A movement at the back of the room drew her gaze, and she saw Nick standing there, his cell phone at his ear. She realized that whatever happened in the next hour, nothing else mattered but being with him. With that thought in mind, she started the town council meeting.
Nick watched from the back of the room as Holly called the meeting to order. He knew most of the individuals in the room. Businessmen and local leaders who had been there when he’d left ten years ago. Sitting in the front was a man in a suit with a glum look on his face. No doubt it was the representative from the auto plant about to deliver the killing blow to both the small town of Silver Falls and Holly. He clenched his hands inside the pockets of his coat, knowing there was nothing he could do until afterward.
The regular business of the town was quickly conducted, and Nick knew it was time. He deliberately started to make his way to the front of the room as Holly stood and walked to the podium.
“As many of you know, there had been rumors for months that the auto parts plant is leaving Silver Falls. I am here to confirm that rumor as true despite the talks I have had on behalf of the city.”
“Talks that should have included the entire council, Mayor.” Sam Jones’s voice broke through the rumble of the crowd. “With businessmen who had experience in such matters.”
Holly clenched her teeth and refused to respond to Sam’s statement. That fight had already been fought. Holly continued with her statement to the town. “Despite what others may think, the plant leaving could not have been prevented. The owners of the plant are the ones who ultimately decided that staying in Silver Falls was no longer good business.”
There was a loud eruption, and Holly allowed the townspeople to have their say, even though she knew it would do no good. The plant was leaving, and there wasn’t anything they could do about it. After a few moments, she called for order. “I know how this affects so many of you and your families…”
“Then why the hell did you allow this to happen?” Again, the outburst was from Sam.
Holly had reached the end of her patience with the man who was nothing more than a bully. She turned to him, her fists clenched at her sides. “I didn’t allow this to happen. No one allowed this to happen.”
“You could have stopped it. Gave them more tax incentives.”
“More? Why? So they could give you a bigger kickback than you were already getting for the ones you convinced the council to pass last time?”
That stopped Sam. For all of two minutes. “How dare you? You have no proof of any wrongdoing”
“No, I don’t, Sam, but it makes me wonder why the council refuses to renew the tax incentives it granted the plant all those years ago. Tax incentives that kept the biggest employer in the town happy.”
Their conversation had caused a silence to fall over the room. Sam, as if realizing his plan to discredit Holly had just backfired, turned to address the audience. “Now, listen here folks, Holly is just spouting a boatload of lies. She’s the one who failed to negotiate with the plant. Not the council.”
“I don’t think so.” Nick stepped forward, and Holly’s eyes widened.
“Nick,” she began.
He came to stand beside her, taking her hand and giving it a quick squeeze. “Trust me, Holly Berry,” he whispered.
“I had a friend of mine do a little checking, Sam. Seems like a rather large sum of money has been deposited in your bank account for the last several months from an offshore account in the Caiman Islands.”
Sam’s face turned red, and his eyes got the look of a doe in headlights. “I don’t have to explain anything to you.”
“No, you don’t have to explain anything to me, but you do have to explain to them.” He turned and pointed to the people who had gathered for the meeting. The citizens whose lives were about to be pulled out from under their feet.
“You were never supposed to be mayor, Holly. You ruined everything when you got elected. I had everything worked out.”
“Everything worked out?” Holly couldn’t keep the distress from her voice. “Worked out for whom? The city couldn’t afford to keep offering more and more tax incentives and keep its doors open. The factory was bleeding us dry. It had already done away with the employees’ pension and health insurance. Not to mention, no one at the factory had received a raise in over five years. People need to make a living wage, no matter where they work.” Holly drew in a deep breath and turned back to the crowd. She tapped her gavel against the wooden podium to try and gain control again.
Most people took their seats while some left. “Despite what you’ve just heard, it doesn’t change the fact that the factory is closing. And, I’m sorry to say, the city is suffering as well.” That sent up another murmur of discontent. She took a deep breath and continued. “I have also decided to resign as Mayor, effective immediately. Meeting dismissed.”
“Holly,” Nick tried to grab her arm as she turned. “Where are you going?”
“Not now, Nick.” She broke away and hurried out of the room, ignoring the calls from some of the council members and townspeople. She just couldn’t face anyone right now. Tears she’d held at bay began to stream down her face as she made her way quickly to her car. Her breath left her lungs as the cold air hit her and she realized she’d forgotten her coat. Luckily, she had her keys in her pants pocket. She couldn’t go back in there, couldn’t chance facing Nick.
All her plans, she thought, up in smoke. And why? Because Nick had ridden to her rescue.
Nick cursed as Holly ran away from him. This was not how he’d envisioned his Christmas. He’d thought, arrogantly, that he’d ride into town, get the girl and live happily-ever-after. As he started for the door to follow after her, he felt a hand on his arm. Looking down, he saw Clara, Holly’s assistant.
“I wouldn’t if I were you.”
“Wouldn’t what?”
“Follow her.” Despite her words, her smile was encouraging. “Not just yet, anyway.”
Nick ran his fingers through his hair. “I feel like I don’t know her anymore.”
“You don’t.”
“Thanks a lot,” he grimaced.
“I’m just saying, she’s a grown woman now. And we women need time to sort through our feelings.” She opened her ever present appointment book and took out a white envelope and handed it to him. “Did you know she was going to give the council her resignation tonight?”
“No. No, I didn’t.”
“Do you know why she did it?”
Nick took the proffered piece of paper. “No.”
“I didn’t think so.” Clara gave him one of those men are so dumb looks women often get when talking to a man. “She was doing it for you.”
“For me?”
“Yep. She wanted to be able to hop on the back of that bike of yours when you rode out of town.”
“But I don’t want to ride out of town,” Nick said. “I came back for her. To her.”
This time Clara’s smile was a little sad. “Then I guess you’ve got a lot of talking to do.”
“That’s not all.” He smiled grimly. “So, I’d better get started.”
Holly got into her car and sped home, her mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts. Tears threatened to overwhelm her when she saw the Christmas tree she and Nick had cut down waiting on her front porch. She walked past it, putting the key blindly in the front door lock. Before she could shut it, she heard footsteps behind her.
“Holly, wait. We need to talk.” Nick’s hand came out, catching the door before she could close it in his face. She didn’t want to talk to him. Not yet.
“Nick, please.”
“I’m not going away. You might as well let me in.”
“Fine.” She let go of the door and walked into the living room. Unable to stand the thought of sitting still, she continued into the kitchen. “Do you want some hot chocolate?” Grabbing a sauce pan she opened the refrigerator to retrieve some milk.
Nick stopped her, closing the refrigerator door
and turning her gently to face him. The pain, the shock of failure and the finality of the life she’d known shown plainly on her face. Her pain was like a kick to his chest.
“Come here baby.” He pulled her close, firmly, in spite of her protests. When she suddenly gave in and went limp against him, he tightened his arms around her. Her tears soaked the front of his shirt, but Nick didn’t care. He held her until she stopped crying. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back, still keeping her close, and placed a finger under her chin. Again, she tried to avoid his touch, but he prevailed, staring down into tear-soaked eyes. With infinite gentleness, he used the pads of his thumbs to dry her face. Still cupping her cheeks, he smiled down at her.
“How can you be so happy right now?” she demanded hoarsely. “Everything I’ve worked for is gone. I’ve failed my friends and the whole town. I’ve let everybody down.”
“Shhh, honey.” He pulled her back into his embrace, giving her a quick squeeze of support. “You did all that you could and everyone knows it. And everyone appreciates it.”
“I’m sure Sam appreciates it the most.”
Her tone was venomous and Nick smiled. She might be down, but she was still the spunky woman he’d fallen in love with so long ago.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. Sam will get exactly what’s coming to him.” At her doubtful look, he continued, “But I don’t want to talk about him. I want to tell you some good news.”
“What good news? There’s nothing good that I can see, Nick.” Her shoulders slumped. “The factory is closing and my town is dying.”
“What if I told you that another factory is coming in right after the first of the year to take over the building?”
“I’d say that you’re talking about a miracle.” The look of hope that danced briefly in her eyes waned. “And I’m fresh out of hoping for one of those.”
“You don’t have to hope anymore, honey. It’s a fact. Another company is taking over the building. As of January tenth, there’ll be at least seventy-five to a hundred jobs available for anyone that wants them. And who’s qualified, of course.”
“But that’s…that’s more than the factory employs now.”
Nick smiled at her stunned look. “I know.”
“Nick,” her head shook in disbelief, “how…who…?”
“Me.”
She lifted stunned eyes. “You?” Her brow creased. “How?”
This was the part Nick had been both anticipating and dreading. “Have you ever heard of HolNic Motorcycle engines?”
“Sure,” Holly nodded, “they’re the top brand for high-end motorcy…” Her words trailed off as comprehension dawned. “HolNic.” She swallowed hard. “That’s…you?”
“Yeah,” Nick nodded, watching her face. “Holly and Nick.” His tentative smile broadened. “The way it’s always been, honey. You and me. Forever.”
“And…you’re moving your company here to Silver Falls?”
“Well, no, not exactly.”
“I don’t understand. You said…”
“I’m opening a distribution plant here, Holly. I have them in several cities across the country.”
“So you’re…you’re rich. And I…” Holly placed her hands on Nick’s chest, pressing him away. To counter her move, he tightened his arms around her, refusing to let her go.
“I’m still the same man that loved you as a boy. The same man that loves you still, Holly Berry.”
“You’re different now, Nick. I’m still small town and you’re…”
She shrieked as large hands wrapped around her waist and lifted her onto the counter.
“What are you doing?”
“Convincing you that I love you and want to be with you forever.”
“What?” Her voice trembled as she spoke.
He made a noise in his throat that sounded curiously like a growl. “I love you, damn it, Holly. This move is good for both of us.”
“But your home is in—”
“My home is wherever you are.”
“You’d be giving up so much and I can’t let you do that.”
“Believe me, honey, what I’m gaining is everything I’ve ever wanted. You. A life with you, Holly. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. But I had to be sure I could provide for you. If you don’t want this…me…then tell me now.”
“Oh, Nick,” Holly was moved to tears once more. This time, though, he could tell they were tears of joy.
Nick didn’t give her time to say more. He could read everything he needed to know in her beautiful green eyes. “I’ll keep saying it, honey. I love you with every fiber of my being.” He nudged her knees apart, stepped between them and planted his hands palm down on the counter just behind her bottom.
“And you love me. I want to marry you, my Holly Darling. I want to marry you, live in Silver Falls and have lots and lots of little Holly Berries with you.”
Holly blinked up at Nick, unsure if she’d heard him correctly. Maybe all the stress she’d been under had done something to her hearing. “You do?”
“Yes, I do. What do you have to say about that?” His thumb stroked over her lip, and she tasted salt, realizing she was crying.
Warmth ran through Holly, heating up the places in her heart and soul she hadn’t realized were so empty and cold. “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea.” She threw her arms around his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers. “I’ve loved you since I was fifteen years old, Nick Stephens.”
And that was all it took for Nick to lay claim to the woman who had stolen his heart ten years ago. His mouth curved into the wickedest of smiles, and he kissed her with all the finesse and seduction of the bad boy reputation he’d carried with him since he’d reached puberty. He was at once masculine and tender, persuasive and tempting as all get out. He was seducing her in a way that left no room for denial.
She lifted her legs, wrapping them around her waist. He made that low, growly noise again that had her insides weeping. She pressed closer and there was no denying Nick’s need for her.
“Oh, Holly,” he whispered in her ear. “I love you so very, very much.”
His mouth covered hers before she could answer him, so she gave him her answer with her body and her soul. In moments, the heat between them started to burn out of control. “Can we take this to a more horizontal level, honey?” he asked, his voice almost shaking with need.
“Oh, yeah,” she answered, looking up at him with slightly glazed eyes. The sensations he aroused in her were nothing she’d be able to describe to anyone else. They made her feel beautiful and alive, and oh, so loved.
“Thank God.” Another heart stopping, tight-clenching kiss and he was picking her up and carrying her up the stairs.
“Nick, you’ll hurt yourself.” She had to protest, even if the feel of his strong arms carrying her was one of the most delicious sensations she’d ever felt.
“Hush, now. I’m a big, strong man and you are the woman I love. Of course, I can carry you.” As if to prove his point, he shifted her higher up on his chest and picked up his pace. In minutes, they were at her bedroom door. She grimaced when she saw the mess she’d left behind this morning. But, her untidiness shouldn’t come as a surprise to him.
“Well, looks like you’ve improved your housekeeping habits, Holly Jolly.”
“Oh, hush.” She batted at his shoulder. “What you see is what you get with me, Nick.”
Her comment had his gaze zeroing in on her lips once again. “And what I see looks delicious. Delicious enough to eat.”
She blushed, knowing he wasn’t just talking about the taste of her mouth. That summer after graduation had been off the charts hot. They had been young and willing to try anything once. Which had made it impossible to take another man to her bed. Something, she should probably tell him.
“Nick, I need for you to know, there’s only ever been you.”
His face closed up for an instant. “Oh, Holly, I wish I could say the same.”
She gave him a reass
uring smile. “It hurts, but it doesn’t, know what I mean? We had no commitment together, I couldn’t have expected that from you. But…”
He sat her on her feet, his arms still around her. “But, it would have been nice. I know. I regret it deeply, but, I believe all things happen for a reason. And maybe that reason was to give me the knowledge and the patience to rock your world right now, Holly Darling.”
Their mouths met again, and the only important thing she realized was that she was in his arms and his lips were speaking words of love and commitment and happily-ever-after. “Let’s get you undressed.”
His hands went to work lifting the sweater she’d worn to the meeting, revealing the pale creamy skin of her torso. She’d worn a black satin bra and matching boy briefs in the hopes of the night ending like this. In bed with Nick. She hadn’t expected the proclamation of love and desire to entwine their lives.
“Beautiful, baby, oh, so beautiful.” His hands cupped her breasts, squeezing and kneading them and arousing her until her nipples were hard and painful, begging for his touch. But he didn’t give it to her. Instead, he knelt by her feet. She’d worn a skirt, ankle high boots and thigh high tights with her Christmas sweater. He took off her boots, tossing them aside. Next, he reached under her skirt and removed her thigh-high tights, one leg at a time. “Next time. I want you to keep these and your boots on. You’ll look sexy as hell. But this time, I want nothing between us. He placed a kiss on the inside of her right knee, before reaching up and removing her skirt. It fell to the floor, puddling at her feet.
He leaned forward and pressed his nose against the apex of her thighs, making goosebumps rise up on all over her body. Instinctively, her hands wound into the thick locks of his coal black hair. “Nick.”
Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances Page 130
