The Billionaire's Setup

by Marie Higgins

  “I wouldn’t be surprised.” Nolan nodded. “Bailey seems like a party girl.”

  “If you ask her, she’d tell you that she invented the phrase.”

  Nolan reached over and took Nicole’s hand, which she thankfully didn’t resist. “Did you really have fun tonight?”

  “I did, actually.” She gave him a genuine smile. “I’m glad you were with me. I don’t think I would have ventured near that headstone on my own.”

  “Are you going to do some research on Victoria Carrigan to see if she’s related?”

  “Yes. I want to check some genealogy websites tomorrow mornin’. It’ll be interestin’ to see if she is part of my family tree.”

  “If you need some help, let me know,” Nolan offered.

  “Thank ya kindly, sir. I just might need your help since I’ve never done this before.”

  When they pulled up at the hotel, he couldn’t see Nicole’s car, which meant Bailey wasn’t back yet. He pulled into an empty parking spot and stopped the Jeep, but he didn’t turn off the engine yet. The rhythm of his heart sped faster. He wanted to kiss her, but yet something in the back of his mind told him it was too soon. Although he’d been reading Nicole’s expressions all day, right now her shy gazes made him hesitate.

  He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came to his mind. This was the end of their date, even though it really wasn’t a date. What should he say to her, especially since he already knew he’d see her at tomorrow’s event?

  She unhooked her seat belt and turned toward him. There was no streetlight where they were parked, and he couldn’t tell if she wanted him to kiss her or not.

  His throat grew dry, as did his parched mouth. Gads, he felt like a nervous teenager again. He’d gotten past his fear of kissing woman a long time ago, so then why was he acting this way now?

  “Well...” she said softly. “I suppose I should text Bailey to let her know I’m back.”

  “Uh, yes. I’m sure she’ll be relieved to know that I brought you back to the B&B safe and in one piece.”

  Nicole laughed. “Exactly. My guard-dog will be very much relieved.”

  He cupped her cheek and she leaned closer. Was this the sign he’d been waiting for? If his accelerating heartbeat wouldn’t calm down, his pulsating blood zipping through his body like it was running a race would eventually give him a headache. “I did promise Bailey I’d protect you, so I suppose I should finish my duties.”

  “Yes, I suppose.”

  Her soft cheek against his palm felt so warm, and he didn’t want to let her go. All he wanted to do was pull her closer and place his lips on hers...

  The buzzing of Nicole’s cell phone jerked him out of the intense mood, and he dropped his hand. She turned and fished her phone out of her pocket and answered the call.

  “Hi, Bailey.”

  During the pause, Nolan realized how breathless she was. Her chest rose and fell quickly. He was sure his was doing the same thing.

  “Yes, I’m back now. When will you be here?” She nodded. “Oh, okay. I’ll see you soon.” Nicole clicked off the phone and slid it back in her pocket. “Bailey says she’s leavin’ the club right now.”

  Disappointment filled him. Their date was officially over. He turned off the engine and climbed out of the Jeep. He hurried around to her side and opened the door for her. Her smile made his heart melt, but when she slipped her hand into his as they walked to the B&B, happiness filled him. She was showing all the signs of liking him just as much as he liked her.

  Strange to think, but with Elizabeth, the affection was only one-sided. With her, he knew that she had strong feelings for Aaron even though she thought he was dead.

  Nolan didn’t say anything to Nicole as they walked inside and to the elevator. Once inside, she shrugged out of his jacket.

  “I reckon I should give this back to you.” She held the garment loosely and leaned against the back wall of the elevator. “Even though I’m goin’ to miss your scent tonight.”

  Her comment caught him off guard and he blinked as excited curiosity filled him. “My scent?”

  She nodded and lifted his jacket to her face. Closing her eyes, she inhaled and smiled. “Mmm... I just love your cologne.” She looked at him and smiled.

  “Wow, I don’t think a woman has ever said that to me before.” He rested his arm on the wall above her head and leaned toward her. “But you are more than welcome to smell me any time you’d like.”

  She laughed lightly, holding his jacket to her chest. “So, you won’t mind if we’re walkin’ durin’ one of the tours and I lift up to smell your neck?” She rose on her toes and pressed her lips against his neck, but it wasn’t a kiss. He felt her quick intake of air and it sent shivers of delight running over him.

  “Oh, definitely.” He rubbed his cheek against her hair, loving her lilac fragrance, as well. “As long as I can do the same to you.”

  His breathing became ragged as they stayed in this position. Perhaps a kiss would happen tonight after all. But the elevator shook as it reached their floor and paused before opening the door.

  Hesitantly, he pulled away. Her beautiful amber eyes stared up at him as her face bloomed with color. Heavens, she was pretty.

  As Nolan walked her to her room, neither of them spoke, and yet, their gazes communicated quite well. He wanted to take her in his arms and shower her with passionate kisses. Unfortunately, knowing Bailey would be back any minute put a damper on his eagerness.

  They stopped at her door and she handed him back his jacket. “Thanks again for a fun evenin’.”

  “I’d love to have more fun evenings with you this week... if that’s okay.” His voice was deeper than it had been before.

  “You would?”

  “Definitely. Sky’s the limit.” He winked.

  Smiling, Nicole slid her arms around his waist and cuddled against him. As he started to hold her, she stepped out of his arms and unlocked her door.

  “Have a good sleep,” she said as she walked inside. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Once more, disappointment filled him. “Yes. See-ya.” As he watched the door close behind her, a new hope grew inside his chest. Tomorrow. They would definitely share a kiss tomorrow! He’d make sure of it.

  ELEVEN

  Nicole floated through her room, getting her bath ready as she breathed a sigh. Nolan – or should she say Aaron – was so handsome. She loved his arms around her, and best of all, his knee-weakening cologne stayed on her shirt. When she undressed, she kept sniffing the garment, thinking of her wonderful evening with this incredible man.

  She loved how he protected her at the cemetery. She loved laughing with him. She loved how she felt like an average girl with little money being charmed by a billionaire. Yet, at the same time, when she gazed into his dreamy eyes, she didn’t think about his money. She thought about how sweet and caring he was... and how much she wanted to kiss him.

  Relaxing in the jetted tub made her think of him that much more. Tomorrow, she would have to leave subtle hints about wanting to kiss him. It surprised her that he hadn’t tried to this evening. After all, he was given many opportunities, and she would have happily welcomed them.

  She climbed out of the tub, dried off, and slipped on her silky PJ’s. When she walked into the bedroom, the air seemed cooler on her bare legs. She found the thermostat on the wall and cranked it up a little higher, but the air was still cool as she waited for the heater to kick on.

  “Nicole.”

  Her name whispered through the room. She glanced at every corner, trying to figure out where she’d heard it. Had she imagined it? Maybe she did. Maybe her mind was thinking that Nolan was across the hall whispering her name in remembrance.

  She giggled and picked up her hairbrush, pulling it through her long hair as she tried to dry it. She bent, flipping her hair over her head as she continued to brush out the tangles.

  “Nicole.”

  She jerked to an upright position and glanced at the doo
r. It definitely came from there, but it wasn’t Nolan’s voice. The deep timbre of his voice would have made her heart pound faster with excitement, instead of the quick beat of panic and fear.

  Tightening her fingers over the handle of the brush as she held it like a weapon, she stepped closer to the door. She leaned toward the peephole and peered through it. The hallway in front of her door was empty. Slowly, she opened the door and glanced down the hallway. Through the dimly lit place, she couldn’t see anyone.

  She closed her door and locked it securely. Hearing voices like this made her wonder if she was really crazy. After all, if she had really seen a ghost at the cemetery, why wouldn’t she hear voices, too?

  Hurrying to her bed, she wanted to climb under the blankets to get warm. The heater still hadn’t kicked on and her legs were freezing. Tomorrow she’d have to mention something to the manager about fixing the heater.

  Nicole snuggled in her bed and wrapped the blankets around her. She reached over and turned off the light. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes, immediately picturing Nolan. Strong, handsome, and very charming, that man could even melt a nun’s heart and make her swoon.

  “I don’t want to be here.”

  This time the voice was as clear as if the woman who said it was standing right next to Nicole’s bed. She gasped and tightened her fingers on the blankets, holding it up around her chin. “Who is here?” Nicole asked aloud, but silence filled the still chilly room. “Bailey, is that you? If you are tryin’ to scare me because I went to the cemetery instead of goin’ with you tonight, I’m goin’ to be very mad at you.”

  She breathed quickly as her limbs shook in fear. She hated to be scared, and Bailey knew it. Yet, something deep inside Nicole’s mind told her it wasn’t her cousin playing tricks on her.

  “Please, tell me who you are,” she said in a tight voice.

  When silence continued to grow in the room, she grabbed her hairbrush off the night stand and slowly slid out of bed. Next to her brush was her room key, so she clutched that in her palm, as well.

  Taking quick steps, she hurried to her door and flung it open. The hallway was empty. Whoever was playing tricks on her must still be in her room. With a trembling hand, she knocked on Nolan’s door. “Please don’t be asleep.” She waited only a few seconds before knocking again, harder this time.

  The door swung open. Nolan’s tall, muscular frame filled the doorframe. He wore no shirt, but he had on black sweatpants. His gaze slid over her quickly as he eyed her night attire and the brush in her hand.

  “Nicole? What’s wrong?” Nolan asked.

  “Um... I know this is goin’ to sound a little silly, but,” she looked at his chest and her mind wandered away from the real reason she came over. “I’m sorry to get you out of bed.”

  “What’s wrong?” He touched her arm and she immediately flattened herself against him. His arms wrapped around her protectively. “Nicole, you’re trembling.” He took the brush and room key out of her hands and set them on the small shelf by the door.

  “Yes... I am.” His body was so warm and with her cheek pressed against his chest, comfort began to grow inside her. At this moment, she never wanted to leave his embrace. “I heard some sounds in my room, and well... it scared me.”

  His arms tightened around her and his palms slid up and down her arms, bringing more warmth to her body. If she still wasn’t so afraid, she would be sighing in satisfaction right now. He stepped back into his room closed the door. She didn’t leave his side.

  “Do you want me to check your room to make sure it’s okay?” His voice was deep and came out in a ragged whisper.

  As much as she wanted him to look in her room, she also didn’t want him to leave her side. “I... guess. If you don’t mind.”

  “I wouldn’t mind at all, sweetie.” His mouth brushed across her forehead. “What sounds are you hearing?”

  The heat from his minty breath caused her mind to go blank, and the only sound she could hear now was the fast rhythm of his heartbeat. She tried to focus on what had scared her a few minutes ago, but she couldn’t wrap her mind around anything else. Being next to him like this was just too comfortable.

  “I... I...” She tried shaking her mind out of the dream Nolan had put her under, but in all honesty, she didn’t want to leave this haven she’d somehow created with him as her hero.

  His hand moved under her chin and lifted her face so that she could look into his eyes. The green of his eyes seemed brighter for some reason. Her heart jumped to her throat. A feeling of trust filled her, and she wanted to tell him everything.

  “I heard...” she began in a mere whisper, “someone sayin’ my name.”

  His eyebrows lifted. “Someone was in your room?”

  “I’m not sure where they were, but they were sayin’ my name.”

  “A man?”

  She shook her head. “A woman, but it wasn’t my cousin.”

  The softness of his touch as he trailed his thumb across her cheek to her bottom lip made her quiver. His gaze had dropped to her mouth, and she watched his lips, hoping that this was the moment when he’d kiss her.

  “Did you see anyone?” he asked.

  “No. I... didn’t know if it was someone playin’ tricks on me or – a ghost.” She slid her palms up his bare chest slowly until she hooked her arms around his neck. “Nolan, you are the only person I could think of to help me. You... are the only one I want helpin’ me.”

  His worried expression relaxed into a soft smile. The one arm still around her tightened as he rubbed his thumb over her lips.

  “I want to help you,” he said huskily. “I want to be the only man helping you, Nicole.”

  As his mouth dropped to hers, she sighed with happiness and met his kiss eagerly. Sparks flew through the air even though she couldn’t see them. Her heart sang, and her body hummed from the passionate moment.

  His hands slid up and down her back, shifting her silky pajama top with his movements, and yet surprisingly, all he did was caress her back and arms. She wasn’t used to a man just wanting to kiss her without more following soon after. It was quite refreshing, and she could rest assured that he really was a gentleman.

  The kiss turned urgent, which she had been anticipating. She brushed her fingers through his cropped hair, loving the softness against her skin. Although she could tell he had taken a bath since his hair was still slightly damp, there was still a hint of his sexy cologne on his skin.

  Her mind swirled with pure delight, and she never wanted this to end. However, realistically this moment would end and each of them would return to their separate beds. She, of course, would dream about when she’d see him next, and she hoped he shared her dream.

  “Nicole,” he muttered against her lips, breaking the kiss and pressing his forehead against hers.

  His quick breaths against her head were pounding out the same rhythm as her ragged breaths. She sighed, smiling as she closed her eyes.

  “Things got a little... too fast.” He kissed her temples.

  “Yes,” she sighed heavily. “I’m sorry.”

  “No – no, my darling Nicole. Don’t apologize.” His kisses slowly trailed down the side of her face. “There’s no reason to be sorry. I think this was bound to happen. Don’t you?”

  “Mmm...” She tilted her head back and his mouth moved to her neck. “I don’t know what it is, but,” she paused as she held her breath, waiting for him to kiss her again. When his lips brushed soft kisses along her collarbone, her voice rattled with a heady sigh. “Oh, Nolan. I don’t know why, but I can’t stop thinkin’ about you.”

  His chest shook with a silent laugh as he straightened and looked into her eyes. “I’ve been feeling the same way. It’s like... we were destined to meet.”

  “Yes.” She cupped his face. “That’s exactly what I was thinkin’.”

  He kissed her mouth again, and although she wanted to prolong the kiss and turn it more passionate, he slowly stepped away, breaking thei
r close contact.

  “Which is the very reason we must end this now.” He nodded.

  “Really? But why?” She couldn’t believe the disappointment in her voice just now, but it reminded her of her whiny cousin, so she laughed.

  He laughed too, cupping the side of her face. “I’m happy to know you share my feelings, because I don’t want to stop, either. But we must.”

  She released a deep breath and nodded. “I know.” She turned her face enough to kiss his palm. “As long as you promise me, we can pick this up tomorrow.”

  He smiled and his eyes twinkled. “You can count on it.” He released her face and his hand grasped hers. “I’ll look around in your room and make sure no one is there.”

  At first, she wondered why he had wanted to look in her room. Then, as reality crashed around her, she remembered the voice she’d heard. Did she want to return to her room and face the possibility of ghosts in her head? It was easier – and much safer – to stay in Nolan’s room and let him hold her and take all her worries away. However, she needed to find the strong, independent woman she’d been for a few years now. She definitely didn’t want Nolan to see her as a weakling.

  She linked fingers with him and nodded. “Yes, let’s look in my room now.”

  He grabbed her brush and key before they walked across the hall and into her room. Right away, the warmth from the working heater surrounded her. The chill was gone. Did that mean her ghost had left, too?

  As she watched Nolan move around her room, looking under the bed, in her closets, and in her bathroom, she realized he hadn’t stopped to put on a shirt. A smile stretched her mouth, even as she tried to stop it. You are one lucky woman, Nicole. Nolan was definitely labeled a hunk in her book.

  “I think your room is clear.” He stopped in front of her and wrapped her loosely in his strong arms.

  She shouldn’t have, but she couldn’t stop from gingerly touching his chest. “Thank ya kindly, sir. You’re definitely my hero.”