Chapter 5
1091 Words
Kevin
I sat at my desk, drowning in a stack of contracts that needed revisions before I could push them forward. Being a junior executive at Adam’s family business had its perks, but days like this reminded me that corporate life wasn’t all boardrooms and big wins. Still, I knew how lucky I was—getting a job at a Fortune 500 company straight out of college wasn’t exactly easy.
Adam worked here too, in the legal department. Honestly, the guy had always been sharp, with a way of dissecting arguments until you had no choice but to see his point. Which was why I called him into my office—I needed his expertise on some of the contract language.
When he walked in, he looked like hell. Dark circles under his eyes, hair slightly mussed, suit rumpled.
“Hey, you look rough. Did you even sleep?” I asked as he dropped into the chair across from me.
“Not really,” he muttered, dragging a hand down his face. “Some stuff I can’t talk to you about. This is what sucks about being married to your best friend’s twin sister.”
I smirked. “Just keep it PG, man, and I’ll pretend you’re married to Jennifer Lopez.”
That got a laugh out of him. “Deal. But seriously—this pregnancy? It’s turning Keira into… well, let’s just say she’s very active.” He rolled his eyes before continuing, “On top of that, Lizzy’s cutting a tooth and screamed half the night with a fever. Between keeping my wife satisfied and running for a cheeseburger at two in the morning, I didn’t exactly get much rest.”
I raised a brow. “So, let me get this straight. You’re complaining that you got s*x, food, and some baby duty? You do realize most guys would kill for that deal, right?”
He gave me a look. “It’s not like that. I love being there for Keira—it’s just the cheeseburger runs at ungodly hours that kill me. Meat cravings this time around. Trust me, you’ll see one day.”
“Maybe it means she’s having a boy,” I teased. “We men do love our meat.”
Adam groaned and mumbled something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like ‘if it’s not meat on her plate, it’s… mine.’
I winced and shook my head. “Too much, man. Way too much.”
We got to work on the contracts, hammering out the revisions. By the time Adam stood to leave, he looked even more exhausted.
“Hey,” he said, pausing at the door. “I’m skipping the gym tonight. Just too tired.”
“That works. I had to cancel too—I’ve got that date with Jaime tonight.”
Adam froze, then slowly turned back to look at me. His expression was unreadable for a moment before he finally said, “Don’t get your hopes up too high, Kevin.”
I leaned back in my chair, meeting his gaze. “I know you’re worried. And I appreciate it.”
“I care about you like a brother,” he said firmly. “You’re also my wife’s twin. I don’t want to see you spiral again like you did after the breakup.”
“Trust me, I get it.” My voice was steady, but inside I felt that flicker of old wounds. “But I need to settle the what if. I can’t keep wondering what might’ve been. Tonight, I’m hoping I’ll finally know.”
Adam studied me, then nodded. “Fine. But don’t go in with expectations. Just be you. No pressure, no agenda.”
“Got it,” I said. But deep down, I already knew—if fate gave me this second chance, I wasn’t letting it slip away.
⸻
Jaime
“You have a date tonight?” Shelly, my roommate, leaned against my doorframe with wide eyes.
“Yeah,” I admitted, fiddling with my earrings. “Sort of.”
“Sort of?” She crossed her arms. “Either you’re going on a date or you’re not.”
“It’s… complicated. I know him, but I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“How long is a while?”
“Two years.” I sighed. “We went to college together.”
Shelly’s eyes lit up. “Oh! Then maybe this is the start of something new!”
I gave a half-smile, though nerves twisted in my stomach. I’d always liked Kevin—he could be charming, funny, and surprisingly sweet when he let his guard down. But I also remembered the darker side, the anger and baggage he carried like armor. I had no idea if he’d truly worked through it.
In my room, I stared at the closet, debating outfits like the fate of the universe depended on it. Too sexy and I’d send the wrong signal. Too preppy and I’d look like I was trying too hard. First dates were hard enough, but first dates with someone you already had a history with? Torture.
How had I done this back in high school? Back then, I had a bold take me as I am attitude. Maybe that was the girl I needed to channel tonight.
Finally, I chose a simple blue summer dress with puff sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Cute, a touch flirty, but not over the top. Enough to remind Kevin that I’d grown into a confident woman—and maybe to show him exactly what he’d lost.
A knock at the door jolted me.
“Jaime, your date’s here!” Shelly sang out, clearly enjoying this too much.
I stepped out into the living room and caught sight of him standing with his back to me. Dark jeans, a fitted polo, his shoulders broader and more defined than I remembered. Kevin had always been handsome, but now? Now he looked carved out of marble.
I swallowed hard. Keep it together, Jaime.
“Hi, Kevin,” I managed.
He turned, and that familiar smile hit me like a tidal wave. The one that used to melt me every time. My knees wobbled.
“Hey, James,” he said softly. “My god, you look beautiful.”
My heart stuttered. This was dangerous territory.
Because no matter how good he looked, no matter how sweet his smile, I couldn’t forget—Kevin Kincade had once broken my heart. And I wasn’t sure I could survive him doing it again.
- Writer
