Free Second Chances by Christle Gray Page B

concerned gaze. “I love you and appreciate your concern. But we’re just friends. Don’t worry, okay?”
    Sighing, Ingrid stood and fluffed her short hair. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all.”
    “I’ll be fine,” Kristin told her. “I can take care of myself. I know what I’m doing.”
    “If you say so, love.” Her friend headed for the door and then turned around as she grasped the doorknob. “Take care, and bloody well ring me soon, all right?”
    Kristin chuckled softly. Ingrid always knew how to lighten the situation. “All right.”
    Ingrid left Kristin alone with her thoughts. Of course she was in denial over David, but she just didn’t care. Being with him made her feel like she was the only person in the world that mattered. Surrender of that sentiment would not come easily.
    Coming out of her reverie, Kristin glanced at the clock. She was due to meet David at his theater rehearsal soon. They were going to grab a bite to eat and see a movie. Shaking off her encounter with Ingrid with a cleansing breath, Kristin prepared to leave.
    Her clothes were deliberately more casual today, jeans and a white blouse, knowing she would be leaving early to spend time with David. And, because the new pair of jeans really made her legs look long. After making sure Celia had what was needed for the rest of the day, Kristin headed for her car.
    The afternoon was a bit muggy, but Kristin barely noticed as she weaved in and out of traffic on her way to the Royal National Theatre. David was the lead in a play called The Pillowman .
    The show had received rave reviews and often sold out. Since one of the other actors had come down with the flu, David was running through some lines with the understudy this afternoon at the theater.
    Looking ahead, the theater loomed into view. The building’s multi-level stone and glass structure looked modern and angular, not like what you’d picture a London theater to be at all. In the daylight, the theater seemed almost ordinary, without all the crowds and noise that flooded the place most evenings.
    She parked the car and headed for the door. The large main lobby was completely empty, except for members of the janitorial staff busy with their duties. The men and women didn’t pay attention to her as she walked past them to the main theater entrance where David was rehearsing.
    Even though the house lights were up, the room was still darker than the lobby, the light swallowed up by the mahogany-paneled walls. Standing still, Kristin imagined society women with their long silk dresses sweeping into the room, sitting stately on the dark wine velvet covered chairs. The ornate interior looked like it belonged in a different time and place. This was how she’d pictured a London theater, not the mass of grey stone and sharp angles that was on the outside.
    A young man with unruly dirty blond hair rushed up to her. “Can I help you, miss?” His breathing was ragged.
    “Actually, I’m”
    “Kristin! Over here, love.” David motioned to her from the aisle down in front of the stage. She smiled and waved back.
    “I see you’re expected.” The young man walked back to his papers lying on the seat to her left.
    “Thank you,” Kristin called after him and hurried toward David.
    David hugged her fiercely. His strong arms were warm and rigid around her, and she breathed in his spicy masculine scent before he let her go.
    “I’m afraid we’re running a bit behind schedule, so it’s going to be a little longer. Can you stay?” He motioned toward the rows of seats near the stage.
    “Sure, take your time.” Kristin settled comfortably in one of the theater chairs a few rows back from the front as David leapt onto the stage.
    David’s performance mesmerized her. He transformed himself so completely into his character, and then so easily went back to being David again.
    The group laughed and joked, but then listened intently to what he had to say. His experience