Let's Be Us Again : A Second Chance Love Story (Take a Vow Collection) by Maribelle McCrea

Author:Maribelle McCrea [McCrea, Maribelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-02-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Brian's foot tapped an impatient rhythm against the faded linoleum floor of his kitchen, a cup of black coffee, untouched and cooling, on the worn counter. His gaze was distant, fixed on the small cactus perched on the windowsill, but his mind was miles away, tangled up in thoughts of the former flame who had blown into town with a mission to rekindle what once was.

"Pathetic," Brian muttered under his breath, the word barely a whisper. He raked a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the image of Greg's smug face, but it clung to him like a shadow. Bridgette had assured him there was nothing left between her and Greg, yet the mere fact that he was here, breathing the same air, walking the same streets, made Brian's insides churn.

"Shouldn't be here," he said louder this time, as if voicing it would make it true.

His phone lay next to the coffee cup, tempting him with its silent promise of connection. He snatched it up, thumbs flying over the screen before he could second-guess himself. Information on Greg wasn't hard to find—the guy wasn't exactly shy about broadcasting his life. A few taps and Brian found a check-in at The Java Jolt downtown—the local coffee hub where freelancers and remote workers congregated like bees to honey.

"Figures," Brian scoffed, the bitterness in his tone surprising even himself. He couldn't sit still, not with the thought of Greg plotting to sweep Bridgette off her feet. It wasn't just jealousy fueling him; it was the need to protect, to shield her from any more heartache—even if it was from himself.

He grabbed his jacket off the back of a chair, sliding his arms into the familiar weight. The leather felt cool against his heated skin. Then he was out the door, the screen slamming behind him with a sense of finality.

The mid-morning sun did little to warm the chill that had settled deep within Brian's chest as he made his way through the bustling streets. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was making a mistake, yet he pushed forward, propelled by a force he couldn't quite name.

When The Java Jolt came into view, its windows steamed from the collective heat of coffee and conversation, Brian paused. He could see Greg through the glass, hunched over his laptop in the far corner, seemingly engrossed in his work. The sight of him was like a hook in Brian's gut, reeling in all the doubts and fears he'd been trying to ignore.

"Here goes nothing," he breathed, steeling himself before pushing open the door. The bell above jingled merrily, a stark contrast to the tumultuous storm brewing inside Brian. He weaved through the maze of tables, each step heavier than the last, until he stood over Greg, casting a long shadow across the wooden surface littered with papers and an empty coffee cup.

"Greg Moretti," Brian began, his voice steady despite the inner tremors. "We need to talk."

Brian stood there, a colossus of conflicted emotions, shadowing Greg Moretti with the weight of his presence.

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