“Have you lived there all your life?” she asked.
“Yes.” He missed feeling her hand beneath his, so he placed his hand over hers that still clung to his arm. “I grew up in Scottsdale. I met my best friend, there in junior high. We just kind of stuck together and he became the brother I never had. When he started his own business, he brought me on as his manager. I moved to Surprise to be closer to him when I was twenty-three, since that’s where he lived, too. It’s a nice community.”
“Are you still his manager?”
“Yes. We run a winery business now,” Nolan explained. “There’s a lot to learn about wine.”
“I understand that one,” Nicole laughed a little. “When my father died, I had to learn to help manage his business. It’s a good thing I took some management classes in college.”
Surprised, he slowed his steps and gazed at her. Had he heard her wrong? “You own a business?”
“Well, technically, I sign papers. Bailey’s father runs it and keeps things in order.”
“Wow. That’s good to keep it in the family.”
Although there were other things he wanted to know about her, he didn’t want to bombard her with questions on their first date... even though this wasn’t really a date. Maybe just in his mind.
Silence filled the air again as they walked toward the gazebo.
“Have you lived in Austin all your life?” Nolan wondered.
“Yes. My parents found a good spot and that’s where we stayed until my mom died of leukemia. Then Dad moved us into a different house because the memories of her depressed him.”
“I’m very sorry.”
She squeezed his arm gently. “Thanks. My dad raised me the best he could. When he died, my uncle’s family took me under their wings and have been my support.”
“I’m happy that you have family who are keeping a close eye on you, then.”
“I suppose,” Nicole sighed. “Well, now that we’ve talked about work, tell me, Mr. Nolan Ricks, do you really believe in ghosts?”
Nolan stepped into the gazebo and Nicole followed him inside. He leaned up against the side wall and she released his arm to sit on the bench. In the shadows it was harder to see her pretty amber eyes, but surprisingly enough, he had them memorized.
“Yes, I really do.” Nolan grinned. “I have been in places before where I could feel the hair standing on the back of my neck and I knew I wasn’t wanted there. I never stuck around to ask or find out why.”
“It’s not just magic tricks, then?”
“Some places are rigged, but if there is a spooky history attached to a place, the energy from those who have died there will still linger. I’m pretty sure of it.”
“Do you think...” She paused and stood, leaning toward him as she placed her hand on his chest. “Do you think that ghosts can speak to us in dreams?”
He didn’t need to know the color of her eyes to realize she was being serious. The tone of her voice told him. “I don’t know, but anything is possible.”
She sighed and the corners of her mouth lifted. “Nolan, you have been so sweet. I’m so glad you’re here with me. Nobody else would have understood me... or made me feel like I wasn’t, umm... crazy.”
Curiosity grew inside him, and even though the moment had become cozy and he wanted to hold her, he also realized she needed him to listen. She needed him to understand. But why did she think she was crazy?
Just as he opened his mouth to ask, her cell phone chirped. She jumped away from him and pulled it out of her pocket to look at it. She frowned.
“Bailey is ready to go,” Nicole said, looking back at him. “I’ll tell her to meet us in the lobby unless... do you need to change or anythin’?”
“The temperature tonight is a bit lower than I anticipated, so I should grab my jacket just in case.”
Nicole’s thumbs flew across the screen as she texted her cousin. Before he knew it, Nicole had hooked her arm around his and they were heading back to the house. He adjusted her arm, pulling her closer. He really liked this. For now, it was good enough. He just hoped that she’d want to get to know him better... enough for a kiss, anyway.
EIGHT
“You told him you were a billionaire, didn’t you?” Bailey shot Nicole glares as they drove toward the restaurant. “Haven’t you learned anything from your past experiences with men?”
Nicole tightened her fingers around the steering wheel and kept her gaze on the road as she followed Nolan into Colorado Springs. “No, I didn’t tell him I was wealthy, but—”
“Then why are we going to a nice restaurant?” Bailey flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I can already tell you how this evening is going to go. We’ll all order the most expensive meal and then when he gets ready to pay, he’ll suddenly remember that he left his wallet back at the B&B. Then of course, you will volunteer to pay... which is what he’d planned all along.”
Nicole gritted her teeth so much lately she knew she’d have to schedule a dentist appointment soon. “You have it all wrong, Bailey. I told him my parents died and that I had to take over my father’s company.” She threw a glare at her cousin before watching the road again. “Company – as in singular. I didn’t tell him there were several companies. And all I said was that I signed papers. I mean really, how could he figure out I was rich after me sayin’ that?”
Huffing, Bailey folded her arms and faced the front. “He knows, I tell you. I’m never wrong about these things. He knows you’re rich and he’s going to take advantage of you just like those other guys you’ve dated.”
Nicole shook her head. “No, Bailey. Nolan is different. Not only that but, he’d already had reservations for this restaurant before he invited us to have dinner with him. If anythin’, he is the one who is wealthy.”
“Yeah, right.” Bailey snorted. “That’s why he’s staying at a rundown bed and breakfast when he could be staying in Colorado Springs at the Broadmont where my dad wanted us to stay.”
Nicole shook her head. “I’m sure there is a reason Nolan is stayin’ at the same haunted inn as we are. Maybe he doesn’t want people to think he’s rich, either.”
“Whatever. But don’t come crying to me when you realize I’m right.”
“Oh, believe me... I won’t.”
Bailey muttered something Nicole couldn’t understand. She really wished she could make Bailey like him – or at least approve of him. Perhaps she would have to build Nolan up in Bailey’s eyes somehow.
Bailey grumbled. “Daddy isn’t going to be happy with this at all.”
Inwardly, Nicole groaned. Her uncle was worse than Bailey when it came to putting Nicole on guilt trips. “Then don’t tell him. Besides, nothin’ is goin’ on between me and Nolan. We are just friends. In fact, he just might be richer than me.”
Bailey snorted again. “Not likely.”
“All I know is that Nolan is a nice guy. He’s cute and oh, those green eyes I could get lost in. I have a hunch that he’s hidin’ his true identity. I’d actually wondered if he’s not the one from Powers Enterprises...” She glanced at her cousin. “What if he is Aaron Powers?”
Bailey’s head snapped around so fast, Nicole was grateful it had been attached to her neck or she’d be picking it up off the floor. Bailey’s eyes were wide with wonder. “Are you sure?”
“I don’t know exactly, but whoever he is, he’s got money, and he’s definitely hidin’ somethin’.”
“Well,” Bailey’s voice changed drastically and dripped with sweetness, “you do have one week to get to know him during the tour. I suppose you can just have a fling.”
Nicole shook her head. Why wasn’t she surprised that saying that about Nolan would be the key to changing Bailey’s attitude?
Bailey was right, though. In a week’s time, Nicole and Nolan would part ways. It was probably for the best to not get too attached or make a huge impression on him. Whatever happened, she could not start imaging herself getting married to him. She should just enjoy the
time they had this week and not dwell on the worth of his bank account.
They reached the restaurant and parked beside Nolan. He jumped out of his car and hurried over to open Nicole’s door. She smiled, reassured that he was definitely raised a gentleman.
It surprised her that Bailey waited for him to open her door, too. Sadly, Bailey thought a man’s worth depended on how much he could spend on her.
Inside the restaurant was very elegant, reminding Nicole of the restaurants she and her cousin usually visited. It surprised Nicole that they were not entirely under dressed. Another thing that amazed her was that the maitre d’ rushed to Nolan with awe in his eyes as he tripped over himself to show Nolan and his guests to their reserved table.
“I’m sorry we’re a bit under-dressed,” Nolan said to the restaurant employee as they sat at their table.
“Don’t worry about it, sir,” the maître d’ said. “You and your friends are always welcome here.”
Curiosity nudged Nicole again. Usually people who knew how much money she had treated her like royalty, just as this employee was treating Nolan. Had she suspected correctly and that he was really the grandson of the billionaire, Jethro Powers?
During the meal, she kept her eyes on Nolan and watched to see if he had the traits of a wealthy person. So far, he showed a few of the signs: he wore newer style of clothes with big named brands, his cell phone was the top of the line, and he checked his utensils for smudges before using them. She actually grinned over that last one. She was relieved that she wasn’t the only one doing that.
The food was very delicious with an expensive price tag. The food she and Bailey had eaten last night for dinner certainly wasn’t this good. She and Nolan discussed the types of music they liked, and she was shocked and happy to know they shared the same opinions since classic rock was definitely the best.
The atmosphere was so relaxing. Not once had Bailey argued or whined. Nicole figured her cousin thought of Nolan as a billionaire, which was why she treated him differently... and acted differently.
The alarm on her phone chirped and she glanced down at it. “Oh, my... it’s almost eight o’clock. Where did the time go?”
Nolan leaned closer to her. “Are you excited for the cemetery?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Not me,” Bailey said. “I just don’t feel comfortable sneaking around graveyards at night. There’s no reason to disturb the dead. We must let them rest.”
“But some are not at rest.” Nolan set his fork on the table and leaned back in his chair. “Sometimes it takes the living to help the unrested move on to a better place.”
Bailey laughed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Oh, Nolan. You are so funny because you said it so seriously.”
“I happen to think this is a very serious issue.” He nodded. “Which is one of the reasons I wanted to go on this tour.”
Nicole’s heart softened as she gazed at his handsome face. He was definitely going to understand her fears... if or when she decided to tell him about them.
“Well, I don’t want to go. I don’t believe in this nonsense, anyway.” Bailey lifted a wine glass to her mouth and drank. “Hmm... This is the best wine I’ve tasted. I wonder where it’s from.”
Nolan puffed out his chest as he straightened. “One of the reasons I’d picked this restaurant is because they order their wine from Powers Enterprises, which happens to be my favorite winery.”
Nicole sucked in a quick breath. I’m right! This was Aaron Powers. She recalled when he’d mentioned he was the manager of a winery. Now she knew it was a play on words just like when she’d told him that she signed papers. But if he was engaged, why was he flirting with her? Perhaps Bailey had been correct in assuming he had called off his wedding.
“Powers’ wine?” Bailey batted her fake eyelashes at him, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “I’ve just decided this is my favorite wine, too.”
Nicole groaned under her breath. What were the odds Bailey would try to flirt with Nolan now? “You know,” Nicole touched her cousin’s arm, “you can take the car back to the B&B and I’ll go to the cemetery tour with Nolan.” She switched her gaze to him. “As long as that’s all right with you.”
His face brightened. “That would be wonderful.”
Bailey sighed dramatically. “I don’t know. Daddy would be very upset if he finds out I ditched you.”
“Who is goin’ to tell?” Nicole asked. “If you want to go hang out at that club up the street, go do that for a while. It’s a weeknight so I’m sure they won’t be open late. We will probably both be back around the same time.”
Bailey tapped the table and switched her eyes from Nicole to Nolan. “Don’t let anything happen to her,” Bailey pointed at Nolan, “or my daddy will personally come and hunt you down.”
He held his hands up in surrender. “I will guard her with my life, I promise.”
When the waiter brought their check to the table, Nolan pulled out his credit card and handed it to the restaurant employee.
“Nolan,” she said quickly, pulling out her own wallet from her purse, “I can pay for—”
“Absolutely not.” He gave her a wink. “This is my treat.”
Nicole couldn’t stop from giving Bailey an I told you so glare.
At the cars, Bailey gave Nicole a hug and whispered in her ear. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Nicole rolled her eyes. She had never been – and would never be – as free and easy as her cousin. “You have nothin’ to worry about.”
Nolan’s Jeep was a nicer drive than the car she’d rented, and she suddenly felt nervous around him. Dare she comment about his wedding and the rumors she’d heard? But then, she liked thinking of him as a regular man, just as he probably thought that way about her.
“If you get cold,” he said, “let me know and I’ll turn on the heater. I usually don’t use the heater in Arizona.”
“It’s not too bad in Austin,” Nicole replied. “But I do think we might need the heater on the way home.”
“I agree.” He paused and glanced at her. “So, I’ve noticed that Bailey treats you like you are a famous celebrity or that you are targeted by the mob. Am I missing something?” Nolan asked.
She hitched a soft breath. Apparently, he’d been watching her closely just as she’d been studying him. “I’m not famous or you would have known about me and no, I am not targeted by the mob.” She laughed. “I think it’s because her father protects me so closely and she feels that she has to as well.”
“I think Bailey will be happier by not coming with us to the cemetery. I don’t know if I could handle looking after two beautiful ladies.”
She laughed again. “Let me warn you now... I might get scared.”
“You are welcome to hold onto my arms, and bury your face in my chest.”
Just thinking about doing that made her heart pitter-patter faster. “What if you get scared?”
“Then you can protect me.” Nolan grinned. “Now would be a good time to set up a rule. We can’t be scared at the same time.”
Nicole nodded. “Deal.”
They reached the jailhouse and Nolan parked. He reached behind the seat and retrieved a flashlight. She was thankful that he had remembered to bring that. Her mind just hadn’t been on anything but her jittery nerves. In fact, she might not even be aware of seeing ghosts tonight if she couldn’t focus.
Suddenly, she remembered what she’d seen in the pictures she’d taken from this afternoon. She quickly pulled out her cell phone. “Look at what I found earlier.” She clicked to the photos and began scrolling. He leaned closer, peering at her phone. She inhaled his manly scent of wood. “When we were in the old courthouse, I took a quick picture of you and look, there is a starlight mark on the top of the picture. I’d heard that this bright mark meant that spirits were nearby.”
“You took a picture of me without me knowing?” Nolan smiled. “I’m flattered.”
To study the picture a little
better, he wrapped his fingers around the phone, and they covered Nicole’s fingers. Warmth from his body ignited a burning fire inside of her. She became breathless, but she couldn’t let him know her emotions acted this way every time he touched her.
“I...” she stammered a little. “I just wanted to remember the fun we had together.”
Nolan turned his head slightly until their gazes locked. His pleasant expression made her melt.
“I will always remember this trip. You are makin’ it more enjoyable than I thought possible,” she said softly.
There was an awkward silence in the Jeep as she wondered what to say next. In fact, no words were entering her mind. However, the one thing that she was thinking was absolutely crazy. It was too soon for their first kiss, wasn’t it?
NINE
It was dusk, and the longer Nolan sat staring at Nicole, the darker it would get. Not only that, they’d miss the tour. Being cozy and cuddly with her sounded more exciting, and yet she was really looking forward to the cemetery tour. It was important to think of her needs instead of kissing her right now.
“I have to agree.” He nodded. “I’ve never been on a more exciting trip in my life.” He opened the door. “Shall we go?”
“Definitely.”
It disappointed him when they reached the others and he hadn’t even tried to hold Nicole’s hand. He just hoped there’d be time for that later.
The tour guides took the group to the cemetery on top of a hill. Many old headstones stood up from the ground. A paper was given to each person, or if they were in pairs, only one paper was given to them. The guide explained that on each paper was a list of name and death dates of people who were in the cemetery. Everyone had to search for the headstones of these people.
When the guide came toward Nicole, she motioned to Nolan. “He’s with me.”
Nolan grinned, happy to know she wanted to pair off with him. He was handed the paper and then moved closer to Nicole. “Do you want to keep a hold of the names or the flashlight?”
“I’ll take the names.” She took the paper from him. “My hands might shake from nerves if I held the flashlight.”
The Billionaire's Setup Page 6
