Love's Second Chance (Second Chances #1)(7)
Jenna broke me out of the daze by grabbing my arm and pulling me around to face the man I had left years ago. The same man I had loved and hated to leave. “Kori, look who it is!” Jenna let me go and gave Galen an excited hug. “It’s so good to see you again, Galen!”
“Same to you Jenna,” he replied, although his focus was purely on me. Galen looked the same as he did before; only now more rugged, yet sophisticated. His spiky, ash-blond hair glistened in the soft, serene light of the room, and his eyes were the same majestic blue that would make anyone melt at first glance. They were so clear they looked almost magical, and for a moment there I was beginning to think that magic was swaying me in. Galen smiled, probably because I was staring, but for some reason I couldn’t seem to move much less think.
“Thank you for letting me come, Galen,” I stammered awkwardly. I didn’t know whether to hug him or hold out my hand, so I did the latter. He took my hand and instead of shaking it he just held it tenderly in his. For a moment there I forgot to breathe, and I basked in the pleasure of his touch.
“No thanks necessary. I’m glad you could come.” Still holding my hand, he looked over at his brother. “Can you believe it’s actually the first time I could get my brother to come to one of my parties?”
“You know, I couldn’t care less about these types of things,” Brady mocked while looking around the room, feigning boredom. I could tell he was lying by the glint in his eye. Brady was never one to not enjoy a good party.
“Brady, honey, why don’t we get something to eat,” Jenna insisted. She winked at me behind Galen’s back, and I narrowed my eyes at her, wondering what she was trying to do.
Glaring at Jenna, I pulled my hand gently from Galen’s clasp. I did not sign up for Jenna to play matchmaker with me. Even though Galen and I had a past, I didn’t think I was ready for anything like that yet. My hands went clammy and my heart felt like it was in my throat.
“But you already ate, Jenna,” I said with an edge to my tone. I knew she clearly understood what I meant by that tone, but she smiled and quickly peeked over at Galen before looking back to me.
“It’s okay,” Galen interrupted, looking at his brother and my traitorous friend. “I’ll keep her company. She’ll be safe with me.” For some reason I didn’t believe him. No part of my body was safe with Galen around.
He lightly grasped my elbow and led me to a secluded corner of the room, where we sat on a vacant sofa. “I’m so glad you came. Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.
I nodded while taking a sip of my champagne. “I am actually. It’s the first time I’ve been out in a while. You seem to be doing very well for yourself,” I pointed out, looking around the room.
Shrugging, he smiled. “I’m managing pretty well I guess.”
“I’m actually impressed with the setup you have here. I bet your employees love you! I mean, look at them,” I said, watching the crowd. “They seem happy, all smiling and laughing.” I paused because I was rambling, and Galen knew that rambling is what I do when I get nervous.
He laughed and took my hand. “Korinne, you don’t need to be nervous.” My face turned scarlet red in that moment, so I bowed my head and bit my lip to hide the embarrassment. Galen released my hand and settled it on my leg. His fingers brushed my thigh and it made everything inside of me burn hot. Shifting in the seat, I cleared my throat and moved over a little bit on the couch so I could have more space.
Meeting his steady, yet amused, gaze I found my voice to speak again, something to get my mind off of his touch. “How does it feel to be owner of one of the most sought out architectural firms in the United States?”
Galen shrugged. “When my dad died it was hard, but it was a learning process. I seem to be doing well I think.” He tilted his head to the side and studied me. “How about you? I’ve heard some amazing things about your talents. I believe I saw you in a couple of magazines, if I’m not mistaken.”
I grinned. “Yes, that was me. It feels like that was a long time ago.” We sat there in silence for a moment, and I hesitated before I spoke my next words. “You know, I always wondered if I would hear from you,” I said softly. Averting my gaze, I took a sip of the champagne. I would have loved to work for M&M, but given mine and Galen’s past, I knew it probably wouldn’t have been such a good idea. I didn’t think Carson would’ve liked it if I worked for a man I used to be in love with.
“I did,” Galen admitted.
Choking on my drink, I coughed a couple of times as his admission sunk in. “What do you mean? When ... how?” I sputtered.
Deep in thought, Galen rubbed his smoothly shaven chin and looked down at the floor. “If I’m not mistaken, it was about four months ago, but I was told you had taken a leave of absence. I’m assuming it was after your husband passed away.”
“That’s true,” I confessed sadly. “But who did you speak to? I never knew you called.”
“I believe it was your mother. I didn’t want to pry, so I left you be in hopes that one day you would get back to me,” he added.
“My life was a bit harder back then,” I stated. “I left Charlotte and moved to Charleston to stay with my family for a while.”
“Are you back in business now? We could always use your expertise,” he said while playfully nudging me in the side. I could tell he was trying to lighten the mood.