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

by Holly Stevenson

  “Hm? Yes, everything’s fine,” Nolan said. His neck flushed under his collar as the housekeeping staff gathered around the conference table stared at him. “I just, uh—have a lot on my mind.”

  “That’s putting it mildly.” Fred regarded him. “You’ve been pushing hard to get ready for this opening. We’re almost done here, and I can handle this. Why don’t you go take a few minutes?”

  “Thanks. I think maybe I’d better.” Nolan gave him an appreciative nod and pushed back from the table, offering his vote of confidence in the housekeeping staff before exiting the conference room. He loosened his tie as he made his way to his office, his pulse pounding hard. What if Savannah confirmed that Olivia wasn’t interested in him? What if she was in love with Trent? Savannah’s conviction that Liv had feelings for him had allowed him a sliver of hope, and he couldn’t take another blow to his heart if she was wrong.

  “Oh, Mr. McGrath,” Jasmine called as he passed the front desk. “I have a message for you from Charlie about parking for the grand opening—”

  He waved a hand, cutting her off as he kept walking. “Sorry, I’ve got a meeting. Forward it to me, will you?”

  “Of course, sir,” she answered, giving him a puzzled look.

  He felt bad. He never interrupted his staff members, but he couldn’t handle one more piece of information in his brain at the moment. Not until he heard from Savannah. He strode to his office, determined to take the news like a man. If he could just be certain where he stood with Olivia—that there was no possible chance she returned his feelings—he could let go and move on. He opened the door to his office to find Savannah seated in the chair across from his desk.

  She checked her watch and raised an eyebrow. “You’re early.”

  “I couldn’t focus,” he admitted, closing the door behind him. The normal thing to do would be to take the seat at his desk, facing her. But he couldn’t sit. He had to take this news standing. If Savannah confirmed he didn’t have a chance, he would walk straight back out the door and bury himself in work.

  “I bet you couldn’t.” She sighed and shook her head. “It’s a good thing I came today. You two are hopeless. You probably would have gone on for weeks, heartsick and ridiculous if I hadn’t intervened.”

  His lungs tightened, making it difficult to speak. “What do you mean? What did you find out?”

  Savannah’s smirk faded and she kept her expression impassive. She stood and crossed her arms. “Only that Olivia no longer has feelings for Trent and plans to break up with him tonight.”

  Nolan’s heart leaped in his chest. “She told you this? You’re sure?”

  She nodded. “Positive.”

  “Yes!” He punched the air, feeling light enough to fly. He took Savannah by the shoulders, unable to hold back his grin. “This is the best news I could have hoped for. It means I have a chance. Thank you, Savannah, I’m so grateful you interfered.”

  She laughed. “I don’t know that I’ve ever been given that particular thanks before, but you’re welcome. I can see that you’re ready to run out the door and find Liv, but I recommend you wait.”

  “Wait?” he repeated, dropping his hands. How was he supposed to wait when he was aching to see her? “I won’t say anything about what you told me,” he assured, then paused. Savannah only said that Olivia planned to break up with Trent—that didn’t mean she was interested in him. It only meant she would be available. “You think she doesn’t return my feelings?” he asked, holding his breath as he waited for her answer.

  Savannah rolled her eyes. “Oh, she has feelings for you all right. Just give it a few days so she can process the breakup before you come swooping in,” she gave him a pointed look, “and I do mean ‘swoop.’ Find a way to be alone with her and sweep her off of her feet.” She grinned and handed him her business card. “And then you can thank me properly by letting me plan your wedding.”

  He laughed and shook his head as he lifted the card. “You really are confident in your matchmaking skills, aren’t you?”

  She winked and shouldered her purse, opening the door to let herself out. “Helping people find their happily ever after is what I do,” she said before checking her watch. “Speaking of which, I’ve got to run, or I’ll have a bridezilla on my hands.” She smiled. “Good luck, Nolan.” She pointed at him. “And remember, when the timing is right—don’t rush it.”

  “I’ll try.” He nodded, the grin staying on his face long after she’d left the room, but he couldn’t help it. Olivia was breaking up with Trent. It was all he could do to keep from shouting from the rooftops. The sound of heels clacking down the tiled hallway came moments before Olivia passed by his office. His heart lurched and he couldn’t stop himself. “Olivia,” he called.

  The heels stopped. There was a pause before she peered through the open doorway with a stoic expression on her gorgeous face. “Did you need something?”

  Yes. You. He cleared his throat and gestured for her to come in. Savannah recommended that he avoid looking for her, but technically he hadn’t. She’d come to him—even if he’d cheated by calling her in. “Do you have a minute?” He wouldn’t bring up anything personal, but he couldn’t resist an excuse to be near her.

  She nodded, but seemed reluctant to enter his office. “I’ve got a call coming in from Omni Tech. They’re interested in doing a corporate event here, but I can spare a minute.”

  Her velvet brown eyes looked everywhere but at him. He took a deep breath, hoping Savannah was right about Olivia’s feelings. The angle of her posture and set of her mouth said she couldn’t wait to get out of here. He ran a hand along the back of his neck. “I’ll be brief. I just wondered how the tour with Savannah went. Were you able to go over the calendar with her?”

  “She was just in here,” her gaze finally met his, leveling him with a cool look, “didn’t she fill you in?”

  Nolan shifted. She must have seen Savannah leaving his office. “Oh . . . right. I should have asked her, but we were busy discussing other things.”

  “I see.” A flurry of emotions passed across her face before she blinked and resumed the mask. “To answer your questions, she’s happy with the venue, and yes, we did go over the calendar.” Olivia clutched the folder she carried against her chest and looked away again. “We have two weddings already booked for December, and I’ve added those dates to the resort event calendar for you to reference.”

  “Excellent. Thank you.” He tried to get her to look at him, yearning to have her smile the way she used to, but finally gave up when she wouldn’t make eye contact. “You’re doing a great job,” he said. “I won’t keep you from your phone call, but when you get another minute, I’d like to discuss the activities you have planned for the opening to make sure we have everything in place.”

  “Certainly. I’ll wait to hear from you.”

  Gah. He hated the formal way she was talking to him. But he couldn’t expect her to be lighthearted and happy when she was planning to break up with her boyfriend. Savannah was right, he just needed to give her some space to process the ending of that relationship. He slid his hands into his pockets. “I’ll be in touch.”

  She nodded and left the room, the sound of her heels moving down the hallway faster than before. He leaned on his desk, ignoring the disappointment sinking through him like a stone. Just give her some time, he reminded himself. Give her a few days to get through this and then you can work to win her heart.

  His work phone rang and he picked it up, answering a bit more gruffly than he intended. “Yes?”

  “Sorry, Mr. McGrath,” Jasmine said, “but I’ve got Charlie on the line about the parking situation. Shall I ask him to call back later?”

  “No, go ahead and patch him through.” Nolan pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. Thank goodness for this grand opening so he could lose himself in work. Otherwise, he’d lose his mind obsessing over a certain beautiful brunette in the office just down the hall.

  Chapter 19

/>   “Okay, sis, what’s with the pacing?” Drew asked, grabbing Olivia’s arm as she made another pass by the kitchen counter.

  She blinked, unaware that she’d been moving. “Sorry. Was I bothering you?” She bit her thumbnail. Trent would be knocking on the door at any moment.

  He frowned. “You only bite your thumbnail when you’re nervous. What’s up?”

  She dropped her hand, debating whether or not to tell Drew, but before she could, a knock sounded at the door. She froze. “He’s here,” she said, her stomach churning with dread.

  Drew cocked an eyebrow. “You mean Trent? Weren’t you expecting him?”

  She nodded and headed for the door. “We’ll be out for a little while. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Okay . . . you’re sure everything’s all right?”

  “It’s fine,” she answered. At least hopefully it will be very soon. She opened the door, mustering a weak smile for Trent as he gave her a hug.

  “Hey, babe,” he said. “I missed you.”

  She hugged him stiffly back, pulling away as soon as possible without being rude. “Thanks for meeting me even though it’s late.”

  “Of course.” He smiled and moved as if to enter the apartment, but she put a hand on his chest to stop him.

  “I was wondering if we might go for a drive?” she suggested.

  He made a face. “Not tonight. I’ve been driving all day and all I want to do is crash on the couch and watch a movie.”

  Of course you do. She kept the sarcastic remark to herself, her resolve deepening. Drew was in the kitchen, and she sensed that he was eavesdropping, but it didn’t matter. She had to do this now. She took a deep breath. “Trent . . . we need to talk.”

  He stifled a yawn. “What about?”

  She glanced over her shoulder toward the kitchen and turned back to him. “Not here. Step outside with me for a minute.”

  His eyes finally snapped to focus and he frowned. “What’s this about, babe?”

  She stepped around him to the outside porch and closed the door behind them. He turned to her with a ponderous expression. She straightened her shoulders, taking a page from Savannah’s book and going with blunt. “Things between us—they haven’t been working out lately,” she said, forcing the words out. “I think it’s time we went our separate ways.”

  He leaned his head back. “Wait, hold on . . . you’re breaking up with me?”

  She bit her bottom lip and nodded. “It’s for the best. You’re on the road so much for your races, and I’m starting this new job.” She shrugged. “I feel like we’re on different paths. I’m sure you’ve felt it too.”

  His face darkened in the porch light. “This is about your new boss, isn’t it?”

  Her mouth dropped open. “What? No.” Her pulse quickened. “Why would you say that?”

  He crossed his arms and glared. “Are you kidding? The way he kept looking at you every time we hung out was so obvious. You’ve been seeing him behind my back, haven’t you?”

  Anger flared in her veins and she mimicked Trent’s stance, folding her arms as she worked to keep her voice even. “No, I haven’t been seeing him behind your back. He’s dating Savannah, so whatever ‘look’ you thought you saw, you were mistaken.”

  He snorted. “I know when a guy is attracted to a girl. It was written all over his face.”

  “How would you know?” she snapped. “You were always so wrapped up with your phone, I’m surprised you even remembered he was my boss.” As soon as the words were out, she regretted losing her temper. She took a calming breath. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

  His eyes grew steely. “I’m glad you did. It makes it so easy to walk away.” He turned and stormed down the stairs. “And to think of all the hot chicks I turned down in Austin when I could have had a good time,” he called over his shoulder, pausing to give her one last scowl before striding to his truck.

  Olivia watched him drive off, hugging her arms against herself in consolation. “Good riddance,” she whispered.

  “You can say that again,” Drew said.

  She turned in surprise to see him standing quietly in the doorway.

  “He was one comment away from getting a punch to the kisser.” He straightened to his full height, the set of his jaw making it clear he wasn’t happy.

  “How much of that conversation did you hear?” she asked.

  “Enough to know that guy better steer clear of here if he knows what’s good for him,” he growled before pulling Olivia into a tight hug. “Who knew he was such a loser? Piper always said he wasn’t good enough for you, and she was right. I guess I didn’t see it because I wanted you to be happy.”

  She huffed a laugh and pulled him closer. “I am happy, Drew.” She pulled back to look at him. “I don’t need a man in my life to find happiness.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “It’s true. You’re a strong, independent woman. I just can’t help playing the part of protective older brother.”

  She smiled. “It’s a part you play well, and I love you for it.”

  He waved a hand. “Don’t make me blush,” he teased, his eyes soft. “And I love you too.”

  She ruffled his hair and then shivered. “Let’s go inside. It’s freezing out here.”

  “Does that mean you’re not in the mood for ice cream?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. You know me better than that.”

  He grinned and put his arm around her. “That’s my girl. I’ve got a quart of cookies and cream in the freezer, unless you want to go somewhere to get some?”

  “Cookies and cream sounds great.”

  He dropped his arm and went to the freezer as Olivia got the bowls and spoons.

  “So . . . what was that Trent was saying about Nolan?” He glanced over his shoulder at her. “He seemed pretty convinced there was something going on between you two.”

  Olivia’s hand hovered over the silverware drawer. “I don’t know what that was about,” she said. “Whatever it was, he was jealous over nothing. Nolan’s dating Savannah. They’re crazy about each other.” Her heart stung as she thought of the big smile on Savannah’s face when she’d left Nolan’s office today, and the light in his eyes when she’d seen him moments later.

  “Huh. That’s cool things are working out,” Drew said. “Piper kept hoping Savannah would find love again. And Nolan’s a great guy.”

  “He is a great guy,” Olivia said, her throat tightening as heat pricked the backs of her eyes. She swallowed. “You know what? I’m pretty tired. I think I might take a raincheck on this ice cream.”

  “Are you sure? Nothing beats ice cream when it comes to a break up.”

  “I’m sure.” She turned and gave him a convincing smile. “Go ahead and enjoy some for the both of us. I think I’ll take a hot shower and turn in.” She was anxious to get away from Drew before he noticed the pain she was hiding.

  “Okay, but you know where to find this stuff if you need it,” he teased, pointing to the carton.

  “Thanks.” She made her way to the bathroom, glancing at her phone when a text came through. It was Savannah.

  Hey, I’ve been thinking of you. Did you do it yet? How are you holding up?

  The words blurred on the screen. Olivia bit her lip and held back the tears until she was safely locked into the bathroom. She turned on the shower, grateful when the sound of flowing water drowned out her stifled sobs.

  Chapter 20

  Nolan swiveled in his desk chair and ran a hand over his face. He hadn’t had time to shave that morning and the first hints of stubble were showing. If he thought he was busy before, it was nothing to how busy he was in the days leading up to the grand opening. They were just under the wire signing off on the building codes, health department, and a hundred other things. He practically lived at the resort around the clock. The meetings and demands on his time were endless, but he welcomed all of it. Four days had passed since he’d last spoken with Olivia, and it
might as well have been four decades for how long it felt.

  Thoughts of her were always in the back of his mind, hovering and unwilling to budge. Savannah confirmed that Olivia had broken up with Trent, yet she continued to avoid him. He knew she needed time, but how long was enough? He’d had Jasmine pin her down for a meeting today, intentionally scheduling it around noon as an excuse to take another working lunch.

  He checked his watch and frowned. He had ten minutes until their assigned meeting time. There were countless things he could do to fill those ten minutes, but suddenly he couldn’t stand to wait for one more second. He stood from his chair and left his office, making his way to Olivia’s office down the hall. The door was closed so he rapped twice and opened it, peering in to see if she was inside.

  She was sitting at her desk, cradling the phone against her shoulder as she typed on her keyboard. Her brown eyes widened in surprise when she saw him, clearly wondering if he was early or she was late. She pointed to the phone with an apologetic look. He nodded, leaning against the doorframe. He tried not to stare, but his gaze kept straying her direction. She wore a fitted black sweater that perfectly accentuated her curves as her long hair fell in waves around her shoulders. But it was her face that captivated him most.

  Olivia’s eyes were so expressive, and her lips quirked up in one corner as she listened to the client on the other end. He fixated on her lips for a moment and his mouth went dry. What he wouldn’t give for a taste of those lips. He mentally shook himself and looked away.

  “Yes . . . yes,” she said into the phone, “that sounds perfect. If you can have them delivered here by Friday that will give us enough time to set up for the opening on Saturday.” She paused. “Wonderful. Thank you so much. Bye.” She hung up the phone and gave him a curious look. “Sorry about that. For some reason I thought Jasmine said our meeting was at noon.”

  “It is.” He straightened and stepped into her office. “I finished my last meeting a little early and thought I’d check to see if you were available.” He paused, realizing there was a double-meaning to that statement. She made no sign that she caught onto it, so he trailed a finger across her desk and continued, “It’s always nice to have a few extra minutes for a lunch break.”