One Last Chance: A Sports Romance

  J.A. Collard

  One Last Chance

  J.A. Collard

  Copyright 2020 J.A. Collard

  All Rights Reserved

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, real people, and real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, organizations or places is entirely coincidental.

  All rights are reserved. This book is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the express written permission of the author. All songs, song titles, and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.

  Disclaimer: The material in this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is intended for mature audiences, ages 18 and older.

  Book design by Swish Design & Editing

  Editing by Swish Design & Editing

  Proofreading by Swish Design & Editing

  Cover design by Sara Eirew

  Cover Image Copyright 2020

  All Rights Reserved

  Chloe Mason wasn’t looking for love or romance for that matter. She was done with that. Finding that one man who would cause butterflies to erupt in her stomach seemed to prove to be impossible. No one could compare to Domenic. He was her first love and the man she gave her virginity to. But he wasn’t hers to have. He was Sophia Dawson’s, Vixen Falls’ head cheerleader and Chloe’s best friend.

  The last time she had seen Domenic was five years ago, the day she made the biggest mistake of her life by sleeping with him. That morning with guilt eating at her, she had left without a word and had got on the next flight to New York to start her internship at Sloan’s Photography, the largest photography agency in the country.

  But now fate had other plans. It seems her work was taking her back to Vixen Falls.

  This book is dedicated to my one and only husband, Aaron. When writing this book, it reminded me of how we met in high school and how you were my first and only love.

  Love you, Aaron. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.

  Blurb

  Dedication

  Table of Contents

  PART ONE

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  PART TWO

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Acknowledgments

  Connect With Me Online

  About the Author

  CHLOE

  Present

  “Chloe, you’re the best photographer we have. I need you on this project. I know you’ve worked long hours, but just one more gig, please? For me?”

  I sigh as I take a seat opposite Jim Sloan’s desk. I’ve just returned from the Bahamas, taking photographs at a fashion shoot for Antonia Styles’ new line. Don’t get me wrong, the magical beaches and sunsets were breathtaking, but I’m glad to be back home in New York. Jim promised me some time off after this contract, and God knows I need it. My blonde hair needs a cut and style, and I’m sick of wearing these khakis and sneakers. I’m also dead tired and in need of a hot shower and rest.

  I’d decided to stop in to the office on my way home from the airport when Jim spotted me and called me into his office. My plan had been to quickly download all the photographs I had taken of the models, and then email them through to Ms. Styles’ assistant to pass on for selection.

  Now, I wish I went straight home as Jim’s just told me he needs me on another assignment.

  “Okay, hit me with it. Where and when are we talking?”

  Jim smiles wolfishly as he takes a seat at his desk. Tapping his fingertips together in front of his face like some kind of evil villain, he replies, “The answer to your questions is Vixen Falls, and your plane flies out tomorrow at noon.”

  I feel my breath hitch at the back of my throat as memories of Vixen Falls come to mind. Vixen Falls—my hometown, where I grew up. The place I ran from, leaving my heart behind. The place where the man who holds it still lives and plays for the Vixen Rapids as their star quarterback. The place where I lost my virginity to my best friend’s boyfriend and made the biggest mistake of my life.

  It has been five years since I left, and although my parents still live there, I have managed to keep away by inviting them to New York for Christmas. There’s no way I can return home, not after running like the coward I was the morning after Domenic’s party when I woke up in his bed, covered in guilt for giving in to my body’s desires.

  I can’t go back there.

  “Chloe, are you listening to me?” Jim asks, snapping his fingers in front of my face.

  I lift my gaze to his. “What’s the job, Jim?” I’m hoping I can talk myself out of this one.

  “Now, before I answer, you need to hear me out.”

  I fold my arms over my chest and frown. “Jim, I’m not agreeing to anything until you tell me exactly what the job entails.”

  “Fine, fine,” he agrees, holding his palms out to me. “You know how the Vixen Rapids are playing this weekend?”

  I don’t reply.

  I’m too damn scared of what’s going to come out of his mouth next, so I simply nod.

  “Well, we have been hired to go out there and take photos for Sleek Sports Magazine, and they’ve specifically asked for you.”

  Surprise rushes through me as I get up off my chair and begin to pace. Not only is he asking me to go back to Vixen Falls, but he’s also asking me to shoot Domenic’s team—his team for God’s sake.

  I shake my head, pause, and place my hands on my hips. “Jim,” I plead. “Don’t ask me to do this. I’ve never asked you for much the entire time I’ve worked for you, so please don’t make me go.” Tears burn behind my eyelids, and I inhale deeply, trying to control my emotions.

  “Can I ask why?” he questions as he stands, then walks around the desk leaning on it.

  I shake my head. “Please don’t, Jim. Don’t push me to go, please,” I beg.

  Jim runs his hand through his hair and looks at me. “It’s about him, isn’t it? The man you left behind?”

  Jim knows a little about my past, but I’d never mentioned Domenic’s name specifically, only that I had to begin my internship early due to a bad relationship. If he knew it was Domenic Reed, head quarterback for the Vixen Rapids, he would want all the gossip, and I’m not ready for that.

  I can’t talk about it.

  I’m too ashamed.

  Not only did I run, but also, he wasn’t mine to be with.

  Domenic was Sophia’s, Vixen High’s head cheerleader, and my best friend.

  That morning, after a night of pure bliss, I’d run home, packed my bag, and left without a single word to anyone. I’d even left a note for my parents saying I’d be in contact and that my internship at Slade’s Photography was starting early because they needed me straightaway. I
’d promised them I would call once I was settled into New York, and I did.

  As for Sophia, I couldn’t face her.

  She had called me several times, wondering why I never said goodbye, and I finally answered her call on her tenth attempt to reach me. I gave her the same reason for leaving suddenly as I did to my parents—that Jim Slone needed me urgently, and I’d had to get on the next flight to New York.

  Over the last five years, Sophia has visited me twice. We talk almost every month, but our friendship is not as strong as it used to be. And that’s my fault and all on me. The guilt I carry with me for sleeping with Domenic still haunts me, even though she’s revealed to me several times she’s no longer dating him.

  After Sophia graduated, she was accepted into a college to study graphic design. I’ve wanted to tell Sophia for so long about the night I spent with Domenic, but I just can’t, and what would be the point now, anyway?

  I’m here, and he’s there.

  But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been following his career. Domenic got a scholarship and played college football. After a few years he was drafted and is now playing professional football for the Vixen Rapids.

  I’ve stalked his social media pages and spent hours in front of the television watching him play. And yes, I may have—or have not, but totally have—been tempted to run my tongue over the screen when I’ve seen him without a shirt. But honestly, can you blame a woman? His six-pack, his toned and bulging arms, his back wide and muscly—yes, all of that—can almost bring a woman to her knees.

  He’s changed but in a good way—taller, wider, and has one of those ‘V’ things going on that draws a roving eye straight to the area where your eyes shouldn’t go. His dark hair still has a messy appearance, which I love. And those eyes—God, those eyes—I still remember the way they hungrily raked over my body once I was standing naked before him.

  “Uh-hum. Chloe, you’re somewhere else again.” I squeeze my eyes shut, then reopen them, and see Jim frowning at me. “So, what’s it gonna be?”

  I exhale, and reply, “What if I say no?”

  Standing, Jim walks over to me and places his hands on my shoulders. “I can’t force you, Chloe, but you’re the best damn photographer I have. Sleek Sports Magazine has requested the best, and that’s you, unfortunately.”

  He lets his hands fall and walks over to his office window and stares out at the scenic view offered. Jim is an attractive man for a fifty-year-old—black hair with streaks of silver running through it, an athlete’s body due to the time he spends each day running, and golden skin that’s surprisingly unlined for his age. He’s from Greece originally, and every chance he has, he goes home with his family. Jim’s been good to me over the years, and it kills me to say no to him.

  Can I go and potentially come face-to-face with Domenic?

  I’m brought back when Jim says, “I understand you have your reasons for not going back to Vixen Falls, but Chloe…” he turns to face me, “… this is your career, and what have I always told you?”

  “Never mix business with pleasure,” I reply automatically, feeling defeat wash over me.

  He nods. “That’s right, so what’s it gonna be? The flight is tomorrow, so I need your answer right now. Tom from Sleek Sports Magazine wants an answer by the end of today as to whether you’re coming or not.”

  I bite down on my bottom lip, and with all the courage I can muster, I give in. “Okay, I’ll do it,” I say, not feeling particularly confident with my response.

  A wide smile plays on Jim’s lips as he walks over to his desk and picks up the handset of his phone. Before he calls Tom, he looks back over to me. “You’ve made the right decision, Chloe. Now, go shower, relax, and I’ll contact Tom telling him he can expect you tomorrow evening.”

  I nod, then walk over to him, picking up my camera bag from his desk, then turn and step out of his office, praying to God I haven’t just made a huge mistake.

  CHLOE

  Past

  Grabbing my books from my locker, I slam it shut as the sound of the bell rings for my next class—biology. I hate biology, the things the teacher says go way over my head, and I completely suck at it. Rushing to class, I turn a corner, and when I do, a locker door opens and slams against my forehead so hard, I drop all my books and fall flat on my ass.

  “Watch it, asshole!” I yell, rubbing my forehead with my palm. My eyes are blurry from the hit, and I’m mad as all hell. I’m running late, and now this happens? Too busy to look up at who’s responsible, I scurry to my knees, picking up my books as quickly as possible. I can only imagine the bump I now have growing on my forehead, and to top it off, it’s throbbing, causing a slight headache.

  “Here, let me help you,” a husky but strong male voice offers.

  I don’t look up, just continue to pick up my books, that is, until I see the hands belonging to the voice. Tanned, manly hands, with long slim fingers. I don’t miss the veins popping out on top, causing my eyes to look further up to his muscled biceps and wide chest covered in a tight white T-shirt.

  Domenic Reed.

  “Oh shit, Chloe. I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you coming,” Domenic explains, handing some of my books back to me. I feel heat cover my face, so I know I am blushing. I’m embarrassed now that I had yelled at him. I mean, this is Domenic Reed, star quarterback football player for Vixen High. He’s hot, popular, and my best friend, Sophia Dawson’s boyfriend.

  “Oh, is the poor baby going to cry?” Justin teases over Domenic’s shoulder.

  Justin is also on the football team and an A-grade asshole.

  I’ve tried everything in my power to ignore him, but it’s virtually impossible when he’s on the football team with Domenic. Everywhere Dom goes, Justin’s there too.

  “Baby, there you are.”

  Sophia.

  Sophia, my best friend and also the most popular girl at Vixen High. She’s perfect with her long blonde hair, baby blue eyes, and always looks like she’s just stepped out of a photo shoot. Unlike me, she’s tall, slim, and has everything going for her in the looks department. Me, I’m short with brown eyes, and although I have blonde hair as well, Sophia’s has highlights running through hers, while mine is bland and dull. Sophia dresses in the latest fashions, whereas I tend to stick with comfort. For me, it’s denim shorts and a Pink Floyd T-shirt. I don’t care what anyone thinks, I’m comfortable being me, and that’s all that matters.

  Sophia moves in and kisses Dom on the lips. It’s a chaste kiss, and when she moves back, she faces me, looking surprised. “Oh my gosh, Chloe, what happened to you?” She steps closer and runs her fingers over my now more-than-obvious visible bump.

  Embarrassed, but not wanting to cause a fuss in front of Dom and Justin, I shoo her hands away. “I’m fine, really, Soph. It was an accident.”

  “Miss Mason, aren’t you late for class?”

  I look over and see Mr. Silver, my biology teacher, looking out from his classroom door. I swallow hard and look at Dom, who has an expression on his face I can’t quite decipher. It’s as though his green eyes, which are almost black right now, are glancing over my body.

  Hungrily?

  But surely, I must be imagining things.

  Because there’s no way Domenic Reed would ever look at me that way.

  Geez, I must have hit my head harder than I thought.

  Sophia, who’s wearing her cheerleading outfit, showing off her long, tanned legs, asks, “Are you sure you’re fine, Chlo?” Her face is filled with concern. “Maybe we should get you to the school nurse.”

  My eyes leave Dom’s and move to Sophia’s. “I’ll be fine, honestly, Soph,” I reply, planting a fake smile on my face.

  “Miss Mason!” I hear Mr. Silver growl.

  “Look, I gotta go,” I state, giving Dom a quick glance before I hurry off to class.

  Mr. Silver huffs out a breath as I pass him, and then take a seat next to my friend, Sam. His eyes tell me he’s noticed my bump. Damn my clumsiness.
“Are you okay?” he mouths, and I nod and smile, then face Mr. Silver, who’s talking about some organ in a rat’s body.

  Eventually, my mind drifts back to Domenic and how he looked this morning. He always looks good, though. Today he was wearing light-colored denim jeans and a white fitted T-shirt. His hair was messy as always, and once again, my fingers had itched to run through it. His eyes showed concern as I thanked him for his help, and the smile he gave me literally took my breath away.

  I need to stop daydreaming about him—he can never be mine.

  This Friday is the last day of school, and as I’m a senior, I’ll be graduating and then starting an internship at Sloan’s Photography, one of the best photography companies in New York, which has an excellent reputation. Jim Sloan, the owner, was so impressed with my work, he offered to pay for my college degree if I worked for him in the interim. I couldn’t believe the opportunity I’d been given. I mean, I love taking photographs and knew I was good at it, but for Jim Sloan to say my talent is a gift? Well, it’s the best compliment I’ve ever received in my life.

  I love taking pictures. It started when I was a child, and my parents would take me for a drive every weekend. I would love stopping along the way to take landscape shots of the beach, or the mountains, depending on where we were. I also liked taking images of people in their everyday lives. I would stand there and take shots as people went about their daily routines.

  At home, I have my own darkroom, and I’m also on the school newspaper team, taking photographs when requested.

  Just three more days, I think to myself.

  Three more days until I graduate and won’t have to see Domenic Reed again. Well, for a while, anyway. My internship is in New York, and from what I’ve heard, Domenic will be staying right here in Vixen Falls, after snagging up a scholarship with the University of Vixen Falls.

  This is a good thing, I try to convince myself.

  I need to get over him.