.
    He huffed. “Fine, I’ll keep my eyes open tonight. If I get any inclination Lara isn’t happy, I’ll help you.”
    “All I’m asking for is the chance to tell her how I feel. I can’t have her running away from me.”
    “What are you going to do, kidnap her?”
    Turning on my heel, I started toward my sport bike. “If that’s what it takes.” No matter what, she was going to hear me out, once and for all.

W as I ever going to escape him? Everywhere I went, Luke was there. Why did Belmont have to be so damn small? If I didn’t have the tavern to help look after, I would’ve left a long time ago.
    “Lara, you back here?” Summer called.
    Sucking in a breath, I fumbled around in the office and grabbed a piece of paper. She wasn’t supposed to come in today. “Yeah, I’m here,” I replied, my voice thick and low.
    The whole time Luke was outside, I could feel my throat closing up. I’d had to get away in order to breathe. Sometimes I wondered if I’d made a mistake, but if I did, it was too late. I was with Grayson and he loved me.
    Summer walked into the office, her face beaming. “Here you are. What are you doing?”
    I held up the piece of paper. “I had an idea for a new recipe. I wanted to write it down, but there was no paper at the bar.”
    “Awesome. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”
    “Why are you so cheery?” I asked. There was something going on and I could see it written all over her face. “I thought you were taking the day off.”
    Her smile widened. “I was, but then I decided to come in. I have to get this place ready for a party