Second Chances Read Online Free PDF Page A

was of the essence, after all.  And he knew he had to take a chance, make a decision, or lose out on this opportunity forever.  He would treat it like business, weigh his options, and reach a logical conclusion.  His analytical skills had never failed him.
     

     
    Hannah practiced looking cheerful and optimistic for a few moments before heading into the apartment.  Everything will work out, she kept telling herself.  And clinging to that thought, she walked determinedly into the apartment to face her inquisition.
     
    “Let the questions begin,” Hannah announced as she dropped her purse on the floor in front of her chair, kicked off her shoes, and sat, drawing her knees up and wrapping her arms around them.
     
    Smirking at her dramatic friend, Amy stretched and studied her for a moment.  “So, how’d it go?”  Her eyes twinkled expectantly as she awaited the response.
     
    Hannah merely shook her head sadly.  “The first guy was a complete dud,” she began.  “Never.  Never will I be that desperate.”
     
    Tipping her head in agreement, Amy shut the thick book before her to give Hannah her full attention.  “That bad, huh?”
     
    “The worst.  He was…gross.”  It pained her to say that.  She didn’t really have a mean bone in her body.
     
    “Gross?”  Amy questioned, trying to picture him in her mind.
     
    “Over-weight…questionable hygiene,” Hannah swallowed, “and really sweaty.  It could have been nerves, I suppose.”  She shook her head.  “Then the second guy arrived.  He looked like a male model.”  Amy frowned, knowing where this was going.  Hannah never could find anything attractive about a pretty boy.
     
    “Then, Tad ended up being a tad too pushy.  He wouldn’t leave, couldn’t take a hint,” Hannah complained.  “The third guy rescued me.”  She sighed and paused for a moment before continuing.  “The third guy, Rick, seemed really nice, but…”
     
    “But what?  No sparks?  No potential?”  Amy leaned in to hear the response.
     
    She shrugged.  “I don’t know.  I just don’t think that anything will come of it.”
     
    “You never know,” Amy said.  “Since when are you the pessimist?”  She frowned.  “You have always been the most positive person I know.  Look at everything you’ve come through, and with a smile on your face.”  She reached over and rubbed Hannah’s knee.  “Well, tell me about the fourth guy.”
     
    Hannah emitted a hollow laugh.  “There was no fourth guy.  He stood me up.”  She laid her head down on her knees for a second when a thought occurred to her.  “Hey, did anyone call while I was out?”  Amy bit her lip and shook her head sadly.  “Oh,” Hannah responded as she released her knees and slouched in the chair.  “Well.”  And she couldn’t think of another thing to say.
     

     
    Drinking alone was dangerously close to becoming a habit for him, Gavin noted as he found himself once more swirling a glass of amber liquid while he gazed into the fire.  He needed a change.  He needed to move on.  He needed an outlet for his anger.  And though he now had cause for some mixed feelings, this woman would do.  She would serve as the target for his revenge quite nicely.  She and her brood of no doubt rambunctious children could move in.  He would be keeping her off the streets.  She would be grateful…and pliable.  He smiled as he sipped.  Once she had a taste of this life, she’d probably do anything to keep it.  He scowled.  Not that.  He wasn’t that much of a cad.  He’d simply work her as he’d never worked anyone before.  He’d find a way to humiliate her, break her down, and teach her entire gender a lesson.
     
    Slowly he glanced at the mantle clock.  It wasn’t too late.  And with what he paid the man, he could damn well call him whenever his fingers itched to dial.  Too lazy to cradle the phone against his ear, he simply placed the man on