Just One Chance (Just One. Book 3)

by Lynn Stevens

  Off-limits, I reminded myself as he leaned in the window, giving me the full view of his perfect butt.

  “Here.” He handed me a bottle of warm carbonation. “What’s that going to do?”

  “Watch,” I said, uncapping the lid. “Do you know why Lily’s so committed to getting me to move to Houston?”

  “She’s never had a lot of friends,” he said as I leaned back under the hood and poured the soda over the connectors. They immediately started to pop and fizz. “Most of her so-called friends at our other schools took advantage of her.”

  “She is pretty gullible,” I said, inspecting the cables.

  Aiden laughed. “That’s an understatement. She told me about you, you know.”

  I glanced over my shoulder. “That sounds ominous.”

  He raised his eyebrows.

  “Well, spill. Don’t leave me in suspense.” I glanced back at the cables and poured a little more soda on them. “I am saving your ass here.”

  “Oh, blackmail, I like it.” He chuckled under his breath. “Don’t worry, nothing she said means much to me. I like to come to my own conclusions.”

  I used the wrench to loosen the nut and took off the negative cable. “I’d still like to know. People tell stories. I’d like the chance to separate fact from fiction.”

  “Oh? And what’d she tell you about me?” He leaned against the front panel with his arms crossed.

  I took off the positive cable, then doused them in more soda. “Well, in her eyes, you’re perfect and can do no wrong. You’ve saved her from being lonely growing up and treat her like she’s human. A lot of people don’t. They think she’s weird, but you’ve only ever treated her like she’s normal.”

  “Wow, so I’m on a pedestal that high?” He shook his head and his arms fell to his sides. “That’s a long way to fall, Miranda.”

  I thought about Carly. When I was younger, I’d admired her so much. She was strong, independent, and intense. She did what she wanted, when she wanted. In hindsight, she’d been selfish. It wasn’t until she met Gracin that she changed. The last four years, she’d been virtually absent. It had been almost two years since I’d actually seen her.

  “I’m sure I don’t have as far to fall in her eyes.” I smirked at him before shaking the cables and setting them to the side. “Lily knows my dirty little secrets.”

  “She told me you had … problems before school started, but she didn’t say what. She also said you’re kind if people would give you a chance and that she’s never felt more alive. Mom and Dad tend to keep Lily in a bubble wrap existence.”

  I wiped my hands on his nasty rag and stared at the ground. “Did she tell you what my problems were?”

  “No,” he said softly. He stepped closer. “Does it matter?”

  “You should know who your sister is hanging out with, don’t you think?”

  He pressed his finger under my chin, forcing my gaze up. “Nobody’s perfect, Miranda.”

  “Except you.” I grinned, fighting back a wave of tears. “According to Lily.”

  He smiled back and moved his hand. I missed the warmth of it immediately. Then I realized what was happening, and no. Aiden King was off-limits. If I kept telling myself that, it would eventually get into my head. If Dad hadn’t caught me trying to sneak him away during that stupid orientation, I was going to lead him to a rarely used closet and tasted his full lips. It would’ve been just another meaningless hookup. I hadn’t been with a guy other than Eddie for a long time. Aiden made me want to test the waters again.

  I turned and put the cables back on the battery. “Try it now.”

  Aiden stared at me for a moment, and I wondered if he could read my mind. Something shook him out of his reverie. He walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in. The car started after a few tries. He left it running and climbed out.

  “Thanks. I would’ve been forced to dip into my much-needed savings for a tow truck.”

  “Your parents wouldn’t foot the bill?”

  “Nah. They believe in making me stand on my own two feet.” He reached out and picked up the nasty rag, throwing it at me. “To remember me by.”

  “I don't even want to know what bodily fluids you left on this thing,” I muttered before I even realized what was coming out of my mouth. Filters, not for me.

  “Jesus,” he said shaking his head as he laughed. “You’re pretty blunt.”

  I closed his hood. “I’ve been working with a no bullshit policy this year since…” I rubbed my palms on my shorts. If Lily hadn’t told him, I wasn’t going to. “Sometimes it gets me in trouble, sometimes it’s appreciated.”

  “What about with your parents?” He cocked an eyebrow. “How’d they react after the big party my sister is still taking the heat for?”

  “It’s not a lie if it never gets told.”

  “Fine line.” He stepped closer until there wasn’t much air between us. “So you’re telling me if I ask you a question, you won’t lie.”

  “Or I won’t answer.” I swallowed and wanted to step back because this wasn’t good.

  “Where were you planning on taking me that day during orientation? You had something in mind.” He raised his eyebrows, but I wasn’t going to answer. “It’s not a lie if you don’t answer. Tell me this, would you have regretted whatever it was you planned?”

  “Not at that moment, but once I found out who you are then yes.” I forced myself back. “Hoes before bros and all that.”

  Aiden actually laughed. “I didn’t think anybody actually said that.”

  I shrugged, embarrassment burning under my skin. But bold me, not afraid of anything me, took a different direction. I closed the distance between us and rose on my toes until my lips were inches from his ear. “If I had taken you to my special hiding spot, you never would’ve forgotten it.”

  His hands curl around my hips. “No doubt.”

  “But you’re off-limits, Aiden,” I added. “Lily’s too important to me.”

  His chin grazed along my cheek. “Lily’s a non-issue, Miranda. She just wants the world to be happy. She wouldn’t say a word.”

  I pressed myself flush against his body. “Until she has to choose.”

  Aiden’s fingers dug into my hips. I stepped back, flushed from being so close. My skin shivered, but I couldn’t let what I wanted ruin the one real friendship I’d had.

  “Sorry,” I said, really meaning it. “I can’t.”

  “But you want to?” he asked softly. “It’s okay. I’m not a one-night guy, and I think that’s all you’d want to give me.”

  I didn’t answer him, and he knew it was true.

  “Fair enough. I’ll keep myself in check.” He strolled back to the driver’s door and stopped. “Just so you know, you’re gorgeous. And smart. And funny. Overall, Lily’s got good taste in friends.”

  I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling. “See you around, Aiden.”

  Then I walked to my car and drove to the party at the lake to drown myself in alcohol.

  Chapter Five

  My head swam, and I had no idea where I was. Cotton filled my mouth. My back ached from the hard ground under me. A heavy arm weighed me down at my waist.

  Shit.

  I forced my eyes open and glanced down. Thankfully my clothes were still on. I’d had enough of casual hookups, especially drunken ones. I hadn’t been with anybody except Eddie this year. My heart raced. That’s who the arm belonged to. Even if our clothes were on, Eddie was the only guy I’d cuddle with.

  But he wasn’t a cuddler.

  The morning sun was barely over the horizon, brightening the sky with streaks of yellow, orange, and white. I blinked several times and got my bearings. The lake. The party. The booze. I’d went to the last day of school party after helping Aiden with his car. I’d never left. I lifted my head and glanced around. The water lapped lazily against the shore. Somewhere out on the lake, a motorboat sped along, the engine purring. A few other people slept on blankets on t
he ground. Or passed out. Some were alone, some weren’t.

  “Hey, you two,” a way too perky voice said somewhere behind me. I rolled over to face my cuddler. Aiden tightened his grip on me, pulling me tighter against his bare skin. “I brought coffee.”

  Lily sat on the blanket as I pushed on Aiden’s chest. He stirred to life, his eyes snapping open. I knew then he felt the same shock I did. And the same hangover coming on.

  “What happened?” I asked as I sat up, taking the sweet caffeine from my friend. It burned my tongue as I gulped down the perfect blend of coffee, creamer, and sugar.

  “Well, you showed up, got drunk, started making out with Eli, got into a fight with his girlfriend, then drank more after you kicked her ass.” Lily grinned as if this was the best story ever. “Aiden showed up, and you challenged him to a drinking game. He lost. I took your keys, and you grabbed a blanket out of your car, then fell asleep. Aiden stayed with you while I went to sleep in your car. That’s pretty much everything.”

  I pressed a hand to my temple. “Remember how we talked about shortening the story? You could’ve just said we got drunk and passed out on the blanket.”

  “Yeah, but then you would’ve wondered why you were wearing a different shirt.” She sipped her coffee as I glanced down at the fake vintage Nirvana tee. “It’s Aiden’s by the way. You ripped yours when you got into it with Eli’s girlfriend. What’s her name? I can never remember.”

  “Trixi, and she’s his ex,” I said, automatically. “I don’t remember changing.”

  “Aiden helped while I kept watch.” She smiled at her brother. “He’s always ready to help.”

  “God, Lily, stop screaming. It’s echoing in my skull.” Aiden sat up and glanced at the shirt. “Why are you wearing my shirt?”

  “Apparently you tore mine off in a fit of passion, so I had to take yours.” I sipped more coffee, and my head cleared slightly. I wondered if he tried anything. Aiden seemed like a nice guy, but he was drunk and so was I. Images of last night flashed in my head too fast for me to grasp them. One that was clear was Aiden pulling his shirt over my head, his fingers grazing my skin. I shivered at the memory of that barely there touch. “You felt guilty and helped me put this on.”

  “Looks better on you,” he muttered, taking the coffee Lily handed him. “Mom and Dad?”

  “Think I’m at Randi’s house.” She raised her cup in salute. “I told them you went to see a friend in Kimberling City. So, make that up, okay?”

  He nodded and sipped his own drink. “Right on that.”

  “I texted your dad, Randi. Told him you were spending the night with me.” Lily’s eyes narrowed as she glanced over our heads. “I’ll be back.”

  Aiden laid back on the ground, his arm covering his eyes. “I haven’t had that much to drink since my freshman year.”

  I slapped his bare chest. “Learn to keep up, Aidy. You took off my shirt.”

  His mouth twitched into a smile. “I wish I could remember that.” He reached up with his other arm and tugged me back down. “Come here.”

  Even though it was a bad idea, I set my coffee down and curled up beside him. It felt nice, warm, safe. Without thinking, I kissed his pec. Aiden tightened his arm around me. I drifted back into a light sleep.

  “Who’s this Eli guy? And why does he get to kiss you and I don’t?” Aiden asked, pulling me out of the bridge to dreamland.

  The memory came back like flash cards. Eddie and his freshman by the fire, his arm around her. The way he looked at me as he pulled her close against him. I grabbed the nearest guy who just happened to be Eli. Would I have taken it further if Trixi hadn’t interrupted? Excellent question.

  “It didn’t mean anything,” I whispered. Aiden shivered as my breath slid over his chest. “It wasn’t even worth it.”

  He squeezed me closer and my hand landed on his abs. “I’d make it worth it.”

  I couldn’t respond to that without making it sound like I wanted to kiss him. And I wanted to, far more than I should.

  “Lily didn’t seem to upset to see us like this,” Aiden whispered. “Maybe she wouldn’t mind if we went out.”

  “When it falls apart, she’d have to choose.” My fingers spread over his stomach, and I had to stop myself from caressing his skin. He felt so nice lying next to me. My head fit perfectly in the crock of his arm. Without meaning to, I snuggled closer.

  “What if it doesn’t?” he asked with sleep filling his voice.

  “It will. For me, it always does.” I drifted again. This time he didn’t wake me.

  Chapter Six

  The next day was hectic. The only saving grace was the picture of Aiden dancing with me, followed by one of us snuggled together on the ground. I didn’t recognize the number, but it wasn’t hard to figure out who sent it. In the first pic, we were close together, my hands rested on his biceps and his on my hips. In the second one, my head was on his chest, and his arm was wrapped around me. I had to admit, we were cute together.

  I promised myself I wouldn’t text him, but it would’ve been rude of me not to respond.

  Aiden: hey

  I pressed my lips together when I saw it, and my stomach did a little flip that was not allowed.

  Me: Is that the best you can come up with? I thought you were a college boy.

  Aiden: I’m all man.

  Me: That’s just as lame. Do better, King.

  I downloaded both photos and added Aiden to my contacts. After waiting several minutes, I shoved my phone back into my pocket. It was almost ten after, and I was late. Dad wanted me at the theater to clean with Diane, his longtime housekeeping manager. She oversaw everything at the theater from dressing rooms to the lobby. Of course, he didn’t tell me that until I was pulling into the resort. Mountain View Theater was on the main drag of Branson while the resort sat on the edge of the lake.

  My phone vibrated against my butt as I hurried inside. Dad stood in the grand lobby, looking around like he’d never seen it before. The lobby was beautiful. The theater had once been an old movie theater in the golden age of Hollywood. It still had that gilded edge to it with gold and maroon. It was gorgeous in that way old things were. The newer, modern theaters were twice the size, but they lacked the intimacy of Mountain View. Maybe that’s why Carly fell in love with it.

  “You’re late,” he said not even looking at me.

  “I was at the resort, Dad.” Shaking my head, I walked toward the vacuum cleaner that was clearly set out for me. A bucket full of other supplies waited for me near the merchandise table. The t-shirts already hung on the wall behind it. This year’s act was a one-hit wonder 80s hair band On the Marx, with the lead singer of the same name. He was a bit vain. His image covered the shirts, and this wasn’t the original lineup of musicians. The band was only here until the Fourth of July when Carly and Gracin tied the knot. A different band was scheduled for the rest of the season. After last year’s disaster with Hank Walker, Dad needed sold out shows every night.

  “The way you drive, you should’ve been here on time.” He grinned slightly. Like he had room to talk. “How was the last day of school party? And don’t tell me you spent the night with Lily, although I’m sure she was there too.”

  “Pretty great,” I admitted as my phone vibrated again. It took all my power not to pull it out of my pocket to see the message. “And, in my defense, I didn’t lie to you. Lily sent the text. I was…”

  “Already drunk?” He shook his head, but he still wouldn’t look at me. “Please tell me there wasn’t anything else.”

  “No, I’m still clean.” My spiraling out of control included some illegal substances. I’d only done them for a few months, but that didn’t make quitting any easier. My short stint in the hospital plus therapy helped. “I’m not going down that rabbit hole again, Dad. It … it cost me enough.”

  He closed his eyes, relief clear on his face. His eyes opened and he stared at me. “It almost cost you everything, Miranda. But I’m glad to hear you have no d
esire to repeat past mistakes.” He clapped his hands together as if that ended the conversation. “This show’s going to put us back on track. We need the theater spotless for the guests. The band went through the set last night and sounded great. No indication of potential problems.”

  Dad carried a lot of guilt about last year’s disaster that almost sunk the theater. Hank Walker’s voice wasn’t what he used to be. Dad thought he should’ve heard it or the band members Hank had hired should’ve told him. Hindsight’s twenty-twenty. There was a lot from last summer I wished I’d seen clearer.

  “Well, I better get to work then,” I said reaching for the furniture polish. I pulled my AirPods out of my pocket and held them out in my palm. “Are you going to bust me for this?”

  Dad actually smiled. “Not today, munchkin.”

  My heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t called me munchkin in a very long time. I nodded and pulled out my phone to start some tunes. It also gave me the chance to check those text messages from Aiden.

  Aiden: Better?

  Aiden: Oh. You think I’m hitting on you? If I was hitting on you, I’d be man enough to do it in person.

  Aiden: And I’d say something sincere like you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. You make me smile just by being in the same room.

  I thumbed in a quick response with a blush burning my cheeks.

  Me: Good thing you’re not hitting on me then because nobody’s ever said that to me before. I’d be in a puddle at your feet.

  His response was instant.

  Aiden: Then every guy who you’ve hung out with before is a moron.

  I wanted to reply, but I didn’t know what to say to that. Pulling up my playlist, I opened my Twenty One Pilots playlist and put my earbuds in. “Oh, Miss Believer” started with that haunting, melodious voice. I hummed along, and the answer to Aiden’s last text came to me. I glanced around before opening my messages.

  Me: None of those guys have been off-limits. Hoes before bros.

  I put my phone in my back pocket and focused on my work. It wasn’t hard, just meticulous. After an hour, my phone switched to Machine Gun Kelly’s “Why Are You Here?” I danced as I vacuum the floor. The song reminded me too much of Eddie, but I loved the tone, the beat, the voice. I finished vacuuming and checked the time. My shift was over, and the lobby looked great. My phone vibrated three times. Shaking my head, I opened the messages again.