Love's Chance (Love's Trilogy #3)

By Tracey Smith

Chance Carter has never met a woman he couldn’t charm. Until now...
Caroline Tolleson had learned all too quickly that men could not be trusted. She had been young and naïve once, but not anymore. She knew how to spot them, she knew the type: charming, handsome and dangerous. Chance Carter was all of those things. Even if secretly deep down he made her pulse race, she would never let him see it. She would never let her heart be broken again.
Can Chance convince her to let go of the past and trust him with her heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tracey Smith
• Release date: Aug 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311721532

Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith grew up in Southern California, but as a teenager moved with her family to a small town in Arkansas. It was in Arkansas that she met and fell in love with the man of her dreams, who had also recently moved to the state. Fate brought them both to that small town and into each other’s lives and that is where they continue to live today raising their two children and living out their happily ever after.

Book preview

Prologue

I had that horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as the plane took off. I hated flying! It didn’t matter how many times I’d done this, and at this point I’d lost count, I would never get used to flying.

However, for the first time in my life I was excited to be boarding a plane. This plane was taking me home.

I was headed back to Texas, and I felt an overwhelming amount of exhilaration at what waited for me back home. Never before had it felt more like home than it did now. I guess it’s true what they say, home is where your heart is. And I had definitely left my heart in Texas.

I closed my eyes and imagined the night ahead of me. My heart raced as I thought about what lie ahead. My entire life was about to change. Everything that would ever matter to me waited for me at the end of this flight. I had achieved many things in life already, more than most people my age I would wager, but nothing would be more important than this. And nothing had ever made me so nervous, happy, and absolutely terrified all at the same time.

The plane jerked suddenly, snapping me out of my reverie. That was the trouble with these small planes, they felt every little bit of turbulence. That and the fact that they were hurtling through the air at hundreds of miles per hour. I tried not to think about that as I repeated all the cliché statistics that were supposed to comfort you. Like how you were more likely to die in a car accident than a plane crash. As the plane suddenly dipped again I wished fervently that I were in a car.

I gripped the edges of the arm rests and squeezed my eyes shut trying to breathe evenly and think about anything besides the fact that I was miles above the ground right now.

Just turbulence, I told myself. Not a big deal. I was almost home.

The plane abruptly tipped to the left and several overhead compartment doors popped open spilling out the bags that had been stowed there. Not just turbulence. Several things happened simultaneously: The seatbelt lights dinged on, the oxygen masks that I had only ever seen before in the safety video were released from overhead, and the plane began to nose dive.

We were sickeningly vertical. The bags that had fallen from the overhead compartments tumbled down the aisles toward the front of the plane. People were screaming. I was frozen in shock. I couldn’t believe this was happening and I was strangely able to process everything calmly. I was unable to panic. I felt nothing but surprise.

On the hundreds of flights I’d been on I had always battled my anxiety over crashing, but realized now that I never actually thought it would happen. I wondered idly why I wasn’t scared. I should be scared. I was going to die. There was no way around it. I was in a small plane, hurtling toward the earth and there was nothing I could do about it.

I looked down one last time at the ring on my finger.

Chapter 1: Dreams

But three months is so long! I knew I was pouting, but I couldn’t help it. I could hear my mother’s voice in my head ‘A lady never pouts, Caroline’.

It’ll pass before you know it. Bradley promised me as he lifted my chin and kissed the tip of my nose. My heart fluttered as I looked into his crystal blue eyes.

I still don’t understand why I can’t come with you now! I persisted. I’ve graduated high school, I’m over eighteen… I trailed off as I saw the disapproval come into his eyes. I always felt like a child being scolded when Bradley looked at me that way.

Now, Caroline, we’ve discussed this. The disapproval was evident in his tone. It wouldn’t be proper for us to live together before we’re married.

My heart thrilled at the mention of marriage. Although he hadn’t officially proposed yet, I knew Bradley was the man I was going to marry. Knew it with all my heart.

I had met Bradley my freshman year of high school. He had been a senior and the most handsome boy I had ever seen. We had one amazing year together before he graduated and left for college. I was the only freshman to attend the senior prom that year and I had felt like Cinderella at the ball.

Even though Bradley had left Texas for a college in San Diego, California he hadn’t forgot about me the way all my friends said he would. We had stayed in contact these last three years, seeing each other on every holiday, planning our future together. And now that I’d finally graduated it was our time, time to pursue the future we had planned. I was eager to join him in San Diego.

You weren’t so worried about what was proper last night. I whispered, looking down at my feet.

I blushed remembering how we’d made love for the first time the night before. We had always planned on waiting until marriage, but last night Bradley had been so romantic, so persuasive.

Caroline, Baby, don’t you know how much I love you? Sometimes when a man feels so strongly he just has to express himself physically. I thought you understood that. He explained again, and I felt ashamed that I’d brought it up. I just nodded as I stared at my feet too embarrassed to meet his eyes.

Now, Baby, don’t be sad. I explained all this before I came. He reminded me. I wanted to see my girl finally graduate, it’s just one step closer to you coming to be with me in San Diego. But I still have a year left before I finish college, and it just wouldn’t be right for me to ask for your hand in marriage before I had a college degree and proper job to support you. And what would your mother think if you told her you wanted to move in with me before we were married?

That was hitting below the belt, he knew how concerned with propriety my mother was. She would fall over dead if I told her I planned on living with a man out of wedlock. Even if it was Bradley, who she absolutely adored.

Why can’t you just spend the summer in Texas? I pressed. We could both go back to San Diego in the fall together. You to your apartment, me to the dorms. Then we wouldn’t have to be apart. I suggested hopefully.

Caroline, I have rent to pay on my apartment. It wouldn’t make any sense to pay for a place that was just sitting empty. His voice was stern and I could tell he was becoming annoyed with me.

You are all set up to move into the dorms this fall. When you get there I’ll be waiting for you, just like we’ve planned. I don’t know why you’re being so difficult about this now. He chided.

You’re right, I’m sorry. I bowed my head. I’ll just miss you is all.

I know, Baby, but this is for the best. You’ll see. You trust me don’t you? He questioned.

Of course! I exclaimed.

Then trust me to know what’s best. He purred, his voice dripping like honey with his sexy southern drawl once again.

I sighed, resigned. I knew he was right.

He smiled, knowing I wasn’t going to push it farther. He kissed me softly once more then pulled his hand from mine and stepped off the curb into the waiting car.

You be a good girl and help your mama out this summer, Lord knows she needs the help. Poor woman having to work at her age. He shook his head sadly before rolling up the window as the car pulled away.

I bit my tongue not to tell him that I didn’t share his sympathy. This was the only thing I’d ever disagreed with Bradley about. I knew my mother. I knew how she’d run my poor father into the ground demanding a lifestyle that he couldn’t afford, how he gave her everything she ever wanted and still it was never enough.

Mother always had to have the newest model, the latest trend. She absolutely had to keep up with the other women at the Country Club. And Daddy worked himself into the grave trying to make her happy. It was no surprise that we were in a heap of debt when his heart finally gave out.

Of course Mother worked the sympathy angle to a tee. The poor southern belle, widowed with a daughter to raise. Never mind the fact that the only reason there was very little life insurance was because she insisted he borrow against it for the down payment on her new Mercedes just the year before he passed. Never mind the fact that we could have paid off the debt if she would’ve sold our expensive home in Highland Park. Never mind the fact that she only dug herself farther into debt by keeping her membership at the Country Club and maintaining a lifestyle enjoyed only be the richest families in the area.

Maybe I was the only one who truly saw it. Everyone else felt sorry for poor Charlene Tolleson, a widow at forty. A woman of leisure forced into the working world. I couldn’t blame Bradley for being under the same misconception as everyone else.

So I spent my last summer in Texas being bombarded with advice my mother insisted on giving. She was staunchly dedicated to seeing me married off to a rich man.

Mother had been absolutely ecstatic when Bradley Livingston, the son of a rich politician, had first shown interest in me. She began pouring all her energy into turning me into the perfect southern gentleman’s wife. I suppose I would have minded more if Bradley hadn’t been so perfect, but he was everything I could ever imagine wanting so I never resisted as my mother schemed and manipulated my future.

As my senior year of high school had come to a close, Bradley and my mother had discussed and decided my future only stopping to include me in the plans once the details had been finalized. I would move into the dorms at San Diego State University and take some basic courses while Bradley completed his education. Then when the time was right, we would marry.

My mother’s eyes sparkled with delight at the prospect of being related through marriage to one of the areas richest families. My marriage in her mind was the solution to all her financial worries and that was the only reason she had been willing to devote any funds to my out-of-state tuition to keep me closer to Bradley.

Now, Caroline, a man like Bradley has many options. She informed me as she appraised me skeptically. It’s a miracle that he hasn’t lost interest in these last three years apart. You must do everything you can to keep him interested until you get that ring on your finger. Do you understand me? She demanded.

Yes ma’am. It was my standard reply.

Once married you won’t be burdened the way I have been with financial worries, so the classes you take are really irrelevant. Don’t take any courses that will be too distracting or demand too much of your time. I really don’t think you will have to complete the full four years before he proposes. But it is very important that you remain close and present in his life. She continued.

Yes ma’am. I agreed dutifully.

Just make sure you always look your best when you are with him, remember the things I have taught you.

Yes ma’am.

It really is a shame you have your father’s hair. She lamented as she scornfully examined my strawberry blonde curls. But at least you have nice skin. She conceded.

That was the closest thing to a compliment I would ever get from my mother, so I took it to heart.

Luckily those last three months did pass quickly, as Bradley had promised, and finally the day came to leave Texas and begin my new life in San Diego. I was nervous as I boarded the plane, but the excitement over what lay ahead overrode my natural aversion to flying.

Chapter 2: The Big Game

I wiped my arm across my forehead mopping the sweat out of my eyes before I stepped up to the plate. The bases were loaded, it was the bottom of the ninth and we were down by three. The fate of the game was in my hands.

The glare of the stadium lights burned my eyes, the roar of the crowd rang in my ears, the weight of the world was on my shoulders, and I couldn’t be happier. This was what I loved, this was what I lived for.

I swung the bat around a few times stretching out the muscles in my arms, feeling the weight of the bat. I closed my eyes briefly, took a deep breath and tuned everything out. The sounds of the stadium faded, the lights dimmed to my perception. I saw only the pitcher and the ball. I stepped up to home plate, brought the bat to my shoulder and took my stance.

I watched every movement as the pitcher reared back then snapped the ball forward. I followed the trajectory of the ball as it sped toward me. My muscles reacted instinctively, without a conscious command from my brain to do so. Baseball was second nature to me, almost as easy as breathing.

I swung and felt the reverberation from the contact even before I heard the crack of the bat, and then I was flying. My feet barely touched the dirt as I ran through the bases. Rounding first, not even pausing at second. I didn’t stop to see where the ball had gone or how far it had made it back. I just ran, pumping all of my power down into my legs as they carried me toward home. Through all of this my internal world remained silent. I saw only the path in front of me, heard only the sound of my breathing.

As I passed third base I saw the eyes of the catcher locked on me as he blocked home plate. I charged toward him without hesitation but watched his every move. I saw when his eyes strayed from mine and knew the ball was coming. He turned from me briefly as he caught the ball and I took my moment. I leapt into the air and dove head first toward home plate, the sole object of my focus now.

Our bodies collided with a jarring impact. I felt a sharp pain in my left shoulder, the familiar pain of an old injury. I kept my eyes on the plate as our entangled bodies crashed to the ground and I reached forward with a single-minded determination.

SAFE! The umpire yelled, and the world exploded around me.

The deafening roar of the crowd filled my ears again, the lights were nearly blinding. My team rushed around me lifting me into the air and cheering wildly. We had won the game, but more importantly I knew a pro-recruiter had seen it all from the stands. Tonight could be the first night of the rest of my life.

Way to go, Chance!

Great game!

Man, you were on fire tonight!

The guys cheered all the way to the locker rooms.

Did you ever have any doubt? I asked with mock surprise.

Man, I thought we were gonna lose this one. Chris admitted as we changed at our lockers.

You gotta have more faith than that, kid! I punched him in the shoulder playfully.

Chris had just joined the team at San Diego State this season. He was a good kid and a strong player. I’d kind of taken him under my wing.

But I’m not gonna be here next season to clean up after you boys, gonna have to step it up a notch. I spoke to the whole locker room now.

Headed to the big leagues! Someone shouted.

No doubt about that after tonight! Chris agreed proudly, the kid obviously looked up to me. I supposed I was going to miss him a little.

We’ll see. I said, trying to keep the hope out of my voice.

Playing pro ball was all I’d ever wanted, and I knew a recruiter for the Texas Rangers had come to watch the game tonight. I hadn’t missed a single pitch and was responsible for seven of the ten runs we’d scored that night, but even still I wouldn’t let myself get my hopes up. Not until I knew for sure.

Less than ten percent of college ball players made it to the major leagues. I already had my plane tickets bought to fly out to Texas over Spring break for try-outs. Having a scout come check me out early was a really good sign.

You coming to McGinty’s? Chris asked as we left the locker rooms. Bound to be a few hotties with their eyes on you after tonight’s game.

Always are. I winked. But I’ve actually got to meet my parents for dinner. My sister and her husband came down for the game tonight. You know, family thing.

That’s cool. Not like you need any help with the ladies anyway. I imagine they’ve got their eyes on you every night. He laughed enviously. I couldn’t help but notice he seemed a little deflated.

Tell you what, we’ll hit up McGinty’s tomorrow night. I promised. I’ll teach you a few of my best moves. Now that I’m leaving it’s time to pass along the wisdom.

Really? The kid looked like he was going to pee his pants he was so excited. Definitely a case of hero worship. Kind of reminded me of how I used to look up to my sister’s husband Tyler when I was younger.

Sure, kid, I’ll be your wing man tomorrow. Teach you a thing or two.

Awesome!

As we rounded the corner out of the locker rooms we literally walked into a wall of women. It was always this way after a big game. Girls huddled around the locker rooms like moths to a flame.

One very pushy tall blonde was at the front of the pack, I immediately noticed that her top was a few sizes too small and her chest a few sizes too big. Never really liked them bigger than my own head, but as I looked over at Chris I saw that he was very interested in what this girl was very obviously offering. I figured I’d help the kid out.

Hey there. I said stopping in front of her.

Her unnaturally blue eyes bugged wide and up close I could tell that she was wearing colored contacts. Her bleach blonde hair was obviously a dye job, and I wondered briefly why so many girls dyed their hair blonde.

Hi, She batted her heavily painted lids. My name is Stacey.

Chance. I nodded.

I know. She giggled. Great game tonight! She enthused.

I wondered if she’d actually watched it.

Thanks. Me and my buddy Chris here are headed over to McGinty’s bar just down the street. Ever been there before?

She glanced briefly over her shoulder and I noticed for the first time a small timid girl standing behind her. She was a tiny thing barely over five feet. She had small delicate features and large amber-colored eyes. I wondered if she was wearing colored contacts like her friend. I’d never seen eyes that color before. She was also wearing the funniest looking lumpy hat on her head. I was intrigued.

Sure I know where that is! Blondie exclaimed bringing my attention back to her.

Great, maybe we’ll see you there. I said knowing she would probably make it there before we did as eager as she looked.

I glanced over at Chris who was practically drooling. Poor kid, I almost felt bad turning her loose on him. She looked like a man eater.

We’ll be there. She promised and turned excitedly toward her friend, who didn’t look excited at all.

I almost wished I were actually going to McGinty’s tonight just so I could get the story on the lumpy hat.

Thought you weren’t coming tonight? Chris said as soon as we were away from the crowd.

I’m not. But you are, so you’ll just have to entertain blondie tonight all by yourself. Think you can handle it? I asked.

Hell yeah! He exclaimed.

Personally I preferred natural beauty over a dye job and fake boobs any day. But Chris looked like a kid at Christmas so who was I to judge?

I wished him luck and sent him on his way then headed into town to meet my family for dinner.

Chapter 3: Reality

It’s GREEN! I shouted in horror.

‘A lady never raises her voice, Caroline.’ My mother’s advice echoed in my head.

Calm down Caroline, it’s not green, it’s… Stacey searched for the right word.

Green! I insisted. There was no other word for it.

Well I warned you that it might not look exactly like the box. She said defensively.

It was supposed to be brown! Not green! I was about start to crying again.

Well apparently red plus brown equals green Stacey giggled and I suddenly wanted to slap her. ‘A lady never loses her temper, Caroline.’

What am I going to do? I wailed in defeat.

Stacey stood almost a foot taller than me. Beating her senseless wasn’t really an option even though it was a very tempting idea at the moment. She had been the one who had convinced me to dye my hair.

It had all started when I’d decided to surprise Bradley at his apartment a few nights ago. I hadn’t realized how busy his schedule would be when I’d moved here. I had expected we’d spend all our time together, but I was lucky if I saw him once a week. I had tried several times to talk with him about it, but he always got upset saying that he was doing this for us so that he could get a good job and we could get married someday. He always left me feeling like I was being selfish, demanding too much of his time.

So last night I had planned a surprise romantic dinner for him. I had packed us a picnic dinner with wine and candles. Stacey had to buy the wine for me since I wasn’t old enough yet. I showed up at his apartment and used the key he had given me for Christmas. It was the first time I’d used it.

He had told me that he would be at the gym until eight, so I arrived at seven to set everything up. I knew he wouldn’t be home, so I was surprised when I heard some muffled sounds coming from the bedroom. I assumed he’d left his TV on.

I opened the bedroom door and walked into the room with the full intention of crossing straight to the TV to turn it off. I froze

halfway through the door when I saw a woman with long straight brunette hair falling down her naked back sitting on Bradley’s bed facing away from me. It took me a moment to realize she was sitting on Bradley.

I was just going to turn off the TV… I mumbled in shock.

The woman whipped her head around in surprise, covering her bare chest with her hands.

Caroline? Bradley pushed the woman off of him and sat up in bed What are you doing here? He asked. He looked like a deer caught in headlights.

I was just… and that’s when