Review: Unexpected Chances by A.M. Willard @AMWillard
Title: Unexpected Chances (Chances #1) Author: A.M. Willard Release Date: April 29th 2015 Publisher: Booktrope Genre: Contemporary Romance Source: Author Format: eARC Pages: 212 Rating: 4 stars *Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review. Tabitha Michaelson: the fun loving, sassy girl who loves anything that sparkles. What you might not know is, she took…
As I stand in the garage because of the rain I look at Josh and see a sparkle in his eyes i haven’t seen yet.
He says with a little hesitation “I'm sorry if what happened earlier was too much. I just…”
I take a few steps closer and place my finger on his lips. “Don’t ever feel that way Josh. You are honestly the most amazing man I’ve met in a long time.” I pause and look at him straight in the eyes as I say “No man has ever made me feel this way...ever.”
He doesn't say anything just lightly moves my finger out of the way and pulls me in for a quick but knee buckling kiss.
“When will I get to see you again?” he whispers against my lips.
“Very soon, I promise. Ill call you okay?” I say reluctantly.
Welcome to my first story that I finally got the guts to write. Again I appreciate all the support when I told all of you I was thinking about pursuing this adventure. If it wasn't for all of you I wouldn't even of had the balls to do this<3
A couple people will be mentioned in this story that are real life people and I don't claim to know any of them or any actual relationships.
Thanks again for all of you that decide to read!! ENJOY LOVES!
I remember how it felt the first time I put my toes in the sand and smelled the ocean breeze. After that moment, I always knew where my heart belonged, in Los Angeles California. What person wouldn't dream of living in the city of dreams?
HONK!
I feel like my heart has dropped out of my chest as I screech to a halt in the middle of the 405.
“Damn traffic,” I mumble to myself. Definitely one downfall to this place. I stick my hand out to wave an apology but get a middle finger in return. This girl is not in Iowa anymore.
I remember the moment I decided to move. Working those 50 hour weeks between school and my job became worth it when I finally figured out the reason for them. All my belongings, my certificate in dog training in hand and of course, I couldn't forget my one and only love, Scout. I have to admit that every woman needs a German Shepard by her side when living alone in a new state for the first time.
“Thats right baby you’re my big man aren’t you?” I say as I turn to look at my companion. He looks up and I swear he gives me a dirty look. Apparently I'm not the only one realizing I suck at driving in this place.
I finally make my way to the ocean side condo. I pull into the driveway and take a deep breath. I was so lucky to have such an awesome family to let me borrow this place for a few months before I get on my feet.
“Dont forget to get a job quickly because you don't want to be living off family forever, sweetie. You know if it doesn’t work out you can always come back home whenever you need to.” Words of wisdom from my ever worrying mother.
She was so happy for me but petrified at the same time. She would never admit it but I could see it in her eyes while I was packing everything into the car. “Don’t worry mom, I already got a few calls for some clients from my ads I put out and just remember, family is close by if I need anything,” I explained so she doesn’t start crying. Even though I didn’t say it to her, I’m just as nervous as she is, but I have to do this.
Scout sits up and barks, snapping me out of my trance. I grab his leash and walk up to the front door. I make my way into the living room and flop down on the couch as Scout does his assessment of the place. It may be small, but looking out the window I can't deny seeing the ocean hitting the coast is just like heaven.
“What do you think bubby? Do you like it?” Scout perks his ears and comes over to lay his head down on my lap. “We can do this, I think.”
I wake up the next morning to my phone singing Beyonce’s Single Ladies. I yawn as I reach out a grab the phone. “Son of a bitch!” I yell as I drop the phone on my face. I hate answering calls so early when my brain isn’t functioning. As I pick up the phone I realize I answered it in the process.
“Oh my god, Im so sorry! This is Celeste. How can I help you?” I say to the person I probably scared away already.
A husky slightly southern manly voice answers. “Its okay, I’m sorry I’m calling so early, I’m the one that has an appointment today with you to train my dog. I just wanted to make sure you were still coming?”
I sit up in bed, while rubbing my head and answer. “Um...yes, you must be the one that had an assistant call? I’m sorry I didn't realize you would actually be calling. She mentioned how quiet I had to be about this meeting and didn’t really have any detail as to if you were a man or woman. Just that you had a rowdy pitbull that needs some attention?”
He responses with a slight chuckle, one that makes me smile even though it’s too early and my head is throbbing. “Yeah sorry about that again, my assistant can take things a little too seriously sometimes. So can you make it around noon today still? I have a meeting at 3.”
I look at the clock that reads 7am and respond, “Yeah that works. I still have the address and code to get through the gate. See you then?” He answers almost too excitedly, “Awesome, see you then!”
I hang up the phone and stare at the ceiling, wondering why things had to be so secretive and why did he end up calling me anyways if that was the case? Also why did his voice sound so familiar? This is definitely going to be an interesting first training session.
“Well now that I’m up let’s get ready and fix this migraine Mr. Scout,” I mumble. All I get in response is a grunt as he rolls over on his back. “Lazy butt,” I grumble as I hop out of bed.
I fix my hair as I stop at the key code by the mystery man’s gate. One thing I forgot about California was the heat. Living by the ocean is a luxury but as I drove into the valley I could feel myself breaking into a sweat. Even with the air conditioning so high, I still was a hot mess. So much for looking presentable. I put my long brown hair into a messy bun and fix my own designed t-shirt. I made them in hopes to promote my sessions, but now I realize how dorky I look.
I put in the code and the gate swings open. As I drive up the driveway, I see a motorcycle and an Audi R8 next to it. As I pull into park, I get a good look at the house. This must be the life to live. To the right I see lots of trees and to the left is a small path of stairs leading to the back door. The house is so surrounded all the shrubs and trees, it’s almost like a treehouse. “This is a dream home” I say to myself as I leave the car.
I take my time walking up to the door, continually reminding myself about everything I learned from school and all my volunteer work. “I can do this, I can do this,” I say while taking deep breaths.
Two knocks and I hear and very loud bark and someone yelling something in Spanish.
As the door swings open, I just stop and stare. A very angry brunette walks through the door, bumping into me and screaming at the man in the hallway. “Que te jodan Josh! I’m tan hecho!!!!!!” the brunette screams at him.
I stand there in shock, not even remotely knowing what to do or say. That’s when I see him. He’s standing in the hallway with his fingers on the brink of his nose in frustration. His jaw is clenched and his mouth is in a thin line. That’s when it hits me like a bag of bricks. I’m going to be training Josh Hutcherson’s dog. I knew the voice sounded so familiar but I couldn’t fit it. It’s the boy/man I’ve seen in so many movies. The one that I had always dreamt of meeting some day and now he’s right in front of me. He looks at me for the first time and I come to realize that I could stare at those green/golden hue eyes everyday.
I start to say something but am cut off by the Spanish brunette that now decides to speak in English. “Who the hell are you?” she spits.
I start to stutter, “I…..I’m….ummmm.”
Josh cuts in. “This is Celeste, my new dog trainer.” I look back at him and he smiles a half smile. I feel my knees start to buckle.
I muster up, “Yes I’m Celeste, Mr. ummm….Hutcherson’s new dog trainer.” He gives a look and I realize that he hasn’t even mentioned his name and I said it out loud.
This is just great.
The brunette looks at me and says, “Well good luck with that awful beast. He needs to be taken back in my opinion!” She glares at Josh and says “Well Joshie I’m leaving for a few days. I cant deal with all...” she waves her hands at him “...this right now.”
As she starts to leave, I glance at Josh. I see a hint of sadness in his eyes but he doesn’t say anything. As he’s watching her leave, I take note to get a closer look at my new employer. He’s so much more handsome than any pictures or on the movie screen. He’s wearing a white v-neck t-shirt that wraps perfectly around his biceps and torso. I scan down further to find he’s wearing the perfect pair of jeans. Not too tight, but hugging in all the right places.
I look back up to his face to find him looking at me again. His eyes have changed from sadness to a shade of amusement. He says, “Well Celeste, I truly apologize for that. Would you like to come inside and meet my ‘awful beast’?”
I smile and say, “It’’s not your fault. Things happen and yes I’d love to come inside and meet this horrible beast of yours.” I gain another side smile out of him and can't help but smile myself. This man will be the death of me, I swear.
He walks me through the foyer, it’s more like a lobby. There are photos on display everywhere of his family and friends I’m assuming. As we continue on, I notice how he walks. It’s almost like he has a ‘swag’ and its unbelievably attractive.
Stop is Celeste, concentrate!
“How long have you been working with dogs?” he asks as he takes me through the dining area to the living room. I apparently don’t hear him because all I see is the view from his living room. It has floor to ceiling windows that lead to a porch with a lounging area. A very large movie theatre screen is situated in front of a few rows of couches.
“Your house….It’s unbelieveable,” I stutter.
“Thank you. I wanted it to be a place that I can escape from...” he pauses almost like he’s wondering what to say next “...life I guess.”
“I bet your life can get a bit crazy sometimes. I give you props for putting up with everything that comes along with being an actor.” If he only knew what I meant by everything.
“So you have seen some of my movies, I mean since you know my name and that I’m an actor?” he chuckles.
I find myself blushing. “Well you are really amazing in every movie. Especially Detention. I’m not going to lie I had a big thing for Clapton Davis.”
He throws his head back and laughs. I decided that I want to hear that sound more often. “That’s beyond awesome! So shall we meet Mr. Driver?” He suggests with a wink.
“Of course! Driver, I like that name and yes I need to do my job at some point,” I chuckle.
As we walk to the kennel in the laundry room, I can’t help but wonder how he really does keep it all together. I mean all the money and fame would be what a lot of people dream of, but handling what just happened at the front door takes some real mental strength. It’s like he’s reading my mind and turns around suddenly. Me being the klutz that I am, I run straight into his chest. I take note of how good he smells. A faint smell of cologne lingers on him and I feel my head start to spin. I also notice how strong he feels with his arms around me, holding me up.
Get it together C! He’s your boss! I think to myself as I straighten up.
He’s smiling that smile again and I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. “My mother always told me how important it was to pay attention to my surroundings. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright,” he whispers and pushes the door open to the laundry room.
His cheeks are red while he turns around. Did he feel something too?
I walk through the door and see the culprit that brought me here in the first place. He’s jumping up and down so hard that the whole cage is shaking across the floor.
“Driver calm down!” Josh yells over the pounding of the cage.
I know this isn’t anything new with pitbulls. Everyone has a view about them being vicious killers, but really all they want to do is love you till you can’t stand it. I tell Josh I’ll wait in the other room while he grabs him, that way we’re not in a small space.
He opens the door and it only takes two seconds for Driver to pounce on me. I instantly put up my leg to block his ‘love attack’. He looks offended after I shove him gently down but yet continues to keep trying to lick me to death. I bend down and start to sooth him.
I whisper to him, “Calm down buddy, it’s okay, calm down buddy.”
He starts to calm and I finally look up at Josh. He’s standing with his mouth open in shock. “How did you do that so quickly?” he asks.
“It’s a matter of showing him who’s boss without being aggressive about it. Especially with his breed since he has more than likely been abused. You have to be able to show him that his love is okay, but he needs to understand that you are in command no matter the situation.”
“Wow I can see this was a good idea. I was beginning to believe there was no hope for him. I could never get him to calm down. No matter who came over.” I continue to sooth Driver as I look up and smile.
“As a part of my program we need to sit down and discuss Driver’s past and the routines you like to do with him and go from there.”
Josh looks at his watch. “Okay we’ve got two and half hours, are you hungry?”
“It should only take about a half an hour so we don't have to get food or anything...its not a standard thing I do, I mean….unless you’d really like to?” I’m stumbling over my words.
He scratches the back of his head and smirks. “It would be nice to sit and talk you know...about Driver and stuff.”
I tip my head to the side and respond. “Sure, I’m always hungry.”
Oh boy this is not good.
Josh and I order some Chinese and sit on his massive porch. We start by talking about Driver and I learn that he adopted him when the shelter was about to put him down. That he was found on the street and they had to do surgery on him before Josh could take him.
Then as the conversation continues he starts asking about me and everything under the sun. I learn that this man is not a stereotypical Hollywood child. He’s so smart and when he is listening to a part of my story, his eyes never leave mine, causing me to blush continuously.
As we get more comfortable with one another, I ask, “So can I ask what the whole greeting fiasco was about?”
His mouth turns into a thin line and looks away for a moment. He responds with a sigh. “Sometimes people will try anything to keep something alive that has lost its flame. I need to learn that not everything is able to light up again like I want it to.”
I frown and state, “You know, there’s always a reason someone enters into your life. Some people are there to make you better and others are there to teach you a lesson. Either way they all mean something to us and we just have to decide which ones to keep and which ones to let go and learn from.”
He smiles and says, “Celeste I think this may be the best decision I’ve made in a long time.”
