“I knew you were over him. After all, you dumped him like you do all the rest.” Cheyenne giggled. “I’m going to introduce you to Brian.”
“Brian?” Shannon furrowed her eyebrows. “He’s new. What happened to David?”
“David’s last season’s fashion. Brian and I have been dating over a month. We have so much to catch up on.”
“Sounds like we do.” Shannon’s finger hovered over the button on the console. “I have to finish up my work assignment, then I’m on my way. See you soon.” She disconnected the call.
Great. Breaking up with Brooks wasn’t a big deal. They gave it a go, but she didn’t have any deep feelings for the guy. But Liv, who was in her circle of friends, poaching him bugged her. It was a slimy thing to do. But then again, that was Liv. She was always up to no good and had been the bane of Shannon’s existence for most of their lives. Cheyenne, Janie, and Fiona tried to keep the peace between them. But Shannon knew Liv couldn’t be trusted. Hooking up with Brooks proved it.
But this news did give her an out. Who would blame her for not showing up now?
The sound of the GPS telling her to exit the freeway jolted her out of her thoughts. Too soon, she reached Rafe and Leigh’s place. She pulled into the driveway and parked. It was a huge, beautiful home with a finely manicured front lawn and beautiful flowers planted.
“We’re here.” She parked then dug into her purse and handed him a key fob. “Here’s the entry device, and Rafe said the code to the alarm is the same as last time.” She noticed he wasn’t saying anything. “What’s wrong?”
Chance unhooked his seatbelt. “I once rode with Tyler in his race car. I think you beat his speed record.”
“If that’s your way of saying thanks for the ride, you’re welcome.”
“I’ll be sure to do that as soon as my heart starts beating again,” Chance said as he opened the car door and got out. “Can you pop your trunk?”
“For someone who’s supposed to be this big adventurer, you sure get rattled easily,” she called after him. She hit the button for the trunk and got out too.
“I like to pick how I risk my life,” he mused.
“Control freak.”
“What was that?” He hoisted one of his bags on his shoulder.
She smiled. “Nothing.”
“Thanks.” He closed the trunk. “Enjoy your party.”
She didn’t answer. She wanted to catch up with friends, but she didn’t want to deal with the perceived humiliation about Brooks and Liv getting together.
“Huh.” Chance gave her a once-over. “I didn’t figure you for a quitter.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just because an ex-boyfriend will be there with someone else is no reason to turn tail and hide.”
“I’m not hiding.” She folded her arms across her chest.
“So, you still have feelings for this guy?”
“Heavens no.” She waved a hand. “Brooks and I wanted different things.”
“Then you should have no problem going to the party.” He opened the front door, then punched in the alarm code.
“It’s not that simple.” She followed him and shut the door.
“You were saying?” Chance put his bags down near the staircase.
She looked around. “Sorry. I’ve never been in Rafe’s house before.”
“Leigh’s changed something every time I visit. She reads those Feng Shui books.”
“Nice.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder.
“Back to your faux dilemma.” He moved closer to her. “It’s just a stupid party, no big deal.”
“It’s not stupid. Fiona did get into law school. It’s a cool accomplishment for her.”
“I’d even say your friend Fiona would forgive you if you made up an excuse and bailed.”
“She probably would.” She bit her lip.
“So, I bet there’s an underlying problem that’s keeping you away. That’s kept you away from your friends.”
Chance’s words felt like coal being shoveled onto a fire that was already brewing inside her. She’d lost her confidence after the incident in Paris. Her friends had assumed she’d gone off with the guy she’d met that night. Little did they know she’d been drugged and abducted. Not many people were privy to know she’d really been kidnapped from that nightclub and by a miracle, Trevor Reed saved her life. Being around her friends, who were there with her in Paris that night, brought those horrific memories rushing back. She’d lost faith in the world. It had taken a lot of time and therapy to get past that. She’d carefully compartmentalized it in her mind. How could she explain that to them?
Yes. She’d felt like she’d been growing apart from her friends for a while now. While they continued to jet set and party, she was more content to stay closer to home.
She looked at Chance, looking at her. He was gazing so intently it almost made her uncomfortable.
Chance closed the distance between them. “I could go with you.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Why not?” He shrugged. “Rafe and Leigh aren’t home. Tate, Isabelle, and the kids are out of town.”
“Oh. So, I’m just some way to pass the time?” She put her hand on her hip.
“Do you want me to go or not?”
“What do you want in return?” she demanded. “Within reason, of course.”
“Call it a public service.”
“I’m not a charity case. I can get a date like that.” She snapped her fingers.
“I bet you could. But I’m available right now,” he countered. “What’s it going to be? Go to the party with me or go home and avoid your problems by eating a half gallon of rocky road ice cream?”
“I’m a mint chocolate chip girl.” She looked him over. “Are you going to change?”
“Why? What’s wrong with the way I look?”
She did a slow walk around him, giving him a full inspection. “You look like you had a fight with a grizzly bear and the grizzly bear won,” she drawled.
“Easy with the insults. After all, I am pretending to be your date tonight.”
“Not a date.” She shook her head. “The beard could use some trimming. Do you have a fancier shirt?”
“Where I’m from, they call that series of facts a date.”
“You’re my escort. Nothing more,” she fired back.
“I’ll change my shirt.” Chance picked up his bags and headed up the stairs. “But I’d sooner give up a kidney than shave this beard.”
“Well, at least run a comb through that bushy rug you call a badge of honor,” Shannon said as she watched his perfect ass as he walked up the stairs. She blinked when we turned around and caught her staring.
“One more thing. I don’t dance. And don’t even think about getting all handsy tonight,” he warned her.
“You wish!” She shouted after him, outraged.
As long as she had to wait for Chance, it wouldn’t hurt to look around. Although she’d known him for most of her life, Rafe was still a bit of a mystery to her. Granted, she knew nothing of his personal life, but she knew that finding love with Leigh had changed him. He’d gone from super intense and guarded to softening a bit. He’d even managed to smile more when she saw him.
Leigh had livened Rafe’s life in more ways than one. There were lots of warm colors in the house, and it looked lived-in but in a good way. There were pictures on the walls of what she recognized as family and friends. She was surprised to see Rafe had been highly decorated in the Army. A guitar sat on a stand in the living room near the fireplace. Frilly pillows with music notes embroidered on them were on the couch with a soft blanket that looked perfect for cuddling on cold nights. It definitely had a woman’s touch.
She checked her watch. How long did it take for a man, who obviously wasn’t too meticulous about the way he looked, to get ready? As if on cue, Chance descended the stairs.
“Did I clean up well?” He did a quick turn. “Do I look suitable fo
r a snooty night on the town?”
She walked over to him. Good heavens, he smelled good. He’d changed his shirt from the baby blue to an electric blue that complimented his eyes. He’d tamed the wild, sandy blonde hair, and the beard looked neater. “You’ll do.”
“Feel like taking a chance tonight?”
“I thought I did when I agreed to let you escort me.”
“I have something even better in mind.” He took her by the hand and led her down the hallway to a door. He opened it to reveal the garage. “Let’s take my motorcycle.”
“Are you kidding?” Her eyes widened. “I can’t ride on that thing.”
“Relax.” He went over to a shelf and retrieved two helmets. “I have a helmet for you.”
“Helmet? I’m not dressed for it. Do you have any idea what that will do to my hair?”
“Live a little. Let your hair down. Stop being so uptight.”
“Oh, I can get pretty crazy, believe me. I just don’t like being goaded into something.” She put her hand on her hip.
“A ride will clear your head. It does wonders for me.” He smiled.
He didn’t know the half of it. There was a time she’d have wanted to drive the thing. But she’d put the wild part of herself away. She was trying to be respectable these days.
“The car would be better.”
“All I hear is a list of reasons why you won’t do it,” Chance drawled. “How about one reason why you should?”
Well…life had been pretty mundane the past few months. This would be the most excitement she’d had since promising her dad she’d settle down and be responsible. Chance had that edge to his argument, there was no doubt about it. “Are you safe on this thing?”
“Safer than you driving a car.”
“Ha ha.”
Chance handed her the helmet. “Come on. Like I said, live a little. If we’re lucky, this might be a fun night.”
“I’m going to regret this.” She sighed. “OK. Let me get my purse from the car.”
Five minutes later, Shannon was securely on the back of the motorcycle, helmet on and wearing Chance’s jacket. As they pulled out of the driveway, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement. She had a feeling one night with Chance would quell that the restlessness that had been nagging at her lately. He was definitely going to turn heads at the party. On top of that, she wouldn’t have to walk into the party and be the subject of whispering and pity because Brooks and Liv were together.
If he wasn’t the perfect weapon for revenge, she didn’t know who was. He was exciting, sexy as sin, and every girl’s dream. The bad boy, complete with a motorcycle and reputation for avoiding serious relationships. She remembered hearing Sam say he was chronically single. If she hadn’t taken a break from dating, he’d be just her type.
CHAPTER TWO
Chance didn’t know what he liked more. The rush of the wind against his skin as he zipped along the freeway or Shannon’s hands firmly grasping his stomach. He probably would’ve taken the bike out for a spin this evening even without this party. It gave him a chance to clear his mind. But it was too fun to pass up a chance to goad Shannon into taking a spin on it. And she took the bait like he thought she would.
They arrived at the restaurant. He found a spot in front, came to a stop and cut the engine, and then released the side stand. He got off and helped Shannon as she gracefully swung her leg over the bike to stand. She took off her helmet and gave her hair a good shake.
“See, that wasn’t so bad.” He smiled.
“Says you.” She tried to get closer to the bike’s mirror. “I can only imagine what I look like right now.”
“You look gorgeous,” Chance drawled.
“Thanks.” She stopped playing with her hair and winced when she looked at her watch. “We’re really late.”
“Relax.” Chance opened the compartment and stashed the helmets. “Parties never start on time.”
“Good point.”
“Before we head in, give me a quick rundown of your friends so I know what to expect.”
“Cheyenne is my bestie. She’s sweet. Janie doesn’t have a filter, so don’t mind anything she says. Fiona’s the budding lawyer. She’s tough, but she’s a lot of fun. And then there’s Liv.”
“Why don’t you two get along?”
“I’d need three hours and a dry erase board to explain.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s complicated.”
“Let me guess. Rivals all through high school? Competed for the best grades and always liked the same boys?” He held out his elbow for her to take hold.
“Yes.”
“You have the upper hand. You brought along hunky eye candy.” He winked at her. “I do three things well, and one of them is pissing off old boyfriends.”
“Think a lot of yourself, do you?”
“Hey, if I don’t, who will? Let’s go have some fun, Fancy Girl.”
He grinned. Well, that got her to smile. He hated to admit each time she smiled and those dimples deepened, his heart melted a little. It seemed to ease the tension in her face. She was walking into the middle of an old rivalry. He got that. But that still didn’t explain the apprehensiveness he sensed when she’d been talking to Cheyenne on the phone.
As soon as they entered the restaurant, the hostess guided them to a private room where the party was held. A perky blonde-haired woman came barreling toward them.
“Shannon! I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it.” The woman gave Shannon a big hug, but her eyes were focused on him. “Who’s this?”
“I got tied up. Janie, this is Chance.” Shannon tried to steady herself once the bear hug was over. “Chance, this is my good friend Janie McDermott.”
“Chance McGill.” He extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Janie.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Janie smiled and shook his hand as she twirled a lock of her hair with her index finger. “Goodness, you’re handsome. Anyone ever tell you that?”
“First time I’ve heard it today.” Chance grinned. Shannon was right. Janie didn’t have a filter.
“Strong grip too. I like a man with a firm handshake. My dad says never trust a man with a limp wrist.”
“Good advice from your father. What does my handshake say about me?” Chance smiled as her shake morphed into a gentle caress.
“It’s powerful and commanding but not intimidating.” Janie massaged the back of his hand with her thumb. “You must be very good with your hands. They are so strong.”
“Janie.” Shannon pulled their hands apart. “Where’s Fiona?”
“At the end of the bar with Cheyenne and Liv.” Janie winced. “Did you hear about—”
“I know about Brooks and Liv. Cheyenne filled me in on the fabulous couple.”
“Frankly, I don’t think it’s going to last,” Janie said. “If Brooks was so great, you’d still be dating him, right? And I see you’ve traded up. So let’s go join the party.”
They walked over to the bar as the ladies all hugged and began talking so loudly and quickly that he could barely understand what they were saying. But it was obvious everyone was glad to see Shannon except the brunette with the short haircut. She was giving Shannon some wicked side-eye. She must have been Liv.
“I knew you would come. Liv had her doubts, but I knew you’d come,” the woman in a red dress said. It had to be Cheyenne. She and Shannon were wearing matching bracelets that had half of a heart. He could see Shannon and Cheyenne being friends. They both had a sassy princess vibe with their perfectly coiffed hair and stylish clothes.
“I didn’t.” Fiona shook her head. “I hoped you’d be here to celebrate with me, but I had no idea you were bringing a surprise along too.”
The ladies all surrounded him like a pack of wild animals stalking its prey.
“Cheyenne, Fiona, I’d like you to meet Chance McGill.” Shannon began to point them out. “Chance, these are my friends. Fiona and Cheyenne. We’ve known each other
since forever.”
Liv cleared her throat.
“That’s Liv,” Shannon added. “You aren’t catching something, are you? Do you need a cough drop?”
“No thanks,” Liv replied tightly.
“Hello, ladies.” Chance gave them all his best smile. “Shannon’s talked so much about you, I feel like I know you.”
“We don’t know a thing about you,” Cheyenne replied.
“How about we have a sit-down and change that? I was telling Shannon today that it was high time she introduced me to her friends.” Chance held out his arm to Cheyenne and led them to an empty table. He held out the chair for each one of them, including Liv. “Before we start, Shannon, what would you like to drink?”
“A white wine is fine.”
“White wine coming up.” He kissed Shannon on the lips. “Ladies, don’t discuss anything juicy while I’m gone.”
Shannon plastered on a smile but shot a deadly look at Chance. The raucous whirlwind of conversation started up at the table as Chance went over to the bar. He’d improvised the kiss, but he was glad he did it. Shannon’s lips were soft.
“A white wine please, and a beer,” he said to the bartender.
There was one guy eyeing him from across the room. He was a tall, muscular guy who looked like he could have played for the Tomcats. The look in his eyes was a tumultuous storm that reeked of jealousy. It had to be Brooks. Chance was sure his presence had wrecked Brooks and Liv’s plan to lower the boom on Shannon, and each was trying to come up with another game plan. Liv looked like she was a little put off she couldn’t make her speech about snatching Brooks away while everyone was busy asking Shannon questions about Chance.
He laughed to himself. The people in the room were born of privilege, had money, and presumably didn’t worry about the things the average person did. So, to stave off the boredom of not having to fend for themselves in the real world, they contrived drama.
Why did he feel so protective of Shannon? These were her friends. But there had been something in her eyes when she voiced her hesitation about attending the party. Something in her had changed. Maybe it was the job, even if it was for her father’s company. Working with Sam was no cake walk, he was sure. Sam was a fireball, and it took a special person to keep up with her. He couldn’t imagine her letting the spoiled beauty slide just because she was the boss’s daughter. But Shannon wasn’t the same as the other people in this room.
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