Winter's Magic (Music City Hearts Series) (2 page)

Nick turned into his grandfather’s driveway and knew he had to get his mind on other things. The birthday party was only two hours away and he had business to take care of. When he stepped out of his car, he picked up the gift box and tucked the business card into the pocket of his jacket.

“Nicholas?”

He heard his grandfather’s voice as he entered the foyer and headed toward the study. “Grandfather. I’m sorry to be so late. I shouldn’t have put this off to the last minute.”

“Not a problem, son. Did you meet Ms. Sergeant?”

“Yes I did, Lauren’s present is on the foyer table. Do you have time to go over the budget for—”

“Isn’t she lovely?” his grandfather interrupted in a wistful tone. “I hadn’t seen her in years until the grand opening of her shop this past spring. She’s beautiful, a mirror image of her mother at that age.”

“You know her mother?” Surprised, Nick took a seat in a leather chair opposite his grandfather’s desk.

“Jayne and your mother were best friends growing up. They were inseparable from the first day they met. Like sisters all through high school, then roommates in college. I can still remember the day Jayne married her husband, William. Her father had died when she was young, so she asked me to walk her down the aisle.”

“Why haven’t you mentioned Beth or her parents before now? I don’t recall ever meeting her.”
He would have remembered
.

“You were probably in third grade the last time you saw her. She couldn’t have been more than two or three.” His grandfather sighed and rubbed his eyes. “I see Jayne and her husband a couple times a year. But it’s hard for me, as I’m sure it is for her, too. Every time I see Jayne, I think of your mother. Then I think of the car accident and . . .” He shook his head and straightened in his chair. “Enough of that. How are you coming on the Jeremiah bid?”

Nick wanted to hear more. But could tell from the smile on his grandfather’s face, the one meant to hide the sadness still lingering in his eyes, he wanted to move on.

“We’re almost finished. I just want to get your advice on a couple of budget items before we submit the building proposal next week.” He skimmed the printout for the details he wanted to discuss.

“I’ve been researching their solidity,” his grandfather said. “They’ve been extremely successful in the northeast. Building eight new department stores, especially in new markets, is a big step for them. And you. A win here could really put your firm on the map.”

At the sound of his grandfather’s clearing throat, Nick raised his eyes.

“I’m very proud of you, son. You’ve built your own company through old-fashioned sweat, but everyone needs backing at some point. You know I’m always here if you need advice or anything else.”

Nick knew
anything else
meant money. As much as he loved his grandfather, he hated asking for advice because it always came with a financial offer. Except, he didn’t want the Chester name or wealth to pave an easy road.

Sure, there had been several lean years, where the building projects were small and profits barely paid his apartment rent. He’d been patient as the business steadily grew. His company now stood ready for their largest construction proposal to date.

“I know,” Nick said. “And I really appreciate the offer, but I think we’re covered on this one.”

“All right. I won’t press. Whether you want help now or later, this is all going to be yours someday, anyway.” His grandfather chuckled as he waved a hand through the air.

“Let’s review the proposal.” Nick changed the subject as soon as he could. He would eventually have to face the reality, but he didn’t want to think about
someday
anytime soon. His grandfather had raised him since the age of eight, after losing both parents. He didn’t want the fortune now, and he didn’t want it sometime in the future, if it meant he had to lose the old man, too.

Two hours later, Nick arrived at Lauren’s family estate in his grandfather’s black stretch limousine. As soon as they were in the car and on their way to the country club, he presented her with the gift.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Your present.”

Lauren squealed and tried to snatch the gold box from his hands. “Oh! Give me, give me.”

Nick let go, but instead of opening the package, she placed it on the seat.

“Did you see my new diamond necklace? Daddy gave it to me this morning. Mother gave me the matching earrings this afternoon.” Lauren lifted her hair back on both sides of her ears so he could see the generous stones. The necklace, also impressive, displayed three carat-size baguettes on either side of a substantial princess-cut solitaire.

“They’re striking,” he said. “They’re wonderful with your new dress. You look beautiful tonight.”

“Of course.” She waved her hand dismissively and then beamed at him with a bubbly giggle. “And tomorrow, I’m test driving a new Mercedes.”

That
got his attention. “You just bought a coupe convertible a few months ago.”

“I know. But there isn’t enough room in the trunk when I go shopping. My coupe is just a fun car. I need something more substantial when I’m out with my friends. Mother said not to worry, she’ll talk Daddy into buying it for me by the time we get to the dealership in the morning.”

Of course she would
. He almost felt sorry for Lauren’s father. Two daughters and a wife who made a profession out of shopping and socializing. He couldn’t imagine what it cost to keep all three of them in the latest fashion, driving the newest luxury cars, and wearing the finest jewelry.

He picked up the bottle of chilled champagne and poured two glasses, wondering what she would think of his present. This evening would be a success if she had enough to brag about for the next three hours and his gift would be critical.

Knowing the situation, his grandfather had suggested the spa package. He’d Googled the salon and had been surprised at the results.
Spa Finder
,
Luxury Vacation Guide
, even
Resort Weekly
had written articles featuring the new business. Staffed with experienced employees from all across the country, La Bella Vita had been a feature on the travel channel recently.

Critics had labeled the spa a five-star experience. The perfect match for Lauren with a price tag of $1600 for a single day of pampering. Or magic, he amended and couldn’t help smiling.

“Open your present, Lauren. We’re almost there.”

She slowly untied the ribbon and took the lid off the gift box. Separating the tissue, she uncovered the gold embossed certificate.

“La Bella Vita.” Her voice had a shrill edge that he didn’t like. “I remember Beth. She didn’t belong in
my
circle, of course. But I wondered what happened to her after we graduated and she went off to college. Mother recently mentioned she had returned and opened a little shop of her own. How quaint.”

He let the air out of his lungs slowly. What had he expected? “It’s an exquisite place. I think you’ll like it.” But even as he said the words, Nick knew Lauren wouldn’t use the gift. She would probably give the certificate to a friend or her mother. He wondered if something had happened between the two women. His skin prickled at the way she’d referred to Beth as quaint.

“Oh, of course. Mother and I leave for Saint Lucia in just a week, so I won’t have time before then.” She accepted the glass he held and whispered, “Maybe we could go together when I get back.”

“Don’t start, Lauren. You know my conditions for attending tonight.”

“Not another word. I promise.” She took a long, slow sip of her champagne and eyed him with a mischievous gleam. “You’ll change your mind. I know you will.”

Nick emptied his glass, relished the feel of the cold effervescence flowing down the back of his throat and tried to remember why he’d agreed to this.

Midnight couldn’t get here fast enough.

“That dress is beautiful on you, dear,” Beth’s mother said as her parents entered her living room.

“Thank you. I’m lucky the boutique had something that didn’t need altering. I forgot about the Christmas party until you called this afternoon.” How that had happened, she’d never know. The festivities were being held at the Chester family estate. Exactly one week had passed since Nick came into the spa to buy his now-ex-girlfriend a birthday gift. Seven days in which she thought her ridiculous attraction to the man would have faded.

“I’m glad you finally decided to come with us. Jonathon would be so disappointed if you hadn’t.”

“If I remember right, you didn’t give me much choice.” She smiled at her mother and tried to relax as she slipped on her coat and gloves. Her only solace—she wouldn’t be alone. After succumbing to her mother’s plea, her first call had been to Jenny, her best friend since college. Come to find out, Chester & Dorsey was one of her biggest advertising clients and she already had an invitation.

“I still don’t understand why you’re not excited. This is the first holiday party of the year.”

“I am. But it took an entire week to prepare for our first Black Friday at the salon and I’m exhausted. A blanket, hot cocoa, and a roaring fire seem so much more appealing.”

Her mother wouldn’t understand if she told her the truth. That no matter how her body tingled at the thought of seeing Nick Chester tonight, she didn’t belong in his world. She wouldn’t give anyone the opportunity to judge her worth or make her feel like she didn’t measure up. Never again.

Settling into the backseat of her parents’ town car, Beth took a deep breath and tried to ignore the nervous shudder running through her body. It was going to be a long night.

“Sergeant!” Beth heard the strong, billowy voice right before she saw Mr. Chester come forward to meet them in the grand foyer.

“Jonathon.” Beth’s father held out his hand, only to be pulled in for a quick pounding on the back, instead. “So good to see you.” He turned his attention to Jayne. “Come here. It’s been too long.”

He wrapped his arms around her mother in a papa-bear hug. When he let go, Jayne smiled and turned to her. “You remember Beth.”

Beth held out her hand and he took it, dwarfing hers as if she were a ten-year-old child. “Of course, I do. Such a pleasure to see you again. I’m so glad you were able to come.” Letting go, he turned to Beth’s parents, then quickly pivoted back. “You’ve met my grandson, Nicholas, haven’t you?”

“Yes, sir. Thank you for the recommendation.”

“Oh, don’t mention it.” He waved his hand. “He’s here tonight and several other young folks your age. I’m sure you know a few of them. Grab a drink. There’s a buffet and bar at the end of this corridor. Just follow the voices.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Mr. Chester stared at her with a tenderness that melted her heart. Then he touched her shoulder with a gentle hand. “Please, call me Jonathon.” He nodded toward Jayne. “Your mother’s been like family to me.”

Beth strolled down the hallway, peering into side rooms and scanning the guests as she passed by. Jonathon was the kind of grandfather she’d always wished for. If things had been different, he would have been closer to the family growing up.

Her mother had told her the story as they’d cleaned up from the grand opening party last spring. How he’d mourned his daughter so deeply and would have completely disappeared from society if it hadn’t been for Nick. Being needed by his only grandchild had saved him.

“Are you always this serious at a Christmas party?”

Her insides jumped—she would recognize that voice anywhere.

“Can I get you a drink?” Nick asked as she turned to face him.

Beth’s throat went dry. She’d known he would be here. She’d spent every spare second of her day obsessing over this very moment. But she hadn’t expected to be put on the spot so soon.

She’d pictured herself quietly entering a room full of people. Slowly making her way through the crowd, she would talk to the few acquaintances she recognized. They would chitchat about the chilly weather or their plans for the holidays. Once she felt relaxed, indulged in a second glass of wine, she would subtly make her way to the group he was in. Mingle. Blend in. Then quickly retreat. Hopefully, he wouldn’t notice her.

“A glass of wine or champagne?” he repeated softly.

Abruptly, Beth came back to the present and the man standing next to her. “Chardonnay, please.”

Nick led her to the bar. Glancing down, she noticed the whites of her knuckles were showing. She took a deep breath and tried to relax, consciously loosening the grip on her evening bag. By the time the bartender poured two glasses and Nick handed her a drink, her free hand felt steady enough to accept.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure, Beth.”

Man, if he only knew what it did to her every time he said her name. She already tingled just seeing him in that tux, which instantly reminded her of the powerful body beneath.

“The house is incredible.” She took a sip of her wine and tried to clear her mind as they headed toward a room just off the main hallway.

When they entered, she ignored the mingling guests and went straight to the two-story stone hearth, where a fire blazed. Lighted greenery covered the mantle, illuminating a beautiful, crystal nativity scene. A mixture of gold, red, and ivory candles flickered from ornate sconces in every corner of the room. Silk throws lay across large pieces of dark leather furniture, while heirloom plates and centerpieces were displayed on various side-tables.

The entire house, what she’d seen so far, had been decorated with the same luxurious care. But this room held a warm, family tone. Could it be the twenty-foot Christmas tree displayed on the far side? Her eyes were drawn to the elaborately wrapped presents beneath, then back to the nativity scene.
Yes, here was the heart of the Christmas spirit.

“I can’t imagine how you got the star on top of that tree.” She felt silly the moment the words left her mouth.

“Definitely a challenge. We had a team of people here all week getting ready. Grandfather hasn’t had a party in twenty years, so the staff is a little out of practice.”

“Do you live here with him?”

“No. When I moved back to Nashville after college, I settled on the east side of town. It’s an easier drive to the office. I’ve just spent most of the last two weeks here helping out.”

Beth made her way over to the tree to get a closer view. Several handmade pieces intermingled with the sparkling crystal ornaments and gold strands of glass beads. She fingered the row of cotton balls that ran along the edge of a red felt Santa hat. On the top, in glitter writing, it said
1982
. “Who made these?”

Nick laughed, but when she turned her head, she caught a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I made them with my mother when I was in grade school. Every year, on the first day of holiday break, we would go to the craft store and buy materials to make a dozen ornaments.”

“A dozen?” She wondered how a person ever got over losing a parent, much less losing both. Or if you even could. And his poor grandfather, losing a child . . . Her chest tightened at the thought.

“One for our tree at home, one for Grandfather’s, several neighbors, and the mailman. And I’ll never forget Mrs. Sawyer at the bakery. She used to give me a free cinnamon roll when I came in with my grandfather.”

“We weren’t very crafty at my house. But Mom and I would bake like a storm. Candy, cookies, fudge. We always took packages to our neighbors on Christmas Eve, right before we went to church for Midnight Mass.”

“Do you still go?” The reflection of the tree lights sparkled in his eyes as he spoke. At this very moment, he didn’t look, or act, like the city’s most eligible bachelor. She could feel her resolve slipping.
She needed Jenny.

“I haven’t been in years. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been since I graduated high school.”

“I haven’t, either. You can imagine my surprise when Grandfather asked me to take him this year.” He glanced back at the tree. “Would you like to come with us?”

Beth took another sip of her wine, hoping to squash the anxiety pouring through her. Scanning the room full of mingling guests, she took a slow, easy breath. She’d wanted to keep her distance from Nick, but not even in her dreams had she expected him to ask her out on a . . .

On a what? A date? She smiled, instantly relaxed, and laughed inside. The unrelenting attraction she had for this man must be having a deeper effect on her brain than she thought if it had twisted Midnight Mass into a date.

“I’ll have to see what the family plans are.” She didn’t know how to say no to an invitation to Mass, so she thought a deferral would be best. He’d probably forget by the time December twenty-fourth came around, anyway. “I like your grandfather. We talked for quite awhile at the party last spring. A wonderful surprise seeing him after so many years.”

“He doesn’t get out a lot. Every once in awhile he surprises me and comes downtown for lunch. But not very often. So I try to come by here at least once a week for dinner.” Nick leaned in and whispered, “I pretend he needs the company. But if you promise not to tell anyone, I’ll admit I come for the food. He has a fabulous cook and she always sends enough leftovers home to last three days.” He winked.

“Your secret’s safe with me.” She couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped. Oh, what a charmer. One that made her stomach feel like bowling pins being hit with a strike every time he smiled.

Beth noticed Jenny entering the room.
Finally.
Nick must have seen her as well, because he stepped away from the tree and held out his arms.

“Jenny, you made it. You’re stunning.” Nick gave her a light hug.

An unexpected pang of jealousy ran through her. Completely unnecessary, even if she
were
interested in pursuing Nick. And she definitely
wasn’t
.

“Thank you,” Jenny said. “I feel like I’ve been running a marathon all day. I’m lucky my shoes match at this point.”

Beth laughed and glanced down at Jenny’s black matching heels. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Nick had done the same. For a split second, his eyes caught hers, sending a wave of heat to her core.

Nick straightened. “Can I get you something to drink, Jenny?”

“Yes, thank you. A merlot would be great.”

“Beth?” His fingers slid across the top of hers before he finally took the empty glass from her hand.

“Please.”

Jenny turned to Beth and lowered her voice the moment Nick stepped away. “I talked to Brandon Dorsey, Nick’s business partner, this afternoon.”

“About Nick? You didn’t!” Beth gasped, then quickly glanced around the room to make sure no one had heard.

“I told you, it’s no big deal. I’ve been working with Brandon and Nick for several years. We’re friends.”

Beth shrugged and nodded for Jenny to go on. She hated the thought of someone other than her friend knowing she’d been curious about Nick’s personal life.

“Brandon can’t be here tonight, but he had some questions about a couple of ads I’m working on. So I asked him.” Jenny lowered her voice to a whisper. “He confirmed Nick and Lauren broke up last week. Everyone knows Lauren wants him back, but he’s not interested. Nick wouldn’t tell him anymore, just that he’d met someone else and had already moved on.”

Well, that cleared things up. Church night was simply church and nothing else. She wanted to be relieved. But she couldn’t help the disappointment that quickly spread through her. He’d already moved on?

“I’m sorry. Brandon says Nick is private and doesn’t talk about his personal life. He didn’t know anything else.”

“Don’t be. That’s good news. He’s not the kind of guy I’m looking for.” Beth could tell by the smirk on Jenny’s face she didn’t believe her. “Actually, I’m not even looking. You know I have too much on my plate getting my business off the ground.”

“You two seemed pretty cozy when I arrived. Are you sure there’s not even the slightest bit of attraction?”

“We were talking about the handmade ornaments. Nothing special.”

“I don’t know. You’re not the only one that noticed him checking out
your legs
instead of
my shoes
.”

Beth felt a flush rise up her cheeks. She wished his roaming eyes did mean something. No, she should be glad it
didn’t
. She couldn’t let herself be with a man like Nick, no matter what he did to her insides every time he smiled. She would never measure up in his world. He’d break her heart if she ever let him get close enough.

“I doubt he’s seeing anyone yet,” Jenny said. “She would be here with him, wouldn’t she? It wouldn’t hurt to do some mingling and ask around.”

Beth’s heart wasn’t in it, but for some reason she wanted to know more about the new woman in Nick’s life. And if her best friend wanted to mingle and listen to the latest gossip, she wouldn’t stop her.

Just as Nick reappeared and handed each of them a glass of wine, a tall brunette approached and threaded her arm through his. Beth watched as the woman leaned in close and whispered something in his ear. She instantly checked herself to make sure the scowl in her chest hadn’t spread to her face. Then she heard a strained laugh as Nick faced the woman and quietly said something in return. It didn’t look like the conversation would be over any time soon.

With a growing urge to flee, Beth turned to Jenny and they slipped from the room.

“What do you think that’s all about?” Jenny asked as they headed down the hallway.

“I can’t imagine, but he didn’t appear happy to see her.”

“Are you hungry?”

Beth’s stomach answered with a soft growl. She hadn’t taken the time to eat lunch and a mixture of delicious aromas filled the air.

“Let’s get something to eat, and then we’ll circulate while I ask a few questions,” Jenny said. “We need to find out who the brunette is.”

Nick could kick himself. Was he thirty-four or fourteen? He’d thought about Beth nonstop for the past seven days, but had been so busy with work and preparations for the party he’d decided to wait until tonight to ask her out.

Then he’d blown his chance. What had he been thinking? He chuckled. What was
she
thinking? Midnight Mass with his grandfather?