Begin Again - Jennifer Probst Page 0,5

into her life and throw it into ruins. She had everything she’d worked for: a great job with meaning, emotional stability, a close relationship with her father, friends, and the possibility of love one day. Owen’s presence hurt, but maybe it’d been the shock of seeing him when she wasn’t prepared. Now her defenses would be up and instilled. She’d keep her focus on the case. Her life didn’t have to change at all—this was just a small bump in the road. If she channeled her mother’s beliefs, maybe he’d been sent to finally lock the door of her heart and allow her freedom.

Maybe it was time to truly put her first love behind her. For good.

She placed the stress ball back in its place. Owen was here for work, plain and simple. He’d help with the case and then move on. New York was a big city so even if he lived here, it should be easy enough to avoid him. She refused to allow him to make her uncomfortable when he was the one who’d left. Chloe would treat him with professional respect and remain politely distant so he didn’t get any ideas. She’d channel all of her political training to keep herself safe, yet pleasant enough to do her job.

Satisfied with her empowering thoughts, she got back to work.

Chapter Three

Owen watched her from his corner. She was a master multi-tasker, able to juggle a phone call while typing out an email, the buzz of energy visible around her aura. He remembered when they first began dating. His idea of a great night was kicking back with some illegally fetched beers, watching a baseball game on TV or hanging with his friends in the dorm or woods. Things were simple because he’d taught himself not to want anything.

Until he wanted Chloe. There’d never been a girl who’d struck him mute the moment he looked into her eyes. Suddenly, he wanted to be worthy of her attention. He’d spent that first summer on the Bishop rescue horse farm following her around, hanging on each word while she taught him the inner workings of the farm. Her passion and love for the animals, for the structure, for the goal of rescuing the abused and helpless, stirred his inner soul. But no matter what he did, she never looked at him the way he craved.

Once his community service was done, he’d returned to a life that no longer satisfied him. His friends suddenly struck him as lazy and unmotivated, their goals nothing but partying and finding ways to cause trouble for their own amusement. He began pulling back, searching for his own identity and a replacement for Chloe. He wanted to feel good again. Important.

Needed.

He got his shit together that year, and when he saw her again at Mia and Ethan’s wedding, she finally gave him a second glance. One slow dance had sparked a new connection—one more of equals—and he’d used that moment to build a foundation, intent on showing Chloe he could be a man worthy of her attention.

And he’d succeeded.

Owen would have bet everything she’d be the one to break his heart one day. He’d prepped for the event the whole time, because inside, he knew he wasn’t enough for her. Not long term.

Instead, he’d ended up breaking her heart and having to live with the awful knowledge for four long years.

It was time to not only make amends, but get her to see why it was necessary to leave her.

“Owen, I have to go soon—did you get all the necessary vet records you asked for? Dr. Weathers said he’d be happy to meet with you again to be a witness.”

He shook his head to clear his thoughts of the past. “Yes, thanks. I’ll reach out.”

“Any response yet on the temporary restraining order?”

“Not yet, but it may take a few weeks. The court’s been backed up lately. I’m keeping a close eye on it. You look nice.”

She jerked back, her gaze full of that wary suspicion that gutted him. Once her soul had been cracked open. Now she barely glanced at him, choosing to distance herself in every way possible. It had only been a few days working in her office, but he already knew how she planned to play the long game. She was focusing only on the work and shut down any effort at personal conversation. She grabbed every opportunity to leave the room, stand apart from him, or rely on email rather than dialogue. The