FIVE⁕MORE⁕MINUTES
Page 9
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THE INVITATION READ casual chic. The Park Avenue mansion screamed money. Olivia, dressed for the occasion and the location, wondered if she'd made a huge mistake.
New York was only three thousand miles west. No big deal. However, as her gaze traveled up the steps, past the elaborate front door, and the six full floors that reached toward the sky, she realized mid-town Manhattan was worlds apart from the little house she grew up in on Circle Drive.
Olivia didn't quite feel like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz—but one thing was clear. She wasn't in Oregon anymore.
The night air was crisp and clear. Breathing deeply, Olivia focused on the click of her heels on the stone steps to calm her nerves. Her pulse was another matter. Crazy what the arrival of a simple manila envelope could do to the beat of her heart.
Especially when the contents—an invitation, a plane ticket, a keycard to a room at The Stanford Plaza Hotel, and a handwritten note—turned out to be anything but simple.
The invitation was to a New Year's Eve party. The plane ticket was to New York. And the note was from Trey. Olivia didn't need to take the piece of paper from her small beaded evening bag to remind herself of the words. She knew every line, loop, and period by heart.
Olivia,
Were you angry when you left? I'm still not certain. I do know you had every right to be. Call me a fool, an idiot, a massive jerk, I'll answer to them all. You, my gorgeous redhead, shook up my stagnated life. In the best way possible. I hope—in a small way—I did the same for you.
I know you accepted the job at Columbia University. Yes, I used my connections to find out. Don't be pissed off. Or do. Right now, I'd rather you felt something for me—even rage—than nothing at all.
You may wonder at my nerve, but I need to ask a favor. Come to a party on New Year's Eve.
Before you say no, remember, I saved your life. You owe me.
I'm aware of how low I need to stoop to play the hero card. I lasted almost twenty-four hours after you drove away before pride and chivalry flew out the window.
As Carmichael told me repeatedly, desperate times call for desperate measures. And, no, I haven't gone completely mad. My dog doesn't talk to me. However, between the condemnation in his eyes and his pitiful, I miss Olivia whine, I could easily read his mind.
So far, our story is a short one. Amazingly sweet, unbearably bitter. I'm on the path I want and need to take. Will you join me? The decision's in your hands, Olivia—as is my heart.
Trey
If he believed she wouldn't come after he claimed she held his heart, perhaps he was crazy.
Olivia was already packed for her move. The university had arranged a place for her to live until she found something permanent. She'd planned to leave on the second of January. After Trey's note arrived, she was happy—eager—to change her plans.
The way Olivia felt when she boarded the plane that morning, she could have flown to New York on her own power. The flight was smooth and uneventful, giving her enough time to shop for the party. Though her budget was limited, she had a knack for finding a bargain and today was no exception.
Straight off the rack in the first shop she visited, the knee-length blue dress shimmered as she walked and fit her curves to perfection. Shoes and a purse weren't a problem, Olivia brought them with her from Oregon.
The only tasks left were her hair and makeup. Olivia hesitated outside the salon. Located just off the lobby of The Stanton Hotel, she imagined the prices would shock the socks off her—if she looked. Instead, she handed the woman her credit card. Tomorrow, she'd worry about her bank account. Today, she needed the extra boost of confidence.
Olivia slid into the back of the limousine at exactly seven forty-five. Traffic was slow, thick with revelers, as was expected on the last day of the year. After thirty minutes and a dozen or so starts and stops, they reached their destination.
As much as she wanted to appear sophisticated and blasé, Olivia's eyes widened when she looked out the tinted window. The driver opened the car door, helping her to the sidewalk.
"Are you sure you have the right address?"
"Yes, Ms. Shore." He gave her an understanding smile. "The Benedict family has an account with the company I work for. I've been here many times."
"Did you say Benedict family?" Holy cow. "As in Andi Benedict?"
"And her sisters." The driver closed the door. Kindly, as if he sensed Olivia forgot how to use her legs, he guided her to the bottom of the front steps. "They're very nice. Down to earth."
"Promise?"
"Go on," he urged. "I'll wait in the car until you're inside."
The last few steps seemed to take forever. Breathe, Olivia reminded herself. All she had to do was raise her hand and ring the doorbell. On the other side was Trey. Except who was he? The kind, funny forest ranger who won her heart? Or a man who grew up surrounded by wealth and privilege?
Time to find out. Olivia rang the bell. A heartbeat later, the door opened, and she was greeted by the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen. Blonde, beautiful, dazzling.
"Hello. I'm—"
"Olivia." The woman's smile lit up her face. "Come in. Welcome."
In what felt like a whirlwind, a maid took Olivia's coat while another handed her a glass of champagne. And the woman laughed.
"I'm Andi, by the way."
Of course, she was. Olivia had seen pictures of Anderson Benedict dozens of times in fashion magazines and gossip sites. With her looks, if she weren't a world-famous designer, she could have been a supermodel.
"Olivia." She cleared her throat. "Olivia Shore."
"We know." A dark-haired woman in a flowing silver gown joined them. "Trey's friend."
"Olivia. This is my sister Calder." Andi made the introductions. "And the annoyed-looking woman on her heels is our friend Dee Wakefield."
A striking woman, tall, with amazing cheekbones and streaks of red through her choppy dark hair, tapped her stiletto-covered foot on the marble floor. Her dress showed off toned arms and legs that went on for miles.
"Sorry to interrupt. Just need a second of your time." Dee's gaze darted across the room. "The smooth operator over by the piano. Any idea who he is?"
Andi glanced over Dee's shoulder. Hoping not to seem too obvious, Olivia peeked. The man was ruggedly handsome. The kind to draw a lot of female attention.
"You mean Lincoln James?"
"His name sounds familiar." Dee frowned. "Why?'
"Probably because he's the top-ranked tennis player in the world," Andi laughed. "Why? Something wrong?"
"Keeps looking at me."
"Would you like me to introduce you?"
"Not my type."
"Linc is every woman's type."
"Not mine," Dee muttered and stalked away.
Olivia barely caught her breath when two women rushed to take Dee's place.
"People tend to come in waves at a Benedict party." Andi gave her hand an understanding pat. "Meet Bryce and Destry."
"Destry?" Olivia recognized the woman in red. "As in Liam and Destry?"
Destry shook her hand, a puzzled expression in her dark eyes.
"Have we met?"
"Trey showed me your picture," Olivia rushed to explain. "When I was… I mean we…"
"Trey was right," Bryce chuckled. "Your cheeks are a lovely pink when you blush."
With a groan, Olivia's hands went to her face. The heat was undeniable.
"He didn't use the word lovely." Destry tapped her chin. "Irresistible? Sexy? Can't remember. Bryce? You're the writer. How did Trey describe the color?"
"Enough teasing," Andi interrupted before Bryce could answer. "I apologize for my sisters, Olivia. They sometimes act as if they were raised without human supervision."
"Well, Billie is our mother," Destry snorted. "She's human, I suppose. But she can barely supervise herself, let alone five daughters."
"Five?" There were more, incl
uding a mother? Olivia took a drink of champagne. Any more Benedict women and she'd need something stronger.
"We have a little sister. Iris." Andi took Olivia's arm. "She's just over a year old and tucked away in bed—I hope."
"Little scamp." Calder laughed with obvious affection. "She's pure Benedict. Wants her way in everything. She may be a little young for tonight's festivities, but don't be surprised if she cons her nanny into a visit at some point."
"Are you thoroughly confused?" Bryce asked as the five of them strolled across the foyer toward an open pair of French doors.
"I think I have the relationships straight. I'm just not certain where Trey fits in."
"Trey is our honorary brother." Andi smiled. "Long story. We'll be happy to fill you in tomorrow at breakfast."
"Breakfast?" Olivia hadn't wrapped her head around tonight and Andi wanted her to think about bacon and eggs?
"Mrs. Finch makes the best French toast, bar none."
"Mrs. Finch?" Olivia was afraid if she heard one more name, her head would spin off her shoulders.
"Don't worry. You have plenty of time to meet everyone."
Olivia would have to take Andi's word. At the moment, she barely knew who she was. The room was crowded, filled with more people she wasn't ready to meet. Then, as if by magic, her gaze went right to Trey.
"Handsome devil." Destry grinned. "Always was. But with blond hair and no beard? Pure yum."
Olivia's eyes and heart agreed. She waited, barely breathing, as Trey walked toward her. Her doubts didn't disappear the second she looked in his eyes, but her nerves quieted to almost nothing.
"You came."
"You have on a suit." Olivia laughed. "Obviously."
"More formal than my usual jeans and t-shirt." Trey tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "I'd say we both clean up good. Except you're always beautiful. No matter what you wear."
"Trey, I—"
"Let's find someplace to talk."
Olivia nodded. Together, they entered the foyer. Trey seemed at home, familiar with the mansion. A hand at her waist, he turned right, down a hallway, stopping at a single dark-stained door.
"The library should give us some privacy."
"Olivia—"
"I need something from you."
"Name it."
"Kiss me."
Olivia didn't have to ask twice. Strong, yet infinitely gentle, Trey took her in his arms. Only a few days, she felt they'd been apart forever. From the start, he knew how to make her melt. This time was no exception. She sank into the kiss, reveled in his touch, and wished for the moment to never end.
"I hope the day never comes when you don't want my kiss," Trey whispered the words as his lips brushed hers. "I love you, Olivia."
"Do you?"
"With all my heart."
Olivia believed him. All at once, the idea thrilled and frightened her—down to her bones. Because she wanted Trey so much, she felt compelled to mount an argument.
"We barely know each other."
"You're right," he nodded. "With a lot of effort and the inevitable passing of time, we'll get there. If you feel the same about me."
The touch of vulnerability she saw in Trey's eyes settled what was left of her nerves. He believed in them. However, he wasn't so cock-sure that he took her feelings for granted.
"Love at first sight?" Olivia scoffed. Then grinned. "Happened the second I looked at you."
Trey lifted her off the ground and simply held on.
"Thought I'd lost you," he sighed.
"You almost did."
"Because I was a fool."
"No." Olivia cupped his cheek, her eyes on his. "I had to find the strength to break free from my family. By myself. Without you."
"And you did, my beautiful warrior." Trey chuckled. "How did Aunt Gayle take the news."
"Not well." Before Olivia left, Gayle swore she would never speak to her again. "I give her a week before she breaks her silence."
"You'll have an easier relationship with a three-thousand-mile buffer."
"Speaking of distance…"
"I handed in my resignation."
"Are you sure?" Olivia hated the idea of Trey on one coast while she was on the other. But, she didn't want him to give up something he loved just to be with her.
"I'd made up my mind before we met. You were just the extra push I needed to make the change." Trey sat in a large wing-backed chair, pulling Olivia onto his lap. "I'll fly back and forth for the first few months. By spring, my replacement should be in place."
"What do you plan to do with your time once you're back in New York?"
"This and that." Trey linked their fingers, eyeing their joined hands with an air of satisfaction. "I have a few ideas up my sleeve."
"Helps to be filthy rich."
"Not filthy. Comfortable." His chuckled. "How'd you guess? I didn't say anything about money."
"The house you built in the woods was the first clue."
Second, Olivia couldn't imagine a man who used his stock market savvy to take down his father wouldn't build a fortune for himself at the same time.
"I don't care about the money." Olivia didn't want any misunderstandings. "I fell in love with a humble park ranger before I figured out he was a Wall Street mogul in disguise."
"And I fell in love with a snow nymph before I realized she was a science geek."
"That's Dr. Science Geek to you, fella."
"We should get back to the party," Trey whispered after a long, thorough kiss. "I want you to meet Liam."
"Can't wait." Olivia toyed with Trey's tie. "But first. Anywhere in this big, old mansion where we can fool around?"
"You want to have your way with me?"
"Yes, please."
"As a matter of fact. I know the perfect place.
Trey stood, Olivia in his arms. He opened the library door and moved away from the party.
"A linen closet?" Olivia laughed when he detoured into a room at the end of the hall.
"What do you think?" Trey asked.
If they were together, Olivia knew she'd be happy.
"You're right. It's the perfect place and the perfect way, to begin the New Year."
Can’t get enough of the Sisters Quartet books?
Grab your copies of the first four stories in the series.
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER: mybook.to/onewayoranother
TWO OF A KIND: mybook.to/quartet3
THREE WISHES: mybook.to/sistersquartet3
FOUR SIMPLE WORDS: mybook.to/quartet4
And coming in April, Dee Wakefield gets her own happily ever after.
SIX DAYS (A SISTERS QUARTET WEDDING)
TURN THE PAGE FOR A SPECIAL BONUS CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY CLASSIC
IF I HAD YOU
(CHRISTMAS IN HARPER FALLS)
IF I HAD YOU
* * *
CHRISTMAS IN HARPER FALLS
* * *
©2015 MARY J. WILLIAMS
Copyright © 2017 by Mary J. Williams.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the Copyright owner and publisher of this book.
First Ebook Printing, 2017
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writing isn't easy. But I love every second. A blank screen isn't the enemy. It is the opportunity to create new friends and take them on amazing adventures and life-changing journeys. I feel blessed to spend my days weaving tales that are unique—because I made them.
Billionaires. Songwriters. Artists. Actors. Directors. Stuntmen. Football players. They fill the pages and become dear friends I hope you will want to revisit again and again.
Thank you for jumping into my books and coming along for the journey.
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
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MORE BOOKS BY MARY J. WILLIAMS
Harper Falls Series
If I Loved You
If Tomorrow Never Comes
If You Only Knew
If I Had You (Christmas in Harper Falls)
Hollywood Legends Series
Dreaming with a Broken Heart
Dreaming with My Eyes Wide Open
Dreaming Again
Dreaming of a White Christmas
(Caleb and Callie's story)
One Pass Away Series
After the Rain
After All These Years
After the Fire
Hart of Rock and Roll
Flowers on the Wall
Flowers and Cages
Flowers are Red
Flowers for Zoe
One Strike Away
For a Little While
WITH ONE MORE LOOK AT YOU
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
MORE BOOKS BY MARY J. WILLIAMS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
EPILOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
SAM LAUGHTON EASED the rented four-wheel drive Porsche Cayenne onto the turnoff for Harper Falls. The snow was thicker now, cutting his visibility to only a few feet in front of the headlights.
Bad idea to leave Spokane. The car rental guy at the airport warned him of the incoming blizzard. His advice? Get a hotel room for the night. Harper Falls would still be there in the morning.
Instead of a friendly warning, to Sam the man's words sounded like a challenge. He was never one to take the safe way. When someone told him it couldn't or shouldn't be done, Sam barreled recklessly ahead. More often than not proving the naysayers wrong.