Another Chance to Love

By M.L. Hughes

Chris Bentley has three best friends who are happily and madly in love and they want to see Chris get her chance. The girls see an opening one day and jump on it. Will Chris find true love or will this turn out to be just another walk down Cheater Lane?

Steve Roland is rich, smart, funny, sexy, and a world renowned architect. He is looking for someone who loves HIM and not his money or social standing. So far, the only thing he's found was a money grubbing, social climber who doesn't take no for an answer easily.

Will they find another chance to love or will life and past loves get in their way?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.L. Hughes
• Release date: Dec 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465810342

M.L. Hughes

I've been watching people and creating love stories for them in my head forever. Recently, I decided to put a few on paper. When I'm not writing, I'm either pretending to exercise by running (really a fast walk) or I'm taking care of the many reptiles that seem to have inhabited our house (completely an accidental result of raising boys....I'm more of a furry friends kinda girl). I'm a "live in a cabin in the middle of the woods by a big lake" kind of girl who is temporarily misplaced in a small town nowhere near a lake or the deep woods. I am lucky enough to have friends with an unused boathouse on a lake 12 hours away who don't mind when I just show up to write. I find humor in almost everything (good thing.....I seem to channel Lucille Ball quite a bit) and have yet to find a filter that works from my brain to my fingers. Whatever I'm thinking just falls onto the paper. I love meeting new people and love even more hearing from readers. You can email me at [e-mail].

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Another Chance to Love

M.L. Hughes

Published by M.L. Hughes at Smashwords

Copyright 2011 M.L. Hughes

All rights reserved

by

M. L. Hughes

Prologue

The last day of school, Chris thought to herself as she put the brightly colored gift bags around the classroom, making sure each student had one on their desk. She had packed the bags herself yesterday. Each one contained two books, specifically picked for each student so their reading level was challenged but not too much, a DVD of their adventures in school during the year together which Chris had made herself, a journal for them to use to write about their summer adventures, a special pen and pencil she knew most would cherish as if they were the most expensive gift in the world, and flyers for local amusement parks and ball teams which her principal asked all teachers to hand out to their students. She had also included a gift card to Barnes & Noble along with a map of the store, hoping her students would take the hint and go find another book to read over the summer. The last thing her students would find would be a Hershey bar tucked neatly inside one of their books. She knew the kids would love the treat and she hoped they’d open the book while eating it. It was so difficult to get children to read on their own. Chris prayed the bribe would work for at least a few of them.

How in the world had yet another year passed by already? The years seemed to be flying by faster and faster. She wondered if the students left in her charge thought the year had gone by quickly. She smiled when she thought of the many things her students had done and said over the year.

The next three hours of school would be tough. Always were for her. The students would be anxious to start their summer break. Some would be upset because the year was ending. Others would need to be all but tied down to wait out the three hours. Chris always had to fight back tears when the year ended. She never opted for the noisy luncheon other teachers would head out to. Instead, she preferred her solitude on the final day of school, usually opting instead to head out to Dana’s pool for a quiet swim. She always knew she would have the pool to herself, at least until Dana and Jason would return home around 6:00. Chris would always be gone before then, usually walking laps through her development and thinking back over the school year, by the time they would arrive at home.

Chris sighed as the bell rang, signaling the start of the last day of school. The school's principal, Ed, had told everyone that they had been granted the afternoon off as compensatory time, once the kids had left for the final time this school year. Chris had decided this morning to surprise her boyfriend, Scott, by showing up at his favorite restaurant, Marabella’s, for lunch. She knew he ate there just about every day. He didn’t expect her to be finished until after 4:00. He figured she’d stay and put everything away before heading home. Little did he know, but she had been doing that over the past few weeks. Staying late a little each night to store things and prepare for the next year’s group.

Chris smiled as her first students walked through the door. When they saw the brightly wrapped bags on their desks, they ran to hug her. The last bittersweet day of school had begun.

Chapter 1

To the world, Chris presented herself as happy and easy going. Not much upset her outwardly. She prided herself on being calm during emergencies, always being upbeat and happy, and being able to help her friends through the worst of situations.

Inwardly, Chris was more of a mess. She had learned to hide her feelings when she’d been growing up. Neither of her parents were very emotional and her father drilled into her that emotions were a sign of weakness. Chris learned that crying was not a welcome emotion in her home and she learned to bottle things up. When she needed a release, she did something physical. Walking, swimming, running, biking, hiking, whatever it took to burn out the emotion. She pushed herself beyond imaginable limits. Always pushing until the urge to cry or the mood of sadness finally passed, more from sheer exhaustion than anything else.

To her three closest friends, however, Chris could hide nothing. Stacy, Dana, and Amanda could see through any front that Chris tried to put up and called her on it, pushing her until she would finally break and her problems would come tumbling out. The four of them had been best friends for more than ten years. They had seen each other through, break-ups, marriages, bad days at work, good fortune, and missed opportunities.

They knew each other well.

They loved each other unconditionally.

Chris needed her friends now. It had been an awful, emotional day, with school ending for the year and Scott being such a jack ass. She needed her friends, but wasn’t willing to admit it and call them just yet.

Jesus, Amanda said to her husband, Dave. Chris must be really upset. That’s the seventh time I’ve seen her walk by and she’s pushing herself harder than ever. I wonder what the hell happened.

Dave looked out the window and immediately frowned when he saw Chris and the sweat pouring off of her. Last day of school have her upset?

No. She gets sad on the last day, but never angry. That‘s anger in her stride. She looks more like she‘s running than walking.

Why don’t you get on your bike and go catch her? I’ll clean up here. Should I call the other girls for you?

You know what? Yeah. Tell them to high tail it over here. I have a feeling this is a major crisis.

Amanda kissed her husband, then headed out to the garage to get her bike. With the way Chris was pushing herself, there was no way she would be able to keep up with her on foot, let alone catch her.

Amanda caught Chris just before she made the turn at the end of their development. She could hear Chris's iPod blaring out music into her ears. Amanda cringed, wondering how Chris could stand the volume being so loud.

She pulled a few feet in front of Chris and stopped. Chris turned off her iPod and glared at Amanda.

What’s wrong with you? I’ve been chasing you all the way down the street. How many laps have you done?

This is my fifteenth lap. I had some extra energy so I decided to hit the streets. Any law against that? The growl in her tone made Amanda shudder.

Anger, Amanda thought. THAT can’t be good. Chris was often sad on the last day of school, but never angry.

No, there isn’t anything wrong with pushing, but if you keep it up, I’m going to have to call an ambulance to peel you off the pavement. Now, slow the hell down and let’s talk out whatever happened to piss you off so much.

I’m not slowing down and I don't want to talk. You either keep up or meet me at my house. Your choice. Chris turned her iPod back on, cranked the volume even higher, so she couldn’t hear any other sounds, and pushed herself even harder.

Oh boy, Amanda thought. Something HUGE happened. This could take all night. She took out her cell phone, called her husband to tell him what Chris had said, then hustled to catch up to Chris, silently cursing the fact that her friend was in such great shape. She wanted to make sure Chris stopped at her house and didn’t head around for another lap.

When Chris and Amanda arrived at the house, Stacy and Dana were just pulling into the driveway in Stacy's blue Subaru Legacy. Stacy got out and opened the back door. She picked up three bottles of rum and two liters of Coke. Dana climbed out of the passenger side with a pizza and two more liters of Coke in her hands. Chris raised one eyebrow at Stacy and shot her an icy glare.

Hey, when Dave called he said things looked bad. I figured it would be at least a two bottle night, if not three. Why not come prepared?

Chris just scowled and then growled at Dana, I hope you three are planning on eating that pizza. I’m not hungry.

Amanda sighed. When Chris refused to eat, she was really ticked off. The three friends never understood why Chris took her anger out on herself. They all had guessed it had to do with how she was raised, her parents had never been known to show any emotion but happiness, but Chris never spoke of her childhood. When any of the others brought it up, such a dark look would cross Chris’s face that no one would press her. They all figured she’d talk when she was ready, but knew she had to be pushed to get to that point.

Get inside, Chris ordered, before my neighbors think I’m some wild drunk.

All three women obeyed the order and moved inside quickly. Stacy immediately went to the kitchen and got out four tall glasses from Chris's cabinet. Then, she started pouring the drinks. Dana got out plates from another cabinet and started dishing out the pizza.

So, rough day at school? Amanda was testing the waters.

No. Kids were great. Loved their gifts. Said they'd miss me. Morning went way too fast. Chris was still growling. Stacy stopped pouring drinks to study her.

Ok, so it was a normal last day of school. Bad day at the pool? Dana’s turn to try and draw Chris out.

I’m getting a shower, Chris suddenly announced, a look of pure anger on her face.

Let’s go girls, Amanda answered. Everyone traipsed up to Chris’s bedroom, drinks in hand, to wait on her bed while she showered.

Chris angrily stripped from her clothes and threw them at the floor. She stormed into the bathroom, leaving the door open behind her. She climbed into the shower, slamming the curtain into place to keep the water from spewing all over the floor. Her three friends just watched the tirade and waited.

I hate men! Chris screamed from the shower.

So, that’s it, Dana said in a half whisper, getting up to put Chris's sweaty clothes into her hamper.

They are stupid, annoying assholes with the attention spans of gnats! Chris was continuing in her tirade. I hope he turns IMPOTENT today and lives to be a hundred and seventy years old!

Stacy couldn’t stifle a small giggle at that last jab. Amanda and Dana smiled and settled back into the pillows on Chris's bed, knowing the tirade was going to continue for awhile.

I try and surprise him and this is the thanks I get! I never even made it to the damned pool this year! All I wanted was a quiet lunch and that son of a bitch has the nerve to….. Chris’s answer sputtered out while she rinsed her face in the shower.

Amanda decided to draw Chris out and find out exactly what happened. So, what did Scott do now? Refuse to pay for lunch?

Don’t you EVER mention that name in my house again! Chris exploded.

Sorry, Amanda said, wincing. What’s going on? She looked at Dana and Stacy and shrugged her shoulders. They nodded their agreement. Obviously, Scott had royally screwed up...........again.

That son of a bitch is cheating on me! Chris said, stepping out of the shower. She grabbed a towel and vigorously started rubbing herself dry. Stacy rose, went to Chris's drawers and fished out a clean set of clothes. She threw them to Chris.

Thanks. Correction. He WAS cheating on me. Chris yanked on her underwear with such force it was a wonder the thin strings that made up the sides didn't snap. She grabbed for her shorts next.

Dana cringed. Her husband, Jason, had caught Scott coming out of a local hotel with another woman only three weeks ago. Scott had begged Jason not to say anything, saying the woman was just a business associate he had had lunch with and that Chris wouldn‘t understand. Jason had told Dana only because she was his wife. He had also sworn her to secrecy, which she had abided by, not even telling Stacy or Amanda.

How do you know he’s cheating? Dana inquired.

Chris yanked her shirt over her head. I caught the damned son of a bitch. I saw him coming out of Marabella’s holding hands and kissing some two bit trollop. When he saw me, he whispered something to the tramp and sent her to his car, then he had the nerve to come across the parking lot to me! He was all smiles and cheery, calling me ‘Baby Doll‘ and ‘Sweetheart‘, saying what a nice surprise it was that I was there.

Takes guts on his part. Could he tell how mad you were? Stacy asked.

When he reached out to pull me in for a kiss, I punched him in the gut, sending him to the ground. Then, when he stood up to come near me again, I slapped his face as hard as I could and sent him flying back on his ass. I’d say I got my message across.

The slap was a nice touch, Dana commented, handing Chris her rum and Coke.

Thanks. Then, I told that s.o.b., in no uncertain terms, never to call or come near me again.

Good. He was never right for you. About time you dumped him, Amanda said, taking a drink from her own rum and Coke.

Chris sank onto the chair in the corner of her room. Why do I attract such losers? I mean, what’s wrong with me? Scott was the sixth guy I‘ve seriously dated in about two years and ALL of them have cheated on me. What is it with me? Do I have a losers only magnet attached to me somewhere? Chris was starting into the sulking stage of her tirade, a good sign by all accounts.

Amanda jumped in with a solution. Simple. You refuse to let US set you up. If you would let us find someone for you, you wouldn’t have these problems.

Thanks, but blind dates aren’t my style.

And this system of yours is working for you? said Dana cocking an eyebrow. Come on. Let us put our heads together and find one guy for you. It won’t even be a blind date. I’ll have a party at my house, invite several single, not losers, male friends, and see what happens.

I hate parties. You have to dress up. I have to wear heels. Then, I walk around being self conscious all night and having to talk to people I don‘t know. No thanks.

Ok, then, a picnic style party. A barbeque/pool party. No dressing up. Shorts and sandals only, YOUR favorite attire. Bring your suit, if you want, and swim. We’ll have ribs and burgers with all the trimmings. The four of us, our hubbies, and whomever we find for you. Ok?

Chris sighed. She knew what was going to happen. The girls would invite three or four of their single male friends and Chris would be the main course. She hated that, but she knew her friends meant well. One condition, Chris said.

Shoot, Dana replied.

I am NOT going to be the main course. It has to be casual. No pointing out that I’m single. No pointing out how wonderful you all think I am. Invite whomever you wish, but no matchmaking. Deal?

Stacy, Amanda, and Dana shot each other looks.

I mean it, Chris said, pointing a finger at each of them. If you three start with the matchmaking crap, I’m out of there.

Deal, all three said in unison.

Chris sighed. She knew they meant it, but also knew what was going to happen when she showed up at that party.

And she didn't like it one single bit.

Chapter 2

What time is Steve's plane landing? Dana asked her husband.

Steve was her husband’s best friend. They had met in college and had roomed together every year. Both had majored in architectural design and both had excelled at it. Steve was one of the top architects in the world. He currently lived in Siesta Key, Florida. Jason had been trying to convince Steve to move to Hollidaysburg and become his equal partner in the architectural design firm he had opened about a month ago, after leaving his job with one of the top architectural design firms in the country. He had always dreamed of working for himself and, with Dana's love and support, he was starting to make his dream a reality.

His flight gets in at 1:00. I think I’ll head out to the airport, in case the flight gets in early.

Jason reached out and pulled his new wife into a loving embrace, covering her mouth with his and giving her a wanting kiss. They had been married only two months before and Jason still couldn't get enough of her. He had wished their house had been completely finished before they returned from their month long honeymoon. Unfortunately, things hadn't worked out that way and they were now living in a partial construction zone.

Dana giggled, after Jason released her. If you keep that up, you’ll miss Steve’s flight. Are you sure he won’t mind living in this construction nightmare?

Jason swatted his wife’s behind. Trust me. He won’t care. I want him to look at the plans for the house and help me revise a few things, anyway. Besides, this is my last ditch effort to get him to move here and help me with the new firm.

Dana winced as the sounds of the construction began to buzz around her. She was glad she was heading back to work in a few days. She needed the respite from the noise.

I’ll be back soon, Jason promised. He kissed his wife again and left to pick up his best friend. The thought of seeing Steve again brought a big smile to Jason’s face. He missed his friend and hoped he could finally convince him to move here and join him in owning the firm.

Jason frowned on the drive to the airport, thinking of the last conversation he’d had with Steve. It was three days ago when Steve had phoned and asked if Jason still wanted a partner in the design firm. Jason had said yes and Steve had offered to fly up to see the area and make his final decision. He hadn’t sounded very happy on the phone and Jason suspected that something had happened with some girl Steve had been dating. Steve dated so many different women, Jason never bothered to try and remember their names.

Steve was about six feet five inches tall. He had the toned, rock hard body of a swimmer and the long arms and legs to go with it. His eyes were a deep royal blue and no woman Jason had ever known could resist Steve if he aimed his sights in her direction.

Jason sighed remembering the legions of women Steve had paraded through their college apartment. Jason had had his fair share of dates, but none like Steve had. For some reason, though, he never felt his best friend was happy. Outwardly, he smiled and laughed when the women were around. But, there was always something lacking. He had never been truly serious with any of them. Any time a woman he was dating started to show interest in making the arrangement permanent, Steve would turn tail and run.

Jason wondered what had happened with the latest girlfriend. What was her name again?

Steve always had a myriad of excuses to warrant dropping a girlfriend. Doesn’t fit in with his friends. Too high maintenance. Not good in bed. Bad kisser. Money grubber. Social piranha. Pain in the ass.

Jason pulled in to a parking spot near the entrance to the terminal. Excited to see his friend, and curious as to his change of heart, he headed into the terminal to wait.

The more Steve thought about his most recent ex-girlfriend, Amy, the more angry he got. He couldn’t believe he had missed all of the signs with her. Her social climbing, money grubbing edicts didn’t typically miss his attention. Somehow, though, she had gone under his radar. He supposed it was because of her looks. God. She had been beautiful.

He was tired of dating girl after girl and not finding what he wanted. What he craved. He came from a wealthy family and he knew the perils of dating someone who’s sole goal was to climb the social ladder and get to his inheritance.

He wanted someone who matched him in the intelligence department, not just some beautiful woman with nothing between her ears but air and a giggle. Been there. Done that. Owned the patent for the t-shirt.

He wanted someone who was passionate about life and passionately in love with him, not just a piece of eye candy to parade around on his arm. Also, been there. Done that. Had the patent for the t-shirt for THAT one, too.

He wanted someone with fire and spirit, not just someone who would agree with him, then take his credit card and head to the stores for the newest outfit or purse or whatever the hell women bought today. Hell. Been there. Done that, too! He'd bought the whole damn t-shirt company on THAT little indiscretion.

He wondered if an intelligent, passionate, full of fire and spirit girl even existed at all.

Steve, Jason yelled, spying his friend walking into the terminal. Over here!

Steve, grinning, walked quickly towards his friend. How’s it going, buddy? he asked, gripping his friend in a bear hug.

Not bad! About time you came up here!

Well, you have my full attention for the next few days.

You ready to talk about moving up here permanently?

We’ll talk. So, how have you been and how‘s that new bride of yours doing?

Dana’s great. Business is great. House is coming along. Which reminds me, I want you to take a look at the plans. I’m not sure about some of the designs.

Isn’t the house under construction?

Yeah, but there’s still time to change a few things. I’m worried about the flow of some of the rooms. I brought the plans along. They had arrived at Jason’s truck and started loading Steve’s things into it.

No sweat. I’ll look them over on the way.

Dana’s excited to see you.

I haven’t seen that little girl since the wedding. She still as pretty as ever?

Have to say she is even prettier.

You’re one lucky son of a bitch, you know that?

And I thank the heavens for it every day.

Jason and Steve started down the road with Steve looking over the parts of the house plans that concerned Jason. Steve made some minor adjustments to the