A Chance at Love

by Silvia Violet

“I’ll come with you. I want more too. I… What you said… I was scared you were going to end this—us.”

  “Chance, I haven’t felt like I do about you…ever. I know this thing between us is crazy, but—”

  “It’s not crazy. Well, maybe it is. I’m not a very good judge of that, but it’s what we both feel, and if we both want it, then—”

  “I want it. I want you with me.”

  “Then I’ll be there.”

  Darren exhaled and leaned against the counter. “Thank God.”

  He’d been nervous, which made Chance feel a lot better. “Is this a black-tie kind of party?”

  Darren nodded. “Yes, but I’ll take care of that for you.”

  “Darren, you don’t—”

  “I invited you, and I want to.”

  Was this a battle worth fighting? Probably not. “So tell me some more about this party. Where will it be?”

  “In the Crown room at the Del, actually.”

  “Really?” Chance loved the idea of attending a party in that historic space underneath the glittering chandeliers, but it also terrified him. He wasn’t a backward hick, despite what people assumed about someone who grew up on a ranch, but he wasn’t sure how well he’d do mingling with people who could easily donate millions to charity.

  “Yes. And I’d get us a room for afterward, but if we stay, I’d be compelled to get up early and join some of the honorees for breakfast.”

  Chance didn’t like that. “I’d rather do something more…creative for breakfast. We can stay there another time.”

  Darren smiled. “I like creative.”

  “What will the evening be like?”

  “There will be mingling, and then dinner, and then the presentation of the honorees. A lot of it will probably be boring for you, but—”

  “I’m not worried about boring. I’m more worried about embarrassing you.”

  “Chance, there is no way I’ll be embarrassed by you.”

  Chance wasn’t sure Darren understood. “But I may not know what to do or say or what fork to use.”

  “You are one of the most charming people I know, and anyone who doesn’t see that isn’t someone I care to further a relationship with.”

  Chance’s chest went all tight, and he wasn’t sure he could speak. He’d expected Darren to be encouraging, but he hadn’t expected him to go that far. “I…um…thank you.”

  “I mean it.”

  Darren looked like he truly did.

  “And in case you’re worried, neither my mother nor my brother will be there. They leave all the handling of the foundation to me.”

  Chance hadn’t even considered the possibility he’d have to meet Darren’s mother. That would create a level of real-worldness he was not ready for. “That’s…good?”

  “It’s good that you’re spared her judgment. I’ve given up wishing she’d see the value of the foundation her mother originally created. But Mother had her heart set on me becoming a lawyer, being more successful than my dad, and making lots of money, rather than giving it away.”

  “Doesn’t she believe in charity?”

  For a few moments, Darren seemed to consider how to answer. “She’ll happily donate to whatever cause is in vogue. She might even attend an event, but for her, it’s just another social occasion, not something she’s passionate about. I’m not sure she’s ever been passionate about anything but appearances and money.”

  Not for the first time, Chance felt extremely lucky to be part of a loving family. “What about your dad? Was she passionate about him before he cheated?”

  “I really don’t know. She never showed him much affection, and she didn’t seem to have a broken heart when he left. She was angry he’d broken up our family unit, like he was something she needed for her plans, a piece of her perfect life that was now missing. But there were times when I saw her looking devastated, and I wondered if she was actually hurt more deeply. I doubt I’ll ever really know.”

  “You can’t ask?” Chance couldn’t imagine wondering if his parents loved each other. It had been obvious to him his whole life.

  Darren gave a bitter laugh. “We don’t talk about real feelings in my family.”

  “What would happen if you tried?”

  “She’d get angry and defensive and refuse to answer my questions. But I think I’m actually better off that way. If she never loved him, I really don’t want to know.”

  “But you believe in love?” Chance was moving into dangerous territory, but he needed to know where Darren stood.

  Color rose in Darren’s cheeks. “I do, not that I’ve had much experience with it. I thought I was in love with my first real boyfriend, but…” Darren just shook his head.

  “Tell me about it,” Chance encouraged.

  He thought Darren would refuse, but after a few moments, he started to speak in a quiet, restrained voice.

  “Right after law school, I started dating a guy who worked for the same firm as me. I thought we had something special, something that might be love. Then I found out he was spreading his love all around when I’d thought we were exclusive.”

  “Bastard.”

  “Yes, but I’d never actually asked him not to date anyone else. I’d just assumed he felt like I did. Big mistake, one he enjoyed throwing in my face.”

  Chance wanted to pull Darren into his arms, but the way Darren was holding himself made Chance hesitate. He wasn’t sure Darren was ready to accept comfort. “You don’t strike me as someone who makes assumptions without good reason.”

  “I usually didn’t, and I sure as hell don’t now. Well, not usually.”

  What did that mean? Was he making assumptions about Chance? And if so, what were they?

  “Look, the bastard ex isn’t worth talking about. He’s in the past.” He seemed to still have quite an effect on Darren’s equilibrium, but Chance didn’t think Darren wanted to hear that. “How long did you date him?”

  “A year.”

  “He was a fool.”

  Darren shrugged. “Maybe, but then, so was I. Obviously I didn’t hold his interest.”

  Chance had never seen Darren so down on himself. He’d been uncertain about what he wanted, but never truly lacking in confidence.

  “Dare, he missed seeing how special you are, how much you have to give, not just your money, but yourself. When I saw you on that plane, I wanted to shake you up, interrupt what I imagined was a stuffy world filled with perfectly fitting suits and boring meetings. I made assumptions when I shouldn’t; you aren’t boring at all—you’re caring and…just incredible.”

  Darren smiled. “I was determined to despise you when you first sat down in pajamas with your ridiculous cheese balls. That lasted about five seconds, right up until you offered me one. When I looked into your eyes, I wanted you, not just because you were hot, but because you were…you.”

  “I wanted to strip off that suit and see how dirty I could get you to be.”

  Darren grinned. “Pretty damn dirty, as it turns out.”

  “Yes, and I love it.” Chance also loved that the darkness had been banished from Darren’s eyes.

  “Thank you for agreeing to come to the party.”

  “You’re welcome.” Chance was still scared as hell, but he’d made a choice, and he’d stick with it.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Two days later, Chance had an appointment to be fitted for a tux. When he arrived at the shop, he glanced down at his ripped jeans and faded T-shirt from Rider’s Fabulous Ranch—a gay dude ranch not far from where his parents lived—and realized he was way underdressed. This wasn’t like the formal-wear shops where he’d rented tuxes for school dances. This was a high-end clothing store. He wondered if he was about to be sent on his way like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

  But he had an appointment, so he pulled open the door and stepped inside.

  “Good morning,” a small dark-haired man called. He didn’t seem the least bit alarmed by Chance’s appearance.

  �
��I’m Chance Emerson. I’m here for a fitting.”

  “Of course. I’m Ralph, and my dear friend Angela will be assisting you. She’ll be here in just a moment. Can I bring you something to drink before you get started? Coffee, tea, juice? We also have a selection of pastries and fruits.”

  Chance was momentarily stunned by Ralph’s desire to please, but he recovered after a few seconds. “Coffee and a pastry sounds great.”

  “We have Danishes, doughnuts, or—”

  “Surprise me.” Chance hadn’t been awake long, and he didn’t feel up to making any more decisions.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Chance was a bit intimidated by this luxurious store, and he also felt guilty for having Ralph serve him breakfast, but so far no one was acting like he didn’t belong there.

  Ralph returned a few moments later with a bear claw on an actual china plate and a matching mug full of coffee. Chance supposed a Styrofoam cup and paper plate would look ridiculous in these surroundings.

  He bit into the pastry and groaned. “Wow, that’s good,” he said when he finished chewing.

  Ralph grinned. “It’s my favorite. Take your time with it, and whenever you’re ready, Angela will take your measurements.”

  “I don’t want to keep her waiting.”

  Ralph shook his head. “You’re the friend of a very special client, and we want you to have every comfort.”

  Darren must spend a lot of money here. “Thank you.”

  Chance tried not to worry about making Angela wait as he finished his coffee and bear claw. There were a couple of other shoppers in the store, being shown around by salespeople. One carried a mug of coffee or tea, and the other held a bottle of San Pellegrino. What would it be like to shop in this kind of store all the time? Was that what Darren’s world was like? Could they really make things work when their lives were so different?

  When Chance was finished, he stood. Ralph came around the counter and took his dishes. “Go on into the first fitting room on the right, and I’ll page Angela.”

  The fitting room was enormous by the standards Chance was used to, and there was a sofa against the back wall that was far comfier than the one in his apartment.

  Angela turned out to be a gorgeous, dark-skinned woman, who looked stunning in her bright-red pantsuit and silver stiletto sandals. Chance felt even shabbier next to her elegance. But just like Ralph, she gave no indication he was unlike any of her other clients.

  In less time than he’d expected, she took the necessary measurements and he was ready to head on his way.

  “Thank you for stopping by. Your tux should be ready by tomorrow afternoon.”

  Chance frowned. “I only need it for Friday night.”

  “You were under the impression that this was a rental?”

  Now Chance was really confused. “Isn’t it?”

  “Mr. Walsh anticipated you might have other needs for a tuxedo. This one will be custom-fitted, and it’s yours to keep.”

  Chance should have known better. This didn’t look like a place that rented anything. Allowing Darren to take care of a tux rental was one thing, but allowing him to buy Chance a tux? He really shouldn’t accept something that likely cost as much as most of his wardrobe.

  He started to protest, but before he could, Angela said, “He’s an amazing man, isn’t he?”

  “Dar—Mr. Walsh?”

  Her eyes sparkled. “Yes. You’re quite lucky. He’s never sent a boyfriend to us before.”

  “He told you I was his—”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh my. Have I said the wrong thing?”

  “No. Not at all. I’m just…surprised.” She still looked concerned, so he went on. “This whole situation is unusual for me. I haven’t been to many black-tie events, and I’ve never even considered owning a tux, but…” Great. Now he was babbling.

  Angela smiled, seeming to have recovered her poise. “You’ll love how it fits. It will be so much more comfortable than a rental.”

  “That sounds great.” And it did, but he was still going to talk to Darren about it.

  He followed Angela to the front of the shop. “We’ll call as soon as it’s ready.”

  “Thank you.” Chance wasn’t sure what else to say.

  “You have a wonderful day.”

  “You too,” he said as Angela turned and headed back toward the fitting rooms.

  “We have to-go cups if you’d like more coffee or a snack for the road,” Ralph said.

  “That would be great, actually. I’d love some fruit and another coffee.”

  “Certainly. My pleasure.”

  Ralph returned seconds later with a banana, an apple, and a travel mug with the shop’s logo on it.

  “Thank you so much.”

  Ralph smiled. “Enjoy, and have fun with Mr. Walsh. I’m sure he’ll be the envy of everyone there.”

  Heat rushed to Chance’s face. Did Ralph flirt like this with everyone, or did he really have a thing for Chance?

  He walked away, sipping the coffee and trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach when he thought about how Darren’s friends and connections would react to him as Darren’s date, because even in a designer tux, he’d still be way out of place.

  ***

  Darren took a deep breath as he stepped out of the car. He buttoned his tuxedo jacket as he watched Chance do the same and then fiddle with his bow tie. Chance was more fidgety than usual, and he kept chewing his lower lip, a sure sign he was nervous.

  Darren leaned in and kissed his cheek. “You look fantastic.”

  “Are you sure you want me here?”

  “I’ve been sure since I asked you.” Darren held out his arm, and Chance took it, seeming to relax a little.

  Martin, the Del’s event coordinator, was waiting to greet them as they approached the dining room. “Mr. Walsh, we’re so happy to have you here again.”

  “Thank you. I’ve always been pleased with your facility.”

  “Wonderful.” Martin looked at Chance. “Good evening, sir.”

  “Martin, this is Chance Emerson. Martin manages the events the foundation hosts here.”

  Chance smiled. “I’m very pleased to meet you, sir. Darren arranged a tour of the hotel for me last week, and it’s beautiful.”

  “We certainly think so. I’m glad you agree.”

  “We’re going to circulate,” Darren said to Martin.

  “Please do. I will let you know if any issues arise.”

  Darren introduced Chance to a few of the attendees, donors he didn’t know well, but who were long-time supporters. Chance was reticent at first, but slowly he loosened up and became more like his usual effusive self.

  While Chance talked with a couple Darren knew from his work with an art-education foundation, Darren scanned the room. Damn. Mrs. Smithfork had arrived. If he didn’t speak to her immediately, she’d get offended and claim he’d ignored her. She was nettlesome but very generous with her fortune, so he would play nice.

  When the couple departed for the bar, Darren leaned close to Chance. “See the lady in the pink beaded dress straight ahead?”

  “I do.”

  “She’s our top donor of the year. I need to go speak with her, but she can be prickly.”

  Chance nodded. “I can handle that.”

  “She’s old-fashioned and very particular.”

  “Ah, so she won’t like that you’ve brought a man as your date.”

  “No, it’s not that. She’s known I was gay since she first began donating to the foundation’s charities. Since we support the LGBT center and plenty of other LGBT charities, I’m not going to take money from someone who—”

  “Shhh.”

  Darren looked confused. “What’s wrong?”

  “If you keep getting all passionate like that, I might have to find us a supply closet.”

  Damn him. Darren told his cock not to dare get excited. “No closets.”

  “Then behave yourself.”

  Darren cleared his th
roat. “You do the same.”

  “Whatever Mrs. Smithfork says, I’ll roll with it.”

  “If you’d rather disappear, I understand.”

  Chance took his arm and started walking toward her. “I agreed to be your date. That means I stick with you, prickly guests and all.”

  Darren wished sneaking off with Chance was an option. He also wished he’d told Chance he loved him so he could say it again now. But this wasn’t the time for a declaration like that.

  Mrs. Smithfork turned their way as they neared her. “Ah, Darren.” She looked down her nose at him. “It’s about time you came to talk to me.”

  At least she was predictable. “Forgive my tardiness.”

  “You could have brought me a drink. That might have excused it.”

  Darren forced a smile. “Let me see what I can do.” He turned to see that Chance had gotten the attention of a server with a tray of champagne.

  “Thank you,” he mouthed as Chance handed him a glass for Mrs. Smithfork and one for himself.

  “And who are you, young man? I don’t recall Darren having any nephews,” Mrs. Smithfork asked, sneering at Chance.

  Oh good. She was going to go with mocking the age gap. Darren tossed back about half of his champagne before he answered. “This is Chance Emerson, and he’s my date.”

  Mrs. Smithfork studied Chance more closely. If they’d been in an early era, Darren was certain she would’ve raised a quizzing glass to her eye.

  “Hmpf. I’m not sure what I think of that. Emerson, eh? Are you related to Dora Emerson?”

  “No, ma’am.” Chance’s cheeks had turned pink. Darren squeezed his hand.

  After more purse-lipped scrutiny, she said, “You’re not from California, are you?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m from outside Houston.”

  “Hmpf. What do your people do there?”

  “My family owns a ranch, ma’am.” Chance’s Texan accent grew more pronounced as he spoke. Was he playing with her?

  “A ranch. Hmm. What sort of clubs do they belong to?”

  It was time for Darren to intervene. “Mrs. Smithfork, have you tried the salmon mousse tonight?” Darren scooped one of the canapés in question from a server’s tray.

  “Don’t interrupt me!”