Chapter 6

DARCY

* * *

I'm beyond grateful for Chance and this opportunity. But damn. These early morning meetings are killing me. I'm working around Chance's schedule, but I will never be someone who can function before nine in the morning. Even then, I can only promise to be civil, not necessarily coherent. Thank goodness Chance wants to meet in the city today, not on the island. That saves me time and gives me a few extra minutes not to look like I just rolled out of bed. Which is a total lie because I did.

"Hey, beautiful," he says as I approach the booth he's tucked away in. Chance may not be a star in Charleston, but fans know him well enough. His Reapers hat is pulled down, hiding his eyes a bit, but his smile is instantly recognizable. His choice of disguise makes me smile. Trading a Renegade hat for the Reapers isn't exactly going undercover. Although I'm not sure he cares. He'll never turn a fan away.

"Hey. Sorry, I'm late. Mornings." I shrug like the word mornings explains everything, which it basically does. He's already seen me more times at this hour than my own family. I think he gets it now. And how can he call me beautiful? I'm in an extra-large college sweatshirt and leggings, with my hair in a clip. Beautiful, I am not.

"Never apologize. Ever. You're worth the wait." Chance gives me a mega-watt smile that exudes charm. He slides a cup of something coffee and sugar-related my way. I love how he remembers.

"You know, you may not be from around here, but you've got that southern charm thing down pat." I take a sip of the super sweet, caffeinated goodness and smile and sigh. My insides warm, and the sugary beverage will kick in any minute and give me the strength I need to start the day.

Chance gives a hearty laugh. "Contrary to popular belief, mamas teach manners to hockey players in the north too. Especially if their mother is from Georgia."

"Good to know. I'll put that away in my don't make assumptions' file." I take a bigger sip and allow the caffeine to work its magic.

"So, how's the project coming? Jayden's given me a few updates, but nothing major."

"Yeah, um, it's good. Jay is awesome. Easy to work with. He told me how you found him. You really are mister nice guy, aren't you?"

When I confessed Chance was a friend of a friend helping me with my senior project, Jay wasn't judgmental or condescending, only supportive and encouraging. He told us about his difficulties being young in a good old-boy club of high-end construction. We make an interesting partnership, given our age and obstacles.

Chance found Jay through the Boy's and Girl's Club. Jay and his dad partner with local kids who need mentoring or direction. They teach them a trade, give them a leg up, and help them succeed in school and after. This is the largest project Jay has led.

"Nah, just doing my part." He gives me a once-over, concern creeping across his face. "How are you, really? Do you have everything you need?"

Being honest is all I can do with Chance. He still has time to hire someone qualified that won't mess up his investment and vacation home. "Well, Sammie has been getting me focused when I was overwhelmed. Jay asked brilliant questions and helped me think about a few things differently. I think you'll love what I've come up with for the outdoor area."

"I'm sure I will." He gives me a genuine smile. "Who's Sammie? I think Jay mentioned that name, too. Boyfriend?" He looks puzzled. So, Jay mentioned Sammie? That's cute.

"Samantha," I say slowly and clearly to clarify, "is my roommate and best friend." I lean in a little to whisper conspiratorially. "Between you and me, I think Jay may have a thing for her." I give him my best attempt at a wink.

Chance leans forward. "You don't say. Well, I'm all for a good love story."

Our waitress comes and takes our order. I'll never get over athletes and their in-season diets. Chance gets enough for four people while I order a waffle with fresh strawberries. I figure the fruit might give the appearance that I eat somewhat healthy, which I do not.

I pull out my phone, share the few items I've purchased for Chance, and discuss the plans for each room. As we review the details, he focuses on me and makes sure I have everything I need. He seems more concerned about me than his house.

Our heads practically touch as we lean over the table, scrolling through my phone, that I don't notice when someone approaches our table.

"Hey, Darce." The deep voice startles me and I look up to find Matt giving us a disapproving scowl.

"Oh, hey, Matt. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you. I've been super busy." He texted me after our encounter at The Wreck, but I've been too busy to respond. I can't imagine that would warrant the evil eye he's giving me, but then again, he's probably not used to girls ignoring his texts.

"I can tell," he says while glaring at Chance. "So, is this your sugar daddy?" His tone is dripping with disdain.

"Oh, for god's sake," Chance says under his breath. He sighs and sweeps his hand to the empty spot next to me. He mumbles, "Sugar daddy, please," to himself and then says firmly, "Sit down, Matt. You baseball boys are all the same. Your game is so long your imagination gets the best of you. Let's save some time here, shall we? Yes, Cole knows all about us, and as a matter of fact, this," he says, motioning between us, "is all his and Ashleigh's idea."

Matt continues to glare at Chance. Chance laughs as he stands up, puts his hand on Matt's shoulder, and encourages him to sit down. Matt shrugs his hand off, his sour expression darkens. Their moods are polar opposite. Chance appears amused, and Matt looks pissed. "You're ridiculous and making a scene. No, Darcy and I aren't together. She's way too awesome and amazing for a guy like me." Chance gives me a half smirk and a wink. I roll my eyes at his ridiculousness.

The heat rises in my cheeks. This guy. There is some lucky woman out there for Chance, and when he falls for her, she won't know what hit her.

Matt shakes off some of the tension, but still appears skeptical.

I attempt to be the peacemaker for a disagreement I don't even understand. "Come on, join us." Sliding over in the booth and throwing my bag on the other side, I make room, while giving him the best before nine o'clock smile I can muster.

His eyes soften when he looks at me, so I pat the seat, encouraging him to sit down. "We just ordered. I know you love the waffles here." Matt has a sweet tooth like me. I bet he can't say no to the powdered sugar and syrupy goodness.

Back in high school, Matt drove Cole and me to school. We used to eat breakfast here every Friday, and Matt always got the waffles. Even though it's been years, I'm banking on his love for sugar to still be an integral part of his food pyramid.

"Damn, I love those waffles. You sure I can crash this, um, whatever it is?"

Chance speaks up. "Absolutely. And it's a, what would you call it, Darcy? A business meeting? Nah, that seems too formal."

I smile at Chance as he attempts to defuse Matt. "It's like a school project advisement? Or more like a wellness check-in because of how overwhelmed I am."

At that confession, Matt sits down and pulls me into a side hug. "What's wrong, Darce? What can I do? Just say the word."

Chance chimes in before I can. "She needs an assistant. I don't know, say a person with time on their hands, who can help her with the little things so she can focus on the big picture and graduate with honors." He doesn't break eye contact with Matt.

Matt looks between us, still not knowing what we're talking about. I put my hand on his thigh to stop his leg from bouncing, and he turns to me, eyes wide. He gives me a look that says I did something wrong. My head is yelling, retreat, retreat, but my mouth always had a mind of its own.

"What the fuck, Matt? What's your problem?" I snap.

"My problem?" he shouts.

I slide toward the wall, pulling away from him.

Chance's cheerful smile is gone. "Maybe this was a bad idea," he says more seriously than I've ever heard him. His chest puffs up and he becomes larger, if that's even possible.

Matt has my attention, so I barely acknowledge Chance's change in tone. "Yeah, you come in here with all kinds of PMS mood swings, and I don't appreciate it. Now, if you're going to be an asshole, just leave." Seriously, what's his problem?

A few people look at us. We're getting more attention than Chance probably prefers.

Matt focuses on Chance. "What are you and Darcy up to, exactly?" His tone is sharp and accusatory. They're in a stare down and I'm still clueless why.

The waitress brings our food and asks Matt if he wants anything. I can see his mental debate about whether to stay or go. He orders coffee and a waffle and turns back to Chance, ignoring me as if I'm not involved somehow. I shrug and dig into my food after smothering it in warm maple syrup. Manners be damned at this point.

Chance takes a bite of his omelet and pauses Matt's inquiry. After what seems like minutes of eating, he proceeds. "Well, Darcy needed a senior project, and I am the benefactor of senior projects. It seemed like a win-win." He sips his orange juice and continues the stare-down with Matt.

I take a bite of my warm, fluffy waffle. The perfect ratio of buttery syrup, whipped cream, strawberry, and waffle melting in my mouth causes me to let out an involuntary moan.

Both heads swivel in my direction. Chance looks amused. Matt looks constipated. "What? It's a perfect bite." I swear, I'll never understand these guys. A minute ago, they acted like I wasn't even sitting here.

"Please don't do that," Matt says under his breath.

"Do what?" I'm bewildered. Matt is acting so strange, and it's too much for me this early in the morning.

Matt takes a deep breath and exhales. He looks back at Chance and says through gritted teeth. "So, she's doing what, exactly, for you?"

Chance looks at me, his expression asking if I want him to answer. I give a half-shrug and take another bite. Whatever this male posturing is that's going on is not my problem. My waffle and I are pretty content for now.

"She needed a project to graduate, so she's designing my beach house. It's extensive." Chance turns his attention to me. "But I don't want you to be overwhelmed, Darcy. I'm serious when I tell you to hire an assistant. Please don't overwork yourself. I can ask Jay if he can do more or give you a guy."

"Nope," Matt interrupts. "I've got it. I'll be her assistant. Tell me what you need, Darce. I've got you."

"Wait. What?" My waffle is no longer the focus of my attention. I look at both of them and rejoin the conversation. "Matt, you have things to do. I don't even know what kind of help I need. I'm figuring it all out. But Chance, I won't let you down. I know it's a lot of money and…"

Chance reaches across and grabs my hand. "Girl, you got this. I'm not worried at all. I'm only worried about you. Let Matt help you. Make him your bitch." He gives me a smile and another wink. Matt stiffened as soon as Chance reached for my hand.

"I'll always be here for Darcy. She's family." His tone is harsh and final. He turns his body to me. "So, when do we start?"

Yep. Got it. Family. Good reminder.