Her Billionaire Betrayal (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 3)

by Danni Lee Nicholls

  “I’ll see her tomorrow for rehearsal.” Cole liked the idea of sleeping on the notion of asking Indigo out. It offered him relief to think that he didn’t have to act right now.

  “Even better! Text me with her answer, okay?”

  Hope rode on Landon’s energetic interest, filtering through Cole’s earlier misgivings, offering Cole some distance from his personal fears. “You’ll be the first to know.”

  “Thanks. Now, I gotta go. Man, this toe is killing me. The pain med is starting to wear off. I swear, from now on, I’m going to appreciate my feet.”

  Cole laughed. “Go to bed. You need the rest.”

  “That’s the best idea you’ve had all night. Don’t forget to text me.”

  With a quick goodbye, Cole ended the call. Walking out to the deck, Cole looked into the black pit of the fireplace. He hadn’t asked Trey to lay a fire, since he was going to be gone all evening. Now, he wished for the warmth of the flame.

  The first of the spring crickets began their serenade, a high, lonesome sound, leaving Cole bereft. But this melancholy wasn’t the familiar cheerlessness that accompanied thoughts of Jessica. This was fresh. This time, he missed Indigo.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Cole arrived at the dance studio early, pleased to see Indigo’s car in the lot. None of the kids had arrived, making it easier for him to ask her out in private. An edgy apprehension filled him. Most likely she would say no, and that could make things awkward. He considered backing out, but already he could hear Landon’s disappointment and energetic encouragement.

  The early March morning had lost the cutting blade of winter, and the air was soft against his skin with the delicate bouquet of spring flowers. Daffodil buds, still tight, swayed in the breeze, colored by a buttery sun. Cole appreciated the yellow flowers’ heralded promise of a fresh beginning. They lightened his mood and gave him courage in his desire to ask Indigo out for a date.

  Hurrying into the studio, he was greeted by Cara and Phillip. “Good morning,” Phillip said. “I see you recovered from our field trip.”

  Cole wanted to laugh. The nightlife in Eureka Springs was nothing compared to his time in LA, where he would party until dawn. He smiled over the relief of the end of that reality. “I was glad to get home,” he said.

  “Cara and I felt the same,” Phillip replied.

  “Is Indigo here?” Cole asked. He hoped to talk with her before the kids started showing up.

  Phillip bobbed his head toward the curtained partition. “Yeah. She’s in the usual spot.”

  Cole made his way across the dance floor and stood outside the curtains. “Knock, knock. Everybody decent in there?”

  He heard Indigo laugh, like tinkling crystal. “Yes. It’s just me, and I’m fully dressed. Come on in.”

  Cole’s mood boosted at the sound of Indigo’s laughter, in spite of the rising pulse that came with his reason for being here. He stepped inside the curtained sewing area. Indigo was on her knees, fussing with a hem of the skirt fitted to the dress form. He crouched next to her, studying the fabric. “How did you make that curly hem?” He rubbed the material between his fingers.

  “It’s called a lettuce hem, and I use fishing line.”

  He blinked and looked up, studying the rest of the dress. Everything was coming together. “The skirt is very sheer,” Cole observed. He welcomed the distraction from the question he was working himself up to.

  “There are going to be several layers of chiffon,” Indigo replied. “Trust me, you won’t see a thing when I’m finished. Plus, the bodice is like a bodysuit. So the girls will be completely covered.”

  “Good to hear.” Cole straightened. “You love what you do, don’t you?”

  Indigo’s eyes met his, taking Cole’s breath away with their clear blue gaze.

  “Yeah. I love taking raw material and creating something beautiful.”

  The door of the dance studio banged open, stopping the conversation. Cole stiffened, hoping it wasn’t Pamela.

  Alyssa’s voice rang throughout the mostly empty room as she greeted Phillip and Cara. “Is Indigo here? I need to talk to her. I’m getting married in a little over a month, and …” Her voice quavered.

  Indigo gave Cole a look of alarm. She was about to move out of the curtained partition when Alyssa blundered in.

  “Indigo.” Alyssa stopped and blinked at Cole. “Oh, Mr. Demetrius. Hi. I didn’t expect to see you.” She looked back at Indigo and then again at Cole. “Oh, I, um … sorry for barging in. I should’ve knocked first. I mean—” She pointed to the bleachers. “I’ll just wait over there.”

  “Don’t worry,” Indigo said. “What’s going on, Alyssa? You sound upset.”

  Tears came to Alyssa’s eyes. “The veil isn’t coming.”

  Indigo hugged the girl, feeling Alyssa’s hot anxiety. “What happened?”

  “The company I bought it from is going out of business. I knew I shouldn’t have ordered it online.” She wailed before clearing her throat. “At least I got my check back. I guess that’s good news.”

  Indigo nodded. “I’m glad you got your money back. Sometimes that doesn’t happen. It gives us some options.” She furrowed her brow. “This doesn’t have to turn out badly. How would you feel about wearing a bridal hat with a trailing veil, or maybe a fascinator?”

  Alyssa blinked. “What’s a fascinator?”

  “It can be anything from a large clip to a fancy headband or a small hat with netting. I bet Agnes Bassett from La Chapeau: Hats and Haberdashery would be happy to custom-make you something. We can add a veil, if you’d like.”

  Alyssa wiped her tears. “You think so?”

  “I can’t speak for Agnes, but why don’t we give her a try? Do you want me to come with you?”

  “Yes, please.” She patted her cheeks dry before glancing at Cole again. “I’ll just wait out here.” She hurried from the curtained partition and sat on the bleachers as a rush of kids arrived with their parents.

  Indigo turned to Cole. She wrung her hands for a moment before grabbing up a folder. “You’re probably here for your weekly receipts. I hope you understand that all of this lace and chiffon had to be dyed to match, so there’s going to be some expense to all of this. I know we talked about that, but I wanted to remind you.” She handed him the various papers.

  “Yes.” Cole shook his head. “I mean, no.” He paused. “I mean, yes.” Now that he was here to ask Indigo for a date, his confidence ebbed. It had sounded so easy when he was talking to Landon, but Indigo’s wedding ring shimmered in the light as she handed him his paperwork, reminding him of how much she still loved Sam.

  Indigo tilted her head in confusion at his back-and-forth answer.

  “Let’s take care of business first. I understand about the need to dye everything to match.” He took the receipts from Indigo’s outstretched hand and thumbed through them before writing her a check to cover the total. He held up the receipts. “This isn’t why I’m here today.”

  Indigo gave him a puzzled look.

  “I was wondering …” He paused, taking courage from the delicate spring day that filtered through the open window. “I was hoping you and I could go to dinner one of these evenings.”

  Indigo looked down at her hands. Cole followed her stare to her wedding band. He knew it. She was working up a way to refuse his invitation. The morning dampened. He held his breath as she twirled the ring before meeting his gaze, her eyes showing the same fragility of a pale dawn.

  Her face was soft and trusting, buoying Cole’s hope.

  “Yeah. I’d like that.” She offered a tentative smile, her blue eyes warming.

  Cole broke into a stunned grin. Had Indigo just agreed to go out with him? Delight warmed him. “Good! Great! Umm …” He wished he’d given some thought to what they would do if she said yes. He’d been so sure of her refusal, he hadn’t come up with a plan. “Would you be comfortable coming to the house?” he asked. “I’ve got a fine yacht that’s been docked since fa
ll. It’s small, but snug and perfect for the lake. It would be a chilly evening, but we could have dinner on the water.”

  Indigo returned his smile. “Sam loved boats.” Her face lost all color. “I’m sorry—”

  “Don’t be.” Cole drew close and placed his hand over Indigo’s. The band of her wedding ring was smooth and hard against his thumb. “I hope someday you’ll tell me all about Sam.”

  “You’re very kind. Yes, I’d love to meet you at your place.”

  Cole kept his hand over Indigo’s. Tendrils of her warmth traveled through his skin, reaching his blood. It was like this every time he and Indigo came together. Between the two of them, they created something that felt bigger than the sum of what he could ever be alone. “Can we say around six this evening?”

  Indigo took Cole’s fingers within her own. He didn’t want to let go of her, afraid she would change her mind. “We can say that, yes. I’ll see you then.”

  The noise of the gathering class outside of the curtained partition area dropped away. Cole wished to stay cocooned in this cozy and warm intimacy he and Indigo had created. It was the same whenever they danced and he held her lightly in his arms, like a trembling bird that would fly if he tried to pull her too close. “Good. I’ll see you then,” he murmured.

  She moved away from him. “Let me give you my number and you can text me your address and some directions. I’m not sure I trust Google in Arkansas.”

  The spell was broken. Cole laughed. “Good thinking.”

  Indigo handed him a business card.

  “I’ll text in a few minutes.” He moved out of the curtained partition. Alyssa gave him a radiant and knowing smile as she stood to take his place with Indigo. Had the young bride-to-be heard their conversation? He hoped so! He smiled at her, expansive and happy.

  He wouldn’t stay for the rehearsal today. He wanted to get in touch with Suzette and Trey to let them know he would be having a visitor tonight, and everything needed to be ready, including dinner and the yacht.

  Hurrying outside, he ran into Pamela and Isabella as they were coming in.

  “You’re not leaving?” Pamela gave him a disappointed look.

  “Afraid so,” he replied. He glanced at Isabella, who began studying the uneven sidewalk.

  Pamela grabbed his arm, her fingers digging into his sleeve. “When are you going to realize we should be more than friends?”

  “Mom!” Isabella forced out a horrified whisper.

  “Ms. Smithers—”

  “Quit calling me that.” Pamela’s expression mirrored distaste. “I’m Pamela. I’ve always been Pamela.” Desperation bled into her voice.

  “Ms. Smithers,” Cole continued, “I appreciate your ability to parent Isabella, and you’re obviously very passionate about dance—”

  “I’m passionate about a great many things.” Pamela sidled up to Cole.

  “Mom!”

  An overriding sympathy for Isabella made Cole choose his words carefully. “And I’m pleased to sponsor Isabella. Your daughter has a lot of talent, which I’m sure comes directly from you. But we will never be more than friends. I’m certain of that.” He glanced back to Indigo’s window before turning to face Pamela.

  Pamela’s digging fingers turned into a caress, but the strength of her earlier grip still pulsed in his flesh. She brushed her body against his. “It’s because of the seamstress, isn’t it?”

  “Her name is Indigo, and my business is my own, Ms. Smithers.”

  Pamela looked up at the window where Indigo’s curtained shop was placed, her eyes inscrutable. She turned back to Cole. “I’m grateful for how you look after Isabella’s talent, but you’ve got to see how well we’re matched beyond all of that.” She moved toward the stairs leading to the studio. “C’mon, Isabella. You don’t want to be late.”

  Isabella met Cole’s eyes with a horrified expression. He smiled at her quickly before turning toward his car, taking in the buttercup sun and clear, breezy Ozark spring. Looking up into the window of the studio, he saw Indigo coming to the window and gazing down at him, the light of the benevolent season highlighting her face, making her smile radiant. His conversation with Pamela was forgotten as a fresh thrill passed through him at Indigo’s appearance. He hurried to his car. There was so much to consider in his planning of this upcoming date. If he was going to see Indigo this evening, he wanted everything to be perfect.

  As he sat in the driver’s seat, daylight splashed through the windshield, and with the memory of his shared moment with Indigo, it warmed his chest. He remembered Landon’s request for a follow-up text. Pulling out his phone, he sent his brother a quick message.

  She said yes! He paused for a minute and added a few more words. And I was able to tell Pamela that we’re never going to be a couple. I feel a weight has been lifted from me, and I’m looking forward to tonight.

  Landon’s text came back quickly. Good job, brother. Hope you and Indigo have a great time tonight. Let me know how it goes. And I’m glad you told Pamela the truth. Better for her to know than to string her along.

  Cole popped the phone back into his pocket as the car purred to life, and he called Suzette on the Bluetooth.

  “Hello?” His housekeeper’s surprise showed in her voice. He rarely called.

  “Hey, Suzette. I need a really big favor.”

  “Of course, Cole. What can I do?”

  “I’ve got a date tonight at the house, and I want to take the boat out for dinner. Would you mind cooking for us on the lake? I think Indigo would feel more comfortable if you were there.”

  Suzette laughed. “I don’t know when I’ve ever heard you sound this happy, and you’re telling me you want a chaperone?”

  Cole couldn’t wipe the grin from his face. “Well, I hadn’t looked at it quite like that, but I guess so. I hope it’s not too much trouble.”

  “Not at all. Alyssa is driving me crazy with all this talk about her veil. I’ll be happy to help,” Suzette said. “What’s on the menu?”

  Cole’s thoughts went to food while his airy optimism drifted through him. “How about pork medallions in a mushroom masala sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans?” He changed the subject. “And I don’t think you have to worry about Alyssa. She’s here talking to Indigo. I think they’ve got some options.”

  “Bless that girl. I’d be happy to look after things tonight,” Suzette replied. “Anything else?”

  “Yes, can you please tell Trey to get the boat ready? I want everything freshened up for this evening. It’s got to be perfect.”

  “Sure thing. Do you want a fire on the deck tonight, too?”

  Cole thought for a moment. “Yes. And one indoors in the living room, as well. That might be a nice introduction to the house. She’s coming at six.” Excitement began to build.

  “Indigo is a lovely girl, Cole.” Suzette’s voice was merry.

  “I’m both surprised and pleased she’s accepted the invitation.” Another touch of elation ran through Cole, as if a soft caress brought him out of a deep sleep.

  Suzette agreed. “Yes. I can’t say for sure, but I doubt she’s dated much since her husband passed away.” She changed the subject. “I’ll talk to Trey right now and get started on things.”

  “Thanks, Suzette.” Cole clicked the phone off.

  As he pulled onto the road, he glanced at the sidewalk to see Pamela standing in the entryway to the stairs that led to the studio. He blinked in surprise, furrowing his brow as he took in Pamela’s rigid stance: her arms were folded across her chest, and a slight wind blew her hair across her eyes, covering her expression. How long had she been standing there? In all of his lively hopes and planning for this evening, he hadn’t noticed her. Now, he could feel the wave of emotion blowing in the breeze surrounding her, even if he couldn’t quite name it. Was it anger, or something closer to a smoldering scorn?

  Cole shrugged it off. It didn’t matter. Whatever was going on with Pamela was her business. He had his own affairs to tend,
and they started tonight with Indigo. Finally, after everything that had happened, he was opening his home, and maybe even his heart.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Indigo drove slowly to the guard-gated community, where she stopped before a huge wrought-iron gate. A uniformed man came from the shelter, holding a clipboard. He looked over Indigo’s Subaru with a sneer and then peered at her with a look that was decidedly unfriendly. The revolver strapped to his hip didn’t do anything to change Indigo’s mind about his patience level for her.

  “Name?”

  She swallowed. Cole hadn’t said anything about a guard or needing to be interrogated just to get past the gate. “Indigo Williams?” Her own name came out as a question.

  The guard ran his pen down the clipboard before stopping near the bottom. Without another word, he went into the small hut and pushed some buttons. The gate magically opened.

  Clutching her phone that held Cole’s text with directions, Indigo meandered along the one-lane road. There were driveways splintering off in various directions, but Indigo didn’t see any houses. She pushed her lips together as a new sheen of sweat covered her forehead. She knew Cole was a billionaire, but she hadn’t put it together what that kind of money could buy until the security and privacy stared her in the face.

  She moved slowly along the pavement until she came to the tree in the middle of the road. In Cole’s texted directions, he had told her about the Sweetheart Tree. It held special meaning for the town of Eureka Springs, with its initials and wedding dates carved into the bark. Cole’s neighbors, Asher and Brooklyn Lockmore, had worked hard to save it when the development of Mountain Cove was created.

  With easy effort, Indigo swerved and her headlights swung over the huge birch with initials carved in its trunk. She slowed to take a look and pulled alongside the large tree, but the lengthening dusk made it hard to see.

  Pushing on the gas, she took the last turn and followed a drive up a small knoll before stopping in front of a large home. Limestone anchored the house to the earth, while deep brown cedar siding finished the look. The home blended so well into the surrounding woods that it could easily be missed in spite of its sprawling size. Lights burned from the porch and windows, giving Indigo the feeling of being welcomed in spite of the guard’s intimidating and gruff demeanor.