Taking a Shot at Love Read online

  Lisa Tobias dreams of coaching women’s basketball at a major university and possibly advancing to the pros. She’ll never get there if she stays where she is, coaching for a small-town college. She wants to move on and move up, so a relationship is the last thing on her mind.

  English professor Celeste Bouchard is exactly where she wants to be teaching at Glassell University. Popular and on a first-name basis with her students, Celeste loves her job. She doesn’t love the gossip and rumors that followed her disastrous romance with a fellow professor, but she’s never getting involved with a coworker again.

  When Lisa’s star player has trouble in Celeste’s class, they have to work together to find a solution. The attraction is off the charts, but Lisa and Celeste are determined to block another shot at love.

  What Reviewers Say About KC Richardson’s Work

  A Call Away

  “…the romance between both characters was nice and gave me all the feels by the end. I really think this is the kind of novel you take on holiday and read by the pool. I look forward to seeing what’s coming up next for KC Richardson.”—Les Reveur

  New Beginnings

  “Pure and simple, this is a sweet slow-burn romance. It’s cozy and warm. At its heart, New Beginnings by KC Richardson is a story about soul mates that fall in love. …If you’re looking for a sweet romance, the kind of romance that you can curl-up with as a fire crackles in your fireplace, then this could be your book. It’s a simple love story that leaves you feeling good.”—Lesbian Review

  Courageous Love

  “Richardson aptly captures the myriad emotions and sometimes irrational thought processes of a young woman with a possibly fatal disease, as well as the torment inherent in the idea of losing another loved one to the same illness. This sensitively told and realistically plotted story will grab readers by the heartstrings and not let them go.”—Publishers Weekly

  “Take one happy and well centered ER nurse add one handsome Cop and the scene is set for a happy ever after. But throw in a life threatening disease and KC Richardson ramps up the angst. …This is a great storyline and felt very well done. While there is a heavy dose of angst, it’s justified and well handled.”—Lesbian Reading Room

  “[A]n enjoyable read that doesn’t shy away from the realities of dealing with a life-threatening illness.”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Taking a Shot at Love

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Taking a Shot at Love

  © 2020 By KC Richardson. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-550-9

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: February 2020

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Sheri ([email protected])

  Cover Photo By Inger Richardson

  By the Author

  New Beginnings

  Courageous Love

  A Call Away

  Taking a Shot at Love

  Acknowledgments

  A huge thank you goes to Radclyffe, Sandy Lowe, and everyone at Bold Strokes Books involved in helping produce outstanding books. Special thanks go to my editor, Cindy Cresap, who always teaches me something new. Editing is my favorite part of writing because I always learn something new, and in Cindy, I have a patient teacher.

  Thank you to my fantastic beta readers, Inger, Dawn, and Sue. Because of your insight, I was able to turn in a pretty decent first draft.

  Huge shout-outs go to Lynnette Beers-McCormick and Carol Jue. Lynnette allowed me to shadow her for a day in the life of a college English professor. Lynnette and Aurora Rey answered my “what if” questions of college life, and I greatly appreciated their help. If I got anything wrong, it’s because of my error. Carol introduced me to the internal life of a college basketball coach. Even though I played college basketball, I really had no idea what the coaches did other than make our lives miserable by making us run so much in practice. Coach, thank you for welcoming me back into the Chapman University family. I love my Panthers.

  Thank you to my good friends Lisa, Ngina, and Athena. Their brainstorming gave me some great ideas for this story, including the names of a couple of characters and what pole dancing is all about. I’ll let you, the reader, wonder what I mean by that.

  My wife, Inger Richardson, gave me the setting and idea for this story, and I’m so glad that she also helped me with the “what-ifs” in the storyline. She also used her extraordinary photography talents and took the picture of the fountain on this book cover.

  Finally, I want to thank you, the readers, for your continued support in my writing endeavors by buying my books, leaving reviews, and sending me messages on Facebook, Twitter, and email. You inspire me to keep writing, and I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  Dedication

  To my wife for believing in second chances.

  I love you for life.

  Chapter One

  Celeste came strutting out in her clear, six-inch platform high heels, metallic rave multicolor green booty shorts that hugged her ass, a matching skintight camisole with a sheer white blouse over it, the bottom of it in a knot at her belly button. Her wavy hair was teased high, her heavy black eyeliner gave her cat eyes, and her deep, dark red lipstick made her lips look plump, like she’d spent the past few days making out with her lover. The sultry music was deep and slow, and she felt it deep in her soul. This was her place of worship and the brass pole was her shrine.

  She grabbed the pole, looked over her shoulder, and caught the attention of her audience as she slowly stroked it up and down. Now that she was in command, she’d have her way with them, captivating them by climbing up the pole, swinging around while holding on with only one leg hooked around it. This was her favorite dance partner, the one that would let her lead, the one that would support Celeste in any move she’d want to make. When her feet were firmly back on the ground, she squatted with her back to the pole, legs spread apart, giving the audience a sliver of hope to see what she had hidden behind the shiny fabric.

  She crawled along the floor, sleek, like a prowling tiger, looking for a poor soul to prey upon. No, none of them were worthy. She ran her fingers slowly through her hair, lifting it off her neck, thrusting out her chest. She let her hands linger down her body, over her breasts, until one hand grazed over her covered mound. This performance always made her a little hot, a little turned on, and tonight was no different. The thrill it gave her, to do something outside her comfort zone, as well as getting the crowd willing to obey her every command, was why she did this. When the music ended, Celeste felt like she’d climaxed and was ready for a cigarette that she’d never smoke. The applause, hoots, and hollers from the audience and her classmates brought her out of her reverie. Her pole dancing class’s showcase was, for her, a success. For the rest of the evening, she’d enjoy being seen as a sexy, lustful woman. Tomorrow, she’d return to her p
ublic persona.

  * * *

  The solid oak door to the grand residence opened.

  “Celeste, it’s so wonderful to see you. Thank you for coming.”

  Celeste Bouchard, professor in the English department, almost laughed since this soiree was mandatory for all faculty at Glassell University. Even if she didn’t want to be, she had to be there. Fortunately for her, she wanted to be there. The president of the university went all-out to provide the faculty of his university delicious food, expensive wine, and a melodic string quartet to entertain his guests. Though only a small, private university, Glassell really had a lot to offer, not only to the students, but also the staff.

  “Gerald, thank you for having me. How was your summer? You’re looking very tan.”

  Gerald Prescott, President of Glassell University, stepped aside and allowed Celeste to enter the marble-floored foyer. He was an elegant looking gentleman in his late sixties, and he had a kind smile that reached his eyes when he greeted her. She could hear the low murmur of conversation and soft music coming from the grand room at the end of the hall.

  “Margaret and I just returned a week ago from Hawaii. We took our children and grandchildren to Oahu for a week. While the kids were busy surfing and snorkeling, Margaret and I sat on the lanai and read the entire time. It was just the thing I needed before starting a new school year. But now, I’m well-rested and hoping for an exciting year.”

  “As am I.”

  The doorbell interrupted them and Celeste excused herself. “I’m going to mingle. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  The echo of Celeste’s heels on the marble floor followed her down the hallway where the walls were adorned with original artwork, Gerald’s personal museum, and into the room where her fellow professors had gathered. No matter how young or old, people always seemed to gather in their own cliques. She noted the athletic director talking to a few men and women, presumably coaches. There was one particular woman in that group who caught Celeste’s eye, but she wasn’t about to go interrupt a group of jocks. She’d learned her lesson when she was in high school that she had nothing in common with them even if they did give her the time of day.

  She continued to the bar area and asked for a glass of pinot noir. She took a sip and fingered the pearl necklace she wore as she looked around the room to see if she knew anyone she felt comfortable talking to. She had no qualms about standing in front of a classroom and imparting her knowledge to students, but in a social setting, she’d always felt a little awkward and inept. She was trying to overcome that, but it was a slow process. She spotted her ex trying to hold court over a group of uptight looking men. Her ex’s loud cackle caused Celeste to wince and turn the other way. For the thousandth time, she wondered what she ever saw in Jackie Stone. The very thought of her gave Celeste a sour taste in her mouth.

  Celeste caught someone trying to get her attention, and she was relieved to see it was her closest friend in the English department, and her life, Olivia Daniels. Celeste gave a small wave and made her way to Olivia and kissed her on the cheek. Celeste and Olivia had gone to graduate school together and became study partners, then best friends. It was Olivia who submitted her name to the dean of the English department at Glassell University and why she was now a professor there.

  “I’m so glad to see a friendly face tonight.”

  “Celeste, who wouldn’t be friendly here besides your ex-psycho?”

  Celeste touched the side of her nose and pointed at Olivia, indicating that was exactly who she was talking about. “You know this is only my third year here so I don’t know as many people here as you do. I thought maybe you could introduce me to a few of them in the other departments. I’m ready to mingle amongst the other groups this year.” Celeste held up her glass and winked at Olivia.

  “I’ll be happy to, but after Gerald gives his welcome back speech.” Olivia looked at her watch. “It should be any time now. By the way, can I tell you how sexy your routine was last night in our pole dancing showcase? My word, I was so worked up that Carl got very lucky when I got home last night.”

  Celeste could feel her face get hot, and she looked away. She still had a little trouble accepting praise when it came to pole dancing, but she loved it and thrived at it. “Thank you, I think. But please, let’s talk about something else while we’re at a school function. The last thing I need is that image in my head.” Olivia snickered.

  Celeste and Olivia started to talk about their hopes for the upcoming semester when Gerald tapped a knife to his wine glass to get everyone’s attention.

  “Good evening. I’d like to thank you all for coming.” Gerald only spoke for ten minutes, highlighting some events that would be happening on campus in the upcoming school year, including homecoming activities, and what he expected out of the staff and students. During his speech, Celeste looked over to the “coach group” and found the lone woman looking back at her. Celeste quickly looked away, then slowly glanced back at the woman who offered a smile and a small wave. Celeste was tempted to look behind her to make sure that smile wasn’t meant for someone else. She wasn’t used to women looking her way, especially ones who were that gorgeous. She lifted her wine glass as a small greeting and was rewarded by a bigger smile. Celeste grinned and bowed her head, suddenly feeling bashful. She looked back at the woman who was now paying attention to Gerald, and it gave Celeste an opportunity to look at her more closely. She was tall, trim, looked to be in good shape. She wore a light blue button-down shirt, black slacks, and black loafers. Nothing too stylish, but she looked good.

  Too bad they worked in the same university. After the disastrous ending to her last relationship with Jackie, she vowed never to get involved with anyone she worked with ever again. She did not need a repeat of being subjected to the rumor mill, or having her romantic life public knowledge amongst the students and faculty. She was brought back to the present at the sound of polite clapping, and she set her glass down to join in.

  Olivia touched Celeste’s shoulder. “I’m going to get a refill of my wine, and then I’ll introduce you to some of the professors I know.”

  Once Olivia stepped away, Celeste saw the woman she’d been admiring start to walk toward her. Her heart did a little flutter, and she again began fingering her pearls at the thought of meeting the handsome woman she could never get involved with. She let out a gasp when Jackie stepped in her line of sight to the other woman and ruined her view.

  “You look beautiful tonight, Celeste. But then again, I always thought you looked beautiful.”

  Celeste attempted to keep her face expressionless and her voice quiet. “Is that why you called me a fat cow when I broke up with you?” Celeste could feel her body tense when she recalled that very moment and how shamed she felt. That moment took up a lot of time in her mind and at times, she felt she still wasn’t over it. Sometimes she felt that she would hear those words in her mind for the rest of her life. The need to flee took over, but Celeste would be damned if she let Jackie know how affected she was just by her presence.

  Looking appropriately embarrassed, Jackie slightly blushed. “I didn’t mean it. I was just upset that you were ending things. I thought we were really good together.”

  Celeste’s annoyance flared and her blood simmered with anger. Not wanting to rehash everything she’d already said to Jackie, she ignored that last comment. “What do you want, Jackie?” The faster she could get rid of Jackie, the quicker her lungs would ease and make it easier for Celeste to breathe.

  “Nothing. I just wanted to come say hello and ask how your summer was.”

  “My summer was pleasant. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to find Olivia.”

  Celeste turned but was stopped by Jackie’s hand gripping her arm. Jackie’s face was scrunched up, and Celeste wondered what she ever saw in her. Her mind flashed back to the first time Jackie gripped her arm in anger, and the bruises she’d left. Jackie had an excuse that first time, and the times after, until Celeste finally stoppe
d accepting her excuses and apologies.

  “Why are you being such a bitch?” The fire in Jackie’s eyes that once excited Celeste in the beginning of their relationship now made her more cautious. She tried to keep the tremble from her hands and her voice when she finally spoke.

  “Get your hand off me and don’t ever touch me again.” Celeste issued the command through clenched teeth, and she felt her nostrils flare.

  Celeste’s warning made it through Jackie’s dense skull and she let go, allowing Celeste to walk away. She found Olivia walking toward her, and she must have noticed something was wrong. She could feel her heart pounding through her chest, and she really needed some fresh air.

  “Are you all right? You look white as a sheet.”

  “I just had words with Jackie. Look, I want to get out of here. I don’t want to be anywhere she is.”

  “Of course. Why don’t you and I go grab a bite to eat and we can just chill out.”

  “I don’t want to take you away from the party, Olivia.”

  “Nonsense. I’m not a fan of these gatherings anyway. I’d much rather spend some quiet time with my friend, indulging in nachos and beer.”

  Celeste couldn’t help but grin and was secretly pleased that she wouldn’t have to be alone so soon after her run-in with Jackie. Thankfully, despite GU being a small campus, Celeste’s building was across campus from Jackie’s so they didn’t see each other much. “You’re on. I’ll even let you order them with jalapenos. And I think tonight might call for tequila and margaritas.”