Second Chance Summer (Chance Series, #1) Read Online Free Page A

it’s a song I’m familiar with – Rita Ora, R.I.P.
    I’m not the Kia that left here a year ago. If I can remember that, I can cope with this dang party.
    It’s already crazy busy here, and I know Reese will be here, but I don’t expect him to be the first person I see when I stop next to a tree. It’s like I’m tuned into him and whenever he’s around; I just know. It’s almost like an automatic reaction. My eyes crash into his, and he stands, making his way over to me.
    I tense, yet I hold his gaze the entire time, unable to tear my eyes away even as he stops right by me. His arm brushes mine, setting my whole body on fire.
    “Reese,” I say offhandedly.
    “Kia.” His voice is softer than mine.
    “How are you?”
    “Not bad. You?”
    “Fine.” I clench my jaw a little.
    “How’s college?” He leans against the tree in front of me, looking completely comfortable.
    “You asked me that the other day.” I tear my eyes from his, finally, and swallow.
    “I bet it’s better than being here,” he pushes on.
    I snort. “Anything is better than being here.”
    “Kia...” he says my name wearily.
    “What?”
    “Can’t we just be friends? Forget last summer ever happened.”
    His words pierce me right through the chest, despite me being the one to end everything we apparently didn’t have. I take in a sharp breath, squaring my shoulders. “Last summer? Forgotten.” I push off from the tree and storm into the woods. I need to get away from him.
    Forget. That’s what he said.
    Forgotten. That’s what I said.
    How do I forget it? I can’t. I can’t forget the way he squirmed when I tickled his sides, or the way he laughed and kissed me whenever I pouted. I can’t forget the feel of his touch against my skin, the sensation of his lips on mine. My heart won’t let me forget, not when all I want is to feel him against me again. I can’t deny that. I can’t lie to myself. He still affects me the way he used to.
    “Shit! Kia!” Reese calls after me. “I didn’t mean it like that!”
    I ignore him and keep walking. Step, step, step. Keep going, Kia, don’t stop for him. His hand grabs my arm, and I turn, yanking my arm back as I near where his truck is parked.
    “What, Reese? You’ve made it clear last summer was a mistake. You’re right. It was. It was just a whirlwind mess between two people who had no idea what they wanted from life.”
    “I didn’t mean it like it came out. I just meant I didn’t want you to hate this place because of me.”
    “I don’t hate it because of you.” I look at him and laugh bitterly. Shadows play across his face in the darkness. “I hate this place because of what it means to me.”
    “What does it mean, Kia? Tell me.” He loosens his grip on my arm; his thumb gently stroking my skin.
    “It means nothing,” I say quietly, stepping back. “Nothing.”
    “You’re lying,” Reese steps closer and holds my other arm. “If it meant nothin’, you wouldn’t be running from me.”
    “I’m not running from you! Why would I be? One summer, that’s all we had.”
    “Is it?” he asks quietly. “One summer? Is that really all we had? Do you think my feelings disappeared the way you did? Do you think they upped and went in the middle of the night just like you?”
    “I never said that-”
    “‘Cause they damn well didn’t!”
    “Rumor has it you’re seein’ someone, or have you forgotten that?” I throw back at him.
    “Maybe I don’t care about her. The person I care about is front of me.”
    “After eleven months? Why don’t I believe you?”
    “Let me show you. Make you believe me.”
    I shake my head. “You’re so fucking funny.” I pull myself from his grip and move toward my car, passing his truck.
    “Am I?” he growls, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward him. My back hits the door of his truck, and he stops in front of me. He places his hands either side of my head, his face bent into mine. “Am I funny, Kia? Really?”
    My