Page 89 of Reckless Chance

A small envelope stuffed into one of the shoes catches my attention. Opening it, I read the note inside.

Lowri,

Yes, I sent you PJs. I know it’s a little odd, but I figured we both could use a relaxing evening, and nothing is comfier than PJs. We’ve had a lot of stress lately, the worst of which has been my fault. Hopefully, this will help. Christian will wait while you change. The drink I promised will be ready when you get here.

Please take one more reckless chance and join me tonight. You won’t regret it.

Sean

Damn. How can I stay annoyed at him? But I have to. I’m not falling again. I’m not over the hurt yet, and I’m not letting myself be subjected to that type of pain again.

I can’t let myself forget that Sean is still manipulating me to ensure I stay here. He can’t fathom losing his beloved Athena. I should turn down the invitation.

But why deprive myself of whatever indulgent evening Sean’s planned? Joining him doesn’t necessarily mean forgiving him anyway. Or does it?

A hot shower is in order. I need time to think.

It won’t hurt for Sean to wait a little while.

50

SEAN

I’m pacing back and forth across the wide expanse of the Athena’s rooftop. It’s been forty-five minutes since Christian texted that he gave Lowri the gift box. She should’ve been here by now. What if she’s not coming?

I get it. She has every right to be upset with me. But the spark between us is still there, and we were getting along fine earlier today. She wasthe one who suggested drinks. There’s no reason for her to change her mind. It’s not like I sent her something provocative from one of the lingerie boutiques. PJs were meant to signal that I wasn’t expecting anything other than a relaxing evening.

Looking at my phone for the millionth time, only one more minute has passed. It feels like ten times that.

I can’t fix the friction between us if she’s not here. I could text Christian for an update. I don’t want to come across as worried though. He might clue in on the fact that there’s trouble between Lowri and me. What the hell! Why do I care whathethinks?

Me: What’s your ETA?

Christian: 5 minutes.

Me: What took so long?

Christian: Not sure. She didn’t say.

Me: Okay. Thanks.

Hmm. I’m not sure what the long wait means. Did Lowri hesitate to accept the invitation? Is she making me squirm? Or is there a chance she took extra time to get ready for the special evening? I can only hope.

Supposedly, actions speak louder than words.Operation Show Not Tellis moving forward.

Knowing Lowri’s on the way, I pop the cork on the champagne that’s been chilling and take one last look at my surroundings to make sure nothing is missing. Reflections from the neon lights on the Strip take the place of stars in the night sky. There’s a slight chill in the evening air, providing a positive energy that will hopefully lead to forgiveness, if not more.

Hearing the ding of the elevator at the far end of the roof, I take a swig of liquid courage. Here goes everything.

The doors part, revealing Lowri in the soft satin pajamas that hug her perfect curves. Even in PJs, she’s a goddess.

Our eyes lock but neither of us says anything. I’m hypnotized by the sway of her body as she walks toward me along the candlelit path that’s strewn with lavender, white, and pink rose petals.

Meeting her halfway, I open my arms, inviting a hug. Relief washes over me when she closes the space and wraps her arms around me. “You’re extremely huggable in your soft, plaid PJs. Flannel looks good on you,” she says.

“Everything looks good on you.” I kiss the top of her head, not wanting to push my luck.

As I tighten the hug, her supple, perky breasts crush against my flannel shirt.