“Don’t worry. People like that always get what’s coming to them.”
“People like him only know one thing, how to demand what they want. If he’d come into the room and pretended to care about what people’s concerns were, maybe there’d be some peace now. Instead, he won because he was the big bully in the room.”
In the most sympathetic voice she could muster Sharma said softly, “I guess it’s settled then. There’s nothing any of you can do.”
“I guess not, but I can tell you no one here is happy about this.” That wasn’t something Tina needed to voice. They hadn’t been happy from day one. “Can you keep a secret?”
She was excellent at doing so, but no one there had ever confided in her about anything. “Yes, I can.”
In a lower voice Tina admitted, “I was actually looking forward to the casino here. This city is struggling financially. Yes, there is a nostalgic piece to this, and I love history as much as the next, but I’m a realist. Mr. Wright might not be one of my favorite people because of how he spoke to everyone, but we need him.”
Sharma was shocked to hear Tina speaking like that. She looked around to make sure no one was in earshot. “Have you ever tried to voice your opinion?”
Tina shook her head. “My mother and aunt would have my head, Sharma. My family has four generations of nurses, with me being the newest. All the others had worked at that run-down hospital. I tried to explain to them that it wasn’t worth saving and they almost bit my head off.”
“Why?”
“Because they think it should be saved and made into that they can still visit and reminisce over all the lives that were saved there.”
“That does leave you in a difficult position.” She understood what it meant to go against families wishes. It wasn’t easy and Tina going with the flow was the wiser choice.
“At times yes but I’m not attached like they are. I was lucky and was hired only after they opened this new location.” She let out a heavy sigh. “Nothing I can do about any of it anyway. But I know one thing you can do.”
“What’s that?”
“Go home. Your shift is done.”
Sharma looked around and noticed the ER was fully staffed. She really could leave and enjoy her night. The problem was she had nothing to do but go home and stare at the four walls. “Do you want to go and get a bite to eat?”
Tina answered, “I’m one of your replacements. Maybe another time. Besides, I’m not really good company tonight. It’s stressful trying to act the way they expect you to.”
She watched as Tina headed over to where the others were gathered. Sharma understood what it felt like not be able to say what was in her heart. Years ago she was in love with a man she couldn’t love publicly. Her family would never have forgiven her, and his family never would have accepted her. There were times when all you could do was do as you were asked, swallow your pride, and cry yourself to sleep at night.
As she walked out of the ER she was puzzled what made her think back to those days. It had been so many years ago. She’d only been seventeen at the time, and now she’d doubled that. It would be easy to say it was the conversation with Tina that triggered her memory, but she’d struggled with the same thing last night. It had to be her chance meeting with Cole. He didn’t look like her lost love, but his kind heart pulled at hers. It was the first time in years a simple gesture from a man had done this to her. It was nice. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to happen again.
She got in her car and headed home. It was still light out when she passed the park where she’d met Cole. His warning not to enter after dusk was wise. She had at least another hour before the sun set. Pulling into the parking lot, she parked in the same spot as yesterday. This time she could actually take the walk she so desperately needed.
Making her way deeper into the park, she made sure to stay on the path. Although the sun was out, it was much cooler today, and she wished she’d worn a warm jacket. That meant she’d need to pick up her pace to keep from freezing. She was still dressed in her uniform and her shoes were comfortable but not meant for jogging.
As she turned the bend to approach the bench she’d occupied yesterday she was pleased to find it was already taken. Cole was sitting there but alone this time. As she continued toward him she looked around for Bear.
“He’s not with me,” Cole said as though reading her mind.
“What brings you back here today?” She wasn’t great at small talk and didn’t want to say she was hoping he’d be here.
Cole slid over so she could sit with him on the bench. “I was hoping you’d have changed your mind about the coffee.”
She was all coffeed out but didn’t want to miss an opportunity to get to know him better. “I was thinking more about grabbing a pizza. Would you like to join me?” Sharma had never been so forward before, but there was something about Cole that made her feel comfortable with him.
Cole got up and reached out to her. She placed her hand in his as he asked, “Thin or thick crust?”
When their fingers connected she knew she’d come to the park for the same reason he had. They walked toward her car and she replied, “Deep dish all the way, and I know the perfect place.” She wasn’t about to tell him she ordered delivery from there almost every night.
The restaurant was within walking distance from the park. When they entered Cole said, “I’ve never been here before, but it smells great.”
She was puzzled. From what she knew all the locals came to this spot. This was her first time actually going inside to eat, but she probably had tried everything on their menu. “It tastes even better than it smells.”
It wasn’t as big as she’d imagined it to be. There were only a dozen tables, and they were lucky to have found a vacant one. The waitress took their order and rushed off. People were coming and going quickly yet they ate and continued to sit. It was nice, but the waitress kept asking if they needed anything else. Sharma got it. They wanted the table for other patrons. Cole seemed frustrated with the waitress and said something quietly. She didn’t return. If Sharma wasn’t enjoying herself so much, she’d suggest they leave. She didn’t want the night to end, but she wasn’t about to take him home with her.
They spent the next several hours sitting and talking about movies, books, music, and just about everything else one could think of. Sharma learned a lot about him in a short time. She liked comedy; he liked action. She was all about love songs; he liked jazz. Sharma read romance; he read thrillers. She was an only child; he came from a large family, one of eleven. Even though they didn’t seem to have anything in common, they couldn’t stop talking to each other. It was as though what made them opposites was also what attracted them to each other.
The waitress reluctantly came over again said softly, “Sorry, but we’re closing.”
Sharma looked at the clock and was shocked at how late it was. They still needed to get back to the park where she left her car. “I’m sorry. We lost track of time.”
The woman looked nervous as she left the bill on the table. Cole didn’t even pick it up. Instead she watched him open his wallet and drop a few hundred dollars onto the table. “I’m sure this will more than cover any gratuity you may have lost this evening.”
The waitress’s eyes widened as she picked up the money. Stammering she said, “Yes sir. Thank you so much.” She left their table, smiling from ear to ear.
“That was very nice of you,” Sharma said. Also a bit overdone.
“It’s the least I can do for her inconvenience.”
Sharma agreed, but he dropped the large bills like it was nothing. She was very frugal with her money, and he was letting it slip through his fingers like it grew on trees. Maybe that’s why he’s never been here before. This place is not up to his standards.
But he hadn’t acted as though this pizza joint was beneath him. In fact he devoured the pizza, and she was thankful to have gotten two slices. It had to be something else. What was she missing?
> “I think that was her cue for us to leave,” Cole teased as she stared at him.
“Sorry, I was in deep thought.”
“I could tell. Why don’t we discuss it on our walk back?”
As they made their way to the park they held hands again. It was a nice feeling. She felt safe and cared for. And not alone. Part of that scared her. She knew so much about him yet she still really didn’t know him at all. This connection she felt was too much. She needed to slow things down before she asked him to her place.
Before she knew it, they were standing at her car. “Thank you for dinner, Cole. I really enjoyed myself.” Her insides were tossing and turning as she nervously waited for his goodbye.
“Then let’s do it again tomorrow.”
Sharma chuckled. “I think they’ll lock the doors if they see us coming again.”
Cole grinned. “How about I pick the place?”
Before she could stop herself, she nodded.
“May I have your number to call you with the time?”
She rattled off her number, and he saved it in his phone. He opened her car door, and she was just about to slip inside when he stopped her. Bending slightly, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Sharma felt her entire body warm. She would’ve welcomed more but none came.
“Drive home safely.”
“I will.” She got inside her car, locked the door, and drove away. Her heart was racing like a school girl just knowing she was going to see him again tomorrow. What an awesome date. Although it wasn’t officially a date, she had no idea what else to call it. One thing she did know—tomorrow was a date and she wouldn’t be going out in her nurse’s uniform. Looks like I’ll be shopping on my lunch break.
Once home she flipped on the radio to relax while getting ready for bed. She caught the last bit of the local news. She swore she heard him say demolition was starting tomorrow. Well isn’t that mighty quick, Mr. Wright. You don’t even let them get used to losing to you before you strike. Guess Tina is right. You’re an ass.
She come home filled with warm thoughts of Cole and looking forward to having some sweet dreams. Now all she could think about was how miserable it was going to be at work tomorrow thanks to Mr. Wright. At least tomorrow night promises to be a good one.
Chapter Three
“For the past two weeks all you’ve wanted was to get out of here. So what the hell are you still doing in Quinton?” Jeffery was one of the only people outside of his family who could speak to him like that.
“Just want to make sure everything—” Cole said as he slipped on his suit jacket and adjusted his tie.
“You mean you don’t trust me to finish this?” Jeffery interrupted.
He turned around and saw frustration written all over Jeffery’s face. Cole hoped he wasn’t doubting himself. If he was, friend or not, he wasn’t the guy for the job. “I’m not here to watch you.” I’m here to watch Sharma.
“Why are you really here? And don’t tell me it has anything to do with wanting to make your presence known here. I believe you left those nurses with a long-lasting impression of you, and it wasn’t a good one.”
“I made my point,” Cole said flatly as he rustled through some papers on his desk. There was only one nurse he wanted to think about.
“Exactly. So why are you here? I know for a fact there is that deal in Chicago you wanted to check out. Hell, you had me tell your pilot to be ready to take off last night. Can you picture how surprised I was to find you cancelled?”
“There’s are a few things I want to take care of before I leave.”
Jeffery laughed. “Who is she?”
Cole glared at him. They’d been friends long enough for Jeffery to know nothing distracted him from a business opportunity. Of course Sharma seemed to have become the exception. That wasn’t a good thing. Jeffery was right, he should be in Chicago. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”
“Wow. I never thought I was right.”
“What that hell does that mean?” Cole snapped.
Jeffery leaned against the door jam. “That Cole Wright had found someone who can make him think about something other than making money. She must be something else. Where did you meet her?”
“Don’t you have something better to do?”
“Nope.”
Cole walked over and said firmly, “Then I’m paying you too much. Now get out of my office and make sure everything goes smoothly on that site today.”
“Don’t want anything distracting you from your new lady friend?” Jeffery teased as he started to walk out the door. “Should I inform your pilot you’ll be staying in Quinton a bit longer?” Cole opened his mouth to tell him off, but Jeffery smiled and said, “I’ll stay out of it.”
Cole didn’t believe that for a second. Jeffery was so damn serious in business, but when it came to his friends, he was a ball-buster and always had been. At times it was good; this wasn’t one of them.
He had one hell of a sleepless night last night. After leaving Sharma all he could think of was their conversation. He’d never spent hours talking with a woman. Yet he could’ve spent the entire night listening to her. There was something different about her. He’d felt it the moment they met.
What he couldn’t figure out was why she didn’t hate him like every other nurse seemed to? Was she playing a game with him? Trying to get him to like her so he’d change his mind? If that was the case she was in for a rude awakening. Nothing was going to stop him from building that casino. Not even someone as intoxicating as Sharma.
At least he had her phone number now. Because she wore her uniform to the park he figured she worked the day shift. Although she most likely was working, he wondered if she’d answer if he called right now. Something told him she’d let it go to voice mail. Probably a wise choice. Not only didn’t he know what he wanted to say, he also didn’t know what he wanted with her. Jeffery was right. He should’ve left last night. Nothing serious could happen between them, so why waste time? He had important business to attend to.
Instead of calling his pilot he texted Sharma, asking for her address. Meeting her at a restaurant in the city was not how he wanted to spend their time together.
Surprisingly she responded and provided him with the address. Nice. Now let’s see if she wants to meet early.
He texted a second time asking if she could be ready at four. Cole knew he was pushing it. If she was working, that wouldn’t leave her much time to get ready. He found her stunning dressed casually. If he picked her up and she was in jeans and a T-shirt, he wouldn’t care one bit.
This time she didn’t immediately respond. He’d pushed, but that’s who he was: pushy and persistent. In business that was beneficial. Not so much with women. That worked fine with the ones who wanted him for his money. They were taken on luxurious vacations and given lavish gifts. They were a dime a dozen, meaningless to him.
Sharma didn’t fit in that category. Yesterday they shared a pizza and a pitcher of cola. It was relaxing and amazing. She was so laid back that when a drop of sauce fell on her shirt, she didn’t freak out. She laughed it off and said, if she didn’t make it as a nurse, she could always work as a professional stain remover. She wasn’t arrogant or presumptuous. And that’s what intrigues me.
When she finally replied, she said four-thirty. He could work with that. Cole knew exactly where he wanted to have dinner with her, and it sure as hell wasn’t in Quinton. His next text message was to his pilot.
Sharma rushed right home after work. When she’d received the first text from Cole she thought he was cancelling. Although she didn’t want him to, she would’ve understood. They had spent hours the night before chatting. Most men would’ve been all talked out. Yet he was moving their dinner time up. That was a good thing because she didn’t want to crawl into bed at midnight two nights in a row. Maybe that’s what he was thinking too.
Cole didn’t seem to be the type who required dressing up all fancy. Yet here she was wearing a dress. It was a simple one,
hugging her curves where she wanted, but not looking like she painted it on and was trying too hard. It had been a long time since she’d been out on a date. Last night was so spur of the moment she hadn’t been nervous and couldn’t overthink it. If the ER hadn’t been so busy, she’d probably have convinced herself to cancel on him.
She totally understood the problem. She was attracted to him. For most women that would be a good thing. You meet a man, enjoy their company, find you have chemistry, and maybe fall in love. Sharma had all that once upon a time, and she knew the pain of not having a happily ever after. The emptiness had been almost more than she could bear. But she’d healed and married a friend, hoping it would turn to love. It never did, but she stood by him, even on his deathbed. Being alone, single, was something she’d become used to. Opening herself up to anything more scared the heck out of her. And when she looked into Cole’s dark eyes she felt herself being drawn to him. Run to or from him? That is the question.
She heard the clock chime once on the half hour. Cole would be knocking on her door any minute now. Sharma took one last look in the mirror. She wasn’t used to seeing herself like this. Although she didn’t wear anything but mascara, there was a sparkle in her eyes. Seeing Cole again filled her with excitement. She needed to get her emotions under control. This is just dinner. Nothing more.
There was no time to get tangled up in a relationship with someone from Quinton when she already knew this wasn’t where she wanted to remain. She had dreams, big ones, and staying in this city wasn’t one of them. One date and I’ll tell him we can’t see each other again. That we don’t fit. Simple. There was a knock on her door and her heart leaped with anticipation. Now all I have to do is make myself believe it first.
When she opened the door she melted right there. He was dressed in a suit, holding flowers. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, she could feel his eyes rake up and down her. The curl of his lips said he approved.
The Billionaires Treat: Betting On You Series Novella: Book 7 Page 3