Unbreak Me (Second Chances #1)

by Heather D'Agostino

  “She grew up,” she sighed as she flopped back on the bed.

  After getting dressed, Melanie sat at the mirror curling her hair. She’d had it up in some fashion every time she’d seen Austin. She wanted to wear it down tonight. She was always told how the long copper tresses gleamed in the light. She put on light makeup, just enough to highlight her sparkling green eyes and naturally rosy cheeks. Smiling, she dabbed some pink lipstick on her full lips, and placed a small strand of pearls around her neck to finish the look.

  “Well, what do you think?” she turned in front of the full-length mirror so Katie could see the finished product.

  The skirt came to right above her knees, with a small flirty ruffled edge. She had paired the pink shell top with a pale pink cardigan, and her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders and down her back. Her high-heel black sandals made her appear taller than her five foot two frame.

  “You look great mom. I can’t wait to see his face when he sees you,” she smiled.

  One the other side of town, Austin had been busy calming himself all day. It’d been awhile since he’d been on a date...at least one that he wanted to go as perfectly as he’d planned this one out to be. It was true, women were always flirting with him, some more blatantly than others, but he always brushed them off. Tonight was different - Melanie was someone he wanted...no, needed...to get to know better. He was hoping to get a goodnight kiss at the end of the night, and maybe even a “yes” to a second date. He had already showered earlier and laid out his clothes, and now was currently trying to hold his hand still as he shaved.

  When he finished in the bathroom, he quickly walked into the bedroom and began dressing. He wasn’t too keen on the idea of wearing a suit. After all, he wore one to work almost every day. The only exception was when he needed to work at a job site. However, for a first date, he wanted to take Melanie somewhere that required a little more than jeans. After she’d told him that her favorite food was steak, he knew Park 76 was an absolute must for dinner.

  After patting his face with some after-shave, he emerged from the room to find Hannah sitting on the couch talking on the phone.

  “I’ll call you back in a few,” she hung up and looked up at him.

  “Well, how do I look?” he did the slow turn and grinned at her. He had on a pair of black dress slacks paired with a blue button down shirt. A black dinner jacket draped over his arm. He was smiling like a kid on Christmas.

  “Wow dad, you look great!” Hannah gushed. “Dr. Mel’s gonna go nuts when she sees you,” she added with a smile.

  “Dr. Mel?” Austin questioned.

  “That’s what she told me to call her. She said all her friends call her that, and any friend of Katie’s is a friend of hers, too.” Hannah stated matter-of-factly.

  He gave Hannah one final hug goodbye and headed out the door. As he drove to Melanie’s brownstone, he ran his plans over in his head one more time. Dinner and maybe a moonlit stroll afterwards. He figured he’d have to play it by ear and see how she was responding to him. He hummed happily to the music on the radio until finally he realized that he’d made it to his destination. Making one last glance in the rearview mirror, he jumped out of the truck and strolled up to the door.

  Melanie was just emerging from the bedroom when she heard the doorbell ring.

  “That’s him,” she told Katie.

  Katie rushed to answer the door, “Slow down sweetie,” Melanie scolded.

  Katie stopped in front of the door and stifled a giggle, “Who is it?”

  “Austin Montgomery,” she heard through the door.

  When the door opened, he saw a giggling Katie standing in front of him. She quickly moved to the side to reveal Melanie standing behind her. Austin stepped through the doorway, an appreciative smile adorning his face.

  “You look beautiful,” he complimented as he produced a single yellow rose from behind his back.

  “Why, thank you,” she blushed as she reached to take the rose from him. She held it up to her nose and closed her eyes as the sweet smell titillated her senses.

  Katie soon broke the tension. “Now you two kids have fun, and don’t stay out to late.”

  Melanie blushed an even darker shade of red and glared at Katie who just stood there biting her lip.

  “Shall we?” Austin held out his elbow for Melanie. She looped her arm through it and they made their way out to his truck. She smiled at him as he opened her door and helped her step in. She couldn’t help but notice a little bounce in his step as he made his way around to his side to get in. Once seated, he made a quick glance in her direction, offering a quick smile before starting the engine. Melanie smiled as she buckled her seatbelt and crossed her ankles.

  As Austin pulled away from the curb and began driving down the street, Melanie looked in his direction, really taking the time to observe him. His hair was damp as if he’d just showered before he came to get her. It looked so soft where it fringed over his collar in the back. She wondered how it would feel to run her fingers through it. She noticed he’d shaved also. The last several times she’d seen him he’d had a light stubble across his cheeks and chin, now it was silky smooth with an intoxicating scent of after-shave. It was a familiar smell, and she could swear that she knew it. It’d been too long though so she couldn’t be sure. Glancing in his direction one more time she worked up the courage to ask. “What kind of after-shave do you wear? It seems so familiar to me.”

  Austin grinned in satisfaction, “You like it huh?”

  “It’s nice,” she blushed and turned away for a moment.

  As she was looking out the window he murmured, “It’s Nautica White.”

  Melanie’s eyes began to well with tears. That was Sean’s favorite. That’s why it seemed so familiar. This had to be a sign.

  Austin noticed her shoulder tense and reached over to clasp her hand. He wasn’t sure how forward he should be with her. This was only their first date, and he didn’t want to scare her off. “Are you ok?” his voice was soft and caring.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” she wiped her eyes and took a calming breath. “I’m fine,” she repeated.

  Chapter 6

  Shortly after Melanie and Austin left on their date, Katie plopped down on the couch and began eating the dinner Melanie had left her. “Oh mom, you’re the best,” she sighed as she shoved noodles into her mouth. Chinese was Katie’s favorite and Melanie always picked it up whenever she had to work late or go out at night. It was the universal “I’m sorry” between them. Katie secretly looked forward to it, it was the only “junk food” that her mom permitted in the house.

  She flicked on the TV and began searching for something to watch just as her cell vibrated signaling a text. When she picked it up, it showed caller unknown. Huh, she thought. I wonder who this could be. She clicked to accept the text.

  Unknown number: What R U doing right now?

  Katie: Who is this?

  Unknown number: I bet you’re studying for that big Chem test, am I right?

  She giggled to herself, Oh Hannah you think you’re so funny.

  Katie: No, I’m watching TV. This isn’t funny, Hannah.

  The phone beeped almost immediately.

  Unknown Number: This isn’t Hannah, try again.

  Katie jumped up and ran to the laptop to see that Hannah was still logged on to her Skype account.

  The phone beeped again.

  Unknown number: Wanna let me in? I’m on your front steps.

  Katie whirled around and began flicking every light in the house on. She grabbed her phone in case she had to call the police, and made her way to the door, checking to make sure it was still locked. Shaking, she moved the curtain slightly to the side and peeked out the window.

  Upon seeing the lone figure on her steps, she gasped indignantly and flung open the door.

  “What are you doing here? You scared me half to death!” she screamed at him.

  “I figured you might want to study together. I’m d
oing pretty good in Chem class,” he turned toward her. “And it was a lot of fun playing around with you,” he chuckled.

  “Not funny Zach. I almost called the cops on you. How did you get my number?” she raised her brow.

  “Fancy detective work,” he smiled wickedly. “Now are you going to let me in, or do we have to study out here?” he pointed to the sidewalk.

  “I never said I’d study with you in the first place,” she retorted.

  He moved up the steps so that he was right in front of her. She was a step higher so that their faces were level. “You didn’t need to say yes, because I can tell by your body language that you want to.” He brushed a stray hair behind her ear and she shivered at the contact. He moved just close enough that she could feel his breath on her cheek, “I’m really good at Chemistry,” he whispered.

  Katie stepped back and swallowed the lump in her throat. “Ummmmm, what exactly are you implying Zach?”

  “Guess you’ll have to study with me to find out,” he reached to grasp her arms, but she moved back to let him in.

  “I’m actually eating dinner right now. I studied for the test earlier this afternoon. Hannah helped me,” she sighed as she followed him into the family room. “Zach you can’t stay here, my mom will have a fit.”

  “I’ll leave before she gets back,” he shrugged.

  “Uhhh ok, that’s not really what I meant. I’m not into breaking the rules and my mom is pretty lenient when it comes to me,” she knotted her fingers together.

  “Relax,” Zach flopped on the couch. “I’m not doing anything wrong. I thought we were friends?” he gave her the puppy dog eyes.

  “We are, but you can’t just show up like this. How about I meet you at the library tomorrow afternoon and we can study then?” she glanced at the door as if someone would come in any minute when she knew that it would be hours before her mom would be back from her date.

  “I’ve got news for you,” he rose and moved closer to her. “There’s nothing that I can do here that I wouldn’t do in the library either.” He reached once again to try and take her in his arms as he smirked, “I know you want me, and you know it too. You just need to give in and go on a date with me.”

  “I don’t think so,” she countered, placing a hand on his chest to halt his advance. “You want to be friends? Fine. That’s all you’re getting from me.” She walked to the door and opened it. “Now if you’ll excuse me I want to get back to my dinner.”

  Zach strutted over to the door and offered a wicked smile as he sauntered down the steps only looking over his shoulder once. “You’ll change your mind. You’ll see. Tomorrow, 3:00 at the library.”

  Katie closed the door and placed her back against it, slowly slipping to the floor. Zach was right she thought. I do like him. He not my type, he’s not my type she kept telling herself this over and over as she tried to convince her brain that she did not like him like that.

  ooooo

  Austin glanced several times at Melanie as they made their way to the restaurant. She was pensively staring out the window.

  “Rough day?” he asked.

  “A little,” she replied. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little distracted. Sometimes I have a hard time leaving work at work.”

  She smiled at him and noticed that he had missed the light turning green. He was so busy watching her that he was having a hard time paying attention.

  Moments later they parked and Austin helped her out of the car. Melanie jumped slightly when he placed his hand on her lower back to guide her to the door. A slight tingle coursed through her body. She shook it off and smiled at him. She liked how Austin took charge of the date without being overbearing. He held the door, pulled out her chair, made suggestions without ordering for her, and tried valiantly to keep the conversation moving. She found that it was turning out to be a more than pleasant night and she wasn’t looking forward to it ending like she had with so many other dates. Austin was charming and not at all bad to look at either. Katie had hit the nail on the head with the “face it mom, he’s hot” comment. She blushed at the memory.

  Austin glanced at her as he was paying the check and smiled as he saw the red of her cheeks. “It’s a nice night. Do you feel like taking a walk?”

  “Sure, that sounds nice,” she shyly nodded.

  He helped her up and guided her to the door. “We’ll leave the truck here and come and get it when we’re finished. There’s an entrance to the park right down the block,” he motioned down the street.

  “Ok, that sounds fine,” she nodded.

  As they walked down the street in silence, Melanie took in her surroundings. She’d walked the city of Boston many times in her life. After all, it was practically her backyard growing up. But, it seemed that she was looking at it with new eyes as she made her way through it with Austin. She looked up just in time to see a marquee advertising that the new opera house would be opening next week. Austin noticed her change in demeanor.

  “Do you like the opera?” he smiled at her.

  “Oh I love it,” she gushed. “I haven’t been in a long time,” she added, actually starry-eyed as she looked at the sign. Austin made a mental note to look up more info on the opera house in the near future. This would make a great second date he thought. He realized that the more he learned about this remarkable woman as he spent time with her, the more he liked about her.

  “Do you?” she brought him out of his reverie.

  “Do I what?” he cocked his head.

  “Like the opera?” she questioned.

  “Never been,” he shrugged. “Can’t say that I wouldn’t though,” he glanced at her. “What you like and don’t like has more to do with who is with you than the actual activity,” he smiled.

  She blushed, knowing that he meant by going with her, he might like it.

  He pointed to the far left, “Now Fenway Park, that’s more my activity.”

  She smiled, “What is it with men and sports?”

  “Like I said, it’s more about who you’re enjoying it with,” he reached over and clasped her hand in his interlacing their fingers. “Hannah and I try to catch as many games as we can. This year’s been a rough year for the Sox so, I can’t say that we’ve been to too many games.” he laughed. “Now that she’s older, she seems to be less interested in sports anyway. Playing soccer at St. Vincent’s is about all she wants to do other than hang out with Katie.”

  Once they had reached the park, he guided her through the front gates. There was a paved path that went around a small lake. Austin pointed to the path, “Wanna take this?”

  “Sure,” she glanced at him.

  By this time the sun had set and the sky was beginning to darken. There were stars dotting the sky and a slight breeze blew through the trees.

  “It’s so beautiful out here,” she mused. “You’d never know that beauty like this exists in such a busy city.”

  “No you wouldn’t,” he mumbled as he stared down at her.

  She glanced up at him and noticed that he wasn’t looking at the stars or their surroundings, but at her. She smiled slightly to herself as she wondered what he was thinking about. It had been so long since a man looked at her the way that he was at that moment. Sean would often get that dreamy look, but she felt like it’d been so long she wasn’t sure if she could still read a man’s thoughts the way she used to be able to. As another breeze blew through, Melanie shivered slightly. Austin happened to notice and removed his jacket.

  “Here,” he placed the jacket around her shoulders and rubbed up and down her arms. “Better?”

  She smiled, “Yes, thank you.”

  “No problem,” he placed his arm around her shoulders and the two continued walking.

  As she snuggled down into his jacket, she closed her eyes and reveled in the smell of his cologne. It smelled slightly spicy and woodsy, manly like him. She had been wrestling with her feelings all night. It felt like she was betraying Sean for having these feelings for another man, but at
the same time she knew that he would want her to be happy. She felt Austin bring them to a halt, and she opened her eyes. There was a small gazebo up ahead with couples dancing. A small band was set up in the gazebo with their instrument cases open to collect tips.

  Austin glanced down at her, “I’m not much of a dancer, but would you like to?”

  She smiled at him, “I’d love to.”

  Austin pulled her onto the grass near the group of people, and wrapped his arm around her waist as the words of Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up” floated through the air. As they began to lightly sway to the music, Melanie could feel the fire igniting in her in response to his touch. She tried to relax in his embrace and listen to the song, but her emotions and physical reactions to him were causing a major distraction. Her body trembled slightly as he pulled her close, placing their entwined hands over his heart. His eyes were slightly darker and haunting as they bore into hers. Ragged breaths escaped her lips in soft gasps as she fought for control. The slight brush of his trousers against her bare legs sent sparks rippling through her. What was he doing to her?