On the open pavement, Indigo picked up speed even though some part of her was still standing in Cole’s driveway. The feel of his palm against her skin glowed with warmth as thoughts of Sam grew small.
As she pulled into the drive of her own home, the edges of her mind opened and a jumble of thoughts and feelings tumbled like rocks in a landslide. She sifted through her evening. Cole’s exquisite home and beautiful boat were nice but didn’t hold her attention. Nor did all the trappings that went along with those material items. Those things were pleasant and enjoyable, but they weren’t what made Cole so attractive. It was his understanding of her love for Sam. He knew what loss meant and extended patience when it came to her grief without expecting anything in return. He met her where she was at, which in turn made room for what he offered.
A warm desire rose within Indigo once again, turning her grief for Sam into a delicate and graceful possibility. Was there room for what Cole so freely gave when she held secrets of her marriage in her heart?
Chapter Seventeen
The following morning, Cole awoke to sunshine bursting through his bedroom windows. He had neglected to close the curtains the night before and now was greeted with Sunday dayspring sprawled across his chest.
Yawning, he rose from the bed and threw on a pair of sweats before meandering out to the kitchen. He picked up a note left by Suzette. Breakfast is in the refrigerator. He smiled. Every Saturday night, she left him the same note, although breakfast was always different. This morning, it was two jars of overnight oats. Pulling the meal from the fridge, he took a bite, and the sweet tang of fresh strawberries burst in his mouth along with the mellow flavor of vanilla and yogurt with a hint of maple syrup.
Cole walked through the glass doors to the deck, where he took in the glorious Ozark spring morning. It was as if winter had finally shed its cloak over the land and everything was coming to life. Chattering birds greeted each other, and a soft floating breeze played with the water on the lake as tree buds unfurled into a tender green.
The Lake Mermaid was tucked up against the dock, reminding him of last night. Indigo was lovely with her soft skin the color of ivory, a hint of rose to her cheeks and lips, and her black hair falling free and brushing her shoulders. But it was her expressive blue eyes framed in black lashes that arrested him, almost made him stop breathing every time she turned to gaze at him. And that kiss! It had been a long time since he’d kissed anyone, but no one had made him feel like his soul was on fire. It was more than desire. It was … something. He didn’t have a name for it.
Cole was spooning the last bite of his oats when his phone chirped with a text from Landon. He didn’t bother to answer it. His brother would call within a minute. Right on cue, his phone rang, and Landon’s number flashed on his screen.
“Hey, I couldn’t wait for you to call me, so I thought I’d check in and see how your date went last night.”
Cole grinned. Landon was an early riser, even on Sundays. Cole pictured his older brother sitting on his deck with his morning coffee, overlooking the LA skyline and hills as the sun rose in the east while the city thrummed below his penthouse condo. “How do you know it’s ended?”
“Because you’re not that kind of guy, and from what you’ve told me about her, she’s not that kind of girl. So, how’d it go?”
Cole sighed. “You know me too well.”
“You’re stalling. Tell me about Indigo.”
Cole smiled at the memory of sharing stars with Indigo. “We took the boat out and had dinner on the lake. It was a great evening, and I think it went all right. Although, she’s shy about dating.”
“Understandable. Do you like her?”
He didn’t have to think. “Yeah. I like her a lot. I ended up telling her all about Jessica and the money she stole. I swore to never tell that story, but Indigo was so easy to talk to, I ended up wanting to share the whole sordid tale, and that’s where things got a little strange.”
“What do you mean?”
A mix of confusing emotions surfaced. “Well, I kissed her. It was as if I was finally letting something go, and I was free to share myself in a way I hadn’t before. But then, she pulled away, and it was kind of awkward, although we got over it. I didn’t kiss her again, though. I think the whole thing is hard on her, because it makes her feel like she’s cheating on her husband.”
“Who’s dead!” Landon said. “Don’t forget that.”
Cole hesitated. There were some things he wanted to work through on his own before he voiced them, and Landon had a way of digging into a subject, leaving no stone unturned. He changed the subject. “How’s your toe?”
“It survived the night, although it looks twice its normal size and badly bruised. I’m only taking a couple more doses of that pain med, and then I’m going to tough it out. I don’t like how those things make me feel.”
“Smart. Have you got enough help?”
“Oh, yeah. The staff has been great. Ashely … not so much. She’s been irritated with me since it happened. I guess I’m not allowed to have an accident if it cramps her style.”
Cole curbed his desire to trash Ashely. “How did the gala go?”
“Okay, I guess.” He paused. “When she got home, I broached the subject of selling the condo, and she was not happy. We had a huge fight.” Landon sighed. “I probably should’ve chosen a better time. I was under medication and woke up when she came home. I felt terrible, and Ashely was tired from the gala. The idea of moving up there has been on my mind for months now, and I just blurted out my thoughts. In fact, I couldn’t shut up. It’s part of the reason I don’t want to take any more of those pills.”
Cole pictured his brother rubbing his forehead, a steaming cup of coffee on the outdoor table and his leg elevated while the LA sun filtered through the city.
Landon exhaled. “I’ll give it some time and approach the subject when we’re both in a better mood.” He continued, “Truth is, Cole, I want something more out of life than fast cars, endless parties where someone always wants my money, and girls who are more interested in the lifestyle than in me. I want something meaningful, kind of like you and the dance troupe.”
A new excitement pulsed through Cole. “I’m with you, Landon. In fact, I talked with Indigo about the trust, and it’s made me think that after I get the dance troupe set, I’ll focus on writing. I want to start a writing group for all ages. Then, I’ll move to painting, drawing, and sculpting classes for young people. I’ll set aside a specific amount of money, making it available every year. There’ll be fundraisers, of course. The kids could sell their art or stories. But the bulk of the change would come from me.”
“You’ve talked about this for a while. I’m glad Indigo has relit that fire, but something is holding you up. What is it?”
Doubt crawled inside Cole’s desire for the trust. “How do I know I won’t be cheated? There’s always someone lurking on the edges, wanting more.”
“You mean like Pammy. I mean, Pamela. Right?”
A new annoyance at the mention of Pamela tarnished Cole’s morning. “Yeah, like Pamela. I’ve promised to sponsor her daughter at least through high school, maybe beyond. As long as her grades are good and she works hard, I’ll support her lessons. But Pamela always wants more. She doesn’t ask for more money, but she always wants more of my time. More attention. More of my … my heart.”
“And you’re not interested in giving it.”
Cole relaxed. He appreciated his brother’s understanding. “Exactly. If I start a trust, I’ll have to appoint a trustee, and I can’t always be overlooking every receipt, but I’m worried about people who always want more.”
“Jessica was like that, too,” Landon pointed out.
Cole’s voice hardened. “Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Like Jess.” A firecracker of outrage and resentment flared up in Cole at the mention of her name before fizzling out. He took comfort in the fall of his anger. Before, he would have been furious for days. Now,
at least, the pent-up and bitter animosity had diminished.
“I guess at some point, you’ll just have to make the best choice possible and maybe do a reckoning every quarter.”
Indigo came to mind as a possibility. She gave him the receipts from her work every week. After her initial irritation about that requirement, she’d settled into it and was eager to share her work. He remembered her words from last night. I will never cheat you. He smiled at her declaration and both the comfort and the promise it offered. His tone became thoughtful. “Yeah. I’m going to have to think about that. I’m not sure …” He kept his ideas to himself, focusing on Landon. “What about you? What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know,” Landon said. “Although I’m pretty sure I want out of LA.”
Cole thought for a moment. “I know how much you miss Kestrel Landing up in northern California.”
“Yeah. I want to move up there, Cole.”
“It’d be an adjustment,” Cole hedged, unsure how his brother would adapt to the slower pace, the small-town and country living of the northern California coast. “Have you told Mom and Dad?”
“Not yet. I wanted to wait to see how things went with Ashely. Mom and Dad won’t mind. They’ll see me just the same. I’ll make sure of that. I’d buy something smaller in the city for work and weekend trips. I miss the coastal outdoors.”
Cole smiled as he pictured his brother’s home along the rugged northern California coast with the Redwoods for his backyard. Kestrel Landing was a secluded home high on a bluff, overlooking the tumbling Pacific. “Maybe you can go stay for a couple of months and see how it feels.”
“It’ll be hard to get Ashely up there for a weekend, but I could try. You’ve got a good idea,” Landon replied.
Cole considered his own northern California home, Falcon Bluff. It wasn’t far from Kestrel Landing, but it was just as private. His mind wandered over the rocky cliffs and secluded beaches of that rugged landscape, so different from the pastoral beauty he was gazing at. Would Indigo like it there?
The line silenced before Landon broke into his thoughts. “So, what about Indigo? Does she want more of you, too?”
Cole’s voice softened. “No,” he said. “I don’t think so. We’ve worked together for the last month or so, and she’s never approached me about money, or anything else, for that matter. She just buys what she needs and gives me copies of the receipts, and then explains it to me so I understand why she needed the lace dyed to match.”
“Sounds like a keeper.”
Cole laughed. “One date doesn’t amount to a keeper.”
“No, but a month of working well together might.” He paused. “What are you going to do next?”
Cole hadn’t thought about anything past last night’s date, and Landon’s question made him pause. “I’m not sure. Any ideas?”
“Yeah. I’m full of ideas. You’ve got that trip to Miami coming up in a few days, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Take her with you. Visit the restaurant in the morning and then spend the rest of the day with Indigo. You can take her out on the Jazz. That yacht would dazzle anybody.”
Happy anticipation rose up in Cole, but doubt chilled it. If all he did was the same old razzle-dazzle routine that he’d done with other women, wouldn’t he end up with the same kind of woman? “I’m not sure I want to dazzle her.”
“Look, brother. You’re going to have to get used to the idea that being a billionaire makes you a target. I know things were rough with Jessica, but that’s behind you now. You can’t hide your money because you’re afraid someone is going to cheat you.”
“You’ve got a good point. I’ll think about it.”
“Do. Now, I’ve got to go. Ashely is up, and we’ve got to see how this day is going to roll.”
“Sure thing. And by the way, Landon, tell Ashely how grateful I am that she spoke up when she discovered what Jessica was doing. If she hadn’t said anything, it could’ve gone on for a lot longer. I know I haven’t been too appreciative, but I am grateful.”
“Thanks, Cole. I’ll tell her.”
The brothers rang off, and Cole raised his face to the late morning sun as birds continued to chatter around him. The trees sported supple and new greenery, and the air filled with their woodsy and fresh scent. He breathed deeply as the sun warmed him. He would be alone today. Both Trey and Suzette had Sunday off. He was glad for the time.
Looking down at the boat, he took in the bright, clear water shimmering under the canary sun. The Lake Mermaid was his smallest boat by far, but it suited his life here. In California, he rented marina space for the Oceanus, a one-hundred-eighty-seven-foot sailer newly refitted. The Jazz was moored in Miami while the Ember, a carbon copy of the Jazz, stood in a marina in Seattle. The Ace of Hearts waited for him in Hawaii. Four of the boats easily slept twelve. The Lake Mermaid was smaller, with the ability to house six. But Cole rarely entertained.
He wouldn’t mind entertaining Indigo for a day on the water. If the Lake Mermaid impressed her, what would she think of the Jazz with its baby grand in the living room, its huge deck, its masterful touches, and its impeccable crew?
He sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. During his evening with Indigo, he’d watched her closely. She was impressed with his house, but there was nothing in her appreciation that hungered for more. Since dating Jessica, the smoldering need of lust was something he was familiar with.
Now that she was out of his life, he could look back and see her craving. It had constantly haunted her eyes and their conversations. It was as if she’d held him in some sort of contempt because he didn’t show off his wealth in ways that suited her. He’d driven the Tesla when she’d wanted a Rolls Sweptail along with a Bentley and a Lamborghini. Cole had almost caved on the Lamborghini, but he’d changed his mind. Just because he could afford a thing didn’t mean he needed to have it.
He wouldn’t mind another kiss from Indigo, though. He’d kissed hundreds of girls, but nothing had moved him like Indigo’s mouth meeting his. The combination of fragility and passion she held weakened him while also making him stronger, better. If he could bring her close, help her see that he wasn’t interested in wiping away the memory of her husband, but instead wanted to live beside it, maybe they had a chance.
Chapter Eighteen
The next Saturday morning, Indigo didn’t have time to set her things down before Pamela was standing in her way, her smile saccharine sweet. “Mind if I have a word?”
Something told Indigo that Pamela wasn’t interested in Isabella’s ballroom dance costume. This was personal. She steeled herself as Pam followed her into the partitioned area.
Once inside, Pam relaxed and looked around. “I can tell you’re working hard. The sketch you gave to Isabella is lovely. She hung it on her wall.”
“I’m glad she likes it.” Indigo busied herself preparing for the day’s tasks while Pamela watched. She looked up from her cutting mat. “Do you have any questions?”
Pamela ran her finger along the costume on the dress form with a perfectly manicured nail before turning back to Indigo. The air between them chilled suddenly, and a shiver ran over Indigo’s skin, bringing with it an anxiety she only got when confrontation was apparent. She shot a glance at the costume Pamela fingered, fighting the urge to tell her not to touch.
“No. Not really. I heard that you and Cole went out on a date. Or I guess I should say you stayed in. What did you think of his house?”
“It’s lovely. Who told you—?”
Pam batted at Indigo’s question like it was a fly of no consequence. “It doesn’t matter. It’s just that—”
“It matters to me,” Indigo inserted.
Pam continued as if Indigo hadn’t spoken. “I told you to leave him alone. Remember?”
Impatience rose high in Indigo’s throat, pushing out her words in a heated rush. “I don’t have time for this. You’ve left me with the impression that you’re not dating Cole. How I spend
my time and who I spend it with is none of your business. Now, if this is what you want to discuss, I’m finished talking with you. I’ve got work to do. Please step out.”
Pamela didn’t move.
Cold panic and hot irritation swirled inside Indigo’s gut, making her nauseous as Pamela ran her nail against the Lycra once again.
“Don’t touch it,” Indigo spit out.
With a flick of Pamela’s finger, the fabric snagged and puckered in the front of the bodice. The fabric was ruined. Even from several feet away, the imperfection was obvious.
“Oh, what a shame.” Pamela blinked in Indigo’s direction with a look of faux regret.
“How could you—?” These costumes were for children—one of them her child.
“I’m a dancer, remember?” Pamela shouldered her purse. “We’re all about competition,” she hissed. With that, she stepped out of the curtained partition.
Impotent anger raged in Indigo as she stared after Pamela before hurrying to the dress form. She checked the tag and sighed. This was Isabella’s dress.
Leaning closer, she studied the snag. It was long and large enough to be seen. With a little effort, she could pull the hanging thread to the underside, and with the lace overlay, the snag would most likely be invisible to the audience, but there would always be this weakness where the fabric could tear or continue to pucker.
The other option was to start over with this costume. She rubbed her forehead and pushed her hair from her face. It wasn’t fair to punish the daughter for the mother’s crime. Isabella had gushed over this dress the last time she’d put it on. And she’d hung up the sketch. How could Indigo give her anything but the best? She’d have to spend more money.
Cole. What should she tell him? Everything? Nothing? Something? He’d want to know why the dress needed to be replaced.
She turned from the costume and twirled her wedding ring.
Cole. She’d thought of little else since their date. The spontaneity of their kiss and the fireworks of his lips meeting hers still rolled through her like thunder. In all of her years with Sam, nothing like that had ever happened. She loved Sam, and they’d shared passion. But Kelsey’s words kept floating in her mind. Sam was the lover of her youth. Maybe she and Sam never had the chance to experience a grown-up passion because he’d been young when he’d died. Or perhaps their love stayed perpetually inexperienced and youthful because they were high school sweethearts who loved each other with a teenage innocence that followed them through adulthood.
Her Billionaire Betrayal (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 3) Page 14