He smiled and took a slight step toward her. “What brings you here tonight? I noticed you carrying something that looked like food.”
She blushed and dipped her head. “Yes. Margaret’s cook brings food here when they have extra, so I decided to come along.”
“I didn’t realize you were such good friends with Margaret Livingston,” he said, still confused as to what connection she might have. “You should have mentioned it in your interview.”
“Would it have mattered?” Olivia’s expression became guarded as she searched his eyes for an answer.
He cringed, realizing how the suggestion sounded. “Not at all. You would have had the job either way. I’m just surprised. How do you know her?”
She seemed satisfied, but her expression remained guarded. “She’s an old family friend.”
He was about to ask more questions when Margaret turned her attention back to him. “It’s been years since I’ve played Scrabble. You may have to remind me of the rules, Nolan.”
“Absolutely, but I’ll defer to Daphne to explain. She’s the Scrabble master.”
Daphne shook her head. “He’s done nothing but butter me up this whole time.” She leaned to the side to stage whisper to Olivia. “But it’s true . . . I am pretty good.”
Olivia laughed and the sound did crazy things to Nolan’s insides.
“I’ll keep my eye on you then,” she teased.
Nolan pulled chairs out for Margaret and Olivia, hyper-aware of Olivia’s nearness as she sat beside him. They started over with a fresh board and Olivia won the right to the first word. She laid down all seven tiles, giving him a smug smile as she spelled out T-O-R-M-E-N-T.
Daphne hooted and slapped her knee. “Starting off the game with the extra fifty-point bonus?” She turned to him. “I like this girl, Nolan. I may just have to bestow my ‘Scrabble Master’ title to her.”
“Let’s not be too hasty,” he said, talking to Daphne but looking at Olivia. If he wasn’t careful, he would get completely lost in those teasing warm brown eyes of hers. “There’s still plenty of game left.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Bowling may be your area of expertise, Mr. McGrath, but I know my way around a Scrabble board.”
He smirked, loving the flirty challenge in her voice. “We’ll see about that.” Their gazes locked and held for two heartbeats before Margaret cleared her throat.
“My goodness, Liv. You’ve certainly given me plenty of letters to choose from.”
Nolan reluctantly broke eye contact with Olivia, rubbing the stubble on his chin and pretending to study the tiles on the board as he fought to steady his hammering pulse. Her knee accidentally bumped his leg beneath the table, sending a surge of electricity through him.
“Sorry,” she murmured.
“No problem.” He kept his focus on the board, but it took effort with his senses on high alert. Olivia couldn’t have chosen a better word to describe what he was feeling. Wanting her and not being able to do anything about it was nothing but pure torment.
Chapter 15
“Thanks for the game, Daphne,” Olivia said as she helped sweep the Scrabble tiles into the box. It had been too long since she’d played a board game, and she’d forgotten how much she liked them. She didn’t even care that she’d lost to Daphne; beating Nolan’s score after they’d egged each other on was more than satisfying.
“Thank you, honey,” Daphne said. “I can’t remember the last time I played against such a fierce opponent.”
“Likewise.” Olivia smiled. “You truly are the Scrabble master. We’ll have to have a rematch soon so you can teach me your ways.”
Daphne laughed. “I’m here every night, so anytime you want to stop by I’ll be ready for another game.”
“How about me?” Nolan asked, folding his arms. “I may not be as fierce an opponent, but I clearly need the practice.”
“I’d love to play again, too,” Margaret added. “It’s good for this old brain to have a challenge now and then.”
“Mm hmm,” Daphne agreed, tapping her forehead, “keeps you sharp, which is one of the reasons I like it so well.” She nodded at them. “I’d love any excuse to have you come visit. You know where to find me.”
“We’ll do that,” Margaret said, attempting to stand.
Olivia was about to help, knowing her grandma’s knees had been stiff lately, but Nolan beat her to it. He stood and offered his arm, and Margaret gave him an appreciative smile. “Thank you, dear. These knees don’t always cooperate with me when I want them to.”
“My pleasure,” Nolan answered before helping Daphne to stand as well.
Olivia’s heart melted. He was so considerate, and it wasn’t for show. His thoughtfulness seemed to come without effort or expectation of thanks. It was simply who he was.
He caught her eye. “Can I offer you ladies a ride home?” he asked.
Yes please, Olivia wanted to say, but she shook her head. “Thanks, but Margaret and Flora can drop me off.”
“Of course.” He smiled faintly and slid his hands into his pockets.
Did she imagine it, or was that disappointment in his eyes?
Margaret glanced between them and touched Liv’s arm. “Actually, dear, it looks like Flora is still visiting with friends. I think maybe I’ll join her for a bit.” She turned to Nolan. “If you’d be willing to take Olivia home, that would be most helpful.”
Olivia stared at Gran. She wasn’t one to socialize for very long, and the twinkle in her eyes as she looked at Nolan confirmed she was up to something.
He nodded. “Of course. Unless you wanted to stay longer, Olivia?” He glanced at her with an unspoken question.
Her heart tripped. “I think I’d better head home now so I’m not tired for work tomorrow, so if you wouldn’t mind, that would be great.”
“Not at all.” His face visibly relaxed. “Besides, you wouldn’t want to upset your boss by being tired,” he teased.
She laughed, wanting to kick herself for how breathy it sounded. His teasing always ruffled her.
“Wonderful.” Margaret beamed. “I’ll see you soon, Olivia. It’s been lovely to meet you, Nolan.” She took his hand, holding it for a second as she gazed up at him. “I hope to see you soon as well.” Before he could respond, she turned to Daphne and took her free arm. “Come meet Flora. You may already know some of her friends.”
“Gladly.” Daphne nodded at Nolan and Olivia. “Thanks for coming. You drive safe, now.” She waved, and then used her cane as she and Margaret walked slowly away, talking as if they were old friends.
Olivia glanced at Nolan. “That was fun,” she said. “I meant it when I said I want to come back.”
“Me too.” He studied her, his mouth turning up in the corner. “But I’m clearly going to have to brush up on my Scrabble game before the next rematch.”
She shook her head. “Don’t you dare. I’ve got to be able to beat you at something,” she teased.
He tipped his head to the side, his eyes brimming with amusement. “Something tells me you’ve got a competitive streak.”
She put her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. “I’m not the only one.”
He nodded slowly. “We’re a dangerous combination.”
Her breath caught at the look he gave her. This was dangerous. They were flirting, and she liked it a little too much. Savannah. She had to remember Savannah. She blinked and looked away, moving in the direction of the doors. “I’ve been thinking,” she said, preparing to change the subject.
“About what?” He reached to open the door for her, and she caught the scent of his cologne as she moved passed him to step outside.
The crisp night air was just what she needed to shake herself out of flirtation mode. “Well,” she continued, “playing board games made me think it would be nice to have a selection of games stocked that guests can check out during their stay. There will already be tables scattered throughout the lobby. Think how cozy it would be to play a game during
a winter storm when outside activities are limited?”
“That does sound cozy.”
Maybe it was the darkness that made his tone sound coaxing. Maybe it was only in her head that he was thinking of her when he’d said that. Maybe her fluttery heart was causing her to imagine things. Savannah. She bit her lip. Focus on Savannah and how happy you are that she’s open to dating again. She braved a glance at Nolan as they stepped to the passenger side of his car. “So . . . you like the idea?”
He met her eyes, and under the lights of the parking lot she saw the warmth in them.
“I like it very much.”
She couldn’t breathe. How was she supposed to think rationally when Nolan kept looking at her like that? Like there was a double meaning to everything he said? He gave her a crooked half smile and opened her door.
“I’m pretty sure we can find room in the budget for board games,” he said.
She laughed, grateful to release some of the thickness in the air between them that was accumulating like a deliciously warm fog. “That’s good,” she said, “because you know I have more ideas where those came from.”
“I’m counting on it.” He waited until she was seated before shutting her door; his tall, muscular frame highlighted under the parking lights as he circled to the driver’s side.
Olivia squeezed her eyes shut. Savannah. Remember Savannah, she repeated in her mind. She hadn’t been there two years ago when Savannah was left at the altar, but she’d heard about it from her friends. Savannah never talked about the incident, and Olivia could only imagine how traumatic it was for her. She deserved someone who would treat her well—someone like Nolan. He had a heart of gold and would undoubtedly treat the woman he loved like a queen. Olivia’s heart ached with longing.
Nolan opened his door and she shifted, forcing a bright smile to hide her thoughts. “Thanks again for offering to drive me home.”
“It’s no trouble at all.” He started the car before placing his hand on the back of her headrest to look over his shoulder as he backed up. It was a common gesture, and shouldn’t have spiked her heartrate, but her traitorous heart wasn’t getting the memo. “If you want to come next weekend,” he added, “I’d be happy to give you a ride.” He glanced at her before replacing his hand on the steering wheel.
Olivia’s stomach leapt. For one spine-tingling moment, she wanted to accept. She wanted to have an excuse to see Nolan more often than working hours, but thinking of Savannah was all the resolve she needed. She looked at her hands and cleared her throat. “Yeah, that would be fun . . . and we could invite Savannah and Trent to come along too.”
He paused for a fraction of a second. “Yes . . . Of course.”
They fell silent and Olivia looked outside, desperate for a neutral topic. “The staff at Pleasant Pines was really sweet, but did you notice that the building is a little run down?”
He nodded, adjusting his grip on the steering wheel. “The place could definitely use some updating—or even an entire remodel.” His brows furrowed in thought. “Maybe McGrath Construction could take it on as a charity project.”
I could help too, Olivia thought. She was confident Gran would allot her some of her inheritance for the project. She would talk to her about it at the soonest opportunity. It would feel good to give back to the senior citizens in their community. And hopefully serving others would help her get over the pain of watching Nolan date Savannah. Maybe that would be her calling in life and help to fill the void of loneliness. She could do charitable work. She would have the money for it—if all went according to plan with the inheritance clause.
“Where did you go?” Nolan’s mouth turned up in the corner, showing his dimple as he glanced away from the road to meet her eyes.
She blinked and shook her head. “Sorry. Just thinking.” Come on, Olivia, she silently pleaded. You can do this. Keep the focus on work. She straightened, reverting back to the topic. “It would be amazing if McGrath Construction took the remodel on.” She tapped her chin. “And I wonder what kind of activities they have for the seniors there. I like that they have a family visiting night, but it would be great for Daphne and some of the other residents without family close by to be included in other activities as well.”
“Uh oh. I know that look.” Nolan quirked a teasing eyebrow at her. “You never stop scheming up ideas, do you?”
Olivia ignored the thrill that he knew her well enough to recognize her facial expressions. She lifted a shoulder. “What can I say? I was born to scheme.” He chuckled and the low sound warmed her to the core.
“It’s an admirable trait.” He met her eyes. “Just make sure to include me in your scheming, okay?”
Her heart hiccupped. Was he talking about her schemes for the resort, or was there a hidden meaning to his words? She didn’t dare analyze, deciding two could play at this game. “Oh, believe me, you’ll be included,” she said lightly, even as her heart stung. She would scheme a way to get him and Savannah together—even if it meant shattering her own heart in the process.
Chapter 16
Nolan pulled into a visitor parking space at Olivia’s apartment complex and cut the engine. The chemistry had been flowing between them like crazy at Pleasant Pines, but during the drive she’d grown increasingly distant, and he wanted to remedy that. “Let me walk you to your door,” he offered.
She unbuckled her seatbelt, and he caught a whiff of her shampoo as a section of glossy hair fell down her shoulder. He wanted to run his fingers through her hair, to pull her close and breathe her in.
“That’s okay,” she said, avoiding eye contact. “I’ll be fine, but thanks for the offer.”
He frowned. Yeah, she was definitely cooling off. He decided to give it one more shot. “I’d feel better if you’d let me. The path to your apartment isn’t well lit, and I’ll breathe easier knowing you made it in safe.”
She bit her lip, and he was instantly distracted by her mouth. “All right,” she said, turning to give him the briefest of smiles. “Thanks.”
He stared at her, unable to turn his gaze away. She was too perfect, sitting so close to him. His heart pounded with unspoken words and he knew this was the moment—it was time to tell Olivia how he felt.
She moved to open her door but he stopped her. “Liv, wait.”
She turned slowly; her brown eyes tight with a look he couldn’t define as she stared at him. “You called me Liv.”
He ran a hand along the back of his neck, his pulse thundering. “I guess I did. Would you prefer I didn’t call you that?”
Her face softened. “No. It’s fine. It just . . . caught me off guard.”
He took a deep breath. So long as she was already off guard, he might as well keep her there. He ran both hands down the steering wheel, unable to look at her. “There’s something,” he paused and cleared his throat, working up the courage. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Don’t.”
The word hit him like a punch to the gut. His eyes snapped to hers and her features twisted.
“Don’t say it, Nolan,” she pleaded.
He searched her face. “You know?”
She looked at her hands. “You and I . . . we weren’t meant to go down this path. We work together, and besides that . . . there are others who would be hurt by it. It’s not meant to be.”
He lifted his chest and shook his head. “I’m not so sure about that.” The fact that they were finally getting this out into the open made him bold. He tilted her chin to face him, his heart thundering as he looked into her eyes. “I know there are obstacles. And yes, maybe some people we care about will be hurt, but they’ll get over it.” Trent was so in love with his phone, Nolan had a feeling it wouldn’t take him long to move on.
Olivia pulled back, her expression hardening. “No. They won’t,” she said flatly. “And I won’t intentionally hurt them. I couldn’t forgive myself for being so selfish.”
He sat, stunned as disappointment seared his insides like
a scalding blade. After several long beats he nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” A sick feeling rose up in his throat. He swallowed and forced a faint smile. “I won’t bring it up again.” Without waiting for her answer, he opened his door, desperate to get out of the car and the torment of being so close to her. He circled the car to open her door, but she stepped out before he could reach her.
“Thanks again for the ride home.” She closed the door, avoiding his gaze. “I promise I’ll be fine getting in. Good night, Nolan.” She spun on her heel and darted toward her apartment.
Nolan watched Olivia go, his heart tearing apart as she disappeared from sight. He leaned against his car; the pain momentarily immobilizing him. She chose Trent. And by the fierce look in her eyes when she’d defended him—she loved him.
Agony and embarrassment pooled in his stomach like acid. What was he thinking? He’d confessed his feelings and made a complete fool of himself. And worst of all, he’d lost her. He’d lost Olivia before she’d ever really been his.
Chapter 17
Olivia changed the radio station for the third time before finally giving up and turning it off. Why were they only playing love songs today? Her emotions were enough of a mess already and a sappy ballad was the last thing she needed as she drove to work.
She hadn’t slept at all the night before, tossing and turning as she replayed the conversation with Nolan: The warm look in his eyes when he’d practically confessed his feelings, and then the hurt when she’d turned him down. She’d come so close to giving in to her desire to be with him, but she’d stayed strong. She should be happy about that, but it was all she could do to keep from falling apart. She hadn’t allowed herself to cry about it yet, and maybe that was the problem. No doubt the tears would come at the most unexpected and inconvenient time.
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