Just One Chance By Carly Phillips -

Emily smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Me too, Alex."

As they stood there, the music and laughter swirling around them, Emily found herself drawn to Alex. She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. But she pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that she was here for Jake. Not Alex. Yet, as the night wore on and Jake failed to appear, Emily found herself growing more and more frustrated. Where was Jake? And why was she still standing here, talking to Alex? Just One Chance by Carly Phillips

"Hey, Em," he said, his voice low and husky. "Long time no see." Emily smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope

As the club began to close, Alex turned to her and said, "Want to grab a drink with me? I'm buying." But she pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself

Alex shrugged. "He didn't say. But I'm sure he'll be here soon."

As a teenager, Emily had been hopelessly in love with Jake. They'd been each other's everything, their relationship a whirlwind romance that had seemed destined to last forever. But then Alex had come into the picture, and everything had changed. Alex, with his brooding good looks and quick wit, had been the best man at Jake and Emily's high school graduation party. He'd also been the one who'd tempted Jake away from Emily, luring him into a world of partying and reckless behavior. The memories came flooding back, and Emily felt a pang of anger and hurt. She'd thought she'd long since gotten over Alex, but the sight of him now brought it all back. As she turned to leave, Alex caught her arm, his touch sending a jolt through her body.