Seduced by Second Chances

by Reese Ryan

  “I don’t believe that for a minute. Look at what you’ve accomplished over the last fifteen years. I refuse to give my father credit for all of that.”

  “I’m not saying I would be in the same situation I was born into. I know I would’ve made something of my life, if for no other reason than I loved your sister and would’ve done anything to give her the life to which she was accustomed. But this...” He took another sip. “I suppose I should thank your father for proclaiming me unworthy of his daughter.”

  They stood together quietly, drinking champagne and watching the crowd move around them.

  Jessie set her empty champagne flute on a passing tray and rearranged the large flowing skirt of her beautiful designer dress. The ballroom gown took up so much space between them. But perhaps that was a good thing. It gave her room to breathe in a space where his close proximity and subtle masculine scent already seemed to overwhelm her.

  The band had set back up and started to play again. Couples were filing onto the dance floor.

  Gideon set his empty champagne flute on a nearby tray, then extended his large palm to her. “Care to dance?”

  Jessie’s gaze went from his offered hand to his incredibly handsome face and the dark, penetrating eyes that seemed to look right through her.

  She couldn’t speak. She nodded, placing her smaller hand in his, and followed him onto the crowded dance floor.

  * * *

  Gideon took Jessie in his arms and they swayed to the music in silence. He still found it hard to believe that the woman he was holding in his arms now was the same sweet, awkward girl with the big smile and beautiful spirit he’d once known.

  It’d been one thing to see Jessie in a video or on an album cover. But standing with her now felt surreal.

  It felt odd to be swaying with the beautiful woman she’d become and feeling such a deep attraction to her. And she was obviously still attracted to him.

  His relationship with Geneva had ended long ago and she’d certainly moved on. He saw no reason he and Jessie couldn’t explore their feelings.

  “I guess I should thank you for not outing me as the lout who broke your heart back then.” His lips grazed her ear as he leaned down and whispered the words in her ear.

  “You’re assuming you were the impetus for the song.” Her back tensed beneath his fingertips. “I never said that.”

  “True.” He nodded. “But I’ve been listening to the lyrics from that EP. It reminded me of conversations we’ve had.”

  “I write songs as a way to tell my story, not as a way to humiliate anyone else.” She met his gaze. “I’m not a fan of revenge songs. Mostly because the people who’ve become famous for them tend to have a thin skin when the tables are turned.”

  “I agree,” he said. “But I’m grateful just the same. I’d hate to become known as the cad that broke Jessie Humphrey’s heart. Especially since it’s the last thing I ever intended to do.”

  “I realize that now.” Jessie dropped her gaze.

  “What happened that day prompted you to become a songwriter. Just like your father’s harsh dismissal set me on my path.” He smiled faintly. “I guess there’s some truth to those clichés.”

  “Like when one door closes, another opens,” Jessie volunteered. “That was my grandmother’s favorite.”

  “Mine, too.” He smiled, thinking of the woman who’d meant so much to him. “We were destined to take separate paths, but I’m grateful they’ve crossed again.”

  “So am I.” Jessie’s eyes glistened with emotion as they danced beneath the stars.

  He held her closer and she laid her head on his chest as they moved together.

  She smelled like a field of flowers in spring and it felt good to hold her body against his. The attraction he’d felt for Jessie when he’d first seen her yesterday afternoon had only grown stronger.

  He was glad they’d cleared the air. Perhaps they’d laid the foundation upon which they could rebuild their friendship. But as he held her in his arms, it was impossible to deny that he wanted more than just friendship with Jessie. If they could manage it without damaging this fragile thing they were rebuilding.

  There was something about this beautiful young woman with an old soul who touched people’s hearts. He wanted more than just a night or two with Jessie. But he had no reason to believe she wanted the same.

  * * *

  Jessie was thrilled Gideon was happy about their unplanned reunion.

  She certainly hadn’t felt that way initially. A feeling that was compounded by his inquiry about their family, in what she’d suspected was a sly bid for information about her sister.

  But nothing about their conversations since made her believe Gideon was angling for a chance to renew his relationship with Geneva. So perhaps she’d been wrong. Especially since his reaction to her yesterday and tonight made it clear he was attracted to her.

  She’d concentrated so much of her energy on her anger toward Gideon. But once that raw, jagged emotion dissipated, her heart was filled with the warmth and affection she’d once had for him.

  Jessie had been thinking of him since their encounter in the gym that morning.

  How would Gideon react if she kissed him tonight?

  She was no longer a teenage girl crushing on her older sister’s ex. She was a grown woman fully capable of entering into a consensual fling.

  And that’s all it would be.

  Gideon had his life in Seattle. She had hers back in New York. But the desire to be with him burned strong. He was still the man she compared every other man to in the back of her head.

  “You told me that Geneva is married, but you didn’t tell me anything about yourself. Is there a special guy waiting for you back home?”

  “No.” Jessie’s spine tingled, hope filling her chest. “What about you? Is there a Mrs. Gideon Johns?”

  Gideon laughed, as if it were a ridiculous question. “No,” he said finally. “Maybe that’s because I’ve been so focused on chasing the next deal.”

  “With all the success you’ve had, I’m surprised you’re not thinking of retiring to some tropical island. Maybe starting a family. And you’ve never been married.”

  Jessie wanted to take back those last words as soon as she’d uttered them.

  “So you’ve been checking up on me?” Gideon grinned.

  “Only after we talked in the gym this morning. And I might have a financial magazine or two at home with your face on them.”

  “Somehow it makes me feel better that, even when you were angry with me, some part of you still cared enough to wonder what was going on in my life. I’ve always wondered about yours.”

  “And Geneva’s,” she said. It wasn’t a question. He’d known her sister had lived in Switzerland. His information just hadn’t been up to date.

  “And Geneva,” he repeated the words. “There was a time ten years ago, after I’d made my first million in real estate, that I wondered if there wasn’t still a chance for us. I considered calling her up.”

  “Did you?” Jessie stared at him intensely.

  “No. I flew to Zurich instead, planning to surprise her and sweep her off her feet.”

  A knot tightened in Jessie’s stomach. “What happened?”

  “I went to see her with a big bouquet of flowers in hand. But as I approached her flat I saw her with someone else. It was obvious he’d spent the night and she was seeing him off. I felt foolish for making the trip. For assuming that she’d want me.”

  “So you never really got over her. Is that why you never married? Because you were holding out hope that you and Geneva would eventually get back together?”

  “No.” The denial wasn’t nearly as convincing as his earlier one. “We were never meant to be. I’ve made peace with that.”

  Jessie’s gaze snapped to his. “What if Geneva weren’t marri
ed?”

  “She is.”

  “What if she weren’t?” Jessie insisted.

  “What I felt for Geneva...that was a long time ago. Truthfully, your sister was right. We wanted different things in life, even then.”

  Jessie gnawed on her lower lip in silence as she stared at the handsome man who held her in his arms.

  What if she could finally trade her fantasies and what-ifs for a night in Gideon’s arms? In his bed?

  It was a thought that had consumed her all afternoon. But if Gideon still had a thing for Geneva, she’d be setting herself up for heartache, despite her intention to walk away at the end of their weekend.

  Besides, she’d spent one evening with Gideon and she was already allowing his presence to distract her from her focus. She was here to convince Chase and Dixon to work on her project. But she’d spent the entire night drowning in Gideon’s eyes and fawning over him.

  “Thank you for the dance, Gideon. I should mingle with some of the other guests.” She pulled out of his embrace. “And I need to check with Teresa to see if Chase or Dixon has arrived.”

  “Of course.” He nodded, shoving a hand in his pocket. “I won’t be able to make it for breakfast tomorrow morning due to an important business meeting. Maybe we could have a nightcap later?”

  Jessie wanted to accept his offer. To whisper in his ear exactly what she’d imagined so many times. But it would be a mistake. When he learned that Geneva would soon be free, he’d choose her instead.

  “It’s been a long day and I’m still jet-lagged. Another time maybe?”

  “Sure.” Gideon smiled, but his eyes revealed his disappointment. He kissed her cheek. “Good night, Jess.”

  She made her way to the other side of the covered patio, away from Gideon Johns.

  Fifteen

  Gideon watched Matt’s reaction as the man surveyed the prospectus that Landon had put together for him on the Dubai deal. After trying to meet with Matt twice already this weekend, he’d arranged for them to have room service breakfast at his private cottage.

  It was the best way for Gideon to minimize the interruptions as he tried to finalize Matt’s participation in the deal.

  “How much do you have on the line on this one?” Matt asked calmly as he sipped his coffee.

  “Everything.” Even Gideon was taken aback by his frank response.

  He wasn’t one to rely on a pitiful song and dance in order to get investors on board. Not even when the potential investor happened to be a friend.

  “Not monetarily, of course,” Gideon added when Matt regarded him skeptically. “But my reputation and the future of my company are riding on this deal. I won’t lie to you, Matt. A couple of major investors pulled out recently. Not because of anything having to do with the deal itself. This deal is solid. We’ve done our homework on this and expect to see one of our greatest returns to date.”

  “Then why’d those two investors pull out of the deal?” Matt folded his arms, his brows knitted.

  “Both men were spooked by volatilities in their industry. Teaches me a lesson going forward. Don’t rely too heavily on investors from a single business sector. If market changes negatively impact that industry, the deal could go under.”

  “Makes sense.” Matt nodded. “But I’m looking to invest ten million max in this deal. How do you plan to make up the shortfall?”

  “Landon and I have been working the phones tirelessly for the past two weeks. We’ve secured most of the required funding for this deal. Once you’re on board, I’ll just need a few additional investments.”

  “And?” Matt looked up from cutting into his omelet.

  “I’ve got phone meetings lined up for those this afternoon.” Gideon took a bite of his crepe. He spoke calmly.

  No pressure.

  Despite the fact that he needed Matt’s investment in order to complete this deal, his friend wouldn’t be making this commitment as some favor to him. It was an excellent opportunity for Richmond Industries to make an awful lot of money. That’s what he’d focused on during his presentation to Matt. The solid return this deal offered with a relatively quick turnaround.

  Matt picked up the prospectus and thumbed through it again in silence. Gideon didn’t interrupt. He just kept eating his crepe and drinking his orange juice. As if all of this were no big deal.

  “Okay.” Matt put the folder down and looked squarely at Gideon. “I’m in. Send the paperwork to my office. Our attorneys will review it and then we’ll cut you a check. Anything else I need to do?”

  “No. We’ll make this as convenient for you as we can,” Gideon said nonchalantly. “The paper work will be waiting for you when you return to Seattle.”

  Matt shook his hand. “I look forward to finally doing business with you. It’s been a long time coming.”

  “It has.” Gideon kept his voice even, despite wanting to do a victory dance worthy of an end zone. “Welcome aboard.”

  “Speaking of something being a long time coming, it seems that your reunion with Jessie Humphrey was worth the wait.” Matt took the final bite of his omelet.

  “It’s been great seeing her again. We were able to clear the air. Hopefully we’ll rebuild our friendship.”

  “Friendship?” Matt’s eyebrows drew together. “I saw how you were looking at her. Seemed like more than friendship to me. A couple of guys asked if you two were an item. They were hoping to ask her out.”

  “Who wanted to ask her out?” A knot formed in his gut and his hands clenched into fists.

  “See, that face right there—” Matt laughed as he pointed to him “—that’s definitely jealousy. You want to tell me again how she’s just a friend?”

  Gideon cut another piece of his crepe without responding. No need to add fuel to the fire. Matt was already enjoying this way too much.

  “It’s more serious than I thought.” Matt finished his coffee. “You usually have a much better poker face. I should know. I’ve lost to you enough times because of it. Does Jessie know?”

  “Does she know what?” Gideon tried not to be irritated with his friend. After all, the man had probably just saved his Dubai deal. “That I want to be friends again?”

  “That you see her as more than a friend or a weekend hookup. I’ve seen you with both. Neither has ever produced anything nearly as intense as the vibe you’re giving off right now or the aura surrounding you two on the dance floor last night.”

  “Vibes? Auras? Really, Matt?” Gideon teased his friend. “Next you’ll be telling me the stars aligned to bring us together this weekend.”

  “Sounds more like something Nadia would say than me, but I can’t disagree. Maybe this was the whole point of that disastrous mudslide at the original event. If that’s the case, I’ve got a pretty hefty bill I’d like to send you.” Matt climbed to his feet.

  “Ha, ha, ha.” Gideon stood, too. “You’re a regular comedian.”

  “Nope. I’m just a guy in love who recognizes it when I see it in another guy. Especially one who still has no clue that he’s already in over his head.” Matt smiled broadly. “I have to prepare for my presentation with Liam later this morning. So I’d better go. Thanks for breakfast and for bringing me in on this deal. I’m excited about it.”

  “One more thing.” Gideon drew in a deep breath, knowing he shouldn’t ask but unable to stop himself. “The two music producers who are here—”

  “Dixon Benedict and Chase Stratton. What about them?” Matt frowned. “Looking for more investors?”

  “No, it’s nothing like that. Do you think you’d be able to arrange a meeting with the two of them?”

  Matt smirked knowingly. “You mean do I think I could secure a meeting for Jessie with the two of them?”

  If he wanted to prove to Matt that he wasn’t into Jessie he was doing a shit job of it. “Yeah.”

  “
I’ll see what I can do.” Matt shook his hand again and left.

  Gideon was as disturbed by Matt’s observation about him and Jessie as he was excited to tell Landon they were close to finishing the deal.

  Jessie was smart and beautiful and she made him laugh. Of course he was interested in her. He’d thought a lot about what would happen if she tried to kiss him again.

  This time, he wouldn’t stop her.

  The image of Jess lying in his bed beneath him had kept him up, tossing and turning, all night.

  Gideon grabbed his phone off the coffee table and dialed Landon. He would focus on the business at hand and let things with Jessie take their natural course.

  Whatever that might be.

  * * *

  Jessie sat at the piano playing one of the songs she’d written for her new album. She was still tweaking the key in which she should sing it.

  Teresa had confirmed that both Chase Stratton and Dixon Benedict had arrived at The Goblet the previous evening. She didn’t think either of them had been there for Jessie’s performance. But Teresa expected both men to be at the gala that evening and had promised to get them a table in front of the stage.

  Jessie needed to deliver the performance of her life and impress both men. And she needed to stay laser-focused on her primary reason for taking this gig: securing the funding and ideal producers for her independent album.

  She’d chosen to bet on herself, rather than accept a soul-sucking record deal. Or trade her integrity for the deal she wanted. Everything was riding on this project.

  She wanted to create a collection of songs that would become part of the soundtrack of people’s lives. If she succeeded, labels would be knocking down the door to offer her a deal. And she would establish her right to retain creative freedom on future projects.

  The album needed to be brilliant enough to receive critical nods and outsell her last album, despite limited distribution. It was a skyscraper-tall order. But big-name producers like Chase and Dixon could help her get wider distribution than she could on her own, even with her past success.