Claim 2: Volume Two Read Online Free Page B

year what it would be like if you came back.  I’ve played every scenario over in my head hundreds of times.  How I’d react.  What you’d say.  If I tell you to get out of my life forever, all of those painful thoughts that wracked my brain for a year were in vain.  When you finally leave me for good, it’s going to be because it’s the only option.  So, don’t get cocky, Jordan.  You’re on thin ice.”
    “Thin ice is better than no ice.” 
    Rising from my seat, I walk over to Loren, bend down and kiss the top of her head.  I’d love nothing more than to feel her lips on mine, but the thought of that other dude’s saliva touching hers infuriates me beyond words. 
    “I’ll see you in the morning,” I whisper in her hair.  Loren’s hands fidget, like she wants to reach out and touch me, but restrains herself.  Laughing to myself, I stroll out the door and into the night, determined more than ever to fix this mess.

Chapter Five
    Loren
    Waking up after finally getting some sleep.  Not that my brain wasn’t running a million miles per minute, I think the exhaustion finally caught up with me.  Feeling well rested, I’m determined to make this day my bitch.  Lots of stuff do to for the software campaign; enough to keep my mind concentrated on certain things while blocking out others.
    Rolling over, the first thing I see is a good morning text from Nolan which brings a smile to my lips.  As I giddily text him back, my happiness fades and guilt appears. 
    Jordan.
    I owe it to him to at least hear his side of the story?  Or am I falling into his trap yet again?  I have no idea and there’s really nobody to talk to about it.  If I call Cleo, she’s just going to bitch that I’m even letting Jordan breathe in my vicinity.  I don’t really have any friends at work.  Norah’s busy planning for the baby that’s due any day.  My mom wouldn’t understand.  Actually, no, she’d understand and take Jordan’s side, regardless of how wrong he was.  She’s always had a soft spot for him.  Sometimes, I think she likes him more than me.  No, that’s silly, she’s my mom and she’d talk to me, but I really can’t listen to all of Jordan’s good qualities.  I need someone impartial.
    I’m pretty much on my own with this one.  I’m going to have to wait and see how the cards fall.  It’s too early to say I only want Nolan.  I barely know the guy.  What I do know is the amazing feelings he gives me and the exceptional way he treats me, but that’s about it.  That’s what got me into trouble with Jordan in the first place.  I fell for him hard and fast.  I can’t make the same mistake with Nolan.
    Now, my only question is do I tell Nolan about Jordan?  Or do I keep that information to myself until I know if I’m going to for sure give Jordan a second chance?
    Hell.  This is going to be pure hell.
    ****
    Working straight through the morning, I’m only alerted to the time of day when my stomach starts to growl.  Checking the time, it’s after one and I haven’t eaten anything all day.  Saving the document I’m working on and grabbing my purse, I walk out of my office and toward the elevators when Jordan steps in front of me, halting me in my tracks.
    “What’s up?” I ask, trying to maneuver around him. I have too much to finish before I go home to have a conversation with him … let alone in the middle of the office where anyone in ear shot can hear.
    “I was going to grab something to eat.  Join me?” Tossing around the possibilities, I agree.  How bad can it be?  Two old friends chatting over a quick mid-day meal?  Who the hell am I kidding?  This can’t possibly go over well.
    “Sure,” I respond, obviously a glutton for punishment.
    The walk to the deli isn’t far, maybe a few blocks, and instead of Jordan wanting to get food and head back to the office, he insists that we sit there for our meal.  Resigning to the fact that I’m not going to win this