Another Chance

By Mindy Potash-Smith

Justin Nichols had it all and hits rock-bottom when its stripped from him. But when he lays eyes on his high-school sweetheart a fire lights inside him and makes him realize theres something left in life worth fighting for.
Kristen Delanie had her heart broken at age sixteen and finds herself face to face with the man responsible. He not only made her self-conscious but also left her feeling inferior. She knows in her heart the only way to get rid of her insecurities is to let him back into her life, but at what cost?
Almost immediately, someone is trying to send Kristen a message by turning her world upside down. Is the strangers focus on her, or is it coincidental that it didnt start happening until Justin waltzed back into her life?
The whole situation leaves them both wondering, is it possible to get another chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499030419

Book preview

PROLOGUE

L aughter filled the crowded party room, and a hearty round of applause followed as Justin raised his glass and concluded his speech. Relieved, he climbed down from the stage and walked directly over to the bar. Ordering a beer, he took a healthy sip before unbuttoning his jacket and sliding his other hand into his pants pocket. Letting out a sigh, he sipped again as he searched through the faces. Other than two aunts and uncles, the only other family members were his two little sisters. He’d known most of the cops since he was a kid, and you could spot which were the attorneys his mom worked with.

It was hard to believe it had been ten years since his folks got hitched, his adoptive parents at any rate and the only ones he’d ever really known. His real mother had been an addict and was incarcerated for drug possession when he was young, and although he knew she’d been sprung by now, he hadn’t heard from her. Shaking the thought away, he caught sight of his parents, Bill and Jessie, who were now mingling on the dance floor. He often wondered what the secret was to keeping things alive like they had, and glancing at his wife, Natalie, he hoped they’d find out.

Turning back toward the bar, he caught a glimpse of himself in the large mirror that surrounded it. Seeing what the world saw, a hard man that usually didn’t do what he was supposed to, he realized things could’ve turned out much differently if it hadn’t been for Bill. After his mother got locked up, they shipped him off to an abusive foster home until he ran away. He’d been living on the streets when Bill took him in. He was an intimidating cop in most eyes, but he’d had a soft spot for Justin since he caught him trying to steal a package of Twinkies at age eleven. At sixteen, fending for himself had become a way of life and already turned him into a hard man, but between Bill raising him and joining the academy, he learned the discipline he so desperately needed. When he was a kid, if someone had told him he’d be brought up and raised in a loving home, gone to college, and become a cop, he would’ve laughed in their face. And yet at age twenty-seven, here he was.

He turned when he felt a hand squeeze his shoulder to find his father, Bill Peterson, who immediately took him into a man hug. Nice speech, son. Laugh lines now encased his distinguished hazel eyes and grey touched the tips of his brown hair.

Ten years, Justin said, shaking his head, that went by quick.

Sure did, Bill muttered as he got the bartender’s attention and pointed to the beer in Justin’s hand. Justin followed his gaze that settled on Jessie. She’s the best damn thing that ever happened to me. Hell, if it wasn’t for her, I’d probably be a miserable old man. Grabbing his beer, he added, You tell her that and I’ll have your ass.

You know your secrets have always been safe with me, he said with a grin.

Uh huh, like the couple you revealed tonight during the speech? Bill asked as he cocked up a brow.

Laughing, Justin turned serious. You try talking in front of all these people, he said, gesturing toward the room with his bottle. I needed something to keep them entertained. I’m just happy they laughed.

Grinning, Bill said, Listen, about tomorrow—

When the hell is Natalie due? Justin’s good friend Ken interrupted. Christ, man, she’s huge! Bill smacked the back of his head. Looking his way, Ken rubbed his head as Justin laughed. What the hell, man, what did I say?

You should never talk about a pregnant woman like that, especially one that could give birth at any minute.

Turning toward Justin, Ken put out his hand. No disrespect, brother.

None taken, she is pretty big, Justin said, finding his wife Natalie in the crowd sitting at a table of talkative women. Damn, she was beautiful and probably the only thing in life he’d done right so far. Then again, there’s a life in there. Looking up from her protruding stomach, he caught her fiery green eyes and winked, making her smile. Hey, what were you saying about tomorrow? he asked Bill.

Walking between them, Jessie pulled Justin into her arms. Hugging her small frame close, he kissed her cheek. That was a wonderful speech, his mother said, pulling back. Although I am a bit surprised the two of you kept so much from me, she commiserated, perching a hand on her hip until Bill hooked her waist. Her expression softened when he held her against him.

Boys will be boys, sweetheart, he said close to her ear.

You look fantastic, Mrs. P, Ken said winking. Justin nodded, having noticed that himself. Her black cocktail dress was simple yet elegant, and her blond hair was piled on top of her head. Ken picked up the two drinks he’d ordered. Good thing Bill never told her about catching you with Delanie, Ken said of Justin’s old girlfriend. I’ll catch up with you later, my date is waiting, he said, indicating the drinks.

Justin hadn’t thought about his high school sweetheart in ages, and hearing her name made his lips curve up. Glancing Bill’s way, he realized he could have cornered and embarrassed them both when he saw them on the sofa that day. Instead, he’d just reamed Justin the moment she left to keep her unscathed. Hell, if Bill could parent that well without any skills, maybe he stood a chance after all. Finding his wife again, she smiled at him, knowing they needed to be here, but he knew she’d be happier home in bed, resting. Another hand on his back got his attention.

One hell of a good speech, his old boss and family friend Derek Sebastian said, shaking his hand. He pulled Jessie into a brief hug before shaking Bill’s hand. Congratulations on ten years, you two. Derek stood about six foot, and his black hair was meticulously groomed as always.

Is that grey I see? Justin jutted his chin toward Derek’s head.

This is what kids do to you, smart-ass, you just wait, he said, smoothing the side before looking toward Bill. Look at your old man.

Hey now, Bill protested, making everyone laugh.

After the baby comes, I could use some help if you’d like to earn some extra money. The practice is getting quite big, Derek muttered as Justin caught Bill’s cautious eyes. Being a cop, working as a private investigator for Derek could mean he’d cross the line. Given Bill’s reputation on the force, he understood why he’d be so skittish. Derek looked from Justin to Bill. Surveillance and small stuff like that, just to earn some extra cash for the family. Bill nodded.

Yeah, sure, I’ll let you know. Well, I hate to toast and run, but I have to bring Natalie home, she must be exhausted.

I was saying maybe you shouldn’t come over tomorrow, seeing how she’s so close to her due date, Bill said genuinely.

You’ve given up every free moment you’ve had over the past nine months to work on my place so it would be ready in time for the baby. I’m coming over and helping you throw your shit around, he said with a grin, referring to the fertilizer for Jessie’s new garden. Bye, Mom, he said, kissing her cheek. Happy anniversary, he said, patting Bill’s back.

*     *     *

Finishing the last of his push-ups, Justin rose, sat on the bed, and reached for his black tee, pulling it over his head. He glanced up when he heard the bathroom door open. His wife, Natalie, stood in the doorway with her hands bracing the jamb in a sexy pose. His eyes scanned the length of her body, taking in her long slender legs and pink painted toes. The short royal blue silky robe she wore accentuated every voluptuous curve.

Do you like it? she asked playfully in a husky whisper.

He looked up to her beautiful face surrounded by soft dark brown curls. Whistling through his teeth, he crooked his finger, and she strode toward him, stopping to twirl.

I like it. He looked up at her as his hands settled on her stomach. I think you are sexier now than you were before this. He kissed her pregnant belly then slowly untied the belt. Falling free, her bountiful breasts came into view as his hands settled on her bare belly, and he planted a kiss above her navel.

You’ll have to wait to see what goes underneath, she said with laughter in her voice.

His eyes traveled down, resting under her tummy on the triangle of curls at the juncture of her thighs. I like what’s underneath it now, he growled, leaning forward and kissing her there.

Tilting his chin up, she narrowed her eyes. That’s how I got like this to begin with, remember?

Laughing, he rose and wrapped his arms around her. It’s been so long, I’m not sure. He tucked her hair behind her ear.

I’m sorry.

Covering her lips with his finger, he pulled her into a long slow kiss. Finding her tongue, a moan escaped her as his erection grew against her, so he reluctantly pulled back. Don’t apologize. If the doctor says we have to wait, then we wait. Besides, it’s only been a month, he mused as he planted kisses down her neck.

A month too long, she whispered on a sigh.

He pulled back to look at her as he cupped her face. So we’ll have a lot of making up to do. That gives me something to look forward to. He let her go. I may even bring home my cuffs, he said with a grin.

Promises, promises, she said, smirking as she balled the front of his shirt in her hands. If you’re good, I may just let you use them. He raised a brow, and she leaned in close. I’m serious. I think, with a baby, we may have to spice things up a bit.

Honey, things are spicy enough. He grabbed her bottom in his big strong hands and squeezed as he kissed her earlobe, breathing in her fruity fragrance. Just looking at you is foreplay enough, he whispered as his hands slipped under her robe and gripped her bare cheeks. He groaned as she pulled away from him, adjusting her robe.

I don’t know why you get yourself so worked up. She flattened his shirt that she’d crumpled then poked her finger into his chest. Don’t be late tonight.

Someone’s been hanging around Jessie too long.

Who do you think took me shopping for this? She perched her hands on her hips.

Enough, he ordered sternly.

Justin, Jessie is a very sexy woman.

And also my mom, I don’t even want to think of her going into a store like that, let alone hear about it. She opened her mouth to speak. I mean it, Nat. Nodding, she turned, but he touched her arm. I’ll be home as soon as we’re finished with the garden. Clenching her teeth, she nodded. Hey, are you okay? he asked, placing his hand on her stomach again.

Braxton Hicks, and I’ll be fine. Opening his mouth, she covered it with her finger. You’re not cancelling, you promised Bill. Besides, we wouldn’t even have a nursery if it wasn’t for him, so you owe him.

As long as you’re sure you’re okay, he said, eyeing her suspiciously, making her laugh.

Justin, I’m fine. Kissing her cheek, he patted her bottom and strode away. Letting out the breath she was holding, she changed into a comfortable jogging suit. She didn’t see the harm in not telling him the contractions were real. They were only twenty minutes apart, and there really wasn’t reason to worry him. She’d never met a man as protective as Justin, and although she didn’t know much about his upbringing, she suspected that had something to do with it. But given his nature, he would have stayed home, and they’d both be forced to stare at the clock while they waited.

Checking her suitcase to be sure she’d packed everything she needed, she decided to call her doctor’s office to inform them she’d be at the hospital at some point today. Taking a step, she clutched her stomach when another contraction hit. She made it through with deep breathing and realized that one had been a little closer to the last. She made her way into the nursery and sat on the cushioned chair and started rocking. Hold on a little while longer, sweet pea, she whispered, rubbing her belly. Daddy will be home soon.

*     *     *

Justin was welcomed by the aroma of fresh brewed coffee as his four-year-old sister, Caitlyn, came running into the kitchen in a robe and bunny slippers. Justin! She wrapped her arms around his leg, and he scooped her up and into his arms.

Hi, ya little rug rat, he said kissing, her cheek.

Where’s Natalie’s belly? she asked with both hands up.

Laughing, he sipped his coffee. At home with Natalie, sweet pea.

But, when she has the baby it will be small again, right? She licked her bottom lip, making it glisten as he set her down.

I certainly hope so, he mumbled. Standing, he was greeted by a smack on the back of the head. Geez, he said, swiping a hand over the coffee that spilled on to his old T-shirt. What the hell was that for? Bill looked him square in the eyes.

Her curves will be different, a child does that to a woman’s body. He slowly grinned. But I thought the same thing about Jessie. Hell, I never thought she could get so goddamn big. Reaching into the cupboard for a mug, he must have sensed Justin’s eyes on him and glanced over.

Uh, Larry, The Cable Guy called, he wants his flannel back. He ducked from Bill’s raised hand.

Jessie bought this freaking thing for me. Bill glanced down at the red and black squares and grimaced. Say another word and you’ll regret it, he warned as he scooped Caitlyn off the chair she’d climbed on to steal a cookie from the platter on the table.

Justin laughed. I sure don’t know when she turned you into a— He felt Bill’s hand on his head and spilled his coffee again.

I warned you, he said, taking out two bowls and a box of Cheerios as nine-year-old Theresa walked up. Bill handed them to her as she took two spoons from a drawer, and Justin messed her hair playfully.

When am I gonna be an aunt? she asked, looking up at him. The men looked at each other, befuddled a moment, until Justin realized her description had been accurate.

Hopefully, this week, Bill offered, sipping. Jessie wandered in carrying an empty cup, looking at them suspiciously. Justin was just telling me how much he likes my shirt. And with all the home improvements, he could use one. Bill’s chuckling eyes peered at Justin over the rim of his mug.

Really? She refilled her cup with coffee before checking on both girls’ breakfast choices. I’ll buy you one for your birthday, honey. She grabbed the plate of cookies from last night’s party, placed them on top of the fridge, and left the busy room.

That’s funny right there, I don’t care who you are, Bill snickered as he rinsed his cup. Let’s git ’er done.

The sun beat down on them as they trudged from the driveway to the back corner of the yard carrying fifty-pound bags of soil and fertilizer. Wiping his brow, Justin looked over. Why the hell didn’t you just have the guy park the skid back here?

Bill laughed sarcastically. "You know, I asked your mother that exact same thing, and she looked at me as if I’d lost my friggin’ mind. ‘Don’t you know it will ruin the grass?’ He mimicked mockingly with a shake of his head. Your mother is one hell of an attorney, but sometimes I wonder how the hell she made it through law school." Laughing, Justin threw down the last bag and climbed up on a pile and sat as Bill walked over to retrieve the glasses of ice water Jessie had placed on the picnic bench. Justin lifted the hem of his sweat-soaked shirt and wiped his face as his worked abs glistened from the hot rays. Handing him a glass, Bill took a seat beside him. They both took long sips before Bill ran the condensation from the tumbler across his perspiring forehead.

He sipped again then glanced over at Justin. It was hard to believe the man beside him had once been his runaway informant. His childhood could have damaged him if he let it, but Justin had always been too strong. After basically raising himself, he’d done well in school and excelled at sports. And now he was a damn fine cop with a beautiful wife and a baby on the way. Although he’d questioned him marrying so young, he’d never seen Justin happier. For the first time in his life, he had everything a man could ask for. I’m proud of you, son, he said, patting his knee. I don’t think I tell you that enough.

For?

Sipping his water, Bill shrugged. Hell, everything—joining the academy, landing a nice girl like Natalie, starting a family. You’re a chip off the old block.

Yeah, you gave me some good roots, and I’ve always been thankful for that. He bowed his head a moment as Bill studied him.

Something on your mind?

Looking over at Bill again, Justin blew out a long breath, shaking his head. Honestly, for the first time in my life, I’m scared out of my mind. In a week I’m going to be a father. All the classes and books in the world can’t prepare you for something like that.

No, they can’t, but trust me, women have natural instincts, and they show you what needs to be done. Before you know it, you’ll be more than capable of handling them on your own. Hell, if I can do it, any man can.

That’s a very good point, Justin said, grinning.

Smart-ass, Bill muttered as he polished off his water. Justin’s cell rang, and Bill listened to the one-sided conversation. Are you sure? Okay, yeah, I’ll leave now… No, Nat, I don’t want you to drive… Okay, okay, just be careful… I’ll see you there, I love you, bye. He handed Bill his glass. Her water broke after I left this morning, and her contractions keep speeding up, so I’m meeting her at the hospital.

We’ll see you there. Justin jogged to his car, and Bill walked into the kitchen through the back door. Jessie! he yelled, as he slid off his sweaty shirt and wiped his face with it.

She came walking in. Bill Peterson, you are as sexy as the day I met you. Her gaze settled on his glistening chest.

He grinned as he turned the water on. Behave, woman. Natalie’s gone into labor. I’m gonna hop in the shower, call Lance and Mel so we can drop the kids off. He dried his hands then whipped his shirt at her behind as he passed.

*     *     *

Jessie walked into the hospital waiting room first with Bill behind her. Justin looked up and immediately strode in their direction. What’s wrong? Jessie asked concerned. Why aren’t you in with Natalie?

She’s not here, he said, running his hand though his hair.

Not here? This is the right hospital, isn’t it? Bill asked.

Yeah, I don’t get it, she called over an hour ago and told me to meet her here, he said, turning when the door opened.

Did you try calling her? Jessie asked, placing her arm around him as they walked over to a row of cushioned chairs and sat.

About fifty times, it just rings and rings, he said frustrated. Watching them, Bill immediately feared the worst. It was barely a ten-minute drive from Justin’s house in the nearby suburb, and if Natalie wasn’t here yet, it meant something had happened. Taking out his cell and walking out of hearing distance, Bill called the 911 emergency dispatcher to see if there were any accidents. As it rang, the sliding door swished open. Seeing Lance rush toward him, he disconnected the call.

Goddamn it, Bill, the older man swore, as his eyes settled on Justin. Bill watched his Adam’s apple move slowly as he swallowed hard and then looked at him. Natalie’s minivan was hit head on, he said, grabbing Bill’s sleeve. He looked through watered eyes. They didn’t make it. Bill’s eyes slammed shut before he looked over at his only son, trying to swallow the lump that quickly grew thick in his throat. He took in a deep breath and then another before walking in Justin’s direction. Years of being a detective had taught him to be unemotional when informing someone of a loss, but he couldn’t prevent the tears that stung in his eyes.

Seeing Lance, Justin immediately rose. What is it? he asked, reaching for Bill’s arm. "My god, what the hell happened?"

1

Eighteen months later . . .

J ustin’s body jolted upright in a cold sweat. Reaching beside him, he smiled, feeling bare skin. Then as his eyes came into focus, he realized it hadn’t been a dream, and the woman beside him was far from his wife. Running a hand through his hair, he heard a noise and threw back the covers. He quickly stepped into his jeans and tugged the zipper. Grabbing his . 45 from the nightstand drawer, he tiptoed down the hall. When the dead bolt disengaged, he pointed as Bill let himself into the apartment and looked around as the door closed behind him. His eyes met Justin’s as he lowered his police-issued weapon. That’s how people get shot, he said in a gruff voice before he cleared his scratchy th roat.

Bill let out an agitated sigh. Jesus, Justin, it’s two in the afternoon, he said with his hands on his hips.

Justin glared and followed his eyes as Bill looked around. A pizza box from a few days ago was on the corner of the cocktail table, along with empty beer cans and a half-drunken bottle of Jack Daniel’s. Setting his gun down, he plopped down on the worn-out sofa and lifted a pack of cigarettes.

You’re smoking? What the hell is wrong with you? Those things will—

What—kill me? Too late, I’m already dead. He lit one looking up at him. Taking a drag, he purposely blew the smoke in Bill’s direction. Maybe you should just leave.

And maybe you should grow the hell up! Before he could respond, he saw Bill look past him and followed his line of vision to the hall. The woman he’d just met last night stood in the doorway, startled from Bill’s outburst. Justin’s eyes traveled the length of her with vague remembrance. She flattened her disheveled hair as she walked toward him, pulling down the short hem of her skirt. Supporting herself with a hand on Justin’s shoulder, her cleavage spilled out of her low-cut top as she bent to slide on her heels. She whispered for him to call her before she made her way to the door and it closed behind her.

Sitting back, Justin rested his bare foot on the coffee table. Bring back memories? he asked sarcastically.

None I’m proud of, Bill admitted as he lowered himself into a tattered chair. Justin refused to look at him, knowing an outburst from one of them was inevitable. They hadn’t seen eye to eye on anything since the accident, and as far as he was concerned, their relationship was over.

Your lieutenant called me today. And there it was. Justin looked over in time to see him grasp his hands together uneasily. He’s worried about you.

Gritting his teeth, Justin narrowed his eyes. "Then shouldn’t he be talking to me? He crushed out his butt in the overflowing ashtray as he rose. I know I’m not as sharp as I used to be, I’m not an idiot! he said as he turned, revealing the knife wound he sustained from a suspect a few months back. Maybe I drink too much, but I always do my damn job!"

I can see that from the scar on your back, Bill said sternly. Maybe you should take a leave of absence before you lose your badge.

Justin’s face grew hot as his fists settled on his hips. "Is that what this is about, you selfish bastard—you and your fucking reputation!"

Who the hell do you think you’re talking to? Bill asked angrily as he rose. I’m your goddamn father!

You aren’t my father! I’m adopted, remember? How many times do I need to repeat myself before you get that through your thick skull?

Perhaps I should have left you on the streets and not looked after you, you ungrateful son of a bitch!

Justin strode toward him angrily as his fist wound back. Swinging forward, Bill wrapped his strong hand around it, pushing Justin backward into the wall. His face flinching, he gritted his teeth as he tightened his grip on Justin’s hand, holding him down. Staring into his dark eyes, Justin saw an anger he’d never witnessed. "You will never understand what I’m going through. So go ahead and hit me, old man, I dare you!" Without warning, Bill wound up, and as Justin closed his eyes, he felt the vibration his fist made as it broke through the drywall beside him. Justin’s eyes flew open as he caught his breath, his adrenaline pumping fiercely in his eardrums.

Bill let go and stepped back running a hand through his hair as he rattled off several obscenities under his breath. Justin knew he was one of the few people that could push Bill to the edge. He’d just never taken him that far. Coward, he muttered off as he walked back down the hall. In his room, he grabbed last night’s T-shirt off the floor and pulled it over his head as he sat on the edge of the bed. Who the hell have I become? he thought. Regardless of their differences, Bill was right. He’d taken him in when he was a bachelor without a care in the world, and this was how he repaid him?

He waited for the apartment door to open, but he knew better. Bill may have been angry, but he wouldn’t leave until their conversation was over. He hesitated, pulling on some clean socks, stopping to stare at Natalie’s photograph. Swallowing hard, he picked it up and opened the top drawer of his dresser, placing it inside. Blowing out a breath, he closed it before walking back into the living room. Bill hadn’t moved, his hands were still settled on his hips, fresh blood oozing from the broken flesh on his knuckles. Studying him, Justin knew he was still as enraged as himself. Why didn’t you hit me?

Bill turned, squinted, and tilted his head. What the hell kind of question is that?

A straightforward one that deserves an honest answer.

Bill squared his shoulders, looking him dead in the eyes. "Regardless of how you feel, you are my son. And as much as you lash out or think that you hate me, I know that deep down you don’t. You may not be that scared eleven-year-old boy anymore, but I swore back then that I’d never let you down, and I certainly don’t intend to now. So you can hurt me all you want with words, either way I won’t stop loving you. Justin swallowed hard before reaching for another cigarette. Mom’s sick. His hand froze as he met Bill’s wary eyes. He watched his Adam’s apple as he swallowed several times. She has breast cancer." Rising, for the first time, he saw the fatigue