Winter's Magic (Music City Hearts Series)

by Cynthia Gail

  “That’s why Brandon and I are so close. Why I trust him as a business partner.” He paused. “Look at me.”

  Beth turned her head and peered up into hesitant eyes.

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course I do. I haven’t always, but somehow you broke through all of my defenses.” She gave him a reassuring smile.

  “My natural charm,” he said.

  “You definitely have that. In fact, I’m probably number one hundred and one in the Nick Chester line of admirers.” She tried to sound casual, though she didn’t like the feelings that erupted when she thought about Nick with someone else.

  “The line is short, I assure you. I’ve gone out with very few women more than once. Thanks to Brandon, I’ve had more blind dates and setups than I can count. Even when I say never again, I always seem to get roped into going out with the next friend-of-a-friend. I still haven’t forgiven him for the last one about six months ago.”

  By the time Nick finished telling the story, Beth had forgotten about agendas and natural charm and thought she might fall off the couch.

  “I bet your ego took a month to heal. Any woman who could spend the entire dinner texting on her Blackberry, instead of paying attention to you . . .”

  “Good thing we were on a double date. Brandon’s girlfriend had to send her a text to find out if she wanted dessert.”

  “You’re exaggerating now.”

  “Not at all. Ask Brandon next time you see him at the office.”

  “Was she blind or just self-consumed?”

  “I didn’t ask. Just paid the bill and left the restaurant. Alone.”

  “With me in your life, at least you don’t have to worry about blind dates. You seem to have recovered quite nicely.”

  “Partially. I still feel bruised sometimes when I think about it.” He winked.

  She would console him all the way to her bedroom, where he’d taken advantage of her sympathy for several hours.

  As soon as she arrived in Atlanta, Beth went straight to the first salon, where she had an appointment for a facial and massage. According to her resume, Jennifer had graduated from beauty school eight years ago and been working at an upscale salon in Buckhead for six. Her husband recently accepted a transfer to the Nashville area.

  “Hello. I have a reservation with Jennifer. I’m Amy Reynolds.” Beth never gave her real name when evaluating a potential new employee. Anonymity gave her the benefit of a blind first interview, testing their skills in a non-stress environment. If she liked what she saw, she could quickly set up an official interview to discuss an actual job offer. If she didn’t, the awkwardness of not hiring the applicant evaporated.

  “Ms. Reynolds. Please follow me.”

  For the next two hours, Beth indulged in a luxurious pampering that rivaled the quality of her own salon’s services. Jennifer was an expert and pure professional. She would be an excellent asset.

  “Jennifer,” she said before going back to her dressing room. “I should tell you that my real name is Beth Sergeant. You sent a resume to La Bella Vita in Nashville last week.”

  The woman’s face turned white as she stared back, speechless. The shock quickly turned to a smile as Beth continued. “Would you have time tomorrow evening to meet me for dinner? I’d like to discuss you coming to work for me.”

  “Ms. Sergeant. I . . . I don’t know what to say.” She paused and then frowned. “I work late tomorrow. Is there any other time?”

  “What time do you get off tonight? I’m staying at the InterContinental. We could have dinner later this evening.”

  “I leave at six. I can be there by six-thirty if that works for you.”

  “Perfect. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

  One down, one to go, Beth thought as she gave her keys to the valet and entered the hotel through the large circling doors. Hopefully, Sherri’s haircut and color tomorrow would be just as satisfying. She was taking a risk, but could always drive home with a baseball cap and she had faith in her own stylist to fix anything that could possibly go wrong.

  The next evening, Beth returned to the hotel just fifteen minutes before the dinner reservation she needed to cancel. Plans had changed and she would be meeting Sherri, her second new employee, in the morning to finalize employment details and sign the contract. Waiting in line at the concierge, she phoned Nick. When her call went directly to voice mail, she remembered him mentioning a late meeting, followed by dinner with his grandfather.

  “Beth.”

  Pulled from her thoughts, Beth turned to find Troy standing just two feet away. And to think her day had gone so well.

  “I know I’m probably the last person on earth you wanted to run into,” he said.

  “Close.” She didn’t hold back the sarcasm she felt. After their confrontation at the ball, Troy had dropped even further down her respectability list.

  “I’m sorry about Saturday night. I had too much to drink. I was rude. I just wanted to talk to you for a minute.”

  Beth didn’t know how to handle an apology from Troy. He wasn’t the type to admit he’d ever done anything wrong. She eyed him, trying to read his face.

  Nothing.

  What was he doing here? Her curiosity and radar flared.

  “I have a few minutes. I was just getting ready to cancel reservations at Au Pied De Cochon. We can get a cup of coffee or a drink in the lounge.” Beth tried to keep her tone matter-of-fact. The cynic inside rarely believed in coincidences.

  “Keep the reservation. Let me buy you dinner.”

  “Troy . . .” Dinner was a far cry from just listening for curiosity’s sake.

  “Please. I promise. Just friends having dinner. You don’t have any other plans for the evening, do you?”

  She let out a resigned exhale. Having dinner with him was against her better judgment, but he was right–she didn’t have anything else to do. “All right. I buy my own dinner. And I’m not so sure we’re friends.”

  Troy held up his hands and laughed. “Agreed.”

  Nick’s stomach twisted as he answered the door. “Lauren. What are you doing here? I’m on my way out.”

  “I know I should have called first. I needed to see you and after our last conversation—”

  “You’re right.” He cut her off. “I probably wouldn’t have answered. So you thought showing up unannounced would be better?”

  Irritation flooded him. It was just like Lauren to circumvent everyone else’s feelings and do exactly what she wanted. Showing up on his doorstep crossed the line.

  He suddenly paused in his thoughts as Lauren moved further into the porch light. The red rims of her eyes were a stark contrast against the paleness of her cheeks. Even her hands betrayed a slight quiver. Startled, he stepped back and held open the door.

  “Come in. You look awful.” Still irritated, but tempered by her demeanor, he resigned himself to the situation. And for the first time in two days, he was relieved Beth wasn’t here with him. This impromptu visit would be hard to explain.

  Lauren sniffed and blotted her eyes with a Kleenex as she passed by him and continued to the living room. He couldn’t help staring as she sat down on the leather sofa and made herself comfortable. She kept her gaze lowered to her hands. How odd, having her back in his home. Everything felt wrong. She didn’t fit.

  “I don’t want to rush you, but I’m expected for dinner.”

  “I’m sorry.” She sniffed again. “I didn’t want to intrude. I just didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t go back to your office but I had to see you.”

  “Why?” He hated to sound so abrupt, yet if this was going to be a repeat of their last conversation, she needed to leave.

  She glanced up with pleading eyes full of unshed tears. A formidable difference from the Lauren everyone knew. The self-assured, eat the dust off my shoes, attitude she was known for had been replaced with a brokenness that began to nudge at his conscience.

  “I’m pregnant, Nick.”

  He felt hi
s legs go numb as he sat in a chair across from her. His vision blurred. He could barely breathe against the vise squeezing his chest. His mind raced between ‘this can’t be happening’ and the tears streaming down her face he now knew were real.

  They had always been careful. Even though she’d insisted that her birth control was enough, he’d always used protection. And they’d only been together a few times before breaking up just over a month ago.

  He didn’t know where to begin. Eventually, he asked the question. “How far along are you?”

  “About eight weeks.”

  “There’s no doubt?”

  “I took two different tests. And before you ask, I know the baby’s yours.”

  She watched him expectantly. He had no idea what to say. She’d read his mind, but he wouldn’t apologize for the thought.

  “Have you seen a doctor?”

  “I have an appointment Tuesday afternoon.” Her words were almost a whisper as the tears began to flow faster.

  “I’m going with you.”

  Lauren shook her head. “It’s just a preliminary—”

  “If I’m the father, I’m going to be there.” He wouldn’t give in on this one.

  He went to the kitchen and returned with a box of tissues. Sitting next to her on the couch, he tried to blot the corner of one eye.

  “I’m so scared, Nick.”

  “Shh.” He put his arm around her. “Everything’s going to be all right. We’ll figure this out.”

  “I need you. Daddy’s barely spoken to me since we broke up. He knows it was all my fault. And now this.”

  Lauren leaned into his shoulder, his shirt soaking up the tears that continued to fall.

  “Who knows about the baby?”

  “Nobody, except my family.”

  “Let’s keep this between us until Tuesday, then. We’ll figure out what to say after we make sure everything is okay and we know more.”

  “I’m sorry, Nick.” Lauren hiccupped and lifted her head to blow her nose. “I love you. If you can just forgive me and give us another chance?”

  Hearing the doorbell, Beth laid down the mixer and hurried to the front door. She couldn’t wait to throw herself into Nick’s arms. Leaving another voice mail after dinner and again this morning, she didn’t know what time to expect him. He was busy, but he must have missed her, too, because he was early.

  She flew open the door, then caught herself. “Oh!” “Ms. Sergeant?” the young woman asked. Her nametag read Mary from Main Street Florists.

  “They’re absolutely beautiful.” Beth’s disappointment in not seeing Nick was slightly subdued when she saw the beautiful red vase full of white roses.

  “If you can sign here.” Mary handed her a clipboard and pen.

  She quickly signed her name, then exchanged the paperwork for the vase. “Thank you.”

  “I hope you enjoy.”

  Beth closed the door and went back to the kitchen. Placing the vase on the island, she read the card.

  Thank you for dinner. I can’t wait to see you again.

  He might not be thankful once he tasted it. She’d been so distracted making his favorite brownies that she’d cracked too many eggs and had to start over. The roast and potatoes in the oven were probably safe, but she might want to rethink her first attempt at homemade cornbread.

  She smiled and headed to her room to unpack. Maybe they would just skip dinner.

  It was eight o’clock by the time Nick arrived. Beth tried not to be irritated. She knew he had long days and a demanding job. But he hadn’t returned any of her calls and eight was late even by his standards.

  Her annoyance evaporated when she opened the door and saw how tired he looked. She didn’t wait for him to come inside, just reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kissing him with the anticipation she’d kept bottled all afternoon.

  She must have caught him off guard, because he hesitated. When she leaned back, his face was pained with an anguish she didn’t understand. Before she could speak, he crushed her against him, taking her mouth with an urgency that had her struggling for breath.

  She heard the door close as they moved into the living room, where he lifted her onto his lap. The frenzy softened as she relaxed into him. His tongue dipping into her mouth, one tender stroke after another.

  Nick eventually drew back and cradled her head against his chest. Nestled within his arms, she was exactly where she’d ached to be all afternoon. She loved feeling the shear strength of his body. The cocoon that surrounded her so perfectly. Then she remembered the hurt in his eyes and the moment was tainted.

  “Nick?” she asked.

  “Just let me hold you.”

  A chill ran up her spine as she waited for Nick to loosen his grip. Patience wasn’t one of her strongest virtues, so she forced herself to remain still until he relaxed and let out a long sigh.

  Tilting her head back, she saw him staring into space. She reached up and stroked his cheek with her hand. “I missed you.”

  When he didn’t respond, she tried again. “You probably didn’t expect me to tackle you at the front door.” Her feigned laugh broke the ice and his head turned.

  “That’s one of the many things I love about you. I never know what to expect.” His eyes didn’t meet hers, and she could see the tightness in his jaw as he smiled.

  She slowly slid off his lap to sit next to him as a wave of nausea rose up through her chest. Pacing always helped to clear her mind, but she remained seated, holding her hands together to stop the sudden trembling.

  “I don’t know where to start.” Nick rose to his feet and ran a hand through his hair. He only took a few steps before turning back and sitting down again. Reaching for her hands, he held her gaze as his thumbs began a random caress of her knuckles. “You know I would never intentionally hurt you.”

  She could only nod, trying to control the burning behind her eyes as she waited for him to continue.

  “Lauren came by my house last night.”

  She tried to jerk her hands away, but Nick held tight.

  “It’s not what you think. I would never betray you.”

  “Then what?” She could barely squeak out a whisper. Her lungs struggled to take in enough air. “Please, just tell me.”

  “She’s pregnant.”

  Beth could see Nick’s mouth continuing to move, but the beating in her chest drowned out the words.

  She tugged at her hands and this time he let her go. She rose and crossed to the other side of the room. Turning her back on him, she stared at the ceiling, willing the tears not to fall as anger began to rise.

  For the first time in her life, Beth wanted to hurt someone. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. After everything she’d been through in the past, how could life be so cruel?

  She didn’t hear him approach, but felt his strong arms come around her. The gentle touch was her undoing. A storm of tears began to fall and she turned into him. She shouldn’t let him comfort her. She would pay for this later. Though, the situation couldn’t get any worse.

  This was goodbye. The man she loved was no longer hers and neither one of them had a choice. A baby was the one thing Nick wouldn’t turn away from. It would tie him to Lauren for life. He would marry her and do whatever he had to to make things work.

  For his child.

  Beth gathered herself enough to step away.

  “I wish you would talk to me,” he said.

  She didn’t look at him. Couldn’t let herself even glance up until the quiver in her lip went away.

  “I need a glass of water.” Beth left the living room and hurried toward the kitchen as if the stove was on fire. Grabbing a clean glass from the cabinet, she poured fresh cold water from the refrigerator door and took a drink.

  “I love you,” he said.

  So, it could get worse.

  She tried to tell herself that his words didn’t matter. She had learned a long time ago that love wasn’t always enough.

  �
��Please don’t say that,” she said.

  “Why? Can you honestly say you don’t love me, too? I’ve seen it in your eyes. I feel it when you’re with me.”

  She laid down the glass and turned to face him. “Don’t make this harder than it already is. Please.”

  Nick’s attention suddenly shifted to the vase of roses and the card lying on the counter. “Lauren told me you had dinner with him last night. I didn’t believe her.”

  Beth closed her eyes and tried to ignore the cold sweat that washed over her. She’d been so stupid. She had believed Troy when he’d apologized. Not just for the scene at the ball, but for everything. Their break up three years ago. His judgments about opening the salon.

  She’d let herself relax at dinner. Accepted his story about being in town for business. It was a popular hotel—she’d run into people she knew before. There had been no reason to think he wasn’t serious about burying the past.

  Now that she read the card in her mind again, she inwardly cursed for not realizing sooner.

  When Beth opened her eyes, Nick was waiting. The lines on his face had grown harsh and his blank stare tore at her chest.

  “It was nothing,” she said.

  “The note would indicate otherwise.”

  “I did go to dinner with him last night. At the hotel restaurant. He wanted to make amends. Call a truce.” Her voice broke as the tears began to fall again. “I was stupid to believe he was sorry for the way he treated me.” She motioned to the flowers. “I thought these were from you.”

  She barely got the last few words out before Nick took her face in his hands. “I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing. He can’t have you.” He pressed his mouth to hers with a sensual caress that made the room spin.

  Her body betrayed the reality her mind had already acknowledged and for a moment, she kissed him back. He was right. She couldn’t hide her true feelings. She wanted him. She loved him. But she couldn’t . . .

  “Nick,” she murmured against his lips.

  He wasn’t listening.

  “Nick. Please stop.”

  He did, without letting go.

  “I love you, Beth. I don’t know what’s going to happen with all of this, but I need you.”