Second Chance with Love Read Online Free

behind, but despite Nathan's thumping pulse, he didn't want to look back to see if she still followed him. Nathan walked along the street. Weighted on him was the in-wrought sense of emptiness. But it was not over. The rage of chaotic unrest swelled within him. He had with him something more priceless. He hailed a taxi, then furtively he looked around, then looked over his shoulder.
    Hilda. She was still behind him. Even though she clutched her bag and looked nervous, nevertheless, she stuck with him. At that point, Hilda was all he needed.
    “Get in,” Nathan added. After opening the taxi door, his movements were fueled by adrenaline and excitement.
    Once inside the taxi, Hilda turned to him, “Where are we going?” she questioned, in a small, brittle voice.
    “I'm going to take you to a real bar,” affirmed Nathan.
     
     
     
    It was Hilda's first time at a bar. Even as a student, such places held no interest for her. Hilda received many offers from friends to nights out where they'd go to various bars. Hilda declined all those offers, and eventually her friends understood that it was because of her faith as a Christian. She chose to resist any circumstance where she might be exposing herself to getting drunk. Or better yet, any sort of carnal temptation. So why Hilda found herself in such a place now baffled her. And with a mysterious guy.
    To make matters worse, she'd lied to Melanie about her whereabouts. Nathan also lied to his friend Scott.
    Hilda didn't mind or react to the occasionally ladybug-like fluttering in her stomach. She sat in the bar, and stared out the window. While Nathan was in the bathroom.
    She had seen him reading her father's letter earlier. What held her back from confronting him about looking at something so private? Why hadn't she stopped him? Why wasn’t she even mad at him? These were the thoughts that swam through her mind as she sat, waiting for Nathan to return from the restroom.
    Hilda, as a general rule, tried to hide her emotions. But now she seemed unable to contain herself. What they were doing seemed so exciting. It seemed so far beyond the safe little Hilda, the good girl Christian. She kept peering at the entrance to the bar, where she expected Melanie or her mother or anyone who might recognize her to walk in.
    When they left the bar earlier, she hoped Melanie hadn't seen her. The whole ordeal had an uncanny feel to it, as if any moment she might emerge from this dream of a wild time with a gorgeous man to only half-recall -- or half-forget – what happened. This whole experience was startling and unexpected.
    Hilda knew she shouldn’t be there; her conscience told her to leave a message for Nathan with the bartender and then leave. Plus, lying to Melanie for a guy she just met? She could not believe what she had done. She didn't feel herself. It excited and troubled her.
    Earlier, she returned to Melanie and her companion, whose name was Scott, and told them she was not feeling well. This was her first time lying to Melanie ever. Hilda, at once, stunned by her impromptu lie, could only listen to herself. And even in her stunned state, Hilda managed to maintain the ruse.
    And despite the fact that Melanie appeared to be having a wonderful time with Scott, she looked really concerned once Hilda said she was feeling unwell. Hilda had to plead for Melanie to stay and have a good time and to convince her friend that she could get back home alone. Melanie's concern and innocence left Hilda weighed down with guilt.
    When the sharp sound of her cell rang in her bag, Hilda hesitated to check it. Hilda’s fears were realized as she saw the number. Melanie . She was probably calling to check it she were okay. Hilda looked to the far end of the bar toward the men’s restroom, hoping Nathan would appear.
    “Hi Mel,” said Hilda, answering the phone.
     
     
     
    Nathan leaned on the restroom sink. He'd been about to call Mr. Grady with his answer to the proposal, when his mother