Second Chances Read Online Free PDF

late this year in London.
    Immediately, her head cleared, allowing her old protective barriers to snap back into place. How foolish she had acted around David. He was just a man, and an unattainable one at that. She didn’t need that sort of drama in her life. Not now, not ever. But as she heard him come through the door behind her, the physical attraction between them slammed back into her hard. Her resolve wavered a little.
    “Lovely night isn’t it?” His voice vibrated through her, like the strumming of a guitar string. What was it about a man with an accent?
    “Yes it is.” Kristin didn’t turn around.
    She closed her eyes and took deep, slow breaths, willing herself to remain composed and in control. On one hand, she liked how being around David made her feelexcited, alive, and sexy. On the other hand, the intensity of her reaction to him frightened her. Only James had ever stirred those feelings within her. That thought sent a shudder of fear and longing through her body.
    “Are you chilled?” David’s voice came from in front of her and she opened her eyes.
    The concern in his voice was apparent. He moved to take off his jacket, but Kristin reached and touched his forearm to stop him.
    “I’m fine, really. Just walk with me a moment.”
    David smiled and stuck out his elbow. Kristin linked her arm through his and they walked across the street to the south bank of the Thames, stopping to stand beside a section of railing.
    Neither of them spoke, leaving Kristin to take in the spectacular view. The breeze gently tossed her hair about as she gazed at the stars that sparkled like fine diamonds scattered across the indigo expanse of the night sky. Their reflections danced along the small rocking waves of the water below. The exceptional colors etched themselves in her soul so she could capture them later in her paintings.
    Leaning into his side, she enjoyed his quiet strength. Further on, she could see the London Eye. When the large wheel was created, some people thought it robbed London of some of its old world charm, diminishing the city’s skyline. But Kristin thought otherwise. She loved how the wheel stuck out amongst all the old architecture, a testament to progress and modernization coexisting with history.
    One of the first things she and James had done when relocating to London was to take a ride on the Eye. You could see the entire city on a clear night, glittering like a fine treasure. Those times in her life were the happiest she’d been in the city. A small taste of joy before James’s illness had taken over their lives.
    Kristin exhaled slowly and pushed away the thoughts, gazing to her left at David. He seemed just as lost in thought as she has been. Penny for your thoughts.
    She’d hoped for an entire week to get the chance to see him again, and now that he was here, she didn’t know what to say.
    David turned to her and flashed that amazing dimple of his, and she realized she’d been caught staring. Heat warmed her cheeks while her gaze flickered nervously away for a brief second. Then she took a breath and met his eyes again. The wind had tousled his dark hair, making it fall haphazardly over one chocolate-brown eye.
    She fought the urge to reach out and tenderly brush the lock of hair back. That kind of gesture would be too intimate, too familiar. They had only met twice, and briefly, at that.
    “How long have you lived in London?” David’s voice jolted her out of the jumbled thoughts bouncing around inside her head.
    Hesitating and blinking, Kristin managed to gather herself together to respond. “My husband James and I moved here from the U.S. about three years ago, right after he was diagnosed with cancer. He had always dreamed of living here, so I made sure he realized that dream before he died. I just haven’t had the heart to leave since. My home is here now.”
    Some of the best memories of her marriage to James were connected with this city. Staying in London kept her