Second Chance at Love

by Rhonda Laurel

  It was clear she’d have to keep on her poker face today. Despite how their date had ended, she missed him. Was it possible that he missed her too? But there was still too much left unresolved to think they could pick up where they left off. She wouldn’t be surprised if he’d closed himself off from the world again. Her heart went out to him. That was a terrible way to live.

  The door swung open and a perky, college-age girl beamed. “Hi there.”

  “I think I’m at the wrong address,” Peyton stammered, feeling ridiculous. She’d just walked up a balloon-filled pathway and she had a present and pastries in her hand. She gripped them tighter to stave off the desire to chuck them and run.

  “You’re here for Chloe’s birthday party, right?”

  “Yes. I’m just dropping off a few things. I can’t stay.”

  “I’m Aubrey.” She wiped her hands on an apron. “The babysitter.”

  “Peyton Colfax.” She gave a tentative smile. “I’m her art teacher.”

  “Oh, you were Alex’s date to the winery. So nice to meet you.” Her smile widened as she took the boxes from Peyton. “Did you have a good time?”

  “It was wonderful.”

  “Alex said he had a great time too. Chloe’s going to be so happy that you came. She’s talked about you for weeks.” She dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Alex talks about you too, but don’t tell him I told you that. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  “They do?”

  “All the time. Come on in, you’re early.” Aubrey pivoted on her heel and scooted toward the kitchen when a timer went off. “Alex, Theo and the kids went to pick up some last-minute party supplies.”

  “Uh,” Peyton yelled out as she reluctantly followed behind her. “Like I said. I’m not staying.”

  She looked around as she followed Aubrey to the kitchen. She slowed her pace when Aubrey stopped in the living room for a quick moment to put the present on the coffee table with the other gifts. The house was pretty much what she’d expected and definitely had a woman’s touch. It was cozy and decorative, yet it looked like a family lived there. Sure there were sweaters and backpacks strewn about, but there was also a subtle elegance there. The taupe couches were totally an Alex color, but the old, beaten, brown leather armchair looked like it had a history to it. The piano in the corner near the deck doors, the stone fireplace that had the mini grandfather clock on it, and the wall of family photos brought the place to life. Her eyes couldn’t help but go to the bookcase. There was a framed picture of Alex and the kids with a woman that could have only been Rachel. She was beautiful. She had long brown hair like Chloe’s and she had Noah’s nose. Peyton averted her eyes and went into the kitchen.

  Aubrey picked up a cupcake and put it on a decorative carousel. “Chloe’s going to be so disappointed if you go. Can’t you stay for just a few minutes? They should be back any moment.”

  “I have some place else to be.”

  “That’s really too bad. That dress is gorgeous, by the way.”

  “Thanks.” Peyton looked around. There were cupcakes on two of the counters. “I didn’t know someone else was making cupcakes. I asked Chloe if she needed me to bring anything and she said cupcakes.”

  “Oh, she made these with her Dad last night. It’s a tradition of theirs.” Aubrey giggled. “There’s a huge cake in the fridge too. She probably won’t eat these until tomorrow. She’s crazy about cupcakes, though.”

  “Can you just give Chloe my apologies and tell her I hope she enjoys the present?”

  She could hear Alex and the kids coming in from the garage.

  “Sounds like you can tell her yourself,” Aubrey said as she reached into the fridge and retrieved a container of fruit punch.

  Not knowing what to do, she turned to make a quick escape. But as soon as she turned around, she slammed right into Alex, who was carrying bags. She stumbled, but he grabbed her waist to steady her.

  “Where’s the fire?” Alex smiled as he reached around her and put the grocery bags on the table.

  Her mind went blank. Alex looked great in a lavender dress shirt and a pair of jeans.

  “Ms. Colfax!” Chloe squeezed between them and threw her arms around her waist.

  Theo cleared his throat.

  “Peyton, I’d like you to meet my brother Theo,” Alex said.

  “So good to meet you, Theo. I hear you’re quite the thrill-chaser.”

  “Even nicer to meet you, Peyton.” Theo flashed a big grin. “I’d been wanting to meet the woman who could persuade my brother—”

  “Theo,” Alex interrupted. “Didn’t you say you were going to get the grills going?”

  “But I want to talk to Peyton.”

  Alex gave him a look. “And I want to feed the guests, who will be arriving shortly.”

  “Come on. I’ll help.” Aubrey picked up a tray of food. “I seasoned the food while you were at the store.”

  “OK.” Theo followed Aubrey out on the patio.

  Chloe tugged on Peyton’s dress. “I’m so glad you came.”

  “Of course. I promised I would. You’re looking very nice for your party.”

  “Thank you.” Chloe did a twirl so she could see her khaki culottes, pink top, and the pretty barrettes in her hair. “My Aunt Charisma sent me this outfit.”

  “She has very good taste. I brought a present and the cupcakes too. But I think at this point it would be overkill.” She looked at the cupcake-filled counters. “But I was just telling Aubrey I have some errands to run, so I can’t stay, but I wanted to make sure you got your present and cupcakes.”

  “Can’t you stay for a little while?” Chloe pulled back, looking disappointed.

  “I have something else I need to do.”

  Chloe’s eyes widened and her lip quivered. “Please.”

  “I’d love to Chloe but—”

  “We’re going to have cake and ice cream and a karaoke machine,” Noah added. “And the bouncy house is big enough for adults.”

  “If that doesn’t sweeten the pot, I don’t know what will.” Alex threw his car keys on the counter and gave her a shy smile.

  She searched his eyes. Was that warmth she saw? He looked like he wanted her to stay.

  “Tell you what.” Peyton stooped down so she was eye-level with Chloe. “I want to earn that piece of cake. I’ll go out to my car and get my bag. We could do some face painting and maybe draw a few caricatures. I think I have an easel in the car.”

  “Yay!” Chloe threw her arms around her neck. “Thank you!”

  “You’re welcome.” Peyton gave her a squeeze.

  “Whoa, kiddo. Ms. Colfax is a guest. We can’t ask her to stay and be the entertainment.”

  “No worries. What good is having your art teacher at your party if she can’t be of some use to the birthday girl?” She tapped Chloe on the nose.

  “Noah, can you help Ms. Colfax get her things out of the car?”

  “OK.”

  Peyton walked out of the kitchen with Noah, hoping she’d made the right decision to stay.

  Alex peeked out the patio window and watched as Peyton chatted with Chloe while setting up her table. He was glad they came home in time to catch Peyton sneaking off. He knew Chloe was excited about her coming, and he wanted Peyton there too. She looked pretty today in her floral dress that accentuated all her curves and her hair tied with a purple scarf. She looked like a sexy, artistic gypsy. She’d said she hadn’t planned to stay and seemed to be in a hurry. She was avoiding him. He completely understood. After he’d reacted to their kiss by practically running out the door, she probably never wanted to see him again. He’d wanted to talk to her and explain his behavior, but he was still sifting through it himself.

  He wanted her that night, so much so it caught him off guard. The idea of intimacy again was no longer a passing thought. It was right there in his face, and he didn’t know what to do. They had a strong attraction, but there were heartstrings being pulled too. He loved the way s
he laughed and how she saw beauty in everything around her. It was what made her so talented. Painting, photography, she had an unflinching view that was rare and honest. He wondered what she saw when she looked at him. Did she see the pain in his eyes? He’d looked at himself in the mirror the other day and for a moment, that dull ache for the life he once had was gone. For once, he was happy being in the moment.

  “So that’s the infamous Peyton.” Theo gave him a sly smile as he came into the kitchen. “She’s pretty.”

  “And a wonderful artist.”

  “Why is it that you don’t want to go out with her again?”

  “It’s complicated.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

  The doorbell rang.

  “Chloe, your guests are arriving,” he called to her.

  Chloe grabbed his hand as she thundered into the house. He hadn’t seen his daughter this excited in some time. It was a joy to see. Noah was even looking forward to the party. Peyton being there was the icing on the cupcake.

  “Hi there, birthday girl.” Patty handed Chloe a big box covered in polka dot wrapping paper.

  “Thank you.” Chloe smiled.

  “Patty. Thank you for coming. The party is right out back. Just go straight through to the kitchen and you’ll see the patio door.” Alex waved them through and kept the door open for more people who were coming up the walkway. The guests continued to pile in for a few minutes, much to his annoyance. He wanted to get back to looking at Peyton. As soon as it looked like there was no else coming, he saw Grayson pulling up in his sport car with a huge present in the passenger seat that was so big it protruded out of the car. He pulled into the driveway, cut off the engine, jumped out and rounded the car.

  “Grayson,” Alex called out. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here for Chloe’s birthday, of course.” He grinned and grabbed one end of the wrapped box. “Are you gonna help me with this?”

  Alex walked over to the car. “Here for Chloe’s birthday…and?”

  “And to check out the single mom situation. The newly divorced ones are always looking for a hot fling to piss off their exes.”

  “You are horrible.” Alex ran a hand over his face. “I don’t know who’s worse. You or Theo.”

  Grayson smirked. “Definitely Theo. Where is he?”

  “In the back yard trying to sweet-talk Aubrey.”

  “He does know that’s Riley Sloane’s sister?”

  “He said it would be worth a broken body part to go out with her.”

  “I like that reckless abandonment. Only a man in love will take such a chance with his life. Now grab the other end.”

  “What is this monstrosity?”

  “Something to guarantee I am her favorite uncle in California.”

  “You are her only uncle in California.” Alex shook his head. “Whatever it is, it’s too much. You can’t buy a child’s affections.”

  “The hell I can’t.”

  “Listen.” Alex stopped. “Peyton is here.”

  “The Peyton? The plot thickens.” Grayson waggled his eyebrows. “What does she look like?”

  “You’ll know her when you see her. She’s the most beautiful woman here. And stay away from her.”

  “I promise no such thing. You may be too chicken, but if she’s as great as you say, I’m asking her out.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Watch me.”

  As soon as they made their way to the backyard, Grayson made a beeline for Peyton. He knew his friend was probably trying to provoke him into some sort of action, and right now he felt like punching him.

  Peyton already had a line for the face painting. Aubrey looked cute as a kitten. She really was a breath of fresh air and a great babysitter. It didn’t surprise him that Theo was smitten with her. Derek and Charisma were upset that they couldn’t make it too but sent a slew of gifts. He understood they were juggling a lot these days. They promised to come out next month and celebrate with her all over again.

  Austin couldn’t make it but had dropped off a gift the day before. His parents and Sienna sent gifts too that Chloe loved. What surprised him was the call he’d gotten from Judy, Rachel’s mom, this morning. He hadn’t talked to his mother-in-law since the day he told her they were moving to California. He was glad the lines of communication were open again. The idea of the kids visiting her parents very soon was growing on him.

  He continued to mingle, all the while manning the grill and keeping his eye on his flirtatious friend and Theo. Grayson was the typical life of the party with the moms, while Theo stayed close to Aubrey, who was manning the cotton candy machine.

  Meanwhile, Peyton had now begun doing caricatures. She was quite popular with the guests. It pissed him off when some of the dads lingered too long. He made small talk with the parents and made sure the food kept flowing. Chloe was having the time of her life. That was what mattered. Having Peyton here was definitely a distraction. He kept thinking about that kiss they shared. It was some kiss—

  “Ouch!” Alex yelped as he pulled his hand away from the grill and just narrowly missed scorching it.

  “Alex. Are you OK?” Evie sprinted over to him and took his hand in hers.

  “I’m fine, Evie, but I can’t say the same for the apron.” He gently pulled it away. “All my digits are intact and no burns. I should have been paying attention.”

  “Well, there’s a lot going on.” She smiled. “I must say you do the single dad thing marvelously.”

  “Thanks.” He looked down at his apron. “I just need to change my apron.”

  “I can take over for you.” She took the spatula out of his other hand.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m in charge of refreshments at the fall festival,” she said as if she were reciting a culinary resume.

  “Um. Thanks. I’ll be back in a few minutes. If you need any help, my brother Theo would be happy to assist.” He looked over at Peyton, who was painting another face. Grayson and the lingering dad were nowhere in sight, which was good. Alex went into the pantry and searched for a fresh apron.

  Grayson came storming inside, looking for him. “So I talked to Peyton. She’s everything you said she was and more. Are you going to go out there and talk to her or what?”

  Alex peeked his head out of the pantry. “I still don’t know what to say.”

  Grayson leaned against the counter. “You could start out by pouring on the charm and apologizing for the kerfuffle after Napa. If she doesn’t kick you in the ’nads, ask her out again.”

  “You have an answer for everything. I don’t have that gift for the gab.”

  “Yes, I do,” Grayson said proudly. “Look, you’re one of my best friends, and I consider you a brother.”

  “Thanks, Grayson.”

  “And I loved Rachel too.”

  “I know.”

  “But if you don’t ask her out again, I will. She smart, beautiful, and smoking hot—”

  “Enough.” Alex shot him a look.

  Grayson returned an equally challenging look. “Speak from the heart. Tell her you haven’t stopped thinking about her and you want to give it another shot.”

  “I can’t just abandon my hosting duties.”

  “You’re going to chat for a few minutes, not go to Siberia.”

  “I keep telling you that joke is not nearly as clever as you think.”

  “OK, it’s not New Zealand.”

  “Tak-to luchshe.” Alex laughed as he strapped on another apron.

  “I’ll keep the children and the single moms entertained. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get a date lined up for this weekend.” Grayson grabbed a handful of balloons and followed Alex as he headed back outside. “You go wrangle that makeup date.”

  Alex surveyed the party. Chloe was making something at the crafts table with her friends, and Noah and Sebastian were playing soccer. Theo was serving up the food, and Aubrey was making the rounds to ensure everyone was having a good time.

 
; “OK everybody,” Grayson yelled out. “Who wants a balloon animal? I can do a dog, horse, or cat. But I warn you, they may all look the same.”

  As the kids turned their attention to Grayson, Alex looked in the direction of the table where Peyton had been sitting, but she wasn’t there. He dashed back into the house, hoping she hadn’t left. It wasn’t until he heard the water running in the guest bathroom did he breathe a sigh of relief.

  He tapped on the open door. “Hi.”

  She scrubbed her hands under the water. “I’ll just be a moment.”

  “Take your time. Thank you for staying. I hope we haven’t derailed any plans you had today.”

  “It’s not a problem. I’m glad I could pitch in and help.”

  “Well, you are a guest. It wasn’t necessary.”

  “Believe it or not, I’m more comfortable when I keep busy. I think it comes from years of waiting on tables to pay my way through college.”

  “Oh.” He smiled. “Is that why you can expertly balance a tray full of cheeses?”

  “Yes. It’s sort of second nature.”

  “Marco certainly appreciated it.” He leaned against the door frame. “Have you had any of the wine we brought back from Napa?”

  “I opened the pinot noir. How about you?”

  “I’ve been looking for the right occasion to open one up and share with it someone special.”

  “Ah.” She nodded.

  “Did you get a chance to look at the photos you took that day?”

  “Yes. They were all awesome. Marco’s a lucky man. It must be amazing to wake up to a view like that every day, drink fine wine, and eat delicious food.”

  “Did you hear about the offer to have your work featured in the gallery opening at the hospital?” He’d asked around at the hospital and was elated when he heard she’d received an offer to showcase her work in the new gallery.

  “I did. It was a pleasant surprise.”

  “It’s a wonderful opportunity for you. Are you going to include any of the Napa shots in the gallery?”

  “I don’t think it’s going to happen. I haven’t submitted anything.” She turned off the faucet.

  “Why not?” He frowned. “You were one of the local artists selected. It sounded like it was a done deal and all you had to do was select the pieces.”