Chapter Four
Chance
I grabbed Becca’s hand and smiled as I looked into her eyes. “Come with me.” Her cold, clammy hands gave away her nervousness and I could only guess that she was somewhat overwhelmed. I didn’t blame her. I was giving her a rather large job with very little time to do it. But I trusted that she would do her best. “I want to show you something,”
She smiled nervously as she followed behind me, still holding my hand. We took the club elevator the restricted roof level and stepped outside, the summer air slightly cooler on the tall building. “Amazing view, isn’t it? Kind of reminds me of that night in Vegas,” I said slowly, as I looked off at the radiant city lights. “That was… a great night.”
“It was,” Becca frowned, her brow furrowed slightly, “’until Sara happened.”
I turned to face her, grabbing her other hand and staring into her eyes. “I’m sorry about that. About all of that …
“Chance, it’s okay.” Becca squeezed my hands and moved in closer. “I trust you. I know it took me some time, but I do. You don’t need to keep apologizing for something you didn’t do.”
I felt guilty for what Sara had done. I was foolish to think I could have just walked away from Sara without any sort of repercussions, but I was grateful for where I was at the moment. I was free and with Becca, a second chance to make things right. I reached out and touched her face gently as she moved in closer. Our bodies were close together as she leaned in, her breath tickled my lips, taunting me. I lean forward, brushing her lips against mine. I was lost in the feel of her, tempted to draw her in closer. But just as I was about to move in, she pulled back and looked away. I wanted that kiss. I wanted more, but I realized things needed to go slowly.
“I have an office in the hotel that you can work out of,” I said rather hastily. I tried to brush over the awkwardness as quickly as I could. “I’ll make sure you have everything you need. Come, let me show you.”
Becca hesitated as she stared at me. “Chance, I have to be honest...” Becca dropped my hands as she stood in front of me. “This job…it’s perfect, but it’s so much more than I had done in the past. When I was at Johnson Boone, I had a team that helped me. We relied on each other.” Becca swallowed hard and continued. “I don’t want to disappointed you.”
“We can find you help.” I smiled and nodded, attempting to calm her. “You just have to let me know.”
“It’s okay,” she shook her head, “Maybe I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed. Let’s go see the office.”
After weaving our way back through the club, we eventually made it to the hotel offices. My office had barely been used and the other corporate offices were still mostly vacant except for those occupied by the project managers.
“So this is where you can work when you need to be onsite.” I lead Becca through the doorway of the office a few doors down from mine. I was startled to see a figure sitting behind the desk staring at us as we entered.
“Chance.”
“Dad? What are you doing here? I didn’t think…”
“I needed to head to New York early.” I could feel myself stiffen as I stared at him. “I wanted to make sure everything was going smoothly and also have an appointment in the morning.” Dad glanced at Becca and back at me. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. Dad, this is Becca Carson, Becca this is my dad, Howard Vaughn.” Becca extended her hand to dad as he shook it and smiled.
“So I overheard you’re going to be working here? Doing what?”
Becca smiled meekly at dad. “I’m handling the marketing and PR for the club opening.”
Dad stared past Becca and looked and looked directly at me, his face turning redder. “We agreed you were going to hire Rachel. Her firm has worked with us before. She has experience the experience we need for this.”
“Dad…that…” I could feel the anger wash over me as I attempted to calm myself. All the confidence I had in my project seemed to crumble. I really didn’t want to cause a scene, especially in front of Becca. “That wouldn’t have worked…and Becca”
“Why? Because of Sara? You know that’s not going to be issue for long.” Dad furrowed his brow, his eyes locked on my face. The words hanging in the room. “Honestly Chance.”
“Dad, this really isn’t something we need to discuss, now or ever.”
“Excuse me.” Becca stepped forward, meeting Dad’s gaze head on. “I was hired for this job. Maybe I haven’t worked with your company before, but I’m good at what I do. You have no idea what I’m capable of, so don’t assume that I’m not a fit for this job.”
The office fell silent as Becca continued to stare my father, not saying a word or moving. I wanted to defend Becca, but she clearly had everything under control. Becca turned to face me, her blue eyes flashed with anger. “Chance, I’ll be in touch.”
My eyes beamed at Dad as Becca walked out of the office. “Becca, wait!” I turned to watch her leave the office towards the elevator not saying another word.
“Just because you’re sleeping with a woman, doesn’t mean that you need to hire her.” Dad chuckled. When are you going to learn?”
“It’s not like that…” I turned my attention back towards him and then stared him down. The anger surging again through my body. “Why the hell are you here anyway? You’re not supposed to be here to another two and half weeks.” I growled.
“Chance, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Okay, so talk.” I just wanted to follow Becca, make sure she was all right.
“I actually came here because I have an appointment with a specialist.”
“What?” His words registering in my head as I felt my stomach sink.. His face was creased with worry lines, his eyes cloudy, out of focus. I felt a lump form with my chest.
“Chance, I’m sick.”