Runaway Heir

by Cardello, Ruth

  Bruce scoffed at the idea. “There’s plenty of room here—Paisley would love to have the house filled up.”

  “Nicolette’s grandmother is considering flying in tomorrow. Will there be room for her as well?”

  Nicolette groaned. Say no, Bruce. I will give you my inheritance if you do. Just say no.

  “Absolutely,” Bruce said. “I’ll come by tonight and help prepare the rest of the rooms. There are eight guest rooms in total. Should we expect anyone else?”

  “She might bring her fiancé.” Dereck didn’t seem to notice how each of his announcements tortured Nicolette a little bit more. “They may share a room. Not sure.”

  Oh my God. “King Tadeas can’t stay here. Doesn’t he travel with royal guards?”

  “I’m sure they’ll work that out,” Dereck said.

  Bruce’s chest puffed. “A king? No shit. This town is getting fancier by the minute.”

  Nicolette implored her father with her gaze. He had to know they couldn’t stay at Paisley’s. “Dad.”

  “Nicolette” was all her father said.

  Tera broke in. “Is that the grandmother you did that funny voice for?” And she proceeded to do as good of an imitation as Nicolette had. “A lady doesn’t raise her voice. Elbows off the table. A lady doesn’t laugh loud.” Her voice returned to normal. “You didn’t tell me she was marrying a king. No wonder she has all those rules. Duh.”

  Nicolette shared a smile with her father. “Duh.”

  Tera lost interest as the conversation turned to what Nicolette was doing for the town. Dereck asked a surprising number of questions of both Nicolette and Bruce. He seemed interested even in the history of the town.

  When he heard a car door slam in the driveway, Bruce said, “That’s probably Paisley.” He shook Dereck’s hand again. “I’m going to make sure Jordan knows I’m here and that I’m not going anywhere.”

  After he and Tera left the kitchen, Nicolette looked up at her father. “Are you staying here because of what you saw earlier?”

  Dereck adjusted his cuffs and flashed her a smile. “Duh.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Bryant woke up in a strange bedroom to heavy panting in his face.

  “Go away, Titus.” He gave the bulldog a pat on the head. The dog tipped his head to the side, lolled a wet tongue out, and climbed onto the twin bed beside Bryant. His open mouth curled in what could have passed for a smile.

  Bryant arched an eyebrow at him. “You smell bad.” The dog’s expression didn’t change. Bryant added, “Is this your bed? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?” Titus wagged his tail.

  Pat appeared at the open bedroom door. “Titus, leave the poor man alone.” Titus wagged his tail again in response. “Bryant, we would have let you sleep, but you have a visitor. My husband is showing him around our property, so you have time for a quick shower. We put your stuff in the bathroom across the hall.”

  “The visitor—is his name Lon?” Bryant asked as he sat up.

  “Got it in one. Sounds like he wants to see the factory, too. I can take you both or give you the code and let you show him around.” She called Titus to her; then before she closed the door, she said, “Something tells me you and this town would be a good fit. Tell me what you need, and we’ll make it happen.”

  Bryant threw back the bedding and rose and stretched. When he’d told Lon where he was, he should have known he’d fly out to check on his sanity and sobriety. Business and romantic endeavors didn’t mix, but this felt different. He wanted to be with Nicolette, but he also felt invested in the future of a town he was growing attached to. He often made decisions that affected the lives of people he’d never met, but this was getting personal.

  Maybe having Lon there was a good thing.

  A few minutes later, Bryant thanked Pat and headed out the door to join Lon and Sheriff Todd. They were behind the house near a barn full of antique tractors.

  Looking as fresh as if he’d just come from a board meeting, Lon met him in a dark-charcoal suit. Sheriff Todd said he couldn’t be late to work, so he’d leave them in the capable hands of the region’s best Realtor.

  Alone with Lon, Bryant shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “You don’t have to say it. I know what you’re thinking.”

  “Do you?”

  “You think the only reason I’m considering the Miller facility is because of Nicolette, but there is a reason eleven other tech companies have moved to Iowa in the past decade.” He rolled his tight shoulders. “Before you say it, yes, I’m acting a little out of character. Normally, you’re the one who makes impulsive decisions, and I remind you to assess all aspects before moving forward. I’m not suggesting we buy the factory today, just that we consider it. Pat, Sheriff Todd’s wife, offered to show us around.”

  “How could I turn down a tour by Sheriff Todd’s Realtor wife? Do you even hear yourself? Do you really think this is where we need to expand to?”

  “I do. This town needs jobs. Keep an open mind until after you see the place.”

  “Not necessary. Someone already put in an offer this morning.”

  “Hang on.” Bryant’s head snapped around. “Someone else put an offer in on the Miller factory? Who?”

  “Jordan Cohen. Nicolette’s friend from Boston.”

  “No, he didn’t,” Bryant growled, and his hands fisted. “Look me in the eye, Lon, and swear to me you are not making this up, because it’s not funny.”

  “Calm the fuck down. This is a good thing. She doesn’t want you here. You get to leave without feeling guilty about not saving this little corner of the US, and everyone is happy.”

  Bryant ran his hands through his hair. “Who the hell is this Jordan guy anyway?”

  “First, he’s close with Spencer Westerly. He’s big in virtual reality. Actually, I’d love to meet him. What he has done for the industry is mind-blowing. Even you could probably learn something from him.”

  “He’s that Cohen? Fuck me.”

  Lon shrugged. “Good news? Nicolette’s father is staying at the same bed-and-breakfast. From what I hear, they’re all getting along. You’ve done a good deed there as well. Let’s call this a win and go home.”

  “No, it doesn’t end this way.”

  Lon rocked his head back and forth and said, “It looks like it does.”

  “I don’t give up just because things get difficult,” Bryant snarled.

  “Okay,” Lon said in a tone similar to one a person would use to calm an irate child. “I get that you have feelings for this woman, but there is a time when we all have to cut our losses and move on. It doesn’t make you less of a man if she chooses someone else.”

  Bryant kept pacing and shaking his head. “I don’t believe she would choose him. She likes me. I won’t explain how I know she does, but let’s just say it was pretty clear how she feels.”

  “You fucked her and think that means she can never be with another man? If that’s how it worked, half of the women in Manhattan would be ruined for all other men after being with me. Women move on, Bryant. Even after great sex. For your sake, I’m hoping it was good. There’s no comeback from bad sex.”

  “You need to help me.”

  “Help you?”

  “We need to buy that factory, and I need a room at Paisley’s bed-and-breakfast.”

  “You know you’ve lost your mind, right?”

  “I also need to know what to say to Nicolette’s father to smooth things over with him. I was naked when we met, and I don’t think that gave him the right impression.”

  Lon looked around as if hoping someone else was there to witness his friend losing his mind. Finally, he flexed his shoulders and said, “Okay, the local Realtor can show us this fucking factory. You text Paisley and see if she’ll even agree to rent you a room again. I’m in, but you need to promise me something right now.”

  “What?”

  “I’m going to be brutally honest about the site, even if you don’t want to hear it. And if Pais
ley says she doesn’t think anyone wants you at her place, we’re out of here. No argument. No trying to outbid Cohen for a site we don’t need. We’re done.”

  “Nicolette has feelings for me.”

  “She might. I honestly have no idea. But if I was flying off the deep end, I know you’d reel me in.”

  “I would.”

  “That’s why I’m here. So how the fuck did her father see you naked?”

  Around lunchtime Nicolette walked into Lily’s Breakfast Nook. She’d gone back and forth about whether she should start a new job while her father was there and—gulp—Delinda was likely already on the way over. Having either of them in MacAuley didn’t change the reality of how little money Nicolette had. She could ask her father for a loan, or she could keep her pride as well as her original plan.

  Besides, she’d meet more of the people from town while waitressing. Wasn’t that what she was there to do? She went to the back to tell Lily she was there.

  “Well, then, go get something done” was her only response.

  So Nicolette did. She made more coffee and introduced herself to customers as they came in. Before she could stop them, most people served themselves. Habits were hard to break. She tried not to get discouraged and instead cleaned the counter area and also washed the floor. When the small lunch rush ended, she’d made two dollars. She sat down in a booth and took out her laptop. If nothing else, she could work on the website for the town.

  She threw herself into arranging the website pages and testing that all the links worked. She was so engrossed in it that she jumped when her phone buzzed with a message.

  Paisley: Is your grandmother still coming today?

  Nicolette: I haven’t heard one way or the other.

  Paisley: I am so excited. I’ve never met royalty. I was planning to bake a chicken. Do you think they’ll eat that? You do really think they’ll stay here? Your father thinks they will.

  Nicolette: I’m sure they will. And chicken sounds perfect. They’ll love it. They’d better.

  Paisley: I feel like this is a dream. My rooms are filling up. I’ll be able to pay my bills all in the same month. I don’t know how to thank you.

  Nicolette: I’m happy it’s all working out.

  Paisley: How is Lily’s?

  Nicolette: Honestly?

  Paisley: You didn’t make anything, did you?

  Nicolette: Not true. I have two dollars I didn’t have when I walked in.

  Paisley: Hang in there. Once we get tourists, you’ll be rolling in tips.

  Nicolette: That’s true.

  Paisley: Hey, quick question. Do you mind if Bryant Taunton stays here? He asked if he could. I told him I’d have to check if I had the room. What do you want me to say?

  Nicolette: Does he know my father is staying there?

  Paisley: I told him he is. And that Jordan is here. He didn’t sound happy about that. Does he have a problem with Jordan? How do they know each other?

  Alone in a booth, Nicolette started laughing. What else could she do? It was that or cry. The whole thing was so messed up.

  Lily came out of the kitchen. “You drinking out here?”

  “I wish,” Nicolette joked.

  Lily blew a curl out of her face, wiped her hands on her apron, and sat in the booth across from Nicolette. “What’s got you looking like your world is upside down? You pregnant?”

  “No.” She shook her head. Now that would be bad. Thankfully Bryant was more responsible than she was.

  “I’ve been reading about your family online. Why would someone like you want to work here?”

  Nicolette went forward onto her elbows, burying her face in her hands.

  Lily snapped, “Elbows off the table. A lady knows better than that.”

  Nicolette straightened with automatic speed.

  “Relax,” Lily said, cackling and holding her stomach, then cackling some more. “Tera was in here earlier doing an impression of your grandmother. I had to see if she got it right. Guess she did.”

  She chuckled. If nothing else, her time in MacAuley was teaching Nicolette not to take herself so seriously. “That kid is a hoot.”

  “Oh, she’s something all right. She can’t help it, though. We’re a spunky bunch. Now why don’t you tell me what has you down?”

  “You’ll think I’m ridiculous.”

  “I already do.” Lily cackled again. “Girl, if you’re lucky enough to get to my age, you’ll see that very few things are as bad as we think they are when we’re young.”

  “You’re probably right.” Nicolette sighed. “I don’t know how to talk to my grandmother. I don’t know why she’s coming here. My father says it’s because she cares about me, but I’m afraid of the side of me she brings out. No one can make me as angry as she can.” Nicolette swallowed hard. “No one can make me feel as bad about myself.”

  When Lily didn’t immediately respond, embarrassment filled Nicolette. People often asked how others were, but very rarely did they really want to know.

  Lily took one of her hands in hers. “I want you to look around. You see anyone in here?”

  “No.”

  “My granddaughter doesn’t want to live in MacAuley. My husband passed away. I don’t have anyone to take over this place when I die. Four generations of Lilys, and I can’t convince my own granddaughter it’s worth keeping open. The whole town knows I can’t run this place by myself. They help make their own food, clear off their own tables, sometimes even sweep the floor because they feel sorry for me. I spent every last dollar I had in my savings making sure my husband had what he needed in the end. I could feel sorry for myself. I could hate my life here or that I can’t afford to move closer to wherever my granddaughter goes. But every single morning, I make a choice to wake up and be grateful. There’s two kind of people in the world—those who nothing will make happy and those who everything will. Which one are you, Nicolette?”

  The question rocked her to the core, made her take a real assessment of herself. “I don’t want to be the first.”

  “Then try the other way. Hell, there’s no greater blessing than a good family. Maybe your grandma is hard on you, but you still have her. That won’t always be the case. And if you don’t like who you become around her, stop becoming that person. She can’t make you feel bad about yourself. No one can. People is people. That might be hard to believe at first. I read your grandma is dating a king or something like that. But that don’t make her better than you.”

  “I know it doesn’t.” Nicolette’s eyes misted. “I just want her to be proud of me.”

  “Well, the first thing you need to do is quit whining. I just want to smack my granddaughter when she does that. Sit up straight. Look her in the eye. Tell her what you’re doing here. If she’s like any kind of grandma I know, she’ll be proud of you—even if she doesn’t say it.”

  It sounded so simple. So beautifully simple. “I’ll do that, thanks.”

  With a final pat, Lily said, “And no offense, but you’re fired. I can’t have employees who play on the computer all day.”

  Nicolette’s mouth dropped open; then she started to laugh.

  Lily gave a full belly laugh that only had Nicolette laughing harder.

  “I just peed myself,” Lily announced.

  Nicolette laughed so hard she almost did the same.

  Lily stood, said she was going in the back to change, and asked Nicolette to watch the restaurant until she came back.

  “I’ll wash the booth,” Nicolette offered.

  “See, how could any grandma not be proud of you? Heart of gold, that’s what you have.” She disappeared out the side door.

  Nicolette was still smiling while she disinfected the entire booth. She caught her reflection in a window.

  Heart of gold—I like that. Inner voice, we’re going to start using that instead of “asshole.”

  Lily, your page is going to be the best damn one on the town site.

  The door of the restaurant opened. �
�Nicolette.” Delinda. And King Tadeas.

  Nicolette turned from washing her hands. Her first instinct was to become defensive, but she fought the reaction. She’s not better than I am. And she’s here for me. According to Lily, either nothing she does will make me happy or everything will. It’s my choice.

  “Grandmother.”

  Delinda smiled and walked farther in with Tadeas on her arm. “Your father said you’re working here now.”

  “Yes and no.” Nicolette came out from behind the counter. “I was actually just fired.”

  Her grandmother’s eyes widened. Nicolette braced herself for the lecture she knew would follow, but instead, Delinda looked sympathetic. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure you’ll find something else.”

  “I will,” Nicolette said quietly.

  Delinda stopped just in front of her. “I know you didn’t invite me here, and if you want me to, I’ll leave, but there’s something you need to know. I’m—I’m sorry for not knowing how to talk to you. I intend to do better in the future. I do love you, Nicolette. You can doubt everything else, but don’t ever doubt that.”

  Nicolette’s hands went to her mouth. Could this be real? It never would be if she didn’t let herself believe it could be. So instead of holding on to her doubts, she rushed forward and enveloped her grandmother in a long, tight hug. “I love you, too.”

  Once released, Delinda wiped a tear from her cheek and smiled at Tadeas. “Well, that went better than expected.”

  He smiled so sweetly at Delinda that Nicolette hugged him as well. This is what I’ve wanted, and I see now that the change had to happen in me before it could. “I don’t want you to leave, Grandmother. I’m trying to do something important for this town, and I’d like to show you what I’m working on.”

  “I’d love to see whatever you want to show me,” Delinda said, still dabbing at the corners of her eyes.

  “It’s on my computer.” Nicolette headed to the booth where it was, then picked it up and said, “Why don’t we sit at a table instead.”

  They spent the next twenty or so minutes looking over the website Nicolette was building and conferring on whom she’d contacted about the town. Delinda seemed genuinely interested, as did Tadeas.