Unexpected Chance by Joanne Schwehm Read Free Book Online Page B

less
than twenty-four hours, and in that time, I’d had to deal with multiple women
gawking at him, not to mention meeting two women whom he had slept with. I
wondered how many more there were, but I didn’t want that answer, not now anyway.
     

 
     
    Chapter 5
    We went back to the restaurant to get Alex’s car, a
black Maserati GTS. It was beautiful, just like the man who drove it. The
leather seats felt as if they hugged my body. Alex drove us to Brett’s apartment
building. I found out on the way there that it was also Alex’s. It was a
beautiful brick building with about twenty floors. Brett lived on the fifteenth
floor, and Alex was on the twentieth. I could only imagine how gorgeous the
view had to be from there. He tossed his keys to the valet, who addressed Alex
as Mr. Logan. I could only guess how much this place cost. It was incredible.
    Alex nodded to the doorman as we passed, and we got in the
elevator. The energy between us was palpable. Alex turned to me and pulled me
in for a hug. I could really get used to his arms wrapped around me. I felt so
safe—comfortable—as if I were made for his arms and they were made for me. I
reviewed the mental notes I would write in my journal: flowers, ordering
lunch for me, honesty, walk in the park, hugs, and kisses. What else would
this day bring? I silently prayed for the elevator to get stuck. That thought
would normally send me straight into a panic attack; instead, it calmed me. Being
stuck with Alex would be like a chocoholic being trapped in Hershey Park!
    We reached the fifteenth floor, and Alex released me as we made
our way to Brett’s apartment. Julie opened the door and grabbed me for a hug. She
whispered in my ear, “Brett’s totally awesome! I really like him!” I think she
squealed a little; all I could do was laugh.
    She released me and said hello to Alex. Brett came to greet us. He
shook Alex’s hand and gave him the “bro” hug and then kissed me on the cheek. I
liked Brett. He seemed normal, not a player type, and Julie seemed happy. That
was really all that mattered to me.
    Brett’s apartment was bigger than most others I had seen. It was
decorated in earth tones. It was comfortable. The floors were a rich-colored
hardwood and were covered by a plush area rug in the living area under the sofa
and coffee table. The kitchen cabinets were dark and rich in color and were
lightly lit by the recessed lights in the soffit above them.
    We all sat on the balcony outside of the living area, drinking
margaritas. That and the wine I consumed at lunch were starting to do a number
on me. I stopped after two, knowing I was getting way past my limit. We talked
about normal, everyday things; it was relaxing. I enjoyed watching the interaction
between the guys. They seemed close, but different. Brett seemed like the boy
next door, lighthearted and free, whereas Alex seemed more serious and hardened
in a way. I thought maybe it was due to all he had been through at a young age.
    Julie stood and gestured for me to follow her. I excused myself. We
ended up in the kitchen out of earshot of the guys. “How are things with Alex? Did
you have a good lunch?”
    “Everything is great. We talked about the women who seem to always
be around, since he was approached during our lunch date.”
    Julie almost yelled, “No way!” then covered her mouth with her
right hand.
    My eyes darted around and quickly scanned the area. “Shhh, really,
Julie, lower your voice. He explained about Leah and Valerie, the woman I met
today in the restaurant. Although, if she hadn’t come on to him, I could have
seen us hanging out with her; she seemed as if she could be nice.” What was I
saying? Ugh! “I don’t understand, Julie. These women were movie-star quality; it
makes me wonder, ya know? I keep trying to remind myself this is for research,
right?”
    Julie grabbed my hands in hers. “Aubrey, someday you will look in
the mirror and see what others do. You are beautiful and