Falling for You: Clean Contemporary Romance (A Pine Ridge Romance Book 3)

by Holly Stevenson

  This was exactly why it was a mistake to fall for her boss. Instead of being excited to head into work, she was filled with dread. What must he think of her? Things were sure to be awkward between them. She groaned aloud and rubbed her temples. Pull it together, Liv. She had an amazing job, and she wouldn’t let her personal feelings get in the way of giving it her best. Besides, Nolan would likely be in his office, or busy with meetings, and she might not even run into him.

  Her phone dinged with a text as she pulled into the employee parking lot at the resort, and she checked the screen. Guilt stabbed her when she saw that it was from Trent. She hadn’t given him more than a passing thought since he’d left for his race. Not even when she’d considered the reasons why she couldn’t date Nolan. It was time to be honest with herself and with her boyfriend. She read the text.

  Hey, babe. The Austin race was sweet, wish you could have been there. I should be home tonight. Want to meet up?

  She flinched, knowing what needed to be done.

  I’m glad the race went well, she replied. Yes, text me when you get back into town and we’ll plan a time to meet.

  He sent her a thumbs up emoji and she set her phone in her purse, already feeling lighter for making the decision. She took a deep breath and got out of the car, choosing to focus on the positive—as Hope Sullivan always encouraged in her yoga videos. Today was going to be rough, but the mild autumn sunshine and blue sky magnified the beauty of the vibrant leaves around her. She could do this. She just had to take it one moment at a time.

  Olivia shouldered her purse and walked toward the resort entrance, stopping short when she saw Nolan coming from the opposite direction, heading her way. He looked up, his face registering surprise when he saw her. She blushed, but refused to make things awkward. “Good morning,” she called, donning a cheerful smile as she waited for him to catch up. “Long time, no see.”

  “Yeah.” He reached her, returning the smile. “I hope you slept well?” His expression was polite, but indifferent. If he was rattled, he hid it well.

  Olivia’s heart sank, but she ignored it. This was good. Much better than if things were awkward. “I slept well enough.” If you counted no sleep as ‘enough.’ She forced her smile brighter. “What’s on your agenda for today?”

  “Actually, I’m glad I ran into you.”

  Her lungs squeezed. “You are?”

  “Yes.” He kept his gaze straight ahead as they entered through the main doors. “Savannah is on her way here. She wants to see the ballrooms and other wedding-related facilities, and she’d like to go over the calendar with you.”

  “Oh, okay . . . that’s great,” she said, feeling tightness in her chest. He’d been talking to Savannah. That’s how it was supposed to be. But that didn’t make the knowledge sting any less. She tucked the pain away, knowing she would have to get good at hiding it, just like she’d become good at hiding her true identity. When had her life become such a façade?

  “Your office was finished over the weekend. Would you like to see it?” he asked.

  She blinked. “I get my own office?”

  “Of course.” He glanced at her sideways as they continued through the lobby toward the management offices. “With the amount of time you’ll be spending planning and overseeing the various events, you’ll need an office. Plus, I wanted you to have a place to meet with potential clients.”

  “Wow. Thanks.” His explanation made sense, but she was still surprised to get her own office. Having a small space of her own would be far superior to toting a laptop to the employee breakroom every day.

  “It’s just down this hall, fourth door on the right,” he explained.

  Was she imagining it, or was he walking faster than normal? She tried not to read too much into that fact. He was likely busy and in a hurry to get to the next item on his agenda. He wasn’t rushing to get away from her as soon as possible—probably. She cringed at the thought, doing her best to keep up in her heels.

  Nolan stopped outside a door with a frosted window in the top with the words ‘Event Planner’ printed across it. “This is it,” he said, opening the door and gesturing for her to go inside.

  “It’s so nice and official-looking,” she said, nodding at the title. “Is this really just for me?”

  “Yes.” He smiled and it almost reached his eyes. “What do you think?”

  She stepped in and her jaw dropped. This was not the small, tucked away space she’d imagined. There was a large window with a view of the mountains and a good-sized teak desk with a sleek new computer monitor sitting on top. Matching teak shelves adorned the wall opposite the window, with plenty of room to make the space her own. She turned to Nolan wide-eyed. “This can’t be right.”

  “You don’t like it?” His expression fell.

  She shook her head. “No, I mean it’s too nice. This can’t be my office.”

  The crease between his brows disappeared. “I’m glad you like it. Make the place your own. The extensions for the different departments are on that card by your phone, so if you have any questions, that’s a good resource, or you can always ask Jasmine.”

  “Thanks.” It wasn’t lost on her that he wasn’t offering for her to contact him if she needed anything. But he was busy managing the resort. Of course he didn’t have time to answer her every question.

  He nodded and took a step toward the door. “Good luck setting up.” He checked his watch. “Savannah should be here any minute. I’ll make sure she knows where to find you.”

  Olivia swallowed and managed a weak smile. “Great.” Savannah had her cell number and could reach out to her personally. In fact, she was a little hurt that she hadn’t already texted to say she was coming. It all went through Nolan now so they had an excuse to talk to each other. The idea of wanting them to get together was so much easier said than done.

  “See you around,” Nolan said. The briefest hint of regret touched his eyes before he gave her a curt nod and left the room.

  “See you,” Olivia said to the empty space where he’d been. The faint scent of his cologne lingered in his absence, like a cruel specter determined to torture her. You’ll get through this. Focus on the positive. She put her hands on her hips and straightened as she looked around her new office. It was a beautiful space to work in, and she couldn’t wait to personalize it. She moved around the desk to turn on the computer. The first order of business would be to pull up the spreadsheets she’d stored online and make sure everything was on schedule for the grand opening.

  Maybe she didn’t have a personal life to speak of, but that only meant she had more time to devote to her job. Making sure guests had an unforgettable experience on their vacation was satisfying work, and she would give it her best. Nolan would be blown away by the amazing things she had planned. Wait. She scowled and slapped her forehead. No. More. Thinking. Of. Nolan.

  “Everything all right, Liv?” Savannah asked, frowning as she leaned against the door frame.

  Olivia jumped and dropped her hands. “Savannah, you startled me.”

  “Sorry.” She stepped into the room, looking obnoxiously pretty in a silk ivory blouse, tailored black slacks and black heels. Her raven hair and piercing blue eyes were striking, and she always managed to make an entrance without even trying. “You look upset, is something the matter?”

  “No,” Olivia said a little too quickly before relaxing her shoulders. “No. I’m just stressed about getting everything ready for the grand opening.” It was true—maybe not the whole truth, but it wasn’t a total lie. She smiled. “Nolan said you wanted a tour of the ballrooms and to go over the calendar with me. I’m glad you could make it in today—I thought you had a wedding this week to get ready for.”

  Savannah shrugged and inspected her nails. “It’s a busy week, but I make time for the things that matter to me.”

  Olivia stared. Savannah’s work always came first. If she was willing to take a break from her busy schedule to see Nolan, she liked him more than Olivia re
alized.

  Savannah’s lips curved slightly, as if she was hiding some private joke. “So, you already talked to Nolan this morning?”

  “Yes. He just left a few minutes ago.” Olivia kept her expression neutral, but it took effort. She was wrong to think she could play any part in getting them together. She couldn’t do this. Talking to Savannah about Nolan was too painful. She changed the subject. “How do you like my new office? I had no idea I was getting one, and I’m still recovering from the shock.”

  “It’s beautiful, and you deserve it.” Savannah gave her a warm smile. “You’re going to be an amazing event planner, Liv. I’m so excited to get to work with you.”

  Olivia’s stomach twisted with guilt. Here she was resenting Savannah when she should be happy for her. It was time to remedy that. She stepped forward and gave her a hug. “I’m excited to work with you too,” she said, pulling back to smile at her friend. “And I can’t wait to show you the ballrooms. Are you ready?”

  “Absolutely.” She nodded. “Ever since I saw the pictures, I’ve been dying to get a peek for myself. Sharon wanted to come with me, but she got tied up in a catering debacle for a big client. I swear nothing used to ruffle that woman’s feathers, but the closer she gets to retirement, the more frazzled she seems.” Savannah frowned. “For example, today when I hinted that I wanted to take over the company when she retires, she nearly dropped the vase of flowers she was holding. It was so unlike her.”

  Olivia arched an eyebrow. “That does seem strange—the fact that you only hinted that you wanted the job, I mean—not the part about her seeming flustered,” she teased. Savannah wasn’t known for her delicacy.

  “Rude!” She glared, trying to look offended but unable to hold back a smile. “Are you suggesting that I can’t be subtle?”

  Olivia gave her a look, choosing not to answer the question directly. “What I’m suggesting is that if Sharon doesn’t already know you want the company and that you’re the perfect one to take her place, then maybe she needs a less-than-subtle hint. You’re the best wedding planner she has, and the obvious choice.”

  Savannah batted her eyelashes in an exaggerated way and lifted her palm. “It’s true. I am perfect for it. What am I worried about?”

  Olivia laughed and took her arm. “You know what I love about you?”

  “My charismatic charm and lively wit?”

  “Your humility,” Olivia chided, bumping her in the side. “Come on. Let’s go see those ballrooms.”

  They chatted about the various aspects of hosting weddings at the resort until they reached the hallway with the ballrooms. Savannah stopped in the hallway and took everything in with a sweep of her well-trained eye. “It’s certainly grand enough for weddings, but how will we avoid the chaos of mingling wedding guests with resort guests?” She pressed her lips together, thinking. “I want to be able to preserve the magic of these weddings without the distraction of vacationers looking on.”

  “That’s why this hallway is clearly marked and set apart from the rest of the resort,” Olivia explained. “The outside access will also be helpful, so you can funnel the wedding guests through there.” An idea she’d been contemplating bubbled to the surface. “It’s just an idea . . . but I was thinking about suggesting to Nolan a separate building, apart from the main resort, designed specifically for weddings and other special events. There is property for it, and I can picture a lovely structure with windows on nearly all sides, with fantastic views of the trees and mountains.” She clasped her hands in delight just thinking about it.

  “That would incredible,” Savannah agreed. “But you’re talking a significant cost.”

  Cost. Olivia did need to work on thinking about costs and budgets. Growing up, money had been no object when it came to entertaining. Parties were lavish and her mother spared no expense. Olivia wasn’t that extreme, but she did need to learn how to be more practical when it came to some of her scheming. She would run the idea past Drew. This resort was his project, after all.

  “Nolan would have to take an idea like that to the board for approval,” Savannah continued. “Although, I have a feeling he can be persuasive,” she gave Olivia a small smile, “so maybe it’s worth a shot.”

  Olivia crashed back to reality and the sick feeling returned to her stomach full force. She swallowed and looked at the floor. “You seem to know him pretty well for only having been on a few dates together.”

  Savannah took her arm again, leaning close as if this was the topic she’d been waiting to discuss. “It doesn’t take long to get a read on someone like Nolan. He’s incredibly sincere, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

  Olivia nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Instead she led Savannah into the grand ballroom, ready for the reveal. “What do you think?” she asked, sweeping her arm wide.

  “I think it’s perfect,” Savannah said simply. “It will suit our purposes well.” She let go of Olivia’s arm and turned to face her, her eyes alive with an eager interest. “But back to Nolan, don’t you think he’s the most considerate guy you’ve ever met?”

  Olivia’s face went slack. Her mouth dropped open but no sound escaped. She’d just revealed the most important room—the room Savannah had been “dying” to see, and all she could talk about was Nolan? This was serious. And it was seriously painful.

  “Well?” Savannah pressed. “Isn’t he?”

  Olivia nodded slowly, feeling her pulse pounding in her ears. Yes, Nolan was sincere and considerate and achingly handsome. His hazel eyes pulled her in and melted her all at the same time. His slightest touch caused her knees to tremble and the sound of his voice sent delicious shivers down her spine. He was perfect. So perfect. Of course Savannah would fall for him. No one could be blind to his irresistible charm.

  Savannah tipped her head, waiting for her to answer. Olivia turned away, not wanting her friend to read her thoughts. “Yes, he’s very considerate,” she said, her voice coming out small. She straightened and turned to the wall of windows boasting views of the mountains. “Isn’t this a gorgeous backdrop?” she asked, silently begging her friend to drop the talk about Nolan.

  “It’s fabulous,” Savannah agreed, turning to take in the view. She paused and gave Olivia the side-eye. “How are things with Trent?”

  Olivia flinched. Argh! Why couldn’t Savannah gush over the ballroom and talk about wedding planning like she was supposed to, instead of bringing up topics Olivia least wanted to talk about? “He gets home tonight,” she said, preparing to turn the conversation back to weddings, but Savannah faced her straight on.

  “That’s not what I asked.” She gave Olivia a probing look. “How are things between the two of you?”

  Olivia let out a deep exhale, allowing her shoulders to drop. It was no use. Savannah clearly wasn’t going to let it go, so she might as well get it over with. She twisted her hands. “Things . . . aren’t going great,” she admitted. “I’ve been realizing more and more that Trent and I aren’t right for each other. I’m planning to break up with him tonight when he gets back.”

  “Oh, Liv.” Savannah frowned in sympathy and gave her a hug. “I’m sorry. I know this must be painful.” She pulled back, searching her face. “But can I tell you that I’m relieved to hear it? He’s a good guy, but he wasn’t right for you.”

  “I know.” She sighed, relieved for having said the words out loud. “I think I was just lonely, so it took me a while to recognize that.” With Drew finding his special someone, she’d been scared to be left alone. But it was better to be on her own than with the wrong person. And besides, she had Gran. She’d always thought she’d have Savannah as an unattached friend too, but that wouldn’t be the case for long. Not with the way she kept bringing up Nolan. The throbbing in her heart made her breathless.

  Savannah’s eyes tightened, misreading her pained expression. “Don’t worry. Trent wasn’t right for you, but there’s someone out there who is. Someone who is your perfect match and who will adore you. In fact,”
she paused, taking a step back, “maybe it’s someone you already know, but just haven’t paid him much attention because you were already in a relationship.”

  Olivia’s brows pulled together. That sounded awfully specific. Savannah was forever playing matchmaker, and she was horrible at it. The last guy she’d set Olivia up with was an anime fanatic and socially backward—to put it mildly. She pointed a finger at her. “Savannah Sherwood, don’t tell me you’re already thinking about who you want to set me up with. Someone I know? Who is it? Larry at the corner market?” She shook her head emphatically. “I appreciate the thought, but I’m done dating for a while. I need a break from the heartache and drama.”

  “Okay.” Savannah shrugged, clasping her hands innocently in front of her. “We’ll see.”

  Olivia narrowed her eyes. She knew that look, and it wasn’t good. “I mean it, Savannah,” she said. She wasn’t interested in dating—at least, not in dating anyone who wasn’t Nolan.

  “We’ll see,” Savannah repeated with a mischievous grin before turning to examine the rest of the ballroom.

  Olivia swallowed. If Savannah had any idea who she really pined for . . . She closed her eyes, pushing thoughts of Nolan from her mind. Savannah would never know. Olivia would see to that.

  Chapter 18

  Nolan’s thoughts were in a daze as he sat through yet another meeting. The grand opening was a week away, and he needed to get his head in the game. But all he could think about was Olivia.

  He’d texted Savannah last night, sick with disappointment after the painful conversation with Olivia. Savannah had reassured him that he was mistaken about her feelings, and she cleared her schedule to come on the tour with Liv today to get more intel. They’d planned to meet in his office at noon, which was in five minutes. Five torturous minutes. He kept glancing at the clock, willing the time to go faster.

  “Everything all right, McGrath?” Fred, his assistant manager asked.