Begin Again: A Stay Novella

by Jennifer Probst

  He ignored the ache in his chest and nodded. “Is she coming in today?” he asked casually.

  “She’s at a site visit this morning. Oh, is that the new delivery?” Vivian headed to Chloe’s desk and smelled the roses. “Seems like Captain America finally captured her. So damn romantic, but Lord knows that girl deserves her happy ever after. Plus, Drew’s working on a large funding for us which we desperately need. Guess it’s a win/win.”

  “They’re serious, huh?” he asked.

  Vivian laughed. “Hope so. They’re perfect for each other. Better get to work, I’ll see you later.”

  She left and he spent the next few hours on some other cases the Animal Defense Fund needed his help on. By the time he reached the courthouse, it was past lunch and he’d managed to numb his emotions. He greeted Mario, a savvy lawyer who worked for one of the larger firms focused on animal rights. The firm was making a name for itself in the community, and Mario was one of the good guys. His tall, dark good looks only added to his lethalness in the courtroom. “Owen, good to see you, man. You’re working on Spagarelli, right?”

  “Yes, we’re on the docket for next month. Been wanting to reach out to set up a lunch date.”

  “Funny you should mention that. Your name’s been floating around my office lately as a potential recruit.”

  Owen looked at him with surprise. “Didn’t think you were expanding.”

  “Only for the right people. You’ve done great things with the Animal Defense Fund. We need another decent lawyer on our team. Interested?”

  He hesitated. Working for a not-for-profit didn’t pay as well as the private firms, but he was also loyal to the organization that had taken him in and allowed him to learn the law as an intern. “I’m pretty happy where I’m at.”

  Mario laughed. “At least hear our pitch. I know the amount of hours you work isn’t comparable to the paycheck, and there’s little growth. You can be doing some big things with us.”

  The idea intrigued him. He shifted his briefcase and nodded. “Let’s talk.”

  Mario bumped his shoulder. “Good. We don’t even mind the scandal. I see you’ve been busy since you hit our city. You work fast, man.”

  He cocked his head, confused. “What are you talking about?”

  Mario lifted a dark brow. “Page Six, man. You’re splashed all over the paper today. A love triangle with the governor’s daughter is pretty juicy. Don’t tell me you didn’t know.”

  His blood chilled. A sense of foreboding washed over him, but he pushed himself to ask. “You have a copy?”

  “Sure, my girlfriend was gushing about how romantic it all was this morning. Here you go, keep it. I better head in. I’ll call you for lunch.”

  Owen nodded, his hands slightly trembling as he flicked open the page.

  GOVERNOR’S DAUGHTER CAUGHT IN LOVE TRIANGLE! WHICH MAN WILL STEAL HER HEART FOREVER?

  He stared at the two pictures side by side. The first was a shot of them dancing together on the rooftop. Someone must’ve taken the photo from their phone—it was a bit grainy but the way he stared down at Chloe, holding her tight, clearly showed he was interested in more than business. The way she clutched him close and pressed her face into his shoulder gave off romantic vibes.

  The second picture slammed him like a sucker punch. Drew was kissing Chloe, her face upturned as she leaned against the car door, snug against him. He stared at it for a long time as his insides slowly broke apart and the realization finally trickled through him.

  He was too late.

  She was falling for her perfect superhero. Owen couldn’t compete with the ideal of who he’d always believed she was meant to be with. The familiar demons whispered in his ear, reminding him it was best to bow out and leave her to be happy.

  He crumpled the paper in his hand and walked into the courtroom, trying to decide what he was going to do.

  * * * *

  Dear God.

  She’d made Page Six.

  Chloe sat at her desk with the door closed. The roses mocked her with their mysterious message, the cloying scent filling her nostrils. Drew had deliberately left off an envelope. Why was he suddenly playing these games?

  The photographs stared up at her in mockery. She was trapped in a nightmare. Sure, she’d made the papers and gossip columns before, but none had been so evidently gleeful of splashing her personal life for the world to see. Her private struggle was now public. Even worse? Advocates for Animals was dragged into the mess because of Owen.

  Owen.

  What would he think? He had no idea she’d broken up with Drew Friday night. How many times had she dreamed up a revenge to hurt him back, and now all she wanted to do was run and explain. A wave of dizziness hit and she groaned, trying to decide her next step. Already, her phone was blowing up with texts and emails, as more news outlets ran the story in the hunt for gossipy pieces. She had to get ahead of it somehow, by either making a statement, or going into hiding until things blew over.

  On cue, her phone blasted the familiar words from Darth Vader.

  This is your father.

  She closed her eyes halfway and hit the button. “Hi, Dad.”

  “Did you see Page Six?”

  She sighed. “Yep. Now’s not a good time to talk. Can I call you later?”

  “No. What’s going on? Why are you dancing with Owen Salt? Are you involved in a love triangle?”

  “No, Dad! Ugh, I went with Owen to a business thing and we danced. Then I had a date with Drew the next night and the paparazzi caught us leaving dinner.”

  “Oh, okay. So you’re happily with Drew and they’re just dredging up dirt to exploit. I got your back, honey. I’ll have Alyssa begin putting out fires and drop hints that you and Drew are the real thing. How’s he taking it?”

  “I broke up with Drew that night. We’re not together any longer.”

  A few beats of silence passed. “Is this because of Owen Salt?”

  “No. And stop saying his full name like you’re about to call a hit on him. Owen made things more complicated, but Drew wasn’t the man for me, Dad. I can’t explain it—we’re just two different people and I didn’t want to lead him on. It’s for the best.”

  Her father spoke carefully, as if picking his way through mine field bombs. “Honey, I know this thing blew up for you, but I really think you’re letting the past with Owen affect you. I didn’t want to tell you this, but Drew texted me this week. He’s a really great guy. Told me he wanted to be respectful and that his feelings for you are strong, and he was thinking of moving toward a committed relationship. He mentioned marriage.”

  “What!”

  “I know it’s a short time, but maybe you got spooked? Love is scary, especially the right kind. Drew is a grown-up. Owen always struck me as a kid looking for some fun. He’s not the type of man you settle down for.”

  Temper shot through her. “Dad, I’m done with this conversation. Knowing Drew texted you makes me even happier I broke up with him. I may respect you, but this is my life and my decision. You never wanted to get to really know Owen because you kept reminding me it was a first love. Mom was your first. How would you have felt if your feelings were discounted just because of your age?”

  A hard breath exhaled over the phone. “This is different.”

  “No, it’s not. I’ll handle it my own way.”

  “Fine. I’m calling for another reason. We need to go to the farm this weekend. Mia invited us up for Evelyn’s first birthday party. We can talk, and have some family time away from the madness. God knows I need it, too.”

  The idea of quiet solace at her favorite place settled her down. “I forgot her birthday’s this weekend! Mia mentioned it a while ago. Of course I’ll be there.”

  “Good. Something tells me you need an intervention.”

  “Dad!”

  “Fine, sorry. Are you okay? Can I do anything?”

  Her tone softened. Her father was overbearing at times, but she knew it was because he loved h
er and felt protective, especially after all the ups and downs they’d gone through in their relationship. “No. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  “Love you.”

  “Love you, too.” She hung up and glanced at Owen’s empty desk. Was he coming in today? She wanted a chance to talk to him honestly, but another part of her just wanted to hide. Unfortunately, being the governor’s daughter in NYC didn’t allow her much privacy. Reporters would be stalking her for comments the next few days. Better for her to stay buried in the office and focus on work.

  The door burst open. Vivian walked in and stopped before her desk. Dark eyes wide in her face, she stabbed a finger in the air. “Are you sleeping with Owen Salt?”

  Chloe groaned. “What is up with everyone using his first and last name?”

  “Answer me, girlfriend. I just saw the papers and Owen said nothing to me this morning. What’s going on with you two?”

  “I’m in a mess, Viv. I never told you I knew Owen before. We were each other’s first love.”

  Vivian dragged over the other desk chair and plopped herself down. “Start from the beginning. Tell me everything.”

  She did. Her friend listened without interruption, nodding occasionally until Chloe finished with breaking it off with Drew. Viv jerked her head toward the flowers. “So that move was to piss off Owen, I’m assuming?”

  “Probably. Makes it sounds like we spent the night together. Drew said he wanted to give me some time, but I already know how I feel. Do you believe he texted my father?”

  Vivian rolled her eyes. “Definitely not a Captain America type of move. I can’t believe you kept all this so tight. Hell, I can’t believe out of all the lawyers in all the world, we picked Owen. Kind of like—”

  “Fate?” she finished.

  “Yep. What are you going to do?”

  “I need to talk to Owen. Tell him what’s going on.”

  “But what do you want, Chloe? Another chance? Do you want to try again with him?”

  She sighed. “I’m drawn to him in a way I’ve never experienced before. And it’s just as powerful as when we were young. But I don’t know if it’s too late for us to pick up all the pieces and begin again.”

  Vivian nodded. “I hear you. I guess you have to figure it out. Owen’s in court so he won’t be back today.”

  “Maybe it’s for the best. He’d probably get stalked by reporters around here. I’m sorry, Viv. I never meant to drag everyone into this mess. I hope it doesn’t affect any of our donors or staff.”

  Vivian rose from the chair and laughed. “Are you kidding? Nothing like a good love triangle to get the animals some positive press. Don’t worry, we can all handle it. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “Thanks.”

  She watched her friend leave, then began sorting through the mess on her desk and blowing up her phone. She’d hole up in her office and get lunch and dinner delivered.

  And eventually, talk to Owen.

  Chapter Ten

  Owen had just opened up a cold beer and checked his phone again to see if Chloe had reached out yet.

  Still nothing.

  It had been a day from hell, and all he could think about was how she’d probably made her decision to be with Drew.

  The buzzer cut into his thoughts and startled him. Maybe she’d come to see him? He hit the intercom. “Yes?”

  “Drew Dinkle to see you, sir,” the doorman informed.

  He jerked back. What the hell? Why was Drew tracking him down? To rub in his victory? Anger flicked at his nerves. He thought of going downstairs to meet him, but figured it would be best to keep the conversation private. “Send him up.”

  Drew entered his apartment dressed in a tailored, sleek black suit and pink shirt. He smelled of beachy, expensive cologne. His jaw was freshly shaven and perfectly squared. He gazed back at Owen with a cool, clipped disapproval, taking in his sparsely decorated apartment and his worn-out sweats and T-shirt.

  “I wanted to talk to you,” he said, posture perfectly straight. “About Chloe.”

  “I figured that’d be the subject.” Owen regarded him with a touch of wariness, though he made sure to keep it off his face. “What’s up?”

  “A few things. First, I came here to ask you man to man to back off. Chloe and I are falling in love. She doesn’t need your little games messing with her head.”

  He arched a brow. Had something else happened between them? This didn’t sound like a confident man showing off. “I’m not here to play any type of games. I’ve been honest with Chloe about what I want, and that’s between the two of us. There’s no ring on her finger,” he said mildly.

  Drew narrowed his gaze. “There will be soon. Let me be direct. You left her once, and deep down, no matter what you do, she’ll never trust you again. Women don’t let themselves get invested in true second chances with the assholes who dump them. It’s textbook.”

  The words pushed at his own doubts. Could she ever truly forgive him and risk her heart again? “I didn’t realize you were a romance expert.”

  “I intend to marry her. We also know she’s passionate about her work. My foundation was about to give Advocates for Animals a sizable donation. Do you really want to be the reason her organization doesn’t receive it?”

  Shock barreled through him. Was this guy for real? “Are you telling me you’d pull the funds just to get back at me? You’d want to hurt Chloe for a little revenge?”

  “Of course not. I’m trying to protect her, and giving you incentive to leave her alone is the only way to do that.”

  “And if I told her what you were trying to do?” he challenged, temper curling inside him.

  Drew shrugged. “I’d deny it. She wouldn’t believe you, anyway. You’ll never be enough for her, Salt. Look at you. You’re still wet behind the ears and no match for the governor’s daughter. Jonathan and I are close and will work well together. You have no money and working at a not-for-profit will never be able to support both of you. Chloe deserves to be pampered in style. What do you have to offer her?”

  “How about love?”

  Drew smirked. “I can offer her that, along with everything else. She’d live like a queen and have an entire foundation to run and help any rescue she wants. Love alone is for naïve teenagers. The real world rewards couples who want to settle down and have a future. To grow into more together. You already gave her your best, and it will never be enough.”

  In some respect, Owen knew the man was playing a game of words, trying to intimidate like a ruthless business shark intent on closing a deal. As much as he recognized the tactics, the truth hit him full force, barreling into him like a missile shattering his confident façade. Because inside, he still wondered the same exact thing.

  Would he ever be enough for Chloe Lake?

  “Just back off and leave Chloe alone. It’ll be best for everyone involved. I know a lot of people, Salt. I can make things uncomfortable for you here. Besides, you can never truly satisfy her—in bed, or out.”

  He turned to leave. Drew’s words had been chosen to target his weak points, as if the man knew Owen had spent his life trying to be worthy of being the man Chloe Lake loved.

  But no longer.

  The ego behind Drew’s statement revealed a man who loved himself, not Chloe. He wasn’t better than Owen just because he had power and money and Jonathan’s ear. Because no other man would ever be able to give Chloe what she truly wanted and needed.

  Love. Trust. Companionship. Respect.

  All the things she deserved.

  All the things Drew Dinkle knew nothing about.

  Owen used his voice like a whiplash. “You’re wrong, dude. On every level.”

  Drew glanced over, giving him a scathing glare. “Oh, really?”

  “Yeah, really. Because you showed your hand the moment you tried to sacrifice the grant in defense of your so-called love for her. You’d be the one to break Chloe’s heart, with your selfishness and ego. I’m not going anywhere. B
ecause she deserves better than you.”

  The man’s lips curled back in a sneer. “Then you’ll be very, very sorry.”

  He shut the door behind him.

  Owen cursed under his breath. What an asshole. That dialogue ran deeper than a man trying to protect his relationship. That was almost primitive, as if he was trying to desperately get back something he lost.

  Maybe it was time to figure out what was really going on.

  He grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

  Half an hour later, he gazed up at her building and hesitated. Somehow, he’d known he was headed here the entire time.

  Owen typed the text and hit send.

  I’m outside. Want to talk?

  He didn’t have to wait long for the answer. Yes. Come up.

  She was waiting for him at the door. She wore frayed jean shorts and a purple T-shirt that proclaimed, I Just Want to Rescue Dogs and Drink Wine. Hair up in a messy bun, feet bare, her face free of makeup, she was simply the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Owen stepped inside, glancing around the warm, cozy space that smelled of all the good things he loved. Freshly cut grass baked in sunshine with a burst of citrus—clean and joyful and pure.

  His gaze swept over the room. It was small, as most New York City apartments were, but completely functional. The yellow floral chair and loveseat created a square corner by the TV and bookcase, making it an intimate reading corner. The walls were a pale lemon yellow, and fluffy white rugs were scattered over the wooden floors. She’d always been casually messy, preferring a more relaxed environment, with blankets, knick-knacks, folders, and endless candles set out. The kitchen was a small galley with two pine chairs and table. A bunch of colorful blooms popped out from a yellow mug with a happy face.

  Wildflowers.

  She hadn’t brought the roses home.

  Chloe stood in front of him, arms tucked into her elbows, rocking back on her bare heels. He ached to take her into his arms and just hold her. An anxious frown marred her brow. “Did you see any paparazzi out front?”