They had reached the end of the road, and Cole could see only one car in the parking lot. It had to be hers. He wasn’t ready for his conversation to end.
“Do you want to go grab a cup of coffee?”
She laughed and held up the leash. “I think I’ll let you two get back to business. But thank you for walking me to my car.”
He took the leash from her hand. Cole wasn’t used to being shot down. Then again, asking her out when he had his dog with him wasn’t a smooth tactic either. Bear half sat on his foot and whined as they watched her get in her car and drive off. “Yeah buddy, I know. I’m an idiot.” Bear looked up at him and barked once. Great. I even have to hear it from you.
Sharma Lake rushed back to her apartment and locked the door behind her. When she was in the park she’d thought nothing of the danger, but on her way home, his warnings haunted her. She’d been talking and walking with a pure stranger. Anything could’ve happened to her.
It wasn’t as though she was ignorant to the dangers. God knows she’d treated people in the emergency room who’d suffered serious injuries at the hands of others. She also remembered treating her own friend, Rose, when she’d been attacked on the island. She needed to be cautious. If anything happened and she disappeared, no one except work would even notice until it was too late. She couldn’t allow herself to have such a lapse in judgement again.
Most likely nothing would’ve happened to her, but that handsome as heck stranger, Cole, came out of nowhere and ensured nothing did. She wasn’t sure if it was because Bear was so calm or the gentleness she saw in Cole’s eyes, but she didn’t fear him at all. That was odd because the rest of him screamed tall, dark, and dangerous. Sharma was sure he intimidated a lot of people. The effect he had on her was something totally different. Her hands trembled just thinking of him. She wanted to take him up on his offer to go for coffee for many reasons, but there was only one that prevented her from going. The way her body reacted to his eyes gazing on her. It excited and scared her all at the same time.
Sharma was already being pulled in so many directions. The last thing she needed was to add a physical attraction to someone here when she had no intention of making Quinton her permanent residence. She was working seven days a week. Before anything else happened in her life, she wanted to earn enough to pay back the money for nursing school. Even though they told her they didn’t want it and none of them needed it, she wasn’t going to rest until every cent was returned to them. When she returned to Marpe-Agape to work as a nurse, she wanted them to know it was because it was her dream and not because she felt she owed them.
Times like this she really wished she had a friend close by. Instead of being in her apartment by herself they could be sitting on the couch, sipping a glass of wine and chatting about what a handsome man Cole was and what he might look like underneath that bulky leather jacket. It sure would be a heck of a lot more enjoyable than what she had planned. A cup of herbal tea and hopefully sleep.
No matter how she looked at it, tomorrow promised to be a bit overwhelming. It wasn’t the work or hours she couldn’t handle. It was the drama. Ever since the run-down, abandoned hospital had been sold, the people in this town seemed to be divided. That included the staff at her hospital. There wasn’t a day that went by without at least one person reliving a memory of that place. She got it. They were having a hard time letting go. But when you’re in an emergency room environment, there is no room for distractions. And nurses in an uproar were more than she could handle.
She tried talking to them, making them see that change can sometimes be good. The only thing that accomplished was making her more of an outsider than she already was. This wasn’t her fight. All she could manage was to avoid conflict and do her job.
Sharma could empathize with them. There were plenty of things in her past she struggled with and hadn’t been able to let go. First having to say goodbye to the only man she’d ever loved. She was young at that time and thought they’d be together no matter what. That hadn’t been the case. When that ended she was forced to marry someone else. Even though she cared deeply for him they were more like best friends than lovers. If he hadn’t become ill and died so young, they’d still be married now, even though it wasn’t the type of marriage she’d have wanted. Her scars ran deep from losing the two of them. Sharma wasn’t sure she’d ever heal That didn’t mean she try to move on. It just was painful doing so. Knocking down a building that looked as though the wind could topple it was nothing in comparison. We’re so different. I don’t fit here. But what choice do I have?
Times like this made her wish she was back on Marpe-Agape. Although she loved being a nurse, she’d felt valued and appreciated more as a housekeeper on the island than she ever had at this hospital. They weren’t unkind, but this city was so close-knit that newcomers remained strangers for a very long time.
She wouldn’t trade places with any of them. They could be out enjoying the autumn foliage tomorrow instead of protesting the casino. She didn’t have the heart to tell them it was hopeless. From how they described Mr. Wright, the man was ruthless. He’d probably have them thrown in jail or run over with the bulldozer before he lost a penny on that deal. He’s someone I wouldn’t want to ever cross paths with.
Chapter Two
“You ready?” Jeffery asked as he entered Cole’s office.
“I don’t know why you’re so worried about this. It’s like you’ve lost your edge. Why?” Cole asked as he leaned back in his chair.
Jeffery took the seat opposite him. “You haven’t spent any time here.”
“And I don’t plan to either.”
“If you did, maybe you’d understand. Instead of eating your meals inside these four walls, you might want to eat in one of the local diners.”
“What exactly is that going to accomplish?” Cole had never seen Jeffery so concerned about building a new casino before. Something else was going on, and he needed to know what. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“You know how I had all the contractors set up?”
“Yes. What’s the issue?”
“Guess this city is standing strong together. Pepin Lumber called me this morning and said they wouldn’t be filling my order.”
“It’s a lumber yard. We’ve given them enough time. Of course they can deliver it.”
“Cole, I said they wouldn’t, not that they couldn’t.”
Cole stood up and between gritted teeth said, “You mean they’d walk away from this major business deal because—”
“Of principle. Yeah. Go figure. They’re not the only one either. No local contractors will work on the development.”
Cole ran his hand through his hair. In all his years he’d never seen people walk away from the kind of money he was offering. He’d done his research. These people couldn’t afford to dig in their heels and stand their ground. Not on something so futile as trying to save a dilapidated property that was beyond saving. They were acting as though he stole the property instead of paying more than what it was worth. “They’re idiots. This is happening one way or another. Bring in people from out of state if you have to. And be damn sure you have all the supplies ordered and on the way here by the end of the week.”
“That can be arranged. I just needed to make sure you still wanted to move forward with this.”
“I’ve invested my money in this. I’m not walking away because they want me to.” If anything, they’re only encouraging me more.
“Didn’t think you were, but I wanted you to know, this one isn’t going away as easily as you might hope.” Jeffery got up and headed for the door. “They are waiting for us in the conference room. And they have their lawyer with them.”
Cole didn’t need a lawyer. He knew everything he needed to know. This group didn’t have a leg to stand on. He’d humor them and listen to their demands then send them on their merry way. Empty-handed. Because they have no idea who they’re dealing with. “I’ll be there in a few minutes. I have a
call to make first.”
Jeffery turned and looked puzzled. “Calling for help?”
He shook his head. “Don’t need it.” Pulling out his cell, he started scrolling for Trent Davis’s number. “This is personal.”
Jeffery laughed as he walked out of the office. “Personal? Maybe that distraction is what is keeping you so damn calm through this. Make your call, because I think you’re going to need something after this meeting.”
Jeffery knew Cole well enough to know he didn’t get shaken by anything. He didn’t grow this into a multi-billion-dollar business by playing nice and making friends. But he was right about one thing. Sharma had the potential of being a sweet distraction. All he needed to do was find out who she was.
He hit call on his phone and Davis picked right up. “Davis here.”
“It’s been a long time.”
“Cole Wright?”
Trent didn’t forget anything. That’s what made him such a fierce negotiator and business shark. They’d gone head to head a few times on properties. Cole won some and lost some. He wouldn’t call Trent a friend, but he wasn’t an adversary either. They had a mutual respect for each other’s abilities.
“Yeah. I’m looking for some information on someone I think you know.”
“Who are you taking down this time?”
Cole laughed. “If it was an acquisition I was interested in, do you really believe I’d call you?”
“One could hope, but I’d miss the challenge of beating you to it on my own.” This time Trent laughed but both knew he wasn’t kidding. They weren’t keeping score; they’d each enjoyed the sweet taste of victory over the years. Trent wasn’t the tycoon he’d been before he became a family man, however he still wasn’t someone to piss off either. “So I take it this is personal.”
“Just need information, that’s all.” Cole wasn’t going into details, yet he wanted some. Trent could read between the lines, just like he could.
“What do you need?”
“Seems you know a woman named Sharma.”
“Sharma Lake? What about her?”
I knew I was right. All Cole needed to know was what their relationship was. He could take it from there. “How do you know her?”
Trent was quiet for a minute, and Cole knew he was contemplating sharing with him. That spoke volumes. “Before I answer that, I think you better explain why you want to know.”
“It’s personal.” And he wanted to keep it that way.
“Sharma is a friend of my sister, Rose.”
Cole had assumed the connection was Trent and totally forgot about the rest of the Davis clan. He’d never met the others, but he’d heard they weren’t as hard-ass as Trent was. Then again, most people weren’t. “She’s a nurse, right?”
“Yes. But why all the questions about Sharma? She’s not your type.”
“How would you know what my type is?” Cole snapped over the phone.
Trent laughed. “Because we’ve dated a few of the same women, or have you forgotten?”
Cole couldn’t forget. They hadn’t just competed in business. “Seems like you’ve settled down.”
“I have. But I haven’t heard the same about you. Sharma isn’t the type of woman you can bed and walk away from. She’s . . . genuine. And just so you know, my family treats her like family.”
“Meaning?”
“If you’re looking for someone to entertain you, look elsewhere. Because if you hurt her, you’ll have to answer to us.” There was nothing in his tone that hinted at a joke.
Trent could intimidate many people, but Cole wasn’t one of them. It was almost as though he was challenging him. He thought back to Sharma’s warm brown eyes and knew he didn’t want to hurt her either. That didn’t mean he didn’t want to see her again. “I’m not a complete asshole. Just tell me how to get in contact with her.”
“I don’t have her number, and I’m not sure I’d give it to you anyway. But I will tell you she works at the hospital in Quinton.”
Cole couldn’t believe that he hadn’t thought about that before. She’d mentioned she was a nurse. He should’ve put two and two together without calling Trent. Her name wasn’t a common one. The easiest thing would’ve been to call the hospital to check if she worked there. Of course, he’d have to use a name other than his own at the hospital. When he was thinking about her, he forgot all about the protesters. Unfortunately she was working at the one place where the majority of them were from. For all he knew, she was one of them. Reaching out to her would be futile.
“That’s all I needed. Thanks.”
“Cole, I’m serious. There’s a lot more to her than you see on the outside. If you’re not serious, stay the hell away.”
Knowing she had people out there who cared that much about her pleased him. Being on the other side of the warning wasn’t going over well. For now, he’d let it go, just like any thoughts of Sharma and him connecting again.
“I have no intention of seeing her.” That doesn’t mean I won’t.
“Somehow I don’t believe you. But if I’m right, you have your hands full with other matters.”
Cole knew the word had spread about the shit that was going down. It only intensified his desire to resolve this now. If he backed off for even a second, he knew it would ripple through all his future negotiations. There was always someone lurking, waiting for him to slip up and snatch the deal out from under him. Trent was on that list. “They’re a bit more persistent than most, but nothing to sweat about.” He could tell Jeffery felt otherwise.
“Damn shame. I had my eye on that property.”
You and a shitload of others. That was the only reason Cole had dished out the money he had. If he hadn’t, it would’ve been a bidding war. Time was crucial as far as getting this location up and open. “I’ll be happy to take your money when it’s open for business.”
“We’ll see about that.” Trent laughed before he hung up.
Cole slid his cell phone onto the desk and headed out of his office. He wouldn’t need to worry about any of it if he didn’t get his ass in that conference room. Even before he opened the door he could hear a bunch of women chewing out Jeffery. “Ladies, Mr. Wright will be here shortly. Your questions will be answered at that time.”
Jeffery was off the mark on that one. This was going to be a one-way conversation. He had all the facts, and they didn’t have a leg to stand on. He entered to find a room filled with nurses. The look on their faces said if he’d dropped to the floor from a heart attack, they might not be in a rush to save his life. He couldn’t help but scan the room searching for Sharma. There were at least forty of them, yet none was Sharma. He wasn’t sure if that pleased him or not. He wanted to see her, and she struck him as a woman who’d have been this passionate about saving the old hospital. Maybe that’s what was troubling her last night?
Cole could stand there for hours, thinking of Sharma, but right now he had a room full of people so consumed with anger they hadn’t even noticed he entered. One thing about him, he had no problem getting someone’s attention. He made a lasting impression, just not always a good one.
Slamming the door behind him, he watched as they turned, startled. And now we get this over with.
Sharma knew it was going to be a bad day from the moment she walked in to work. Most of the staff had called out so they could attend some stupid meeting. She made the mistake of telling a coworker they were wasting their time and should concentrate on something worthwhile. The coldness in the room had nothing to do with the drop in temperature. Any thoughts of fitting in and making friends there were shattered.
I have no idea why I even bothered. They weren’t ever going to listen to me. It was difficult. They not only looked at her as an outsider but also as a new nurse. It was as though she held absolutely no credibility with them. Back on Marpe-Agape she was respected, even as a housekeeper, and she was working for some of the richest, most powerful people in the world. Yet here I am, because I’m too stubborn
not to be.
She finished with the last patient who’d come in with a sprained wrist. The ER was quiet. Sharma grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down at the nurses station. It was just about time for the shift change. There was no way of knowing if anyone was going to show up to replace her. For now all she wanted was to enjoy this moment of silence.
The peacefulness was short-lived as the nurses started coming in, one by one, grumpier than before. There was no need to ask how the meeting went as the murmurs were half-filled with profanities. Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any worse. She just wanted to do her job, not be sucked into the local drama.
One of the youngest nurses, Tina, came up to her and said softly, “You were right. It was awful. The man was a complete ass.”
Sharma had worked long enough on Marpe-Agape to hear how Trent Davis did business. It sounded as though that’s how they all got what they wanted. Thankfully Trent met someone who softened him up a bit, but Sharma wasn’t fooled. Once a barracuda always a barracuda. She’d been tempted to call Trent and see if he had any insight as to who the jerk was that, without meaning to, was making her life hell. But reaching out was going to open up questions about when she was returning to the island. Since she had no definitive answer, she was avoiding them as much as possible. That wasn’t going to work for much longer, but right now they all bought her reply text message that she was tired from the long hours. Probably because it’s true.
Sharma didn’t want to crush any hope Tina might be holding on to even though she knew Tina had only gone to the meeting because her aunt and mother were nurses. They had made it clear Tina had to support them in their cause. “I didn’t want to be correct. I have a friend who is very familiar with this type of stuff. I was told no matter what you did, you were only prolonging the inevitable.”
Tina shook her head. “Mr. Wright didn’t let anyone speak. He entered and immediately rattled off a bunch of legal stuff. Before anyone could process what he was saying, he proceeded to inform us that if we truly cared about our community it would be best if we served them from the hospital instead of a jail cell. Can you believe it? He threatened to have us all locked up as trespassers if we step one foot on his property.”
The Billionaires Treat: Betting On You Series Novella: Book 7 Page 2
