A Happy Chance

Prologue

Present Time

ALEX'S POV:

"I-I can't do this, Alex.", her voice plays in my head over and over again, as I approach her room. I can hear her sobbing softly through the door.

Shit. I whisper to myself and fling the door open.

She quickly wipes the tears from her cheek and begins frantically whirling around the room, like an angry tornado, picking up everything in her way. So desperately trying to avoid eye contact with me, while stuffing everything into her quirky brown suitcase.

"Isra, please. I'm so sorry." I blurt, my voice laced with desperation.

Can't she tell how much I want her to stay?

"I'm sorry too, Alex. But I need to go. I've overstayed my welcome."

Of course not. I try to find the right words to persuade her, but nothing comes out. Instead, I sigh, taking a deep breath.

Her strawberry lotion's scent still etched in my jacket, the taste of her lips lingering on mine.

"At least let me drive you to the airport?", I ask, hoping I can convince her on the ride.

This is my first rodeo here, Isra. Work with me. I'm not used to pleading.

"Since when does Mr. Spoilt Brat drive?" she attempts to joke, and I finally manage a smile. God, how can she be so adorable even in this situation?

"I'll have Phil take me. Don't worry." She takes a deep breath and walks toward me, and I'm scared. Scared to say goodbye.

Since when is Alexander Barlow scared? My inner voice mocks me.

"I'll talk to you soon, Alex. Take care." She takes a stride forward and pulls me into a quick hug. Before she can move away, I wrap my arms around her and hold her close, closing my eyes and memorizing each part of her. Her coconut shampoo fills my nostrils, and I pull her closer, and all I want is to kiss her forehead, but I don't. She visibly relaxes and throws her arms around my waist.

Her breathing quickens, and she lets out a sigh.

Does she feel it too? The energy between us...

All I want to do is make her stay, tell her how I feel about her. But I can't...

Because how can someone who never had to lift a finger his entire life suddenly learn how to grovel?

She quickly steps back, smoothing her blouse, a gesture that I've gotten used to her doing when she's worried.

With a quick peck on my cheek, the girl who flipped my world upside down leaves, and I let her...