A Second Chance (Fated Mate) Read Online Free PDF

lifestyle.”
    “ Thank you but all I’d really like to do, is get a carton of ice cream, and go to my room and shower.”
    Jake inhaled, “You smell like bar BQ. I’ll show you to the ice cream, and then your room. Where would you like to stay?”
    “ As far away from everyone as you can get me.” She grinned up at him and said, “Thank you. Out of all of the stuff that has happened to me, you have shown me kindness. I won’t forget it.”
    “ You’re welcome, but can you do me a favor? I agree with you, forcing the fighting out of the car but, Shana will be unhappy and I don’t want that. Will you allow them to apologize?”
    She beamed up at him, “Sure, tomorrow. Let’s let them think about it a while.”
     
    * * * * *
     
    Jake was waiting outside when Shana and Conner walked up. Damn, they knew they were both in trouble. He was scowling at them both. Katie was nowhere to be found.
    Connor innocently asked, “Where’s Katie?”
    “ Do you honestly think she wants to be around either of you right now? She’s been through a major trauma, and you two were bickering in the car, about her, like two old biddies. You should both be extremely humiliated. She was right to let you both out of the car. I agree that your punishment was apt. She doesn’t want to see you right now, but she said she’ll be down for breakfast in the morning.”
    They both bowed their heads submissively. They knew they were wrong, and had discussed it on their lengthy walk. However, they both wanted to make it right-now. They didn’t want to wait until morning. Katie must be really pissed.
    Jake asked, “Are you staying the night Conner?” At Conner’s slight nod Jake continued, “I had your room prepared. Sleep well.” He grabbed Shana’s hand, pulled her into the house, and toward their room.
     
    * * * * *
     
    The heated water of the shower was just what Katie needed. She felt refreshed. One’s outlook was always better with a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and a hot shower. Someone had brought her belongings up to her room. She searched through them; ultimately, she chose to wear the robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door. Her clothes all smelled like a fireplace. She put the robe on, and collected her clothes to take to the laundry.
    She went down the hall and followed her nose to the fresh scent of fabric softener. Her sense of smell was much better than it had been. She tossed her stuff in the oversized washer, and set it for the longest heaviest wash cycle available.
    As she was walking down the hall she felt a sudden pull towards one of the rooms down the hall, and went to check it out. She lightly knocked on the door, and assumed it was empty because she got no response. She entered the room and took a big whiff of the room. It smelled like…well, hell. It smelled like Conner. She immediately turned to leave, when she noticed a dejected Conner leaning against the doorframe.
    He straightened, “Sorry, did you want to sleep here? I can take another room.” He started to walk away.
    “ Good Lord. I wouldn’t take your room Conner. Geez, I’m sorry I made you walk home. I was angry, and I didn’t stop to think that you guys were only fighting for my best interests.” She paused at his wide eyed expression, “What?”
    “ Did you seriously just apologize, to me? I was wrong, not you. I’m willing to wait until tomorrow to talk with you, about everything. Get some rest, love. And I’m glad you’re safe.” He walked up to her and kissed the top of her head, taking in a lungful of her precious scent.
    She walked past him to leave the room, but felt like she should say something more. She stopped at the door and called back to him, “Enjoy your shower. Thank you for everything today. I appreciate what you did for me, saving my life and all.”

 
    Chapter 3
     
    As the sun came through the window in her room, Katie groaned, and rolled to cover her head with her pillow. That’s when she