Her Billionaire Betrayal (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 3)

by Danni Lee Nicholls

  The music stopped, and Indigo blinked. For those few seconds in Cole’s arms, she had been transported to another place where only the two of them lived, as if their shared closeness would go on forever. She reveled in its growing familiarity. Cole moved to her side and placed her arm through his as they made their way to their table, and Indigo reluctantly brought herself back to the crowded pub.

  “Should I ask your friend to dance?” Cole asked.

  “Yes, please,” Indigo answered softly. In spite of the burgeoning noise, Indigo was still attuned to Cole’s voice.

  “Consider it done.” Cole placed Indigo in her chair and asked Kelsey for the next dance. With a happy grin, she agreed and followed Cole onto the dance floor. Phillip came and asked Pamela, who accepted the invitation, while Cara disappeared into the restroom.

  A couple of the boys and girls sat at the table with Indigo, and Isabella moved into Cole’s seat. The girl said nothing, but Indigo could tell something was on her mind.

  “Are you having fun?” Indigo asked.

  “I love to dance, so that’s fun,” Isabella replied, her eyes following her mother. Isabella was quiet for a moment before turning to face Indigo. “I’m sorry about my mom.”

  “Your mother knows how to dance, and she obviously loves it very much.” Indigo treaded carefully.

  “That’s true, but she loves Mr. Demetrius more even though I know he doesn’t love her.”

  Indigo turned from the dance floor and focused on the girl. “What makes you say that?”

  “Mom wants Mr. Demetrius to look at her the way he looks at you. I tell her that’s never going to happen.”

  Indigo winced. Kids could be brutally honest.

  Isabella continued, “But she doesn’t get it. She says you’re just some tart who’s caught his fancy for a minute.” She looked at Indigo. “What’s a tart?”

  “Umm …” Indigo reached for a definition that wasn’t too graphic. “A woman whose morals are low.”

  Isabella’s eyes flew wide. “Oh! I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—that’s just like me. I’m always saying things I shouldn’t say.”

  Indigo laughed. “It’s okay, Isabella, really. Don’t worry. I know I’m not a tart, and I bet you know it, too.” She paused. “You’ve told me something in honesty, so I’m going to tell you something, okay?”

  The girl nodded.

  “I know your mom doesn’t like me, and it’s all right. She doesn’t have to like me. Don’t feel the need to apologize for someone else’s feelings or behavior. You’re a good girl with a wonderful talent for dance. Your mom has helped you with that talent. Whatever her faults may be, she loves you very much.”

  Isabella gave her a relieved smile. “Are you going to marry Mr. Demetrius?”

  Isabella’s question astonished Indigo, and her heart clenched at the startling idea. Marry Cole? She barely knew him, but still some part of her flew to the idea of having him belong to her, and it warmed her with possibilities of continued love and strengthening devotion. She dismissed it as quickly as it had come. She was never going to marry again. Swallowing hard, she showed Isabella the ring on her hand. “Do you see this?”

  Isabella took Indigo’s hand into her own. “I’ve never noticed that before. It’s beautiful.”

  The ring sparkled, even in the dim light of the pub.

  “It’s called an eternity ring, because the diamonds go all the way around.” Indigo gazed at her wedding ring as thoughts of Sam crowded around and her old familiar love of him resurfaced like a blanket of comfort. It offered her something real, even if it wasn’t quite tangible.

  “Are you married?” Isabella’s voice was breathless.

  “My husband passed away,” Indigo replied. “And I miss him very much.”

  “I think I understand,” she said. “Some part of your heart still belongs to your husband, even though you don’t see him anymore.”

  “Yes, that’s it.”

  “Does Mr. Demetrius know?”

  Indigo’s heart released the memory, and the earlier affection she felt for Cole returned, along with the solace that accompanied thoughts of him. “Yes, he does.”

  Isabella’s smile grew. “Thanks for telling me,” she said.

  The music faded, and everyone returned to the table.

  Phillip ordered a round of appetizers, and the troupe ate with napkins for plates. As the evening continued, students and parents would sporadically dance. Pamela was on the floor as often as possible, but her gaze was always directed toward Cole. Indigo danced with Cole twice, and Phillip asked her once. With each dance, she fell deeper in love with movement. But even when she danced with Phillip, it was Cole who captivated her thoughts. Their shared and growing affection, along with the now familiar scent of him and the way they fit together as if made for a partnership, played within the private landscape of her mind.

  Pamela danced with Cole one more time at her insistence. Indigo watched, her feelings growing more complicated by the minute.

  A new freedom lingered near, both beckoning and frightening. Whenever she was with Cole, her feelings of loss over Sam moved over, giving room for something enchanting and lovely. Even Isabella recognized there was something between her and Cole, and apparently, so did Pamela. Indigo couldn’t ignore it any longer, even though pursuing what she and Cole were creating would put her in Pamela’s crosshairs.

  Indigo scoffed. That was the least of her worries. It was her memories of Sam that she’d trade in the creation of new memories with Cole. She wasn’t sure it was a deal she was willing to make.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was just after ten when Cole walked through his garage door and into the empty house, glad to be home. No matter where he went or how much fun he had, there was always a rush of relief when he stepped over his own threshold. It was a trend that started after his breakup with Jessica. Or maybe his love of home had always been there, but breaking up with Jessica had finally let him cave to his own liking.

  Jessica loved everything about being out. She loved the nightlife, parties, and endless travel. She loved anything that glittered. Jessica never had enough of what money could buy, and Cole had suspected early on in their relationship that he’d become her personal piggy bank. It hadn’t bothered him, though. He had enough money to burn on whatever bauble Jessica desired. But when that wasn’t enough, she’d stolen from him to satisfy her longing for more. Now, she was stashed inside a small cell with a roommate and couldn’t even bleach her hair, a point of vanity that had to be eating at her.

  Gloomy sadness weighed down on Cole, making his chest feel heavy and tight as he walked to the window and took in the black expanse of the lake and the night it mirrored. In spite of everything Jessica had taken from him, he didn’t glory in her guilty verdict or the jail sentence. That was not how relationships were supposed to go.

  Turning away from the window, he pulled his shirt to his nose. Pamela’s rose perfume had worn off on him throughout the night, reminding him of the fire-red dress and the way she danced with surety and abandon. He wrinkled his nose as a slight revulsion rippled through him. What was he going to do about Pamela?

  Unbuttoning the shirt, he shouldered himself out of it as he made his way to the master bedroom. In the walk-in closet, he threw the shirt into the hamper and continued to undress before slipping into the shower, the hot water and steam easing his tired muscles and heavy heart.

  The bathroom offered him every possible creature comfort, with its customized lighting and temperature, floor-to-ceiling glass shower with multiple showerheads, heated travertine flooring, and large floating vanity. Its high ceilings offered a spacious and airy room that made him take a deep breath every time he walked in. And Suzette Malcomb kept all of it spotless. White fluffy towels hung on the heated rack, and blooming orchids and small ferns offered serenity.

  Stepping out of the shower, Cole dried himself off and threw on some sweats before meandering into the kitchen for a late-night snack. His thoug
hts turned to the evening and the dances he’d shared with Indigo. Everything about her was the opposite of Jessica. Where Jessica was tall with legs that went on forever, Indigo was small and petite. Jessica preferred a bottled blond look with hair trailing down her back, while Indigo’s natural jet-black hair brushed her shoulders. Jessica was brash and bling, while Indigo preferred to be unadorned. The only jewelry she wore was her wedding ring. The wedding ring. It was a small but clear and discouraging beacon of Indigo’s unfinished love for Sam.

  Cole’s cell phone beeped with a text from his brother, making him smile. He just finished reading it when his phone rang. Landon’s number flashed up on the screen.

  Cole grinned. He hadn’t talked to his brother in weeks, which was unusual for them.

  “Hey there!” Cole said. “What’s up with you on this Friday night? Why aren’t you out with Ashely?”

  Memories of Cole and Jessica double-dating with Landon and Ashely rushed at him like a freight train. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from sucking in air.

  “I’m afraid I’m laid up for a few days. I broke my toe surfing today.”

  “Ouch! That’s gotta hurt.”

  “Yeah. It hurts, all right. Ashely’s not happy with me, either. Tonight was the big gala for the homeless in LA. I told Ash I’d write a check since I can’t attend, but you know Ash. She’s more interested in attending than the check. All the celebrities are supposed to be there. I told her I didn’t need to go for her to attend. She still wasn’t happy, but it’s better than having her at home pouting all night. She wanted me to be there to make the important introductions. Poor girl.”

  “Yeah. Poor Ashely,” Cole echoed with a touch of sarcasm. He didn’t feel bad for Landon’s girlfriend. She reminded him so much of Jessica, he halfway hoped his brother would break up with her.

  “Tell me,” Landon began. “How are things in good ol’ Arkansas?”

  “You should come here. I think it’s more your style than that southern California bling.”

  “Well, I have to agree about southern Cal. The older I get, the more I miss Kestrel Landing. It’s close to the Redwoods and the beach and away from the city and smog. I’m actually thinking about selling the LA condo. I haven’t said anything to Ashely yet. I doubt she’ll go along with it.”

  Impatience bit at Cole. “She’s not your keeper or your wife. And last time we talked about it, her name wasn’t on the title. She doesn’t have to like it.”

  “Whoa. That’s harsh, don’t you think?”

  “Maybe. Sorry. You’re right. She just reminds me of Jessica sometimes, and it bugs me.”

  “Well, the two of them were best friends until Ashely caught her stealing. You need to remember, Cole, it was Ash who turned Jessica in, and that was hard for her because they were so close. Sometimes, I think Ashely was ignored through all of this. She lost her best friend, not to mention feeling like she could trust someone she thought of like a sister. Then she had to testify in court. I know this was difficult for you, but you weren’t Jessica’s only victim.”

  “I know. I sometimes forget Ashely’s part in all of this. I’m sorry.” Misery mixed with shame flooded through him. “I still can’t believe I didn’t see it. How could I miss something so brazen?”

  “You were in love.” Landon hesitated. “And women … well, they have a keen sixth sense. Ashely could tell something was up when Jessica was coming to work with rocks the size of nickels. When Ash asked her about it, Jess would giggle and say you were giving her an ‘allowance,’ but she asked Ashely to keep it a secret. Big red flag there, since there’s nothing secretive about diamonds that size, except she wasn’t wearing them in front of you. Sometimes, it takes another woman.”

  Cole’s thought wandered to Indigo. What would she think of Jessica? Did she have a sixth sense, too? What were her thoughts about Pamela?

  Landon changed course. “How is that young dance troupe of yours?”

  “Coming right along. I’m still working on the trust for the arts, so it’s not ready to send to you quite yet.”

  “No worries. Just get it to me when you’re finished. Have you given any more thought to who you’d like to be your trustee?” Landon asked.

  “Yeah. I spoke with Cara and Phillip, but they declined. They felt it would be a conflict of interest, and they’re right.”

  “It can definitely be someone you know, but it’d probably be best if it wasn’t someone directly connected to the program.” He paused. “I hope this isn’t taking all of your spare time so that you’re always working. You need to have some fun, too.”

  Cole appreciated his brother’s interest. “It’s not all hard work. Tonight we had a field trip. We took the kids to a family pub where there was dancing. They had a blast.”

  “What about you? Did you have fun?”

  Cole’s thoughts scurried back to Indigo, and a smile touched his lips as he recalled their dances together. When her eyes had met his, everything else had dropped away except the feel of her in his arms and the way her eyes seemed to dive straight to his soul. “It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be.”

  “And what about that mom? What was her name? Tammy, Pammy …” He stopped. “Pamela. That’s right. Is she still coming on to you?”

  Frustration overrode Cole’s earlier ease as memories of Pamela’s advances throughout the night came to the surface. The smell of her cheap perfume still lingered in his nostrils. “Ms. Smithers. Yeah. I guess I’m going to have to be straightforward and tell her I’m not interested in dating her. I was hoping she’d pick up the hints I was dropping, especially since I’ve met …” Cole stopped. Was he ready to talk about Indigo?

  “You’ve met someone? What’s her name?” Landon’s voice rose with curiosity.

  “Indigo.” The warm delicate scent of almonds was just out of reach, making Cole long for her. “She’s the seamstress for the production.”

  Landon grew thoughtful. “Indigo,” he repeated slowly. “Such a cool name. It’s Greek, you know.”

  Cole loved the sound of Indigo’s name coming from his brother. Somehow, it made her more real. “Yeah. Indigo.” Her name rolled on Cole’s tongue like water to a thirsty man. “I love her name, and I really like her. At first, she was a little prickly.” Cole chuckled at the memory of his first meeting with Indigo. “She didn’t like needing to report to me all the time. But it’s actually brought us closer. Or at least that’s what I’d like to think.”

  “What do you mean?” Landon asked.

  “She’s been married before, and she still wears her wedding ring, and—”

  “Whoa. I don’t know, Cole. A woman who’s divorced and wearing her wedding ring may still be in love with her ex.”

  “It’s not like that.” Cole was anxious to explain. “Her husband died, although I’m not sure exactly how, and you’re right. She is still in love with him. She’s very honest and clear about that.”

  Landon grew thoughtful. “Well, that’s a little different, don’t you think?”

  Doubt prodded Cole. “I’m not sure yet.”

  “Well, think about it. She’s married to a guy she loves, and he dies. Love isn’t going to die with him. She might feel guilty for having feelings for someone else or for even having any fun. But if you’re patient, she may offer a deeper kind of love than the Jessicas or Pamelas of the world.”

  Cole’s enthusiasm grew. “I think that’s one of the things that creates our growing closeness. She seems to operate on a different level of love.”

  “Have you asked her out?”

  Cole hesitated. “No. Not yet.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  Cole wasn’t sure he wanted to talk about his fears when it came to dating Indigo. “The shadow of her late husband.”

  “Don’t let that be a barrier. If she’s not ready, it sounds as if she’s the kind of girl that will let you know.”

  “True.”

  “Then give it a try. See what happens. Maybe
she’ll say yes.”

  The possibility opened inside of Cole, causing a new fear to rise. “What if she does say yes?”

  “That’d be a good thing, right?”

  Maybe it wasn’t Sam’s ghost that was keeping him from asking Indigo out. Perhaps the memory of Jessica’s betrayal kept him stuck in ways he hadn’t considered. Anger kindled the same familiar spark.

  Landon continued as if reading his mind. “Look, man. I know Jessica destroyed your sense of confidence and trust, both in yourself and others. But that’s on her. It’s not on you.”

  Cole tried to douse the usual bitterness that came with thoughts of Jessica, but it still flared. “I know. It’s just that sometimes … it’s overwhelming, and I don’t want anything like that to happen again. If I couldn’t figure it out the first time, I’m not convinced I’d ever see it.”

  “There’s never going to be a second time,” Landon said. “You changed the whole protocol for writing and clearing checks and paying vendors, which would make it close to impossible for anyone to embezzle again. You took action, Cole. You knew what needed to be done, and you did it. You’re good at your job. Jessica took advantage of your feelings and the trust you put in her.”

  “Exactly,” Cole replied. “It wasn’t just the money, Landon. How could I ever trust another woman after something like that?” A new desperation fed the resentment. After what had happened with Jessica, he doubted his ability to ever be whole.

  “Just like this isn’t on you, it’s not on Indigo, either. Don’t put the burden of Jessica on her shoulders. It’s not fair.”

  Cole grew thoughtful. “You’re right,” he murmured. “But it’s not that easy.”

  “Of course I’m right. That’s my job.” Landon’s voice softened. “And I know it’s not easy, but go ahead, Cole. Give Indigo a call.” He backtracked. “Well, not right now. Don’t call right now. It must be close to eleven over there. Call her first thing in the morning.”