Unexpected Chances: The Chances Series, #1

By A.M. Willard

I locked my heart and threw away the key, vowing to never let another man in. I even mastered how to keep the happy façade going to avoid the questions and looks from my family and friends. 
Focused on partying, and my work I didn't see him coming. 
 
Carter

My life has been filled with lies, threats, and a tangled web of disaster. The one thing I wasn't expecting was her to turn my world upside down.
 
I know our two hearts are meant to beat as one, but the test of trust can shatter it in the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.M. Willard
• Release date: Jun 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533150493

Book preview

1

Tabitha

This morning’s been crap ever since I rolled out of bed. I’m late with less than forty-five minutes to dress and arrive at the office, boot up the laptop, and make myself presentable. The teleconference with Georgia’s Incorporated is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. I pull on a pair of jeans, locate my blue and black silk sleeveless top, and slide on my black heels. My red hair’s in every direction that you could imagine; I’m doing my best to tame it, as I pull it up into a French twist. After snatching my jewelry from the top of the dresser, I head out shoving it into my purse. I’ll just put everything on as I make my way to the office.

I arrive with ten minutes to spare, just enough time for me to plop into my chair and plaster a huge smile across my face. I’m in desperate need of a huge cup of coffee to fake this smile.

Since I decided to stay out late last night with my older brother Seth, I forgot to set my alarm. I’ll have to wait until after the conference for my caffeine drip.

Generally I’m an upbeat, sassy kind of gal, but lately I’m depressed and stuck in a rut. I just turned thirty-three; I’m single, and my best friend’s on business trips these days. To entertain myself and try to stay out of trouble:

I date.

I party.

I work hard.

I shop.

That’s how my life goes. I’m the executive assistant for my best gal friend, Angela Stephens, and I adore her. Her husband, on the other hand, is a serious douche. I can’t stand him, never have and never will.

I’ve watched her marriage over the years, and this has caused me to swear off love, not to mention the douche I was in love with in college who shattered my heart. I’m pretty sure God hasn’t made a man who can handle me. Family and friends say that I’m a one of a kind lady; I’d have to second that one.

The last few months have been a whirlwind at work; we’ve gained five top-scale clients within the hotel industry. Most days I sit behind this computer, smiling, taking notes as I try to figure out what services they require. After each session, I write up a preliminary proposal and email it to Angela. She reviews the documents and decides if we want to pursue the company. If she decides to move forward, I set up a final meeting via teleconference, and fly her out to research. Then we close the contracts.

Today’s meeting is with Carter Northwood, CEO of Georgia’s Incorporated. From what I’ve researched, he owns a few hotels and condos in the Seattle, Washington vicinity.

The email Angela sent me stated that they’re curious about other ways to expand to a more family-oriented environment. Someone mentioned that his condos resemble a senior citizens home, oh wait that was me. That’s how I described them to Angela yesterday on the phone.

In dire need of a coffee the size of Texas, I’m not looking forward to this teleconference. Most of the owners are old and drive me nuts while they explain every single last detail of the project. What I need from them is, Hey look, we want to broaden our horizons; we need a hip image.

That I can handle. I don’t need to know how the carpet is old, or the fact that the crowds they attract aren’t paying the bills any longer.

This is the reason I have empty cups on my desk, a few energy drinks, and every last piece of paper ends up scribbled on; just one of my nervous traits. It drives the boss nuts. If it’s an important document, Angela slips it into a folder. Folders mean they’re off limits; no scribbling.

Angela once brought me this cute Hello Kitty notebook back with her from somewhere, Here, this is for you. Only draw on it or in it. Yeah, that didn’t work. I ran out of pages after a week. I might have a touch of ADHD and OCD. Even though my mad mess is nuts, I know where everything is.

Laptop is up, and I gather the files for today’s meeting. Then I search to find my pink pen with feathers sticking out of the top. Once I have everything lined up in front of me, I notice I have a few minutes before I need to act bubbly. I lean back into my super soft purple leather chair to find my Zen.

The black screen is up, and it’ll ping when another party joins. No reason to smile until it signals me.

I close my eyes for a moment and take a few breaths, searching for that inner peace. Yes, I’ve been on the hunt for a year now with a few Yoga, Tai-Chi, and meditation classes. Don’t judge; some hot guys attend right along with me.

Angela says that’s the only reason I attend. I disagree with her, since I haven’t had road rage in months.

It feels like only a moment when something startles me out of my meditation. I fling my eyes open. Shit! I scream as I fall to the floor, and then rise up with my hand over my heart, as if it might jump out.

I take another glance at the screen, thinking someone has hacked into my computer and is watching me. He’s laughing, but I don’t hear him through the speakers. As I look at the icon, I notice it’s on mute. A quick glance to the time, it’s been fifteen minutes since the meeting was scheduled to begin.

Shit, how long was I out? Who’s the creeper? Was he stalking me the whole time? Lord that’s nuts, I think as I try to pull it together real quick.

Hello.

You must be Tabitha Michaelson, he states and the inside of my thighs squeeze together. I’m taken aback with his voice. It’s pure man; deep, raspy, and sexy. I tilt my head at him. He’s as beautiful as his voice sounds. Blonde shaggy curls with short sides, scruff; oh dear leprechaun I’m a sucker for scruff on a man. It’s when our eyes meet that I feel as if I’m looking into the ocean. The bluest of blue eyes are staring back at me.

Oh…Yes that’s me, I stutter, sounding like a stupid bimbo.

Well, Ms. Michaelson, I hope you’re ready for the meeting now, after that nap of yours.

Yes, I’m ready. And you are? I ask with confusion, thinking they sent someone else to do the grunt work for Mr. Northwood.

Carter Northwood. You set this meeting up, but appear to not be ready. Do we need to reschedule?

No, sorry, Mr. Northwood, I was meditating. I didn’t hear the chime on my computer. My sincere apologies, I say, thinking Angela is going to kill me if I screw this up.

Carter

The board of directors has brought it to my attention that we’re not growing as projected. A friend of a friend heard of this company that does an overhaul on your business. They come in somewhat undercover, take notes and then suggest where you need to revamp.

The board feels as if we’ve changed our direction, no longer attracting the younger, hip crowd in Seattle.

Since Mrs. Stephens is unavailable, I’ve agreed to have a teleconference with her assistant, Tabitha Michaelson.

Running late due to the traffic and drizzling rain, I’d like nothing else than to push this meeting out. I’m not convinced my company needs to go this route. The board has suggested that if I go into this with an open mind, I’ll not be disappointed. If by any chance I am, I have the right to overrule the members.

My assistant, Kelly, hands me my black coffee as I pass her desk. Entering my office, I glance to the clock and take note of the time.

The day’s packed with back to back meetings. After that, I have to meet with the new developer on some condos we’re building.

After booting up, I set out the questions that I’ve prepared and make sure I’ve opened my calendar.

I’m aware that this is the first step of the process. Next, I’ll meet with the owner. After she arrives, I’ll get a full report within a week. They’ll make several visits after I sign a year’s contract.

I’ve got at least another five minutes before I need to be online, but choose to log in ahead of time. I can move about with emails and such as I wait for the beep.

Whoever invented these programs for teleconferences was brilliant; they save companies time and money. I can meet with the board and other partners from anywhere. That comes in handy for when I’m beckoned to my wife’s side.

I lean over in search of a folder from my briefcase. As I come back up, I notice the screen’s no longer black. Shocked at what I’m seeing, I double check the login and password, as I’m sure it’s a mistake.

Nope. Not a mistake. I’m on the correct server. I blink a few times to adjust my eyes.

This beautiful creature is leaned back into her chair asleep.

What professional has a purple chair and sleeps before a conference? It’s not what she’s sitting in that’s throwing me off, or the fact that she’s sleeping. It’s her face; the face of a porcelain doll with red hair.

Her hair’s pulled up, showcasing her cheekbones. Her neck is long, but not too long—just right. It makes me want to lick every inch of it. This thought has me readjusting my slacks. Her lips are coated with what looks to be a pale pink gloss, full and kissable.

Leaning back, I watch as her lips move from side to side as if she tastes them. Her head bobbles while she shifts in her seat. She’s caused me to snicker. Lord it’s been forever since a woman has had this sort of effect on me. My chest is moving up and down from the laughter.

I know once she wakes, she’ll be embarrassed by her actions. Just as I think this, her eyes fly open.

They’re as green as emeralds. That’s what I see on this side of the computer screen. I can only imagine how mesmerizing they are in person. She’s startled, off her game now as she realizes I’ve been watching.

You can see the fire in her eyes as she stumbles around for an explanation. It’s time to up the game and play with this Tabby cat.

2

Tabitha

I’ve been out of sorts since I hit the end button on the meeting this morning. I left right after to search for coffee. As soon as I finished that large cup of joe, what do I do? I spill what’s left down the front of me. With no time to change, I end up having to spend the rest of the day covered in it.

I broke the printer, which ended with me wearing all the toner. I couldn’t even find the files I need to review for Angela’s meeting in New York this week. Lucky for me she doesn’t leave for another two days whilst she finishes up her meetings.

Since I can’t shake those blue eyes from this morning, I search around my desk, which is littered with files, for my phone. I know who to call and what I need. Sliding my phone open, I text my brother Seth.

T: I need to clear my head. You up for some fun tonight, big bro?

Waiting for his response, I log off the computer, and try to clean up my crap from the day. If I check the mirror, I know I’ll look as if a train ran me over, and then flagged down another ten to back over me. Being a wreck, covered in toner, coffee, and last night’s party makes for an unhappy Tabitha.

Bro: You know I’m always up for fun. Where and when?

T: You know the place. 9 p.m. Bring your game.

As I hit send, I throw myself into the chair. Pretty sure I’ve never had a man affect me the way Carter Northwood has.

I know nothing about him, other than he is pure sex on a stick, and I want to have a party with his stick. I didn’t see a wedding ring during the meeting, and I’m pretty sure he was flirting with me. Throwing a few winks my way, acting as if it was nothing. The only thing those winks made me want to do was climb through the laptop and see if he was all that.

I’d noticed a couple times that he had to shift his weight around. That right there made me squeeze my thighs together.

Ugh … I need Angela here. She would distract me from the thoughts I have in my head. But no, she’s off again, and I won’t be able to call her and tell her about this. She’d freak out and lecture me on how I need to slow down and find my fish in the water. Nope … not happening.

I’m going home to shower, dress in my killer red heels, and throw on my slinky black mini dress. After I dress to the nines, I’ll meet my brother at our usual place, The Hill. It’s a mix between old and young, the perfect combination for someone on the prowl, or who wants to defrag their head of a blue-eyed monster.

I’ll have to keep it toned down some tonight. Seth almost got us arrested last night for starting a fight. I know I like to have a good time, but he takes it to another level. I don’t see him ever settling down, simply because no one could handle him. You mix the two of us together and it’s a boiling pot of lava.

Seth and I are two years apart, him being the oldest and the wildest. Yes, I know. How can someone possibly pass me on being wild and crazy? Well let me just say, he does. He makes me look like a nun on a good day.

He’s been my rock and a pain in the ass more than I care to count, but when I need him, he’s there. We drive my parents crazy with our nonsense and no relationship motto.

I remember back when we were younger we’d fight tooth and nail. Now, we go that extra mile to protect one another. When my heart was ripped from my chest and I didn’t care to see the light of day again, it was Seth and Angela who picked me back up.

Seth drove all the way to the university when Angela couldn’t get me out of bed for days. He lay beside me and rubbed my head like he did when we were kids, understanding that all I needed was my big brother to comfort me.

Ever since that low point in my life, Seth has kicked the switch up on being the overprotective brother. I guess it makes me feel more secure to go out with him. When my brother finds his next victim, I’ll still have the ‘replacement’ brothers—Cory, Mitch, Jason, and Ben.

Who else is lucky enough to have not one, but five men in her life that will pick her up when she’s down?

Carter

What the hell was that? No … better yet, who the fuck is this woman? I’ve never wanted to jump on a plane so fast in my life and screw someone against everything and anything I can find.

I have to figure out a way to make her mine. I’ve got to move along the divorce from Bethany. She’s been holding me back since I was eighteen years old. I should’ve listened to all my friends back then, but no. I had to screw her, and then be blackmailed into marrying her crazy stuck up ass.

My assistant gave me a compliment when I left the office this morning to head out and check on the job site. In the past, I’ve been told I have a killer smile but don’t show it off very often. Kelly was curious if I had a meeting with a hit man today. She said the smile on my face could go for days.

I shook it off and didn’t elaborate on how this smile could go for days if I only lived closer to my Tabitha.

3

Tabitha

Arriving at The Hill a little after nine, I search the dark room for Seth. I spot him leaning against the bar flirting with the bartender, who will not give him the time of day. Not for his lack of trying, however.

I sway my hips with a little more gusto. I need to vanquish the day’s events. The only way I know how is to find someone in this joint to dance with and buy me drinks.

I nudge Seth’s shoulder. Hey, big bro.

Look at you, Firecracker. Want to explain the emergency text and the way you look tonight?

Huh? Nope, I say popping the P. Long day.

Seth pulls me to him for a quick embrace. Releasing me, he says, I know what that means.

Get us drinks and I’ll find a seat, I say as I turn around in search of a table.

Our usual corner booth is open. Sliding in, I look around the dark room, spotting a gentleman I’ve never seen here before. He’s with a few guys drinking beers, laughing, and telling jokes. He seems to be around my age, business attire, not too stuffy.

I’ll up the game to see if I can attract his attention tonight.

Usually, I meet Seth here for a few drinks and some light dancing. We start here and move along to other hip places throughout town. He’s been crushing hard on the bartender for years. I think it’s more because she says no, and he doesn’t respond well to the word.

Here. I ordered you a martini and told them to keep them coming.

I grab my glass to take a sip. As the cold liquid slides down my throat, I feel my shoulders relax.

I look over to Seth. Thanks. Needed this one.

So, what’s the plan tonight?

I have a long day tomorrow. We’ll just stay here, have a few drinks and dance some.

You’re telling me that you look like that for a few drinks and some dancing?

Yes. I need to feel good tonight, and I had a long day, thanks to you.

Oh, you can’t blame me, he says with

Reviews for Unexpected Chances

[terry_mitchell-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tabitha is the executive assistant for her best friend in a company they started after college; Tabitha manages the office stuff while Angela handles the customers. Of course sometimes she ends up taking video calls for new clients-which is where Carter comes in. Tabitha is patiently waiting for a run of the mill video call with a new client, trying to recover from a long night out before and Carter catches her on video with her eyes closed, almost as if she was sleeping on the job! This is seriously the best meet cue! I love how he simply watches her until she finally realizes he is there; it sets the dynamics for their relationship from the start. Tabitha is constantly doing slightly ditsy things and Carter seems to be the audience for all of them! It’s hard not to laugh at some of the fun that is had in this story!
Carter has built his business up from the ground and is determined to succeed on his own. Unfortunately due to a forced marriage to a terrible woman whose father has power and money, Carter is finding himself and anyone that comes into his life in danger. His wife is determined to control his life and Carter tries but fails to protect Tabitha from it. This twist adds a bit of mystery and danger to the story making it an intense read.
Carter and Tabitha’s story is fantastic read; this book is the first in the series and the cliff hanger at the end leaves you looking forward to what happens next!