Indiscriminate Attraction

Second Chances could accommodate up to thirty-two people a night.

Because Laylah had gotten herself involved in an interesting conversation with Bud Wilkes, one of the shelter’s regulars, she was a tad late getting up front to help out Benjamin. All new patrons had to fill out a personal-information form, which she thought was ridiculously silly, especially since it requested an address and phone number.

If the homeless had addresses and phones, they wouldn’t be seeking out shelters.

There were four guys filling out information forms, including the one Laylah had been somewhat intrigued with. She was very interested in reading what he’d put down, hoping the information might give her a few clues about him. What had led up to the patron becoming homeless? It was one of the most important questions on the form.

Stealing covert glances at the man she was slightly smitten with made Laylah feel awkward, but she couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off him. There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t pinpoint it. She had the craziest notion that he had been quite a success story before his downfall into homelessness. She even thought his situation might be an excellent story to write, though she didn’t know any of his circumstances.

As far as Laylah was concerned, every person, homeless or otherwise, had an interesting story to pen. She couldn’t recall all the provocative stories she’d written on people who had once led a normal existence, yet had had a very powerful story to share with others.

As Laylah quickly assessed the situation, her heart broke. There were only three beds left, but the line was still quite long. Unfortunately, it was part of her task to turn the others away. She hated to be the bearer of bad tidings. Saying she was sorry for turning someone away just wasn’t enough, but there was nothing else to tell. The long, sad faces always tore at her heartstrings. In the first few months of volunteering at the shelter she had cried all the way home. She still hadn’t quite come to terms with all her emotions.

While she passed out a list of other shelters, she felt as though someone was staring hard at her. As she turned around, her eyes locked with the ones that had intrigued her earlier. His dark hazel gaze pierced her soul, making her wish she could’ve met him under different circumstances. What was it about this guy that had her heart beating so hard and fast? Why was it so easy for her to imagine him dressed to the nines and looking every bit the corporate raider? Why did he have such sexy, expressive eyes?

Once she handed the newcomer a list, she had a hard time hiding how sorry she felt for turning him away, especially since he had been the very next person in line.

He briefly touched Laylah’s hand as she turned to walk away. Her obvious emotional state had rocked his soul. “This job’s really tough on you, isn’t it?”

Surprised by his question, Laylah lowered her lashes, nodding. “Very hard.”

“You seem to take it personally when turning someone away. I just need you to know I understand. I don’t take it personally.” He eyed her with genuine concern.

“Thank you for that. It means a lot to me. By the way, my name is Laylah,” she said, pointing at her name tag.

“You’re welcome. And I’m Chancellor. Everyone calls me Chance,” he remarked, extending his large, smooth-looking hand to her, his fingernails clean as a whistle.

Chancellor’s grip was firm and warm, causing Laylah to feel as if she were sweating internally. His voice was a real turn-on, but she wished it wasn’t. What she experienced with him was nothing short of insane—and he still seemed so familiar.

Chancellor looked down at the list. “Think I’ll have any luck at one of these other places? It’s getting late.”

The question was a difficult one. She didn’t want to lie to him. The truth was that people lined up at the same time every day at most of the shelters; the chances of him getting a bed this late were nil and none. “I wish I could tell you yes, but I can’t.”

A disturbing look suddenly clouded Chancellor’s eyes. “Why do you people pass out this list if you already know the outcome? It then becomes a wild-goose chase.”

“Good question. I’ve asked the same one myself dozens of times. I don’t make the rules. I just volunteer here.”

“Why do you do it?”

Laylah looked perplexed. “Do what?”

“Volunteer your time in such a cheerless place?”

The smile Laylah flashed Chancellor was soft and sweet. “I love helping out others. If I can put a simple smile on one person’s face, or just pass on a few kind words to someone, it makes me feel so good inside. I derive a lot of pleasure from this job.”

“I don’t see how you get pleasure out of working here, unless you enjoy seeing others suffering. If nothing else, I’m sure this nonpaying job is a thankless one.”

“I can see how you might feel that way.” Laylah shook her head from side to side. “But I’m not looking for gratitude. I simply want to be of service to the people in my community and to others who are in need. I really love people.”

“Why not volunteer at the Red Cross or at a local hospital? Why here?”

“Why are you asking all these questions? Why do you care, anyway?”

“I’m curious to know why a beautiful, vibrant young woman wants to be around so much pain and suffering. There has to be a darn good reason why you do this.”

“And I’m curious to know why you give a darn one way or the other.”

The dark look on Laylah’s face told Chancellor he had deeply offended her. That hadn’t been his intent. He had merely wanted to know why she wanted to spend her free time in a godforsaken place like this one. Had someone in her family become homeless? Was she possibly doing this out of some sort of guilt complex? He’d really like to know.

Knowing she should bring this conversation to an end, Laylah nervously shuffled her feet. “I really have to get back to work now. Wish I could find you a place to stay tonight, but I can’t. Try to get here earlier tomorrow. People start lining up at least two hours before we assign beds. The regulars all know the ropes.”

“For what? So you can hand me another list and send me packing?” For whatever reason, Chancellor wanted to keep Laylah talking, wanted more time in her company. He also had to wonder if she was truly an angel of mercy. He somehow thought she was. She was certainly as beautiful as what he’d always imagined an angel to look like.

A light suddenly came on in Laylah’s eyes. “Can you please wait a minute, Chance? I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

Wondering why she wanted him to wait for her, Chancellor looked after her dazedly as she skidded down the hall and quickly disappeared around a corner. His gaze dropped to the floor as he wished he was anywhere but inside a homeless shelter. Upon closing his eyes for a brief word of prayer, he heard heels clicking against the concrete floor. He cut his supplication short and then looked up to await her arrival.

Discreetly, Laylah pressed several neatly folded bills into Chancellor’s hand. “Go get yourself a room. There’s a very nice motel, Sweet Dreams Inn, about three short blocks from here. The place is very clean and well tended to. Tell Mr. Arlie Jones I sent you. My full name is Laylah Versailles. Arlie is a dear friend of mine. He’s good people.”

Chancellor was positively amazed by Laylah’s altruistic spirit. He felt ashamed to take the money, but he figured she’d be offended if he did otherwise. He got the feeling she didn’t make a habit of handing out cash, otherwise she’d probably be broke by now. Out of all the folks who came to the shelter, why had she decided to help him? Knowing full well that he’d pay her back every red cent, he slipped the money in his pocket. This was one kind gesture he’d never forget. It was very special. “Thanks. I’ll be going now.”

“Be safe, Chance. Hope you get here in time tomorrow to score a bed.”

Laylah couldn’t take her eyes off Chancellor’s retreating back. His stride was confident. This man was somebody important. Though she couldn’t explain why she felt that way, she was darn near sure of it. Something devastating must have occurred in his life recently, but what? What had sent him out into the mean streets of Los Angeles to look for a place to lay his weary head? And why was she so darn interested in him?

Laylah couldn’t stop thinking about Chancellor as she fulfilled the last of her duties. Once Laylah gathered her belongings, she gave her cheerful farewells to the night crew and then hurried from the building. Chancellor was still heavy on her mind as she reached her car and got inside.

Chapter 2

Arlie Jones gave Laylah a warm hug and a brilliant smile. “Happy to see you, but what brings you down here so late in the evening?”

“I referred your motel to a homeless guy and I came by to see if he checked in. Unfortunately, I don’t know his surname.” She then provided Arlie with a first name.

Arlie shook his head in the negative. “No one by that name has checked in here this evening. All but two of my rooms are occupied. If you’d like, I’ll try to save one for the guy just in case he shows up.”

Hoping she hadn’t given away her money in vain, Laylah couldn’t hide her bitter disappointment. What if Chancellor was a drinker or drug user? If so, she’d supplied him with enough money to score himself a few highs. “I have to go now, Arlie. I hope Chance shows up before you run out of rooms. I really thought he needed somewhere to stay.”

“He does,” said a slightly familiar voice. “That’s why I’m here.” Chancellor made direct eye contact with Arlie. “If you’re Mr. Arlie Jones, I’m supposed to tell you Laylah Versailles sent me over here to rent a room for the night.” Chancellor moved over to the counter and extended his hand to Arlie. “Am I in luck?”

“You surely are,” Arlie responded with enthusiasm, handing Chancellor a clipboard with a registration form attached to it. “Just fill out this baby and we’ll get you all squared away. All I really need is a name.”

Laylah was embarrassed to no end. It was one thing for her to stop by the motel to check on Chancellor, but it was another matter altogether to get caught red-handed at it. The things she’d already done regarding him were so unusual. He had to think she had lost all her marbles. If he didn’t think so, she certainly did. As well as purely insane, her behavior was also dangerous. She was actually inside the office of a motel to track down a virtual stranger, a homeless one at that.

How sick was that?

Arlie appeared amused as he looked back and forth between Laylah and the disheveled man she had come there to inquire about. If he didn’t know better, he’d think his little friend was infatuated with the man she had earlier referred to as Chance. He thought it was very strange indeed, since she’d also told him the guy was homeless. One thing Arlie was certain of was Laylah’s embarrassment. Her deeply reddened cheeks were a dead giveaway.

Feeling skittish, Laylah backed up toward the front door. “Glad you made it here safely, Chance. I have to go now. I hope you get a good night’s rest. Good night, Arlie.”

Raising his hand in a farewell gesture, Arlie smiled sympathetically at Laylah, wishing he could say something to make her feel better. She looked so down. If nothing else, she should feel really good about helping out others. She was known around the community for trying to make life easier for folks. However, he thought there might be something else going on with her regarding this man. A more personal interest, perhaps.

Laylah hit the car’s remote button to open the door. Just before she got into the driver’s seat, she heard her name drifting softly on the air. Chancellor had called out to her—the last thing she needed right now, especially since she had only made a total fool of herself. She was embarrassed enough already, yet she waited on him to reach her.

Chancellor stopped a few inches away from Laylah, careful not to step into her personal space. “I want to thank you again. Your generosity means a lot to me. If you have any odd jobs you’d like me to do or any errands you need run, please let me know. It’d make me feel better if I can pay you back somehow. I’ll be around for a while.”

“Payback is not necessary. However, if I hear of any decent jobs, I’ll try to let you know.” She laughed softly. “I guess the only way I can do that is when you stop by the shelter. Just remember what I said about getting there early to land a bed.”

“I won’t forget it, Laylah. Take care and drive safely.”

She quickly turned around and called out, asking him to wait a minute. As Chancellor faced her, he smiled beautifully. Laylah’s breath caught at the sight of healthy white teeth and pink gums. Why was his smile so familiar? His good dental hygiene was further evidence that he may have recently gotten down on his luck.

Laylah smiled back. “How are you at gardening? I have some yard work you could do at my place. I haven’t had the opportunity to hire a permanent gardener yet. Interested in the job?”

“Definitely! When do you want me to come by?”

“How’s tomorrow morning? Early, say, around seven?”

“Works for me, Laylah,” he said, sounding nearly out of breath.

Loving the way Chancellor had breathlessly said her name, Laylah wrote her address down on the back of one of the shelter’s business cards. Without further comment, she got into her car and fired the engine, waving to him as she drove off.

Chancellor Kingston was pleased that Laylah had been right about the motel. It was very clean and well tended. The bed was comfortable but nothing to write home about. He often missed his extremely comfortable digs, but this was his lifestyle now. Drifting from pillar to post wasn’t as easy as he had imagined.

Chancellor’s twin brother, Chandler, had made drifting sound glamorous when it was anything but. Tears came to his eyes as he thought about his twin, who he hadn’t seen in a couple of months. He’d give anything to find Chandler. He wouldn’t allow himself to even think that some harm may have come to him. If his brother was still in southern California, he’d locate him. He had to find him. Chandler was all the meaningful family Chancellor had left in the world and he just couldn’t imagine spending the rest of his life without his very best friend at his side.

The ageless photographs were more than compelling, darn near tangible. The greatest memories of their lives were all through the pages of the photo album he’d pulled out. Tears were hard to hold back. The pain in his heart was searing.

Chancellor and Chandler Kingston had accomplished so much in their thirty years of life. One had rarely been seen without the other. When had so many things changed…and so drastically? If he took the time to do so, Chancellor was sure he could chronicle all the weird changes, since they hadn’t been very subtle ones.

As Chancellor forced his thoughts to a brighter spot, the effervescent Laylah, he couldn’t help smiling. He had never met anyone quite like her. As beautiful as she was, it wasn’t just her outward appearance he was so darn attracted to. This woman had a pure, selfless heart. She didn’t know him from Adam, yet she had had a desire to help him out.

The fact that Laylah hadn’t asked him a lot of personal questions was astounding to him. He wasn’t used to being so readily accepted for who he was. Not in this world or the fictitious world he’d just arrived from. Living as a homeless person was so new to him, as was his meeting with a perfect angel of mercy. Laylah was every bit that.

After he stretched out on the bed, he looked up at the cracking ceiling, wondering how he had gotten from there to here. Where would his journey take him next? How far would he have to travel down this rocky path before he got the answers?

He had no clue about the future, which was unusual for someone who had always had a solid plan for his life. However, he was pretty certain about one thing. Knowing he’d see the lovely Laylah tomorrow helped him close his eyes and relax just enough to give his soul a break from all the terrible sorrow he felt.

Dressed in jade-green silk pajamas trimmed with pink satin piping, Laylah was stretched out across her king-size brass bed watching the ten o’clock news, dismayed that there still hadn’t been any clues or the least bit of news about little Ashley.

It was so disheartening for her to think of that precious little girl somewhere out there in the world desperately wanting to be at home with her loving mommy. Since everyone around the country was also praying for Ashley, she was filled with the hope that she’d soon be found. Prayer worked, lots of it worked even better.

Once the news was over, she surfed through the channels. When she didn’t find anything interesting to view, she turned off the television. Rarely did she go to sleep this early, but her body felt completely worn down after putting in serious hours at both her jobs. She wasn’t complaining. Working long hours kept her from being too lonely and helped to keep her mind off the fact she hadn’t a decent relationship in a long while.

Laylah wanted nothing more than to find Mr. Right and settle down in a nice cozy home, one a bit bigger than her current town house, and then eventually start a family. All the men she’d met over the past year had been totally into self. These guys could’ve cared less about her, let alone about her dreams and future aspirations.

When had guys stopped opening doors for women? Not to mention their refusal to occasionally spring for dinner and a movie. She had met some real pieces of work in the dating world. Some of these modern-day men seemed to be looking for a woman to take care of them and to enhance their lifestyle through monetary and material gifts.

Many of the guys Laylah had gone out with had been kind of disrespectful in general. Pulling out a chair for her to be seated in had rarely occurred. Most of her dates had been blind ones arranged by mutual friends. Never again would she go on a blind date. The last one had turned out to be a date straight from hell.

Maybe it was her, Laylah thought as she pulled the white and deep lavender comforter under her chin. Perhaps she simply didn’t fit the bill as Miss Right.

As the alarm clock crowed annoyingly, right at 6:00 a.m., Laylah moaned and groaned with displeasure. A couple more hours of sleep would work wonders for her fatigued body, but it was an impossible desire. Her schedule was full. Another hour of rest might have been doable had she not invited Chancellor over to tend her tiny yard.

All she had to do was hit the shower since she’d laid out her clothes the night before. Dragging her tail out of bed was done in dramatic fashion. After trudging into the bathroom, she turned the water on full blast and stepped inside the clear glass cubicle. Once she’d thoroughly washed her body, she reached for the thick white towel to dry off.

The doorbell rang at six-thirty, just as Laylah poured a cup of hot coffee. How the visitor had gotten through the gates was her first concern. If it was Chancellor, she realized she hadn’t told him about the security measures. After setting her mug down on the kitchen table, she ran toward the front of the house. A look into the safety window gave her a full view of Chancellor. He appeared to have cleaned up a bit, but his baggy jeans didn’t fit his powerful physique and his jacket wasn’t pressed.

Did she let him inside her private space or what? Laylah then realized she hadn’t thought everything through. Well, for sure, she couldn’t leave him outside. Praying she was doing the right thing, she put on a bright smile before opening up. “Good morning. Gee, you’re more than prompt. You’re about a half hour early.”

Smiling gently, Chancellor nodded. “I’d much rather be early than late.”

“I’m an advocate of promptness myself. Do you drink coffee?”

A look of surprise briefly flashed in Chancellor’s eyes. Her offer had shocked him. “I do, but are you sure you’re okay with that?”

“If I let you in, you’re not going to kill me, are you?” If only she knew how to hold her tongue. While Laylah had always had the nerve to speak her mind, she wished she hadn’t done so in this instance. Even if she had been joking, the comment was inappropriate.

“I’m not a dangerous person. You don’t know that for sure, so maybe I should just get to the gardening. Perhaps you can hand me a cup of java outside the back door.”

Laylah sucked her teeth. “That’s not happening. Come on in. Please.”

Feeling the awkwardness of the moment, Chancellor seemed reluctant to cross the threshold. This entire situation made him nervous despite that he’d never bring any harm to her. Only he knew that for sure. He in fact planned to warn her not to ever do something like this again. If she were to let the wrong type of person into her home, it might prove hazardous to her health. A male neighbor had let him in the walking gate.

Still regretful over her offhand comment, Laylah extended her hand to him. “It’s okay. Really, it is. Please come inside.”

Not wanting to hurt her feelings in any way, Chancellor took her hand for a brief moment. He then came inside. At her suggestion, he followed her back to the kitchen, where she gestured for him to take a seat at the table. Upon noticing where her mug had been placed, he sat on the opposite end.

He liked the feel of her warm, cozy kitchen. It was a cheerful place and was a comfortably accommodating size. Equipped with stainless-steel appliances, everything was shiny and bright. A stainless-steel bowl of sunny lemons and fresh limes served as a centerpiece for the round maple table and accompanying six chairs.

After filling another mug with steaming hot coffee, Laylah carried it to the table and handed it over to Chancellor. She then pulled out a chair and plopped down onto it. “How’d you do at the motel last night?”

“Good. The room was nice and clean. Thanks for asking.”

“You’re welcome. Glad you had a good night. Did you get to talk to Arlie?”

“Just for a minute or two. He seems like a nice guy. He also offered me work.”

“Doing what?”

“A few odd jobs, nothing major. I just happen to be a great handyman.”

“That will certainly work in your favor. How long have you been out there?” She couldn’t bring herself to use the “homeless” word to describe his situation, not to his face. In her opinion, the term itself was fraught with desperation.

“Not long. I’d imagine a minute or two is too long for most folks. Stuff happens.” Because she had been so nice to him, he wanted to share more of his story with her, but he didn’t think the timing was right. He lifted his mug. “You make a great cup of coffee.”

Laylah blushed slightly. “Thanks. Would you like some breakfast?”

“No, thank you. I’d just like to get to work before it gets too hot out there.”

“I know what you mean. If you want to bring your coffee along, we can step out the back door so I can show you what needs to be done around the place.”

Chancellor grabbed his mug. “Mind if I ask for a refill?”

“Not at all. I’d be happy to get it for you.” Laylah took the mug and marched right over to the stove and refilled it. She then again summoned Chancellor to follow her.

The small patch of lawn wasn’t even half the size Chancellor had expected. There were only a few ornery weeds in the flower beds, nothing overwhelming. Living in a town house offered limited space for a yard and such, but he could see that Laylah had made the most of what she had. All her plants and shrubs were evergreen, giving her greenery year-round. The colorful flowers were perennials rather than annuals.

“I can knock out this job in no time. Where do you keep the mower?”

“In the garage.” She pointed at a side door. “I’ll open it for you to get the mower out. All my other gardening tools are hung on the walls inside the garage. They’ll be easy enough to spot. Knock on the back door when you’re finished.”