Everyone Deserves a Second Chance: A Billionaire Romance Box Set

by Tara Brent

  Mia laughs and it's good to see her looking happy again. She snuggles up to Ethan while Uncle Calvin enjoys coo-ing at his niece.

  Chapter 4

  Tasty Toes

  This is unbelievable. How did I let my mom and Ali talk me into this? I haven’t been on a date in...erm...well, at least two years. This is a really weird situation I’ve gotten myself into.

  “Mom, you going out?” Callum’s little voice calls out as he comes charging through my bedroom door, sandwich in hand. He jumps onto my bed and little legs go up into the air. Down goes my makeup, and off I go to join him.

  I love to spend time with my son and never miss an opportunity to be close to him. We lay side by side and he swings his legs around and plonks his feet on my belly.

  “Poohaaw!” I chuckle as I hold my nose and pull a face at his feet. With my fingertips, I pull at the end of his grey school sock as if it's contagious. “Or, maybe, I can have tasty toes for dinner!” I shout out as I pretend to bite his bare wriggling toes.

  He squiggles, and wiggles, and giggles, and I love it.

  After a few moments of the frantic play, we both lay back and catch our breath. Callum tucks into his peanut butter and red jelly sandwich.

  “I’m going out for a meal,” I tell him as we both lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

  “Why don’t you have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, they’re the best?” He asks, reaching out a mangled sandwich so I can have a bite, of which I do.

  "Nah," I say, munching his sandwich with him. "I'm having a posh meal. You know how much you enjoy going out for pizza. Well, mommy’s going to go out and have a grown-up meal,” I explain, leaving out the part about going with a strange man.

  “Whatcha gonna eat?” He asks, suddenly sitting upright with his sandwich now fully consumed.

  “I don’t know,” I say, leaning on my arm to stroke his soft baby hair. “I suppose I’ll read the menu first and then decide.”

  “You've gotta make yourself look nice, mommy,” he tells me, jumping off the bed and running out of my room. I can hear his little thumping feet dashing back down the stairway. No doubt he’s gone to ask his nan to make another sandwich. It’s all we can get him to eat at the moment.

  On my part, I continue to lay there and stare up at the ceiling. Should I be doing this when I’m a mom? This guy won’t even know that I have a young son. Best to tell him right at the start, even before we eat. Then if it's not to his liking, he can leave.

  Despite my reluctance to go on this date, I'm beginning to get butterflies in my tummy. I wonder what he looks like? Mia said he’s handsome, but that was all she would tell me. Saying "no" to Mia was impossible, and besides, I’m going to one of her exclusive restaurants in San Francisco. A place where people go on a waiting list to book a table. That is unless you know the right people. The thought of eating at one of the finest establishments in town clinched the deal for me. Even if the guys a complete let down, at least I’ll experience eating at Changchi Wanfan. The very best Chinese restaurant in San Francisco.

  “You don’t look anywhere near ready, Tiffy!” Ali’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “What you doing? Daydreaming? You’ve got a red hot date to get ready for, girl.”

  “Have you any idea how nervous I am?” I admit, sitting up and going over to the dressing table. Glancing in the mirror as the light shines on my face, I see a freckled redhead staring back at me. “Can we cancel it?”

  “What? And miss out on the best meal of your life?” She shakes her head in disbelief as if it was the worse crime in the world. “I’m here to boost your confidence, girl. Now, let me do your hair and then we’ll sort your wardrobe. Have you even made any decision on what you're going to wear? No, I didn't think so. No trousers for a start off. How the hell will he ever get into your pants with a great big zipper protecting your nether regions?”

  “Ali! I don’t want him in my pants, thank you very much?” I insist, most indignantly. “This guy is a complete stranger to me, Ali. I’m not, you know, doing that with someone I don’t know.”

  “At your age Tiffy, you have to grab every opportunity that comes your way,” she says, tugging on my red locks. “You're not getting any younger!”

  “Well, thanks for that vote of confidence. You're supposed to be my best friend. What if he’s a complete loser, or eats with his mouth open...”

  “Not listening!” She covers her ears and squeezes her eyes tight shut.

  We’re like a couple of school girls when we get together. She never fails to bring a smile to my face and I never fail to annoy the crap out of her.

  Quickly I pick up my cell phone and start pressing the buttons, “That’s it, I’m cancelling.”

  I’ve never seen Ali move so fast. She grabs the phone from my hands and promptly throws it on my crumpled bed covers.

  “Take off those clothes, it’s time to get you dressed,” she orders. “No need to go through your closet. I’m well aware what’s in there and none of it is suitable. I’ve taken the liberty to bring something appropriate. You’re going to a top restaurant, Tiffy. You have to look the part. If you look the part, you’ll feel it.”

  She produces a simple dress but it is exquisite. It’s light green in color and a body-con design, meaning it will cling to my shape. Which, incidentally, is not all that bad despite the rigors of giving birth. It has a beautiful lacy top layer and off the shoulder narrow straps. When I wiggle into it though, all I can see is my cleavage.

  “I can’t wear this, Ali, it shows too much,” I moan. “I don’t know about all this. The last thing I want is some strange guy ogling my breasts while he eats his dumplings. It’ll be enough to put me off my dessert!”

  “With this dress, Tiffy, YOU will be the dessert,” she tells me. “Now, let’s get that hair finished.

  Ali runs a brush through my long red hair and I watch in the mirror as her magic fingers do their work. She deftly creates a style that she knows I love. My hair's pulled back tight from my face. A long braid that she’s intertwined with a shimmering dark green ribbon and curls around my neck to hang over my shoulder.

  “Oh, Ali, it’s a side braid. I love it,” I declare.

  She hands me a matching bolero jacket and a lovely twinkling clutch bag, with a gold chain to hang on my shoulder.

  As I enter the living room to show mom and Callum, they clap out loud.

  “Oh, mommy you look like a princess,” Callum jumps up to bounce on the sofa.

  Mom hugs me and then the doorbell rings. Ali is quick to dash to the door and no sooner returns to inform me that it’s a driver of a big limo. He's here to take me to the restaurant. My stomach does a complete flip and my legs feel like jelly. What have I let myself in for?

  “Off you go,” Ali says in an encouraging voice. “Don’t worry, you’ll knock him dead.”

  Following the driver, I walk to the car. He holds the door open for me and I feel a bit embarrassed as I climb in. Before he shuts the door on me, I wave to my family who is peeking through the window. Anyone would think I was going on a prom date. That’s exactly how I feel. Then I realize that I’m alone in the car. He must be waiting at the restaurant. No doubt Mia put on this glitzy show to make sure I had fun. The driver sets off and all I can think is, there’s still time to pull out.

  Familiar Freckles

  I’m a bit of a sly kinda guy. I’ve learned to be that way in my business life, it doesn’t always pay to be honest. After being persuaded into this blind date charade by my sister-in-law, I decided to stay at a distance while I wait for my date to arrive. This way, as she’s shown to the table, I can see who she is without her seeing me. Don’t’ ask me why I have to do this because I don’t know. Call it a guy thing, or put it down to my character, I don’t care. I mean if she’s not what I hope then I won’t stand her up, I guess. But, I will be forewarned. That’s just who I am.

  Most of the women I date are in the glamorous and sexy category. Trouble is they also tend to be a lit
tle vacuous. Well, perhaps that a little harsh, but none of them have ever challenged my intellect, which is disappointing. They usually wear provocative outfits and expect me to spend money on them, lots of it. Most of the time, I don’t think much about it. It became a part of my life to associate with attractive and wealthy people. At first, it was exciting, but now, I’m looking for more in the women I meet. It could be that I’ve outgrown fast cars and fast women. So, what the hell am I doing on a blind date?

  In my mind, I’m telling myself that it's as a favor for Mia and her game of challenges. Yet, I'm looking forward to this challenge of dating someone I’ve never met and spending an evening with this stranger. Even if I don't like my partner, I can convince myself it’s a business dinner. Mia made me promise to be a gentleman and remain completely charming throughout. That's not difficult as I always turn on the charm with the ladies. Then again, something's niggling at the back of my mind that’s causing me to feel strange. Like I’m nervous. Bad nerves are not something I ever suffer from, but for some reason, I'm like a giddy kid on his first date.

  Perhaps that’s why I decide to watch from a distance. In fact, I’m in the security room watching the CCTV cameras, to observe the woman they show to my table. I sent a car to pick her up so I could do exactly this. I’m a busy guy and I could be doing a million other things. Instead, I'm escorting some woman of Mia’s mischief-making. She insists that I need a “normal” woman in my life and that all the women I date are too beautiful. Does that mean she’s found me an ugly duckling? Cruel, I know, but I’m the one who’s got to please my sister-in-law. Then she’ll leave me in peace to enjoy my glamorous lifestyle. Which, for some reason, she believes is no longer fitting for my old age.

  I suppose when you hit 30 years, you should be considering settling down. Though I'm quite certain that’s not what I want out of life. Kids and responsibilities have never appealed to me. Mia seems to think this new woman will change my outlook, but I doubt that very much. I’ll give her a good time before I leave San Francisco and get back to doing what I do best; making money.

  With my thoughts drifting all over the place, I miss the arrival of my blind date. Through the camera, I can see that someone is already sitting at the table. From this angle, the camera only shows the entrance to the booth, not who's in it. Well, at least I know she’s arrived. I suppose if Mia’s gone to so much trouble I ought to make an appearance.

  I slowly stroll through the restaurant in the hope of getting a glimpse of whoever is in my booth. If only I didn't feel so nervous. Mia could be right, this could be what I need. Though, it’s hard to believe that with my stature in life, I’m going on a blind date.

  Arriving at the booth, I put on my best smile and lunge in with a warm greeting.

  “What the fuck!” Slips out of my mouth as I stare wide-eyed at the familiar freckles staring back at me. “Tiffany!”

  “Is this meant to be some sort of joke?” She says back at me, in much the same tone.

  I can’t reply because my voice has abandoned me. She starts to get up to leave but I can’t let her. I mean...I mean...

  “No!” I say. “Please, don’t leave, Tiffany,” I manage some words. “It’s unlikely that Mia knew. She wouldn’t have done this to anyone.”

  As I'm speaking, I enter the booth and sit opposite her. My redhead, from oh so long ago. How I have thought about her so many times. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest at this unbelievable coincidence.

  “Please stay, Tiffany," I manage, gaining my confidence back now that I’m seated and looking upon a woman I thought I’d never see again. "Let’s at least do some catching up.”

  Her face is still as beautiful as the day I met her. She always hated her freckles, but I adored them.

  “It’s good to see you, Tiffany.” I give her my best smile on the hope of easing the tension. “I imagine so much has happened since we parted ways?”

  She says nothing and stares directly at the table. I wish she would look up so I can stare into her deep green eyes, like I used to do, so many years ago.

  “You haven’t changed much.” I try to get her talking. “Mind you, it’s only been, what, erm...”

  “Six years, Calvin, that’s how long it’s been,” she replies, showing no signs of pleasure at seeing an old friend.

  “This is all coincidental,” I tell her. “But, now that we’re both here, let’s enjoy a meal together, like old friends.”

  Tiffany sips at the glass of white wine that she’s holding. I’m wishing I had something a little stronger. A cold chill emanates from her mood, although I don’t know why we’re on bad terms like this.

  “You don’t look pleased to see me?” I say. “Did we part in a bad way?”

  “No, we didn’t, Calvin. I’m shocked, that’s all,” she replies, looking a little more relaxed. “Of course I’m pleased to see you, but you weren’t what I was expecting.”

  “Tell me, what were you expecting? What did Mia tell you about your blind date?”

  “Well, she said you were handsome and that we would be a good match”

  “That’s all she said?” I asked.

  “Pretty much, yeah. Look, I don’t want to bruise your ego, but to be honest, I’m mainly here because of the restaurant,” Tiffany tells me. “I wanted to have an enjoyable evening. I wasn’t actually that interested in the dating side of things.”

  “Yes, it’s the best in San Francisco,” I say, glad to have a topic to talk about. I’ve never been one to be lost for words, but I’m not sure how to take this date forward. For some reason, Tiffany still seems hostile. As I recall, we ended our relationship mutually, so we could both make progress with our careers.

  The waiter calls at our table and Tiffany is happy for me to order. I decide on the tasting menu, a small serving of just about everything on the menu. At least that way, there will be something we can both enjoy.

  It seems like an eternity before our food is served, and we sit opposite each other making small talk. I remember that when we were together six years ago, we never stopped talking. We always had the same interests as each other. It seems that has now changed.

  When the waiter returns with the Lazy Susan, it's a relief to have something to focus on. “Ah, here they come to lay out the food. Shall we go to the bar and give them room to work?”

  Tiffany agrees and we make our way to the bar while the Chinese waiters set out our table. I’m determined to make this evening work, for old times’ sake. Tiffany is a girl who's often been in the forefront of my mind. It will be good to catch up. I order drinks as we sit on bar stools, both looking like we’re on our first date ever.

  Chapter 5

  “It’s like we never parted”

  “I can’t believe I allowed you to talk me into coming back to a hotel room,” I say as he pours us both a large glass of sparkling white wine. “Wow, now that’s a good glass of wine, anyone would think you’re trying to get me drunk.”

  “Ahh, a tried and tested trick. I knew that if I could get you to come for a drink in the hotel bar, I could smooth the way to get you up here,” he blatantly admits to me.

  “Hmm, remind me why I agreed to come to a hotel bar?” I ask, not remembering how or why I got there.

  “I was going to change my shirt after I splashed it with wine, but in the end I didn’t want to leave you, not for one moment.”

  “Yes. I remember the incident now,” I chuckle. “I bet you splashed wine on your shirt on purpose, you sly one.”

  “You will never know,” he grins back at me. “You know, we’ve talked about every topic on the planet but not one word about ourselves,” he says, sitting down next to me on a huge couch.

  I’m not sure I can trust myself with him so close. This is not your average kinda guy, and I'm attracted to this hunk of a male. I always was, and he’s matured into a fine- looking man. His thick dark hair sits in short messy waves on his head. I notice a small piece of hair on his forehead that looks like it does its own t
hing when he brushes it back. Whilst he has a longish chin and beautiful teeth, what I like most are the creases around the sides of his mouth. When he smiles those creases lead up to his deep brown eyes that brighten up under thick bushy brows. If ever you could call a nose strong, it is his. His whole aura is offset with a strength that I can remember well from when we were together.

  Add to that he’s tall and broad-chested and, no doubt, well-muscled underneath those clothes. A sudden warmth tingles between my legs at the thought of seeing his naked body, and my face flushes with heat.

  “Are you okay?” He asks, with genuine concern in his voice. “Considering you said you only came on this date for the experience of Mia’s restaurant, you hardly touched the food.

  “I don’t want to talk about us, Calvin,” I bring up the courage to tell him. Hopefully, I won't need to give a reason. “For now, let’s enjoy each other's company. Even better, let’s pretend we don’t know each other, at all.”

  “Well, we don’t know each other that well,” he replies, moving a little closer to me and staring right into my eyes.

  He’s right. We don’t know each other that well. We were only together a few weeks, and that was over six years ago. He has no idea that I have a huge secret, and I want it to remain that way. There’s no way am I telling him about our son. This is not going to happen.

  “Look, I should go,” I say, attempting to sit up.

  He reaches out and puts his a large hairy hand on my arm. He always was very masculine in his features. His touch is electric and my tummy quivers with butterflies. Then, I smell his aura. It’s an aroma that stirs deep passions within me. Memories come flooding back of our passionate lovemaking. An urge to brush my lips over the skin on his throat overcomes me. Instead, I inhale that deep masculine fragrance of his. If only I could bottle how he smells, though I’d better not tell him that. He leans in towards me and his voice is husky.

  “I promise I will ask no questions if you don't want me to,” he says, his lips almost brushing against my ear.