Give Love a Chance

Inc.

Rat-a tat-tat.

Deafening shots rang out. Each sharp crack vibrated from her head to her toes like an electric current. She slapped her hand over her mouth, so she wouldn’t scream. He was shooting at something in Derek’s room, and Evan’s room was right next door. She drew in a long, slow breath to help stay calm. Her finger twitched on the trigger of the gun. She held her breath and waited.

Whack. The bedroom door swung open with such force, it sprang against the wall.

Give Love

a Chance

by

Darla Jones

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Give Love a Chance

COPYRIGHT © 2017 by Darla Jones

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

Cover Art by Kim Mendoza

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Crimson Rose Edition, 2017

Print ISBN 978-1-5092-1486-0

Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-1487-7

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To my loving husband, Dick

Prologue

March

Kim’s body floated in a blissful haze. The man beside her was asleep; his breathing slow and easy. Pale moonlight crept into his bedroom like a downy, warm blanket, allowing her to make out the faint smile on his lips. She studied his handsome, masculine face with high cheekbones and strong chin. A blush crept over her when she remembered how his lips devoured each inch of her body. She squeezed her eyelids shut, and gave her head a shake to dissipate the tingling sensation sweeping over her.

Evan Michaels had made love to her twice in about as many hours. The image of the good looking man, and the way he ravaged her body, caused a soft moan to fall from her lips.

Evan must have heard her utterance. His hand stroked her cheek; he nudged her close, and laid a soft kiss on her lips. Sleep, honey. I want to hold you all night, he murmured. His voice was a gentle caress.

She sprang up, grasped his firm shoulder, and gave it a tug. No, Evan. I can’t. I have to go. It’s late. My sitter will be worried, she protested.

The harsh reality of what she’d done flashed in her brain like a thunderbolt. This wasn’t her plan. Until a few hours ago, she had no intention of going to bed with the man, let alone spending the night with him.

Without opening his eyes, a low groan rolled from the depths of Evan’s wide chest. Why don’t you call and tell her you’ll be home in the morning?

Warning alarms signaled in her head, and Kim leaped from the bed. Evan, if you don’t take me home this instant, I’ll call a cab. Her declaration was easier said than done. She was at Sunset Peak, better known as Snob’s Knob by the less fortunate, but had no idea of Evan’s street name or house number.

Sprawled like a contented lion who had just battled for the prize lioness and won, Evan was sound asleep. Arising from the bed in the darkened room, Kim stooped and groped along the thick carpet trying to find her clothes. She found his silky shirt and wrapped it around her torso.

Her threat to call a cab had fallen on deaf ears. She dashed to his bathroom and flipped on the light. It took a few seconds to adjust to the glaring brightness of the room. The sight of herself in the wide mirror above the vanity filled her with shame. Her light brown hair was disheveled, her cheeks flushed, and her lips red and swollen. What had she done? How had Evan Michaels managed to get her into his bed?

Unable to look at her reflection any longer, Kim turned away. His bathroom was large and elaborate. With a skylight overhead, an impressive sunken tub filled one end of the room. But his shower made her gasp. Lined in aqua tile, which must have been marble; the extravagant shower was so large it didn’t need a door. There were five showerheads, a rainhead from the ceiling, and two on each side of the stall. She gave her head a shake. So this was how the privileged of Snob’s Knob lived.

Though it was dark when Evan brought her to his home, they hadn’t been concerned with the lights as they kissed their way upstairs to his bedroom. But if this was what his bathroom looked like, the rest of his house must be spectacular. His real estate business had to be doing very well.

She gazed at the shower again. Five showerheads. Who could pass up such a wonderful experience? It would be a good excuse to scrub away her guilt after their encounter. Besides, a shower would only take a few minutes. She called to Evan, Is it okay if I take a shower?

There was no response from the sleeping lion.

As soon as she showered she would dress, go downstairs, try to find a piece of mail with his address, and call a cab. She wasn’t the type to jump into men’s beds, and had no intentions of spending the night. This had already gone much too far.

Shedding his shirt, she scampered into the shower, and flipped a few controls. Once the water warmed, the shower was pure heaven.

Aah, she groaned. The warm water gently cascading from all directions, she could do nothing but bask in its pleasure. She closed her eyes. She was standing under a waterfall in a far away tropical island. Palm trees swayed in the distance. Perhaps she wasn’t in a hurry to get home. In her paltry apartment, she wasn’t going to experience such luxury.

But her tropical excursion ended all too soon when an invader entered her fantasy sanctuary. She forced her eyes open. Evan stood before her, nude as the day he was born. His deep, blue eyes swept over her body, and his lips curved upward in a lazy grin.

He wasn’t sleepy anymore. In fact, he was wide awake, and primed for action.

Kim blushed. Her cheeks blazed strawberry red.

Dangling a washcloth from his fingertip, his baritone voice purred, I thought you could use some help with your shower.

Chapter 1

June

Kim Hayward pulled her Chevy into the parking lot of the Dew Drop Inn and shut off the engine. From her vantage point on the hilltop, she had a bird’s eye view of Main Street in downtown Baybridge. A new, modern high rise, designated for the elderly, jutted above the other older buildings, some which had stood for over a hundred years. The small city of fifty thousand friendly, down-home folks rested quietly in the green, tree carpeted Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania.

On this cloudless June day, one of the longest and hottest of the year, dusk began to creep over the valley like the gray silhouette of an apparition. One by one, the street lights below flickered before bursting to life.

Palms sweating, Kim gripped the steering wheel of her six-year-old automobile while a wave of nausea rolled over her stomach. Except for her phone call a few days ago to arrange this meeting, she hadn’t spoken to Evan Michaels in three months. During those months, she’d tried, but failed, to erase the man from her mind.

The crunching of tires on the loose gravel in the parking lot prickled at her ears as his navy blue Lexus pulled in beside her. She drew in a deep breath to calm the nervous dread that crept over her and squared her shoulders. Oh, let this meeting be over as swiftly as possible, she prayed silently.

Kim flung open her car door and stood at the rear of her old sedan. Evan emerged from his car, caught sight of her, and a wide smile spread over his handsome face. His smile was contagious, and she forced her lips to be still and not respond. But how could she have forgotten how handsome he was?

Kim, I am so glad you called. With both his stride and posture oozing confidence, he was beside her in four long steps. His tight jeans and thin knit shirt emphasized his athletic, toned body. The vision of his beautiful, nude body flashed in her mind while his spicy aroma teased at her nose, bringing back her memories of their one night together. He reached for her hand. But she’d learned her lesson well. She wasn’t falling for Evan’s charm or his body ever again.

She coiled back and riveted her arms to her sides, making it obvious she didn’t want his touch. Let’s sit and talk. It’s very important.

His smile faded, he nodded, and motioned her toward the entrance of the Dew Drop Inn. The smoky scent of broiled steaks drifted in the air of the dark walled restaurant. Passing the few patrons scattered throughout the dining area, they found a table at the far end of the room. Always a gentleman, Evan pulled her chair out for her. Right on cue, the waiter appeared.

Scotch and water for me, he ordered and then his gaze rested on her face.

Diet cola, please. Her tone was timid, reminding her of her four-year-old daughter’s meek, little voice when she misbehaved. Being face to face with Evan again made what she had to say more difficult. Once the waiter had gone, Evan’s intense eyes searched her face. In the dimness of the room, they were a deeper, cerulean blue than she’d remembered. It was a relief when he spoke. Remember this place? I didn’t want the evening to end. We talked for hours.

Kim twisted her napkin in her hands, bowed her head, and squeezed her own velvety brown eyes shut. Yes, of course. I remember, she murmured. They’d drove to the quiet inn after meeting at a party for a young Baybridge couple. It was a wonderful night for Kim, who hadn’t socially conversed with a man in years. They’d spent hours talking. She found him intelligent, charming, and humorous.

The waiter returned with their drinks. Evan toyed with his and swirled the ice around as though he wanted to prolong whatever had brought them together once more. At last, his somber eyes met hers. Honey, are you ill? You look thin. Kim gave her head a negative shake, and he continued, Is it your daughter? Is she all right?

Brook’s fine. How about you?

I’m good. A wrinkle crept across his brow and his eyes narrowed. Are you in some sort of trouble?

No. She shook her head, expelled a sigh, and sat upright in her chair. She had to tell him. He had a right to know. Evan, there’s no way to say this except to come right out and say it. I’m pregnant.

You’re what? His mouth gaped in disbelief. The other patrons in the restaurant turned their heads at his loud retort.

Kim had rehearsed her speech and was determined to continue. Of course, abortion is out of the question. I want no money and no child support from you. I won’t put your name on the baby’s birth certificate. There is only one thing I ask of you. She paused to run her tongue over her dry lips. Her voice and her courage were both beginning to weaken, but what she wanted to say next was very important. Someday, if this child wants to know about his or her father, I’d like to be able to tell them who you are. It will probably be years from now, but if he or she wants to meet you, I’d like your consent. She paused to catch her breath. I think everyone should know their roots. A child needs to know at least a little about their father.

Kim’s speech was over and the proverbial ball bounced into Evan’s corner. In a flash, his demeanor changed. His once kind eyes now glared. His lips drew tight thin lines. His nose flared, reminding her of an old cartoon where the bull in the arena blew smoke from his nostrils as the matador waved his red cape. Why would you do this to me? If it’s not money, what do you want? I thought you were different, but you’re like all the rest. You want my name and prestige.

Aghast by his reaction, Kim shrank back. He might as well have punched her in the gut. Evan, I told you I didn’t want anything from you. I’d hoped we could discuss this civilly. Her voice quivered.

Did someone put you up to this? He flung the question at her through gritted teeth. Still irate, his hands reached toward her shoulders, but when she winced and stiffened her body for his attack, he lowered them to his sides without touching her. I’m sorry, Kim, he growled. But his anger simmered like a land mine triggered to detonate with the slightest touch. Once more they had drawn the attention of those around them.

What do you mean did someone put me up to this? Her hands trembled and tears welled up in her eyes. ‘Run. Get out now’, a voice in her head screamed. But her body was frozen to her chair and her legs would refuse to hold her if she stood. Evan continued to tower over her. His powerful body stretched his shirt’s fabric to its limit while his musky scent engulfed her.

Let me understand this situation. How many men have you given this speech to? How many have there been, Kim? Tossing his five foot ten frame back into his chair and pinching his eyes shut, he inhaled a deep breath. So you’re pregnant and you’re accusing me of being the father. With his voice and ominous, low snarl, he shook his head in disbelief.

Kim had not witnessed his anger before. During their four dates, he was always laid back and fun. She hadn’t expected his wrath. Of course, it was understandable. He was in shock and needed time to calm down. At least he was sitting again. I said you could deny it. I understand what a shock this must be…

I’m not shocked, he snapped. I am disappointed you would stoop so low. Isn’t this the oldest trick in the book? Did you think I’d fall for your trap? He hissed.

Trap? Had he not believed anything she said? She willed herself to be strong, but when she spoke her voice quivered again. I want nothing from you, Evan. I’m concerned about my baby’s future. Struggling to keep her emotions in check, she sucked in a big gulp of the ice cold soda. It hit the bottom of her empty, pregnant stomach like a heavy lead ball. She winced.

Evan’s jaw clinched and his fists curled into balls. There’s no way you could be pregnant. He hissed again. The room had grown quiet as onlookers stared. It’s not possible, because I used condoms. I’m not about to fall for your trick.

The lead ball in Kim’s stomach rose to her throat and she jumped to her feet. At the moment, it would be more than fitting if she threw up all over him. Wanting her to sit, Evan reached for her shoulders again. His touch was gentle this time, but she twisted her tiny body to release his grasp, and clamping a hand over her mouth, made a mad dash to the ladies room.

After sobbing and retching for ten minutes, Kim emerged from the ladies room to find the table she’d shared with Evan was vacant; a twenty dollar bill lay on its surface.

The waiter approached the table, snatched the bill, and stuffed it in his apron. Looks like your friend took off, ma’am. Can I get you anything else?

Kim didn’t trust her voice. When she shook her head, the man wandered back to the bar. She grabbed her bag and sprinted for the door. Once outside, the fresh air filled her lungs and soothed her nausea. She leaned against the cool brick wall of the building and caught her breath.

She couldn’t blame Evan for his reaction. At first, she denied being pregnant herself. Her work as an RN at Baybridge General Hospital and devotion to her daughter occupied her time. Six months from now she’d have another child to care for. And just like her sweet Brook, they would have no father figure.

****

Evan Michaels sat across his father’s desk in Everett Michaels’s formal library at Sunset Peak. His father had recently retired from the U.S. Senate. He and his colleagues were grooming Evan for an election run in the Pennsylvania State Senate two years from now.

Son, are you sure this woman isn’t out to fatten her purse? The age was starting to show on his father’s still handsome face. If she doesn’t know who you are by now, she’ll recognize your name sometime in the future and decide the money is there for the taking.

Evan shrugged. I never mentioned I was planning to run for the senate. And as far as I know, she never connected my name with yours. Besides, she said she wanted nothing from me, only that I would agree to meet the child if he or she asks about me. Does Mom know about this?

Of course, she does. She’s very upset. Oh, Son, how did you get yourself into this mess? Pacing over the teak inlaid floor, Everett Michaels’s voice dripped of disgust and disappointment. I realize you date women from time to time. You’re thirty-five and have normal urges, but I thought you were smart enough to take precautions.

Evan hung his head in shame. His father’s scornful tone reminded him of being a teenager rather than a grown man being groomed for the senate.

Sooner or later, Everett Michaels continued, this woman will ask for an exorbitant sum of money and threaten to go to the press declaring you the illegitimate father of her child. It could happen just as your name is thrown in the candidate’s ring or a few years after you’re elected. Either way, it will destroy you. Long-faced, the elder Michaels shook his head. When is this child due?

Staring at the buffed teak floor, Evan couldn’t look at his father. I don’t know. She didn’t tell me, and I was too upset to ask. He lifted his head. There could be another man in this equation. Why wouldn’t there be? Kim was beautiful and sensuous. He had never craved a woman so much. Driving to meet her last night, his body was filled with anticipation. He’d hoped she would end up in his arms and then his bed.

Everett Michaels’s footsteps halted at Evan’s words. Another man, you say? Hmmm. Deep in thought, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. Interesting. This morning I called a man named Paul Almstead, who’s well known in the political arena and has dealt with this sort of problem before. He’s arranging his schedule so we can get together soon. When he’s available, I’ll call a meeting with the boys. We’ll have to come up with a plan to stop this scheming woman.

‘The boys,’ as his father called them, were men of wealth and power who had already pledged close to a million dollars toward his campaign. Unless they came up with a decent plan, Evan worried his political career would be over before it started. He didn’t want to be a senator because his father had been one, nor for the fame. He had the personality and the conviction to be a fair and honest senator. I really don’t want to drag them into this. It’s my private life, Evan protested.

His father’s reply was stern. You’re soon to be a public figure. There is no such thing as a private life now. Believe me, I speak from experience. We have to face this problem head on before it gets out of hand. His father paced again. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know about the meeting.

Evan was dismissed. He got up and slumped to the door, but before he reached it, he paused and turned back to his father. I’m sorry, Dad. If I am this baby’s father, I really messed up.

Everett remained silent, his gaze focused on the stack of papers on his desk. Evan slinked to the door and closed it behind him.

Another sleepless night faced him at home. His stomach gave a nauseating churn. Ever since Kim ran to the ladies room at the Dew Drop Inn, his belly had been doing somersaults.

He was a first class heel for leaving her at the restaurant. He should have asked more questions: When the baby was due? Was it possible she got pregnant on their one and only night together? Was she relying on a pregnancy test from the drug store or had a doctor comfirmed it? But he was too upset