Winter's Magic (Music City Hearts Series) (3 page)

He’d found her personal business card two days ago. Couldn’t remember his reasons for not passing it on to Lauren, yet the oversight had turned into a blessing. Her direct phone number and e-mail address were listed. But neither the staff picture online nor his memory did justice to the woman that came through the front door this evening.

Beth had a petite frame, curvy in all the places that made a man weak. She’d worn her hair down, falling in a soft, auburn wave that covered the top of her sleek, bare shoulders. An elegant cocktail dress gently hugged her body, stopped short of her knees, and revealed a pair of legs he would be dreaming about for days to come.

He’d watched as she greeted his grandfather with the most radiant, genuine smile. And when she spoke to him, her eyes held a soft caress that gripped his chest.

His emotional reaction caught him completely off guard. He’d had to step into a side room off the foyer to catch his breath at the sight.

His grandfather always drew a friendly response from people they met. Whether by friends or new acquaintances, the Chester name translated into the word ‘money’. And everyone had an agenda.

Except her
.

He couldn’t remember ever feeling so captivated by a woman before. But something had told him in their first meeting that Beth was different.

Their discussion about handmade ornaments and Midnight Mass had deepened his opinion. Maybe that’s why the invitation had flown from his lips before he could think. The first opening he’d had and all instincts screamed to jump in headfirst.

He’d caught the hesitation before she answered. He didn’t blame her for being a little confused. Before he’d had a chance to clarify, Jenny arrived. Then Maureen. And before he could get rid of her, both Jenny and Beth had slipped away.

“Nick and Lauren seem to be the hottest topic of the night.” Jenny joined Beth again, just as she stepped away from a small group gathered near the bar. They had both been circulating alcohol depots, knowing as the night progressed, drinkers became talkers without any prompting.

“And?”

“Okay. First, the brunette is Lauren’s younger sister, Maureen. Second, she’s protecting personal property while Lauren’s out of the country. Maureen is letting everyone know Lauren wants Nick back. And, it’s common knowledge Lauren always gets what she wants.”

“That’s pretty much what I’ve been hearing, too.” Beth felt more disappointed than she thought she should.

“I don’t think Lauren’s going to get what she wants this time,” Jenny said. “And nobody’s heard about him moving on. If you want my opinion, I think he likes you. I’ve caught him watching you several times this evening.”

“Coincidence.” There went the roller coaster again. Jenny’s comment shouldn’t make her feel so good, but it had her insides quarreling–common sense and experience versus something she chose not to identify.

They mingled as a pair for the rest of the evening and Beth tried to ignore the constant gnawing in her stomach. An attentive host, Nick remained busy taking care of his guests or surrounded by a group of friends. A good thing, she kept telling herself.

Although their eyes met several times, they never actually had an opportunity to speak again. She wished he hadn’t asked her to Mass. She had no intention of actually going, but the invitation had planted a seed in her brain that refused to rest.

“It’s almost midnight.” Beth stifled back a yawn. “I should check on my parents. They’ve probably been ready to go for the last hour.” Several of the older guests had already left.

“If you want to stay, I can give you a ride home. Tell them to go on.”

“I think I’ve had enough holiday cheer for one evening. And I have an early morning tomorrow. But thanks. I’m glad you came.”

“Give me a call and I’ll come by for lunch.”

As Jenny headed toward the front door, Beth turned in the opposite direction and strolled down a long hallway leading to the great room she’d seen her parents in earlier.

She’d heard the fatigue in Jenny’s voice. It had been a long week for both of them. Her own feet hurt and her face felt stiff from the pasted smile she didn’t really feel.

“You’re not leaving without saying goodbye, are you?”

Her breath caught at the sound of Nick’s voice. “I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“I forgot how demanding playing host can be,” he said. “Every time I thought I was getting closer to your crowd I got sucked back into another one.” His voice softened into a low caress. “I’m glad I caught you before you left. Do you have a minute?”

“I’m not in a hurry.”
Wrong
. She
was
in a hurry. In fact, she should be running—as fast as she could.

“Come with me.” Nick turned and led her back toward the front of the house to a room not open to guests. Stepping inside, she realized they were in his grandfather’s study. She took her time admiring the room, trying to steady her pulse.

A large mahogany desk sat at the near side of the room with a black leather couch and matching wing chairs facing it. The far side of the study held a conference table. The sound of a grandfather clock filled the air with twelve deep chimes.

“I wanted to talk to you about Midnight Mass.” Nick motioned for her to sit on the couch. “Let me explain.”

Beth sat, though she suddenly preferred to end the discussion quickly. She could tell from his awkward stance, he didn’t want to have this conversation any more than she did.

She had been right about him. Nick may have checked out her legs and caught her eye a few times, but it didn’t mean anything. And he seemed tired. Still incredibly sexy, but his eyes held exhaustion.

She should give him a break and make this easy. “I understand, Nick. Christmas Eve Mass is really a family affair. Your grandfather may want it to be just the two of you.”

“No!” He paused. “I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant.”

“It’s okay. You were just being nice. It’s really no big deal.” She needed to leave. The air was so tight she could barely breathe.

“Beth.” He met her eyes with a commanding gaze that refused to let her shy away. “Would you go to dinner with me tomorrow night?”

Wow
. Her gut had been way off base.

Dinner? Translation–real date? His words took a moment to sink in. But when they did, she couldn’t stop her mind from funneling through the numerous events already scrambling her weekend.

“I can’t. I’m sorry, it’s just really busy at the salon right now.” She told the truth. Even if Nick wasn’t off limits and completely the wrong man for her, the salon kept her too busy to even think about starting a new relationship.

“I’ve been wanting to try Carlino’s. Have you been yet?” he asked, ignoring her answer.

“I called to get a reservation last week and they’re booked through the holidays.”

“I’ve heard the same thing. But what if I can get one? Would you join me?”

“I really can’t.” She saw disappointment flash across his face before he could replace it with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “We’re having our staff Christmas party.” The gleam reappeared. His reaction shouldn’t matter as much as it did.

“How about Sunday? I happen to know La Bella Vita isn’t open on Sundays. Let me see what I can do. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know what time I’ll pick you up.”

She chuckled. “I didn’t say yes.” But she wanted to, even if accepting went against every sensible conviction in her brain.

“You didn’t say no,” he whispered.

“I guess I didn’t.” His stare burned through the last of her fortitude and suddenly, she realized that turning him down had never been possible.

“I still have your card.” He looked at her with a ‘cat ate the canary’ grin.

Her card
. The one she’d given him for Lauren? She knew she shouldn’t say anything. But if she was willing to let her guard down and accept his invitation to dinner, she needed to know the truth—from him.

“Speaking of my card, Nick. Where does Lauren fit in?”

“Lauren and I stopped seeing each other a few days before I met you.”

So, they really had broken up. But what about the rest? “According to the rumors—”

“She wants to work things out, but knows I don’t.” His firm answer gave no leeway to ask further questions.

Beth rose as soon as Nick did, prepared to follow him from the room. Jenny’s words came back to her.
He’s very private and doesn’t talk about his personal life.
Maybe she should have remembered
that
twenty seconds ago.

Instead of turning to leave, Nick reached down and took her hands in his. They were warm and soft. His thumbs gently rubbed across the top of her knuckles in a subtle stroke.

“I’ve moved on, Beth. Or, at least that’s what I want to do.”

He seemed to be waiting for an answer. She could blame it on the wine and the way his eyes bored into hers, but she didn’t know what to say.

They stood so close she could feel the heat coming from his skin. A hint of his cologne, mixed with leather and the smell of old books, filled her nose. Her eyes moved to his lips and she wondered if he was going to kiss her.

Oh, God help her, she wanted him to.

In her dreams, his lips had been soft and sweet. He’d been gentle at first, slowly caressing her mouth as he held her face in both hands. Then he slid his tongue across her lips, coaxing her to open. When he took her mouth deeper, an electric current sizzled between them and her body tingled everywhere they touched. Every part of her melting into him. She was lost.

She felt his arms come around her, bringing her even closer, but it didn’t seem to be enough. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair. Slide her hands across the taut muscles of his chest. She needed—.

A sound from the hallway startled her and she raised her eyes to meet his. She had no idea how long she’d been staring at his lips and remembering the dreams she would never admit to having. Heat flooded her cheeks as she read the smugness on his face. It had been long enough for him to read her thoughts. But the intensity she felt from his gaze told her it didn’t matter—he wanted the same thing.

“I can’t believe he didn’t kiss you!” Jenny took another bite of her chicken salad.

“I know. Whoever came up with the line ‘mind over matter’ doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Because, my mind was begging and there’s no doubt he wanted to.” Beth sat back in her seat and groaned. “I can’t believe I just admitted that out loud.”

“Never be ashamed about being attracted to a man like Nick. Who wouldn’t be? Has he called you yet?”

“No. I can’t figure out how he’s going to get reservations at Carlino’s. Dad tried last week. He didn’t have any more luck than I did.”

Jenny let out a laugh and then covered her mouth as the couple seated next to them peered in their direction. “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you. Let you wonder.”

Beth straightened in her chair. “You can’t hold out on me now.” She had to know, even if it meant playing the
best friend card
.

“Okay. But you didn’t hear it from me.” She leaned forward and whispered, “Chester and Dorsey had the contract on building the restaurant. He knows the owner personally.”

Beth chuckled and sat back. “Funny how he didn’t mention that tiny detail.”

“I wouldn’t tell him you found out his secret. You know how men are. He’ll want to leave you guessing. Admiring.”

“I have a feeling this man is going to keep me guessing on a lot of things.” She paused, as a rush of anxiety washed through her. “In fact, I’m not really sure this is a good idea.” How could she ever get past
who
he was? His wealth. Connections. Social status. Any day now, he would realize she didn’t fit into his world. She wouldn’t have been invited to his grandfather’s party if not for her parents’ connection to the family.

“Of course it’s a good idea. Trust me, Nick’s a great guy. I still don’t get why he ever went out with Lauren. He isn’t the type to date someone so shallow, regardless of how pretty she is.”

“Maybe that’s why they only lasted three months. He found out Lauren’s definition of personal achievement means her nail polish matches her designer handbag.”

“You’re probably right.” Jenny motioned for the waiter to bring their checks. “You know, despite your efforts to keep your guard up, I can tell you’re excited about this date. You don’t have to admit anything, but I hope you let yourself relax and enjoy the evening.” Jenny reached across the table and grabbed her wrist, shaking it firmly. “Promise me you’ll be open-minded.”

They walked the short distance back to the spa and talked about their plans for the following week. She often went with Jenny when she volunteered at the Nashville Children’s Clinic. Her friend would be spending the afternoon shopping for coloring books and crayons, glitter pens, holiday pencils, books, and snow globes to give the children. Then they planned to bake sugar cookies Thursday evening to give to the nursing staff and parents.

As they entered the lobby, Beth noticed the bouquet of red and white Amaryllis in a large crystal vase.

“They’re gorgeous!” Beth leaned over the counter to grab the card just as Gina stepped back up to the desk.

“Mr. Chester brought them. Aren’t they beautiful?”

“Nick came by?” Beth’s heart raced, despite her disappointment in missing him. Her dreams had jumped an octave after his invitation to dinner last night. Just the thought of him stopping by and bringing her flowers made her toes curl.

Beth checked her cell phone for missed calls—nothing. She’d checked every five minutes since arriving this morning. How could she be so nervous about a phone call?

Nick did something to her insides. The bowling pins had returned, with a vengeance, and she didn’t know how to get rid of them. She might as well go shopping for coloring books with Jenny for all the work she
wasn’t
going to get done here.

Nick sat in his office and stared at the phone on his desk. He held Beth’s business card. He didn’t know why. He’d already memorized her number—both of them. Tapping his pencil, he counted the time until he thought she’d be back from lunch.

He knew hand-delivering the flowers had been a mistake. He should have had the flower shop deliver them, but he’d woken up this morning with an unreasonable craving to see her again. Last night’s encounter had given him the oddest combination of relief and anxiety.

He’d wanted to kiss her. Knew she would have let him. Standing there with her hands in his, he barely resisted the urge to bend down and taste her lips. They would have been sweet, and not just from the wine.

But for some reason, the little voice inside his head had said ‘no’ ‘Wait.’ So he did. He’d regretted his decision all night long and had woken up this morning with an overwhelming need to see her. Maybe he’d just wanted to confirm in person that she’d actually said yes to his dinner invitation. His debacle earlier in the evening had him second-guessing everything.

He dialed her direct office line and got her voice mail. Pressing zero, he transferred to the front desk.

“Welcome to La Bella Vita. This is Gina, how may I help you?”

“Gina, this is Nick Chester. Is Beth in?”

“Hi, Mr. Chester. I’m sorry. Beth did come back from lunch just a few minutes after you left, but she had several errands to run before the party this evening. She told me that if you called, to have you call her cell phone. Do you have the number?”

“Yes. Did she like the flowers?”

Nick could hear voices in the background and Gina didn’t answer right away. “See you next week, Mrs. Schaffer.” She paused. “Sorry, Mr. Chester. Oh, she loved the flowers.”

“Good. Have fun at the party tonight.”

Beth had just arrived at the craft store with Jenny when her cell phone rang.

“I’ll be there in a minute. It’s Nick.” She frantically waved for Jenny to go inside.

“Hello?” Beth tried to sound casual, as if she hadn’t looked up his number in the office computer and programmed it into her cell phone the moment she’d arrived at work this morning.

“Hi, it’s Nick.”

“Oh, hi.” The excitement she heard in her own voice shocked her. Her nerves had been on edge, waiting for his call all day–then totally frayed when she’d seen the flowers. But suddenly, the tension came to a halt and a thrill ran through her body in its place. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”

“You’re welcome. I’m sorry I missed you when I dropped them off. Gina said you’d gone to lunch with Jenny.”

“I did. We’re out doing some last-minute shopping before the office party tonight. And, you’re not going to believe this, but we’re on our way into a craft store to get materials for homemade ornaments.” Beth paced the sidewalk near the storefront and tightened her scarf more securely around her neck.

“Really? What for?”

Beth told him about Jenny’s volunteer work and the gifts and cookies they were taking to the children on Friday.

“We made plans at lunch and I thought about the ornaments from your tree last night. We decided to make something like your Santa hat and let the kids write their names on the front with glitter pens.”

“They’re going to love them.”

She hoped so. They couldn’t make the children or parents forget their circumstances, but hopefully they could bring them some joy during the holidays.

“Jenny does this every Friday?” he asked.

“Yes. She usually spends the morning there, reading stories to the children and talking to the parents to make sure there isn’t anything they need.”

“That’s sweet.”

The conversation died off for a moment. Beth checked her phone to make sure she hadn’t dropped the call.

“So, are you still free for dinner tomorrow night?” Nick asked.

“I am.” Beth could just imagine what she looked like, standing in front of the craft store with a grin that wouldn’t stop. The temperature had dropped to thirty degrees and flurries had started to fall a few minutes before they’d arrived. She loved the winter. Loved the holidays. A ripple went through her stomach at the thought of possibly sharing Christmas with Nick this year. She quickly stamped it out. She could give in and let herself be excited about the date, but thinking further ahead than tomorrow could be a very bad idea.

“We have reservations at Carlino’s for seven o’clock if that works for you.”

“Really? You’ll have to tell me your secret. I didn’t think you’d be able to pull it off.”

She heard him laugh. “I can’t tell you all my secrets. My grandfather’s cook was a big stretch.”

“I bet I can get the truth out of you by the end of dinner.” Beth couldn’t believe her own flirting, yet he played along. Something about him drew the words out of her without thinking.

“Hmm. I don’t know.” He paused. “I might be willing to trade secrets. You’ll have to go first, since I’m already one ahead.”

“What if I don’t have any?”

“Everyone has secrets.” He chuckled.

She loved the sound of his voice. And his laugh. Warmth filled her, despite the chill in the air and the snow continuing to fall.

“I’ll see what I can come up with before tomorrow night. It probably won’t be as interesting as your leftovers, though.”

“I can see where that would be a hard one to beat. I’ll pick you up at six-thirty?”

“I’ll be ready.”

“I should let you go so you can get back to your shopping.”

“Okay. Bye, Nick.”

Giddiness took over and made her want to skip, jump up and down, and do the happy dance. She paced outside the craft store and rewound the entire conversation in her mind. Twice, before going inside. She didn’t want the moment to end.

Beth couldn’t believe how long twenty-four hours could actually be. Waiting for Sunday evening to arrive had been excruciating. She and Jenny had shopped for the kids until late in the afternoon on Saturday, which meant she had to stay late after the staff party to finish all the paperwork she should have done earlier in the day.

When she finally made it home, she went to bed exhausted, hoping to fall into a deep sleep. But her mind couldn’t stop racing as she thought about Nick. Worried about their date, then, ten minutes later, excited. A roller coaster from one extreme to the other.

What should she wear? One by one, she mentally took inventory of every dress in her closet. Her outfit had to be perfect. Something classy, yet sexy.

And her hair. Would he like it up, showing off her neck, or should she wear it down, the way she had on Friday night?

Then she’d remembered the piano bar and dance floor pictured on Carlino’s website. What would it feel like to be in his arms, dancing close, his body touching hers as they swayed to the music of a baby grand? And when he took her home, would he finally kiss her?

By the time six o’clock arrived Sunday evening, Beth had tried on four different dresses and fixed her hair three different ways. Nerves and anticipation were still dueling as she realized time had run out.

“So, when did he say he’d be there?” Jenny asked over the phone as Beth paced her living room and watched the second hand slowly ticking away the final fifteen minutes.

“Six-thirty, why?”

“He’s always early. Expect him at twenty after. It’s a quirk. You’ll never have to worry about him being late.

“Thanks for the tip. Cross your fingers, wish me luck, and say a prayer.”

“You don’t need luck. I read your horoscope and it’s going to be a great night. Relax and have fun.”

Beth thought about Jenny and the way they read their horoscopes every month without fail. The ritual had been funny when they were in college, a habit Jenny’s mother passed down. It was hilarious now. They were almost thirty years old and still read them as if they held the secrets to the universe.

“I know one thing, Jenny. If I get too nervous tonight, I’ll just think about you and your magazines. You know you can’t leave me guessing like this. Tell me what it said.”

“It said you would be receiving a random act of romance—getting surprised with a kiss, maybe.”

“I’m not sure how much stock I put into
Marie Claire’s
astrologist, but I hope she’s right.”

I think.

Yes, I do hope she’s right.

Dreams don’t lie—she had to admit her excitement about going on a date with Nick Chester.

“I have no doubts,” Jenny said. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Beth turned her cell phone ringer onto vibrate and slid it into her evening bag. She’d called Jenny to get a quick pep talk. If she hadn’t done something to keep herself busy, she probably would have changed her clothes two more times.

Hearing a door shut in the driveway, Beth’s heart raced.
Think about Jenny and her horoscopes
. The thought did make her smile, but it couldn’t help the pounding in her ears as it made her think about kissing Nick again. Okay, think about—

The doorbell rang.

She took a deep breath and counted to five. One more for good measure and she opened the door.

“Hi.” Beth’s heart seemed to beat triple time as she watched Nick’s eyes quickly sweep from her hair to her heels and up again. Of course, she did the same in the brief moment it took her to step back and let him inside. He wore a silky gray sweater, black dress pants, and Italian loafers. Simple in itself, yet the way the material fell against the hard muscles of his chest and shoulders made her memories and dreams pale in comparison.

“You’re stunning,” he said.

She felt one last drum roll in her chest before it dimmed to the slightest thrum. Something about his voice relaxed her nerves and spread a warm, melting sensation all the way to her fingertips.

“Thank you.” Beth turned toward the closet and remembered she’d already laid out her wrap while talking to Jenny. “I just need to grab my purse and I’m ready to go.”