Begin Again - Jennifer Probst Page 0,34
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?”
He shook his head. “I looked before I approached your place.” He paused. “Drew came to see me tonight.”
Her eyes widened in shock. “What? Oh, my, God, what was he doing there?”
Owen shifted his weight and glanced toward the kitchen. “Long story. Got any beer?”
“Sure.” He waited while she retrieved a beer, cracked it open, and handed it over. Their fingers brushed and brought a current of heat around the chilled bottle. She yanked her hand back, then shook her head. “I’m assuming you saw Page Six.”
He moved deeper into the room and eased closer to her. “I did.”
“I’m sorry you got dragged into this,” she finally said. “I’m sure the last thing you need are cameras following you around because of me.”
“I’m not sorry. It’s part of your life in the spotlight. And that dance was special. Reminded me of all the good things between us.”
“Oh.” She seemed caught off guard, her fists clenching and unclenching in her normal nervous tell. “What did Drew say?”
He kept his gaze steady and glued to hers. “Let’s just say he was clear in his intentions for me to stay away from you.”
“I don’t like being fought over like a bone,” she said with a touch of bitterness.
He arched a brow and took a huge gamble. “It wasn’t like that. I think he genuinely believes he’s better for you. That he can give you the things I can’t. He’s got money, a powerful foundation that can do a lot of good for animal rescue, and your father’s approval. He’s self-made, so he obviously has ambition. And he recognized you for your worth.”
Her anger was a beautiful thing to watch, like a frothy cocktail ready to splash over the edges of a glass. She practically growled her words, eyes snapping blue fire. “Wonderful, then it’s settled. I guess Drew wins. He checks all the boxes, and you’ll surrender me to him gracefully. You always were a gentleman, Owen.”
His lips quirked. The fact she was pissed gave him hope. She wasn’t in love with Drew. If so, she’d be defending him and pushing Owen away. As bad as she might want to have Drew be the one, it wasn’t working. Thank God, because the man was an asshole. “You don’t understand, Chloe. I concur his points are reasonable and may be true, but it means nothing to me. I’m not stepping politely away because I think he’s better than me. That’s my point—it’s the exact reason I needed to leave four years ago. The Drews in the world would have beaten me every time. I didn’t believe in myself back then. But now?” He leaned in, catching her scent, the air practically crackling around them. “Let’s just say I’ll go to the mattresses for you, babe. I’m the man for you because no one can love you the way I can. Not even perfect Drew.”
Her mouth made a little o. It took all his willpower not to move in and capture her lips, kiss her hard and deep, forcing her to confront her true feelings. Instead, he fisted his own hands and stayed still.
A broken sigh escaped her. Confusion along with a longing she couldn’t