The Angel of Charmed Circumstance

Book Four of The Heaven Sent Series

Beth Gualda

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents, either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2016 by Beth Gualda

All rights reserved.

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Official website: www.moonlitwingsnovels.com

Cover design and illustration by Beth Gualda

(Artwork is copyrighted by Beth Gualda)

This one is for my husband, Juan Carlos,

who couldn’t be any more perfect for me.

What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.

~Buddha

~~Part One~~

Boyfriend

Chapter One:

Siren

Why have you been so miserable lately? It’s not like you’re the one walking down the aisle next Saturday.

Looking up from the display of photo frames on a store shelf, Chase Hodges scowled at his friend, Stephan Carter. He shook his head.

I’m not being miserable. I don’t like having to shop on my lunch hour, especially for gifts when I don’t know what to get. My choices are limited. They already have just about everything they need. They’ve been living in the same house for over a year. And weddings aren’t like birthdays. I have to keep in mind this one gift is for two people. Kinney is impossible to buy for and Haley has very particular tastes, but I can’t show up empty-handed. Just give me a minute to pick something out. He gestured at a silver frame. I think Haley would like this one.

Stephan snickered. Oh. I see. You want to get the bride a frame so she’ll have something to put your picture in, right?

Of course not! Hodges snapped. It’s for their wedding picture. Stop insinuating things.

Well, what about the groom? Stephan teased. Is Kinney going to like it? Admit it, Chase. You’re not fooling anyone. All you care about is Haley. All you talk about is Haley. She’s all you think about. Stephan paused and lowered his voice as if he were about to divulge a secret. You even said you had feelings for her.

Hodges straightened to his full 6’8 height and put his hands on his hips. I never said anything of the sort. And let’s face it; household items need to appeal to the bride. So, knock it off. Haley and I are just friends."

Stephan pretended he was choking. "Give me a break. It’s obvious! The closer the wedding gets, the more depressed you get."

Hodges took a deep, cleansing breath. He picked up another frame and examined it. He didn’t care for any of these frames. Maybe because the couples in the sample pictures inside looked so joyful. It was so contrived. It was irritating. He could imagine the wedding photo Haley would put in hers. Grinding his teeth, Hodges set the frame back on the shelf.

Haley and I are good friends, but that’s as far as it goes, all right? he grumbled.

Sure, Chase, Stephan said with a nod. But I know you wish there was more to it than that. He adopted a sympathetic expression. You think you’re in love with her. Instead of you, she’s marrying your brother and you’re getting left in the dust. I get it. You want what you can’t have. Kind of like how the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. It’s normal. That’s why you’re so uptight.

Hodges looked at Stephan and narrowed his eyes in warning. That’s not why. God, I’m sorry I ever confided in you about her. You don’t understand. Haley is my friend, but so is Kinney. And he’s not my brother, but he might as well be. We’re that close. Kinney and Haley make a great couple and they’re madly in love.

Stephan looked unconvinced.

Hodges sighed. Even if I was in love with her, I wouldn’t act on it. It would be wrong. I would just accept the fact I can’t have her and leave it at that.

But? Stephan prompted.

But nothing. Hodges shook his head. Yeah, okay. Maybe we could have been a great couple, too, if given the chance, but at the rate I’m going, I’m convinced romance isn’t for me. There isn’t anyone out there for me. If there was, I’m pretty sure I would have met her by now.

Stephan moaned and rolled his eyes. Listen to you! Acting like it’s all over. You’re how old?

Hodges frowned. Twenty-four.

Well, let me clue you in on something, my young friend, Stephan went on. At twenty-four, you’re in your sexual prime! To top it off, you’re smart, wealthy, and damned good-looking, if I do say so myself! You’ve got all kinds of stuff working for you. You’ve got more than enough time to find your own Haley, but you’ve got to get back on the horse, Chase. Lately, you’ve been a hermit. You never want to go out. You never want to have fun anymore. Who knows? Your Miss Right could be just around the corner, but you’ll never find her holed up in your apartment every night after work, on the phone to a woman who is already taken.

Closing his eyes, Hodges counted to ten. He really didn’t want to talk about his lack of a love life anymore, but he didn’t know how to get Stephan to let it go. Stephan was like a pitbull in that respect. One thing was clear. The sooner Hodges picked out a wedding present, the sooner he could get away from Stephan. Hodges picked up the nearest photo frame and nodded.

Here. This will do, he announced and started walking up the aisle, gift in tow. Let’s go.

Oh, thank God! Stephan said, throwing his hands in the air in mock praise. If you would have kept me in that home goods department much longer, I would have broken out in hives. You might want to be all domesticated and settle down with your true love, but this guy still has a few wild oats to sow before I get too old to appreciate it.

Wild oats? That gave Hodges an idea.

Hey, how about we go out tonight? After work, let’s grab a bite to eat and then hit that gentlemen’s club you mentioned wanting to check out. I promise I won’t be miserable. We’ll go have a good time.

Stephan’s eyes lit up. Now you’re talking! Just what the doctor ordered. A night on the town will help you forget all about your forbidden fruit. You’ll see. And since you’re taking my advice for once, it’ll be my treat!

Hodges raised his brow. If you insist. Maybe that was a good thing. He didn’t think spending the money he earned at a night club would be looked upon too kindly by the powers-that-be. He’d been accused of being extravagant with money before so he was trying to be more frugal.

All right then, Stephan went on. You ready to head back to the office? I have to put the finishing touches on the Corbino portfolio before I can call it a night.

Hodges licked his lips, relieved in a way to be rid of his friend for the time being.

Ah, you know what, you go ahead, Stephan. I’ll head back shortly. He grimaced and tightened his grip on the frame. I still need shoes and I need to find a gift bag and a card.

Stephan held up his hands. Gift bags and shoes? Enough said. I’m outta here. See you back at the office, Chase.

Hodges nodded. I won’t be long. He watched Stephan head towards the front of the store, making a beeline for the exit; then Hodges turned on his heel and ducked into the stationery aisle.

After reading a few cards, Hodges decided all the sentiments said the same thing. Congratulations and best wishes. He snatched up the first one that didn’t depict one of those pretentious couples on it, snagged a white gift bag and some silver ribbon on the way out of the aisle. One last stop. He headed towards the shoe department.

A quick perusal of the store’s selection of black dress shoes told Hodges he wasn’t going to get a choice in his size. He should have known better. He was only shopping here to be thriftier, but it was clear this store catered to mainstream tastes and sizes. As tall as he was, Hodges had large feet, but he could normally be accommodated by the more exclusive shops uptown. Unfortunately, they were expensive. What his bosses didn’t seem to understand was that dressing well and living in luxury was a necessary evil. Hodges had to look convincing. After all, he was supposed to be a successful financial advisor at one of Chicago’s upscale investment firms. He needed a nice wardrobe. Off-the-rack suits and shoes were not going to cut it.

Just as Hodges was about to leave, movement across the aisle caught his attention. He glanced that way and then did a fast double-take. His eyes fixed on the silhouette of a woman’s long, shapely legs in front of a floor mirror, balanced on a pair of four-inch, red stilettos.

Hodges swallowed hard as his gaze drifted higher of its own accord. The skin-tight black leotard the woman wore revealed a perfect hour-glass figure, toned and slender. He would have guessed she had just come from a gym or a dance studio considering her workout clothes, but her styled, waist-length, red hair and expertly applied makeup contradicted the idea. She was something to behold and Hodges couldn’t help but admire her heart-shaped face, big green eyes, and lush, cherry-red lips. Maybe she was an actress in a play or a choreographer. Regardless, Hodges liked what he saw, even though he usually preferred a more refined, understated, classic beauty—like Haley. He knew this woman was the stuff of most men’s fantasies. She was a walking siren, complete with red, flashing lights. Sex appeal oozed from every alabaster pore. She might be dangerous, but it didn’t mean he wasn’t going to admire her from a safe distance. After all, he was still a healthy, virile male.

After a few moments, the woman must have sensed Hodges’ eyes on her. She peered up from the floor mirror and offered him a breathtaking smile. Hodges smiled back at her and sighed with appreciation. Yes, she was a heartbreaker to be sure. Ten to one, she already had a boyfriend, too. She was way too beautiful to be unattached.

And she was stealing those shoes! Hodges realized as he watched her stuff her old shoes into the box the stilettos had come out of and put it back on the shelf. She was clearly aware he’d seen her, too. She giggled and gave Hodges an unabashed wink. Then she gathered up her coat and bag and stalked off with a noticeable nonchalance.

It wasn’t until she’d sauntered out of his sight that Hodges was able to react. He shook his head to clear it, feeling as if she’d put him in a daze. He shot across the aisle and pulled the switched shoes from the shelf. He examined the contents, hoping he’d been mistaken, but he wasn’t. A pair of scuffed black pumps now occupied the red stilettos’ box.

An unexpected sense of dread washed over Hodges as he realized the impending consequences of her criminal actions. She could get arrested! She’d be taken to jail! And all over a pair of shoes. Panicking, Hodges hurried into the main aisle, but the woman was nowhere to be seen. He decided she was most likely making her escape and headed to the front cash registers, looking every which way. She’d disappeared as if she’d never been in the store in the first place.

Swearing under his breath, Hodges quickened his pace, fearing she may have already gotten out of the store, certain the police were about to swarm the aisles any minute. He dodged into the first open check lane he came to and pushed his armful of purchases toward the waiting cashier.

My girlfriend is wearing her new shoes out of the store, Hodges explained in a loud voice, hoping the store’s security overheard. He looked around again and finally spied the woman walking toward the exit door, cool as a cucumber. There! She’s over there! That’s my girlfriend! He pointed at the voluptuous redhead just before she glided through the exit. He knew she must have heard him. She glanced over her shoulder and grinned his way. Hodges frowned back. I told her to wait, but she was just too excited to wear them. There’s no reason to stop her since I’m paying for her shoes. You know, a woman like that is hard to say no to. He offered the cashier a shaky smile, full of hope.

But the cashier had already rung up the items. He blinked back at Hodges, looking unfazed.

Your total is $186.60, he said and pushed everything into a plastic bag.

What?

The amount was startling. The frame was $25.00. The ribbon and gift bag were no more than $10.00. That meant…

Hodges pulled the shoe box out of the bag and examined the price tag. $140.00?! He could hear Kinney going on about this needless expense already.

The cashier didn’t respond. He stood waiting to be paid, exuding a general air of indifference.

Hodges sighed and dug through his wallet for his personal credit card. He paid, grabbed his bag of goods, and stomped out of the store, angry at the woman and angrier at himself for even caring what happened to her.

Once outside, Hodges searched for her again, but didn’t see her. She’d probably gotten into a cab and rode off without giving him another thought. Hodges paused at the first trash can he encountered and dug the shoes out of his bag. He shoved them inside the trash can and stormed off. He tried to console himself that at least he’d done a good deed and all’s well that ends well, but honestly, sometimes, being an angel sucked.

Chapter Two:

Bam-Bam

Amber Pagett stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room backstage admiring her new firefighter costume and the four-inch red stilettos she’d recently acquired that matched it to perfection. She checked her hair as she picked up the red helmet that went with the outfit. She paused and frowned and then tossed the helmet aside, not wanting to flatten her curls by wearing it. The red utility jacket, big yellow hose, and red shoes were enough. The guys would get the point. Besides, once she was onstage, whatever she wore only stayed on for two minutes into her dance routine. There wasn’t any sense into putting real effort into her costumes.

Amber wound the fire-hose around her waist and across her torso and then let the nozzle dangle from her hip. She double-checked her hair and makeup to make sure nothing had gotten mussed putting on the costume.

Joining her at the mirror was Sela Porthos, one of the topless cocktail waitresses. She was also Amber’s best friend and confidante. They looked out for each other, so Amber was happy Sela was working tonight, even if she did purposefully bump her aside.

Give me one more second and you can have it all to yourself, Amber told her, jostling her for the prime position in front of the mirror.

Move over! Sela teased. I need to fix my hair fast. Then I’m heading back out. She fussed with strands of her long black hair so the thick tresses fell in attractive spirals around her naked breasts.

And you feel the need to primp why? Amber demanded. I have to go onstage in a few minutes, if you don’t mind.

Sela grinned. Oh, I don’t mind. She continued arranging her hair. But these two suits just walked in, looking like they could drop some serious bucks. I asked Cindy to put them in my section. Sela smiled wider at her reflection, checking her teeth for lipstick smudges; then she faced Amber. Not to mention the taller guy is God Apollo himself. I mean, go take a peek. I’ve never seen him in here before. If I had, I would have remembered him. He’s a panty-melter. She laughed.

Amber’s eyes widened. She gave her friend a skeptical look and then turned back to check her own teeth in the mirror.

I bet he’s got nothing on the guy I saw shopping in Target on State Street earlier today, Amber argued. Now that man was sizzling. I’ve been thinking about him ever since. He was that good-looking.

Sela gestured beyond the bead curtain dividing the main cat walk stage and the hallway outside their dressing room. I’m telling you, this guy is way above the usual creeps who normally come here on Friday nights.

Amber shook her head. I’ll try to get a good look at your suits when I get out there and I’ll let you know how Apollo compares. Sometimes it is hard to make out faces in the audience with the stage lights glaring. Is he close to the edge at all?

Sela waved her hand through the air, directing where Amber needed to focus her attention. Yeah. He and his buddy are at the very end next to the second to the last pole. You can’t miss him. He’s in a dark blue suit, got long dark hair in one of those man-buns. It totally works for him. He’s with an older, shorter guy in a gray suit. He’s cute, too, but he’s no god of love. You’ll see.

Intrigued, Amber raised her brow. The guy at Target had his hair tied up in a knot, too. Amber’s heart picked up speed. That would be too much to hope for.

I’ll look for him, she said and adjusted her jacket on her shoulders. She put on a pair of sunglasses and followed Sela towards the bead curtain. You’ve got me more than a little curious now. If you can, get his name for me. Better yet, get his phone number.

Sela shot her a smile over her shoulder. I’ll try, but it’ll cost you a finder’s fee.

Amber shook her head as Sela ducked through the curtain to return to her section. She waited, taking deep, measured breaths. She flexed her ankles and stretched her arms. In another minute or so, her song would begin playing and that would be her cue to head out.

***

You didn’t tell me this was a strip club, Stephan! Hodges seethed, trying to walk while keeping his head down and his eyes half-shut.

I didn’t know, honest, Stephan claimed, laughing as he ushered his reluctant friend after the hostess to a table at the far side of the room. He’d clearly slipped her a little extra to get put in front of the stage. The sign out front just says Jimmy’s Saloon. Doesn’t say anything about girls dancing naked. Look. We’re here. Let’s just make the best of it and enjoy ourselves.

Hodges averted his eyes every time one of the topless waitresses sashayed by. He absolutely refused to look up at the nude woman gyrating three feet away from him on the stage.

I shouldn’t be in here, he moaned. I need to go. If anyone ever finds out—

Relax, Chase! Stephan said, pushing Hodges into a chair. I know for a fact you like the ladies. Lighten up, will you? Sit back, loosen your tie, have a couple of drinks, and enjoy yourself. Remember, I’m buying and you promised. In fact, I think this is just what you need to forget about…what’s-her-name.

Hodges noted the entire time Stephan was talking his eyes were glued to the woman onstage behind him.

One drink, Stephan, he said, squeezing his eyes shut and shaking his head. "Then I’m out of here, understand? I wouldn’t have minded a normal night club with music and dancing, but even that’s pushing my limit. All right, I do like the ladies, but I still have certain ethics I’m supposed to live by. I have to at least try to, anyway."

Stephan dragged his eyes off the dancer onstage long enough to glance at Hodges.

Will you just give the place a chance? Listen. You’re an adult. I’m an adult. They’re all adults here. And this is just a little harmless adult entertainment. Look, she didn’t even take off her panties. Very tasteful. He paused to applaud the departing dancer’s efforts; then he faced Hodges. What happened to you? You used to have a different girl on your arm every month. You used to know how to go out and enjoy life. Have fun. You used to like having fun.

Feeling it was safe to open his eyes, Hodges peered over at his friend. I have nothing against having fun, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t the kind of fun I should be having. He took a deep breath. This wasn’t the kind of place he wanted to find a new girlfriend, either. Even if he’d wanted to find a new girlfriend, which he didn’t. I don’t expect you to understand. He had to raise his voice to be heard over the music that was playing now. Another topless waitress jiggled by and Hodges closed his eyes again. This was nothing short of torture. You can stay if you want to, Stephan. I’m leaving. Hodges didn’t wait for a reply; he stood up and turned around.

He felt Stephan’s hand on his arm. The music was so loud he almost couldn’t hear what he said, however. Stephan had softened his voice. His eyes made it clear he was pleading.

C’mon, Chase. Please. You promised. I know you feel guilty, but you shouldn’t. Cheer up and forget about Haley already. She won’t ever find out you were here. Who’s going to tell her? Not me! I swear.

Hodges sighed in resignation. He had promised Stephan a good time tonight. And Stephan was right. He could use cheering up. He didn’t have to watch the women onstage. He could just enjoy the music and what little conversation he and Stephan could sneak in between songs. It would help take his mind off Haley and the wedding next weekend. He didn’t want to dwell on what could have been anymore. It was finished before it had even begun, so why was he so depressed about it? It was time to move on.

Hodges nodded and held up his hands in surrender. Okay, Stephan. You win. I’ll give you one hour. Then I’m getting up and walking out that door and I don’t want to hear another word about it.

Stephan grinned ear to ear. Agreed. I’ll settle for an hour just as long as you promise to try to enjoy yourself and live a little. Don’t just sit there like a stone.

Agreed. Hodges didn’t see anything wrong with having a couple of drinks—especially since alcohol didn’t affect him—and he could always avert his eyes when the waitress came by. Like now. Uh, just order me a Jack Daniels. Hodges sat down and faced the stage since no one was on it for the time being.

However, the men around him were cheering and whistling, anticipating…what? Sirens suddenly blared over the music and red lights began flashing. Smoke billowed across the cat walk and the lights flickered like flames. For a split second, Hodges thought the alarm was legitimate until he realized it was just a stage effect.

It’s gettin’ hot in here! So take off all your clothes! an unseen DJ bellowed in a slight resemblance to the actual song’s lyrics. Somebody call the fire department and give it up for the smoldering, smoking hot…firefighter Bam-Bam!

Hodges swiveled in his chair and almost collided with the waitress leaning over the table to put down paper napkins. Snapping his head back around, Hodges caught sight of the dancer strutting onto the stage. It was obvious she was supposed to be a firefighter, complete with an overcoat and a yellow fire hose. Right away, in spite of the fact she wore sunglasses, Hodges thought there was something familiar about her. Just the shape of those lips. That hair. And those legs that seemed to go on for miles. When she started dancing, the men cheered even louder. Hodges couldn’t hear himself think anymore.

He told himself to turn away before things got too risqué, but his body wouldn’t listen to his conscience. She danced closer and closer, her moves getting more and more lascivious, but Hodges couldn’t stop watching her even if he’d wanted to. Her rhythm and grace were mesmerizing. Her timing was flawless. There was no denying she was a good dancer. Hodges didn’t even mind when she leaned over and blew him a kiss.

It wasn’t until she wrapped her legs around the pole right in front of him and whipped off her sunglasses that Hodges got a good look at her heart-shaped face, big green eyes, and the four inch red stilettos she sported. His mouth fell open as his stomach flip-flopped in disbelief.

Bam-Bam was the super sexy woman he’d encountered at the department store earlier today. The very same one who had stolen the shoes she was now wearing. Hodges rose, feeling pulled to his feet by invisible strings. Worse, he drifted toward the edge of the cat walk, drawing Bam-Bam’s full attention. She swung around the pole and came face-to-face with him. The way she smiled at him made it clear she recognized him as well. It also seemed to make her dancing more provocative, reminding Hodges that he was about to see her naked. It was maddening, causing all kinds of mayhem in his brain, but at the same time, the lower half of his body tightened with anticipation. The few times he noticed she directed her attention to other men filled Hodges with a bizarre sense of jealousy.

Bam-Bam worked to unfasten her overcoat while she danced, all the while keeping her eyes fixed on Hodges. Hodges knew it was wrong to keep watching her, but he felt entranced. She was beautiful and a part of him yearned for her to reveal all her beauty to him. But just to him. The fact the room was full of men, whooping and whistling made Hodges want to stay her busy hands.

He mouthed the word ‘no’ to her, but in the very next instant, Bam-Bam shimmied out of her red firefighter’s coat and tossed it aside. All she had on now was a red g-string that was nothing more than a scrap of lace and those infernal shoes. Hodges felt angry and slayed at the same time. She was just as stunning as he’d imagined she would be, but he hated the fact she was up on the stage, under the spotlights, exposed the way she was.

I think she likes you, Stephan yelled into Hodges ear, clearly to make sure he was heard above the music and the cheering.

It startled Hodges half out of his skin. He ripped his gaze off of Bam-Bam and faced Stephan, feeling as if he’d been taken and shaken all of a sudden. Freed of the spell Bam-Bam had put him under, he became aware of the aching pressure in his loins. He hadn’t realized how turned-on he’d gotten from watching her, but of course his body would react this way to the close proximity of a sexy, gyrating woman. Hodges knew it was only natural, but it was still somewhat embarrassing. He wasn’t in love. He didn’t even know this woman. He was supposed to be above such base needs. It wasn’t until he’d met Haley and she’d kissed him that he realized the difference. He’d enjoyed the company of women, had even fallen in love before, but he’d never experienced the kind of heartfelt desire Haley had provoked in him. Lust should always go hand in hand with love.

Haley! Hodges had forgotten all about her watching Bam-Bam dance. It made him flush with shame. She would be so disappointed in him.

What? he yelled back at Stephan, even though he’d heard him just fine.

Stephan grinned and gestured toward the stage. She’s got her eye on you.

Hodges snapped his head around just as the music stopped. Bam-Bam did a little stilted curtsey and waved to the audience in general, but then she locked her eyes on Hodges and bent towards him.

"Thanks for the new shoes, boyfriend, she said with a laugh. Did you even notice I was wearing them? She straightened and shimmied, making her ample bosom jiggle and sway. She laughed again and covered her nipples with her palms. Mmm. Probably not, huh?" With that, she turned and skipped back through the curtain of beads, snatching up her discarded coat and props along the way.

Hodges stood gaping after her, but heard Stephan laughing and knew he was laughing at him. He pivoted around and glared at him, knowing his face was most likely as red as those stilettos.

I’m leaving, Hodges announced.

Stephan leaped forward and snagged his arm, stopping him before he got away from the table.

"Whoa! You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what that was