Her Billionaire Betrayal (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 3)

by Danni Lee Nicholls

  He moved toward Pamela and Isabella. “Of course, Ms. Smithers.” Holding out his arm for both Pamela and her daughter, he hurried them to the exit. Isabella turned crimson with humiliation. Indigo sympathized with the girl as she struggled with her own uneasy abashment.

  Pamela tittered again as she pressed Cole’s arm against her body. The rest of the parents turned away, trying to pretend they didn’t see her brazen attempts at getting Cole alone.

  Sensitive compassion for Isabella rose up in Indigo, and she pulled one of her earlier sketches from her pile before putting down her belongings. “Isabella,” she called.

  The girl turned toward her, a pained look on her face.

  Indigo hurried on, waving her sketch. “I thought you might want to take this home.” Reaching the threesome, she placed the sketch in Isabella’s free hand. “Something to dream about.” She smiled into the girl’s wide hazel eyes.

  “Thanks,” Isabella breathed as a smile crept on her face. She tucked the drawing inside her notebook before looking at Indigo with pure delight. “I’ll pin it on my wall.”

  Indigo smiled at her before glancing at Pamela and Cole. Pamela looked at her with neutral impassivity, but Cole’s gaze lingered long enough for Indigo to see his knowing expression of appreciative understanding, building something of a coalition for this lovely young girl. Indigo’s earlier distress dissipated.

  Walking back to the bleachers, she gathered her things. A quiet longing stole into her heart. Parents tucked their kids into coats and scarves, making sure they had their backpacks and other school things before ushering them out of the dark night. It was the life she and Sam had dreamed of: dance lessons, piano lessons, and soccer. Fishing and hiking, too, if Sam had anything to say about it. But now, all of that was forever out of reach.

  She pushed the melancholy away as Cara and Phillip approached.

  “Indigo.”

  The tone of Cara’s voice made Indigo put her belongings down and look at the older woman.

  “It’s none of my business, but I know you’re living with a roommate and not your husband.” Cara hesitated, sharing a quick glance with Phillip. “I only bring it up because … well, it appears as if Cole enjoys your company, and he’s been through a lot—we just don’t want to see him, or anybody, get hurt.” She looked at the floor.

  Indigo wasn’t sure if she should be grateful for the opportunity to talk about Sam. So far, Cara had been kind, and Indigo chose to trust that. “Sam died about a year and a half ago,” she said. “I moved here for a fresh start.” Indigo offered a small smile. Something broke free in telling Cara about Sam’s passing. Pamela’s domineering mannerisms and her concerns about what others thought dissipated like fog under the light of a strengthening dawn.

  “That’s why you said you wouldn’t be going back to Oregon?” Cara asked.

  “Right.”

  Cara enveloped Indigo in an embrace. “I’m so sorry, dear. But thank you for letting us know. I’m glad you’re here with us.”

  “We’re both glad,” Phillip echoed, placing his hand on Indigo’s arm and giving her a small squeeze.

  A tender bud of friendship began to unfurl within Indigo.

  Cara smiled. “So, what did you think of the rehearsal?”

  Indigo was grateful to talk about something else. “It was lovely and very helpful. I’ve made some additional sketches.” She handed the papers over to the couple, who began sorting through them. Indigo continued, “We don’t have to make any decisions tonight. Take your time looking these over. If you get back to me by next week, that’ll be soon enough.”

  “These are wonderful,” Cara replied. “I love how you took my simple design and added some flounce and shine. What do you think, Phillip?”

  Phillip looked over the drawings. “Any one of them would work,” he mused. “The girls are going to love whichever one we choose. We need to make sure we run anything by Cole before we make a decision, though.” He handed the sketch back to Indigo.

  Indigo’s earlier irritation about including Cole in the designing process was absent. In its place was the desire to share her plans.

  “I doubt he’ll be coming back in,” Cara said. “Pamela will do her best to keep him occupied.”

  A pinch of disappointment surprised Indigo, but it immediately lifted as Cole hurried through the door, brushing raindrops from his coat.

  “There he is,” Phillip said.

  Cole hurried next to the threesome. He blew into his hands. “We might get some snow tonight.”

  Phillip put his arm around his wife. “I’m glad Cara and I live upstairs. No driving for us tonight.”

  Alarm spread through Indigo. Her trusty Subaru was a champ in snowy conditions, but the roads around Eureka Springs curved around hills in steep bends and dips. And her tires weren’t snow ready. “How about if I leave these with you?” She motioned toward the sketches. “I should get home if the weather is going to turn.”

  “Yes, of course,” Cara replied.

  “I can take you home if you’d rather not drive,” Cole offered. “The Tesla is just as good as a Subaru, and I’ve had more practice on these roads.”

  Indigo’s first inclination was to accept Cole’s kind offer. She loved the idea of spending a few extra minutes with him as much as she shuddered over the thought of trying to find her way alone in the dark while temperatures plummeted and snow threatened.

  Her common sense and independence kicked in. If she could drive in Eugene with its hills and valleys during a snowstorm, she could certainly make her way home on the Ozark back roads with only the threat of one.

  She offered him a genuine smile. “That’s very kind, but I’ll be fine. I just hope you don’t mind if I take off early tonight. We can all talk later about the sketches.”

  “Of course,” Phillip replied.

  Indigo shouldered her purse, and with her drawing supplies tucked under her arm, she offered a hasty goodbye before hurrying out the door to her car. Folding herself into the driver’s seat, she texted Kelsey to let her know she was on her way home. A few wet snowflakes spit against her windshield, but nothing too concerning.

  She was about to pull out of the lot when Cole appeared near the exit of the studio. He waved her down. Anticipation fluttered somewhere in Indigo’s chest as she rolled down the driver’s side window.

  “Just be careful, okay?” His dark eyes mirroring consideration and unease.

  Indigo took in Cole’s look of concern, a generous appreciation filtering through the defenses she’d built around Sam and the earlier shame from Pam’s accusations.

  Cole continued, “It’s even a little cooler now than when I was out here with Isabella and her mother just a few minutes ago. If you run into any trouble, here’s my number.” He gave her a folded piece of paper.

  In spite of the cold air that swirled around her, an uncomfortable heat rose through Indigo’s neck and into her cheeks. She was grateful for the dimness in the cab of the car. She gazed into Cole’s brown eyes, dark and appealing in the streetlamp. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, but this is very thoughtful. I appreciate it.”

  He reached out, laying his hand on her shoulder. “Just in case.”

  Indigo caught her breath at the weight of Cole’s hand. The warmth of him reaching her skin through her coat. “Thank you.” Her voice caught in her throat.

  Cole stepped away, and Indigo wished she’d taken him up on his offer to drive her home. It’d be lovely to turn over the concern of the weather and the drive to someone else while simply enjoying the company of a man who offered her both solace and safety. She dismissed the thought. A smatter of snowflakes wasn’t anything serious, and Sam would scoff at her for being worried.

  Looking both ways, she turned in the direction of home and relaxed. With some distance between her and Cole, she was glad for her decision to drive herself.

  So far, the roads were fine, and she would be home in twenty minutes. Besides, the last thing Indigo wanted was for Cole to
think she was helpless and as eager to get him alone as Pamela Smithers.

  Chapter Seven

  Cole hunched on the banks of Little Sugar Creek, watching the blue heron study the small estuary right before the water tumbled over a smattering of rocks. The bird wasn’t bothered by Cole. In fact, he probably appreciated his presence. He kept the fish from moving upstream.

  The burbling water filled Cole’s ears as the heron raised one foot and bent down to take a closer look at what moved below the surface.

  “Cole!”

  Alarm spread through Cole, and he jerked around while still in his stooped position. The bird startled and flew a few feet.

  “Cole!”

  Was that Indigo? Cole stood and moved in the direction of the call. Indigo was standing on the shoulder of the road, peering through the brush. He hurried toward her. “Indigo?” His voice echoed his curiosity. Reaching her, Cole placed his hands on her upper arms, the feel of her solid and warm underneath his hands.

  Her body relaxed, and she took a deep breath. “I saw your car parked along the road, but I couldn’t see you. I—” She became flustered. “I worried that maybe … I don’t know. Maybe something happened to you and you needed to be rescued.”

  Cole looked down at her big blue eyes mirroring concern and relief, wondering if he’d won the lottery. Seeing Indigo in this unexpected place was such a lucky and astonishing surprise, he wanted to pull her into a tight embrace and thank her for stopping. But that wouldn’t do. She might not like the affection. Instead, he smiled and squeezed her upper arms. “It’s thoughtful of you to stop. I’m fine, though. Just doing a little birdwatching. What are you up to today?” Hesitantly, he dropped his arms to his side.

  “I met Emily Wood and her assistant, Hattie Smith, from the chamber of commerce. There’s a Regency ball on April third, and I’ve been asked to hem the dresses. They’re all in the back of the car. It’s exciting to be getting all of this work, and the dresses are beautiful!” Indigo breathed a long sigh before perking up. “What kind of a bird?”

  “A blue heron. Do you know them?” He might not be able to embrace Indigo, but if she was willing, he could share his love of birds. The thought gladdened him.

  Indigo’s eyes lit up. “Yes. We have them in Oregon. I’d love to see him.”

  Cole hesitated.

  Indigo shook her head. “You don’t have to, if you’d rather not. Birdwatching can sometimes be a solitary pursuit. I understand.”

  Dismay rattled Cole. The thought of Indigo leaving punched a hole in his earlier feelings of happiness. “No! It’s not that. I’d love to have you take a look with me. It’s that … well, I feel the need to warn you. Do you spend much time in the outdoors around here? This is tick country.”

  Indigo’s eyes flew open. “No! I haven’t been out in these woods much.” She eyed Cole warily before stepping away.

  He laughed, hoping she’d choose to stay in spite of the news he was giving her. “It’s still early, but the brush is dense around here. I’ve got some spray in the car. It’s what I’ve used. Are you game?”

  Indigo continued leaning away from him, her look uncertain. “Is that the peppermint I smell?”

  Cole nodded.

  Indigo narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure this spray works? I hate ticks.”

  “I’ve never had a tick yet.” He hurried toward the Tesla before she could change her mind and returned with a can of tick repellant.

  She tilted her head to the side and gave him another doubtful look. “Maybe you’re just lucky.” She leaned forward, peering at the can. “What’s in the spray besides peppermint?”

  “Not much. Just the peppermint, mostly.” Cole held his breath.

  Indigo’s expression changed. “Okay. Let’s give this a try.”

  Delight livened Cole as Indigo held her arms away from her body and scrunched her eyes tight while Cole sprayed her with peppermint, paying careful attention to her ankles and the cuffs of her jacket. He took in her petite figure. She was small but fit. “Cup your hands,” he said. “I’ll spray a little in the palms, and you can spread it on your face and through your hair. Be careful to keep it away from your eyes.”

  Indigo made a face. “Sheesh! We never have to go through this in Oregon.”

  “I know. It’s the same in Washington. But these woods are different. They’re beautiful in their way, but nothing like the forests of the Pacific Northwest.”

  “Do you miss the West Coast?”

  Cole sprayed Indigo’s palms. If she knew he was from the West Coast, that must mean she thought about him at least sometimes. The idea warmed him, until he recalled his life in Washington and California, and he hoped that Indigo hadn’t heard the sordid news about Jessica’s embezzlement, trial, and guilty verdict. The weight of it pressed down on him. “Yeah. I love it out there, and I do miss it. Seattle was my home base, and I appreciate its rugged beauty.” He perked up. “But I’m growing fond of the Ozarks. This country …” He swung his arm toward the woods. “It’s different than the West Coast, but I love its pastoral charm, and the bird life is incredible!” Pleasant satisfaction filled Cole.

  Indigo spread the peppermint spray on her cheeks and through her hair. “Then there’s hope.”

  Was Indigo opening something for him? Cole’s smile softened. “What exactly are you hoping for?”

  Indigo dropped her hands and took in their surroundings. “That I can learn to love it here, too. That I can—I don’t know, get used to all the changes.”

  The air between them softened as Cole measured his response. Indigo was offering him a glimpse into something deeper than the state where she resided. What could he offer her? “There’s always hope.”

  Indigo turned away from him, her movement brisk and angry—like she’d been struck. She swung back around, a jaded and guarded expression on her face. “This is where you tell me that time heals all pain, and that because I’m young, I’ll move on from Sam’s death. Isn’t that what hope looks like?”

  Cole didn’t let Indigo’s anger deter him. Instead, he stepped closer to her, the smell of peppermint rising between them. He longed to reach out to touch her, brush her face with his fingertips and promise her that his intention was never to minimize her feelings for her husband. He slid his hands into his pockets but held her gaze. “I think hope looks different to each of us. For you, I doubt it would look like moving on as if nothing happened. In fact, I hope you don’t.” He studied her for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “It wouldn’t speak too highly of you if you could just march on with your life after losing your husband.”

  Tears filled Indigo’s eyes as she flung her arm into the wide expanse of nature. “But that’s what everybody expects.” She took a deep breath, calming herself. “Well, most everybody. Kelsey, my friend, understands, but everyone else thinks I’m crazy for still wearing Sam’s ring. It’s part of why I had to leave Oregon. Everyone kept asking me when I was going to start dating again, and I couldn’t stand it!”

  Cole inched nearer, taking his hands from his pockets. Humility washed him along with the wave of her grief. Indigo chose to share with him, and he held her feelings as he would a wild bird in his palm. He yearned to offer her comfort and solace, but he didn’t know what she needed or if what he had to provide would ease her anguish. Helplessness in the face of her struggle overrode his earlier happiness. “I wish I knew what to give you,” he whispered. “I just … don’t.” He took her fingers gently in his own, his breath suspended between them. Would she allow this touch? “Still, I’m glad you’re here right now and choosing to share your pain. I only wish—”

  Indigo gave him a frail smile. “There’s no need to wish. You may not realize it, but you’ve already given me something of value by listening.” She squeezed his hand. “Thank you for not patting me on the head and expecting me to snap out of it.”

  Cole gently rubbed Indigo’s fingers with his own. The warmth of her skin traveled through his arm, fusing a connection
of something pure and sweet. He wanted to continue to feel her skin against his, but just as importantly, he wanted more of what they were sharing in this moment of risk and disclosure. “I don’t think the love you shared with your husband so inconsequential that it’s something you’d want to snap out of. The fact that you’re still wearing his ring is indication enough. But even without it, I’d somehow know.”

  Indigo’s eyes softened as she looked directly at Cole. “Yes, I can see that. Thank you.” She released his fingers as she broke away from his gaze by looking over the creek. Tenderness filled him. Her face had lost its tension, and in its place was a softer look of rest. Maybe he had offered her something needful and important, and it started with friendship.

  She glanced back up at Cole before focusing on the burbling water once more. “We’d better find your heron before he decides to eat lunch without us.” She began making her way through the brush, edging closer to the banks of Little Sugar Creek.

  Cole followed, and they came to the shores of a rippling brook. He breathed in the weighty scent of water and earth. Lemony sunshine reflected off the water in luminous beams rippling through the creek while the soothing sound of water bubbled over rocks. Sharing all of this with Indigo made everything all the more exquisite. He pointed downstream and leaned toward Indigo. “The water is high because it’s been a wet winter. There’s our prize.”

  Indigo squinted in the sunshine. “Where?”

  Cole placed his hands on her upper arms and positioned her in front of him. Keeping one hand on her shoulder, he pointed with the other, reveling in her continued closeness. “Right there.” His whispered breath moved her hair as the strands brushed against his chin like feathers in the wind. The sharp peppermint scent rose to his nostrils, mingling with the softer smell of almonds and the earthy aroma of the woods and water.

  He hadn’t touched a woman since Jessica, and she couldn’t compare to what he was feeling with Indigo; the sense of meeting her in such a vulnerable space of grief and uncertainty was both daunting and desirable. Maybe they could build something meaningful from this, although Cole had no idea what. Indigo still loved her husband, and she trusted him with that love in the telling of her grief. More than anything, she needed Cole’s friendship, and he could give her that.