Winter's Magic (Music City Hearts Series)

by Cynthia Gail

  “Okay. But you can’t tell anyone, because my magic wand only works here.”

  “Your magic wand? You mean you don’t have the power to command a reservation anywhere else in town?” Beth leaned forward, as if she couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say. He knew he was grinning like a kid at Christmas.

  “Oh, no. My powers are very limited. I hope that’s not a disappointment.”

  “Never. A little power is better than no power,” she said. “Now quit stalling and tell me.”

  “All right. Chester and Dorsey built this restaurant. I know the owner. I just called him and told him I had a special favor to ask. He made it happen.”

  “Well, since it takes weeks for anyone else to get a reservation, I’m flattered you would pull strings to bring me here. Your secret is safe.”

  Nick watched as Beth surveyed the room, then twisted in her seat to glance out the windows facing the river. “Isn’t the water beautiful?” she asked.

  Nick rose and held out the chair to his left. “Why don’t you move to this side of the table?” Closer to me. “Then you can look at the view all you want.”

  The waitress arrived with their wine and quickly shifted Beth’s place setting to the alternate side. Pouring an ounce into one glass, she waited for his approval before filling them both and stepping away.

  Nick raised his glass. “To a wonderful evening, a stunning view, and a beautiful woman to share them with.”

  Beth raised her glass, lightly tapping his as she spoke. “Are you always this charming, Mr. Chester, or should I feel flattered for that as well?”

  “Oh, you should feel flattered, all right. I’m on my best behavior this evening”—he leaned over and whispered—“hoping to find out your secrets.”

  Settling back in his chair again, he watched as she took a sip of her wine before setting the glass back on the table. He couldn’t believe how comfortable he was with her already. So easygoing, she got his subtle jokes, even teased him back.

  “All right, I’ll give you one. It’s not very exciting, though. I told you I don’t really have any secrets.”

  “Let me be the judge of that. I know you have something you just can’t wait to tell me.”

  “Okay. Well, Jenny and I read our horoscopes every month.”

  He waited for more. When she didn’t continue, he asked. “That’s your secret?”

  “We don’t read just one. She buys four or five magazines every month and we read our signs out of each of them.”

  He couldn’t hold back his amusement—the silliest thing he’d heard in a long time. And it surprised him about Jenny. She didn’t seem like the astrology type any more than Beth did.

  “Why?” was all he could come up with. Even Beth laughed now.

  “I know it’s ridiculous. We’ve read them for so long now it’s become an addiction or ritual almost.”

  “How?”

  “We started in college. Jenny and I, and Sara, she still lives in Lexington, were roommates our freshman year. Jenny’s dad died when she was young and her mother had a hard time making ends meet. They rarely splurged on anything. But the first Saturday morning of each month, her mother would take her to buy donuts for breakfast and they would each get two magazines.”

  The waitress came back. Neither of them had opened their menus, so she made a few suggestions and they ordered.

  “Anyway, her mother always read the horoscope page before they would read through the fashion articles or the celebrity gossip column. Somehow, the habit stuck and we’ve followed our signs ever since.”

  “Every month?” Nick watched as a solemn expression crossed her face and she took another slow sip of her wine.

  “Jenny’s mom had a stroke at the end of our first year. It took a long time for her to recover and even then, it left permanent effects. Most of the time she has the mind of a child. There are a few things she still loves, and this is one of them.”

  “Jenny’s never mentioned her mom. I had no idea.” His heart squeezed. He knew what loss felt like. But to only half—lose someone and watch them suffer in such a way–it had to be devastating.

  “She goes to Lexington once a month. Lillian’s in a nursing home. I go with her sometimes. We sit on the floor around a coffee table and look at the pretty dresses in Vogue and talk about Oprah’s favorite things for the month.”

  “Does she still read the horoscopes first?” He watched as a soft twinkle returned to her eyes.

  “Every time. And when we’re laughing at the predictions and reading the gossip column, she almost seems like her old self.” She paused for a moment, and he wasn’t sure if she would continue. “Maybe we’re just fooling ourselves, but I think there’s a real connection and our ritual makes Jenny and her mom happy for the time it lasts.”

  He reached over and took her hand. “It’s not ridiculous.” It was actually one of the sweetest, kindest things he’d ever heard.

  “Maybe not for Jenny. Sara and I don’t have any excuses. We just have fun and that’s all that matters. People really should laugh more.”

  “I agree.” He raised the hand he’d been holding. “Would you like to dance?”

  “I’d love to.”

  Nick drew Beth into his arms as a soft ballad played from a baby grand on the far side of the room. He couldn’t have orchestrated a more romantic evening. Soft light, a great view, good wine, and a beautiful woman in his arms. A woman who puzzled him to no end.

  Was she really as genuine as she seemed? Nobody was this perfect. She helped at the children’s hospital. Truly enjoyed being around his grandfather. Went to Lexington to see her best friend’s mother. Successful and stunningly beautiful.

  So why was she still single?

  Beth wondered what Nick was thinking. He had the oddest expression on his face as his eyes stared into hers. She hadn’t meant to tell him the whole story about Jenny and her mother. In fact, she hadn’t planned on telling him about the horoscopes at all. Then today’s prophecy had come true with such startling accuracy her secret had been on the tip of her tongue before she could stop herself.

  With the memory of their kiss continually running through her mind, she reveled in the feel of being held in his arms as they danced. He wore a warm winter musk that made her want to close her eyes and inhale deeply. She could almost taste the essence of him.

  Gazing out the wall of glass windows, she tried to clear her senses. As an explosion of beautiful snowflakes drifted to the ground, Beth knew this moment, this evening, would headline her dreams for days to come. She would never forget this magical vision.

  She turned back to him. “What are you thinking?” She saw the instant his eyes came alert.

  “I’m thinking what a graceful dancer you are.”

  His smile was genuine, even if the words weren’t. She knew his mind had been far away from dancing. The way he gazed at her now almost made the question disappear.

  “You’re easy to follow, but I don’t think that’s what you were so deep in thought over.”

  “Maybe not, but it’s true.”

  Beth nodded toward the windows. “Did you notice it started snowing?”

  “The flakes are coming down fast. The riverbank is already covered.”

  “I hope it doesn’t get too slick outside. It could be a messy drive home.”

  “The forecast only called for a dusting.” He paused. “Of course, that probably means we’ll get six inches and my morning flight will be canceled.”

  An unexpected disappointment ran through her as she thought about Nick leaving town. She knew her feelings were unreasonable. She’d barely let herself accept this date. Plus, Jenny had told her his business was expanding into new states. Travel would be unavoidable. Then she reflected on her own schedule, working sixty hours a week. That wasn’t going to change anytime soon.

  “Where are you going?” she asked.

  “Pennsylvania. I’ll only be gone a couple of days. Brandon and I are meeting with a new client to fin
alize next year’s schedule.”

  The dance ended too soon. She didn’t want to part from the feel of his body that softly grazed hers with every step they took. They stood still, caught in the moment, until she forced her eyes away, sensing couples moving around them to leave the dance floor. She’d give anything to know what he was thinking.

  They had just sat down when their waitress brought their meal. Beth had ordered a cheese tortellini with grilled chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The heavenly aroma was an instant reminder of her empty stomach. Scattered nerves had kept her from eating anything since breakfast.

  “So, what do you do in your spare time?” Beth took a bite and almost groaned at the robust combination of flavors infusing her mouth.

  “I hike, and I love to travel. I haven’t done either in a long time. We’ve been working on a couple of large projects since March and we’re finally moving into new markets after months of feasibility studies and contract bidding.”

  “Jenny and I went hiking over at Natchez Trace State Park this summer for the first time. We normally just go to Long Hunter or Dunbar Creek. Who do you go with?”

  “By myself or sometimes Brandon goes. He got me into hiking back in high school. We used to go over to Bledsoe Creek or down to Cumberland Trails.”

  “Have you been to Black Rock Mountain in Georgia?”

  “No.”

  “It takes about three hours to get there, but it’s worth the drive. The park’s right next to a little town with an old-fashioned square. The kind full of antique shops and local diners. Jenny’s taken me a few times. There’s a little art gallery she just loves.”

  “We’ll have to go down there one weekend when the weather warms up.”

  She tried not to take his words too seriously. A casual statement, that didn’t mean anything. Regardless, a flutter went through her stomach.

  “We should.” She concentrated on cutting an already tiny piece of chicken in half.

  Conversation continued as they finished their amazing entrees. Beth tried not to stare at him. She was drawn to his eyes when he spoke. And his voice, so deep and rich, warmed her.

  The waitress returned, taking their plates and brought them each coffee. As she sat back in her chair, Beth willed her heartbeat to slow. He had that thoughtful air again.

  “You look so serious.”

  He came back to the present. “Sorry. I was just thinking.” He sat down his coffee cup and rose from his seat, extending his hand. “One more dance before we leave?”

  Beth rose, took his hand, and followed him to the dance floor. She’d been so focused on their conversation during dinner she hadn’t realized how much snow had fallen. Now that they were closer to the glass wall, she caught a glimpse of the riverbank. A light dusting had been a drastic understatement.

  “What are your plans for the week?” Nick took her in his arms and they began to dance.

  “The goal is to keep my head above water. The shop’s been crazy and I don’t think it’s going to slow down between now and Christmas.”

  “Can I see you Wednesday night?”

  “Assuming you get out in the morning?” Beth tried to feign indifference as the grin on her face reached new heights. He wanted to see her again. That fact, and being with him tonight, was nothing short of an early Christmas present. Score one for Jenny’s advice. Sometimes you do have to let down your guard and enjoy life as it comes.

  “True. I’m not worried, though. Surely they’ll have this cleaned up overnight.”

  “When do you get home?”

  “I think I land around six.”

  “Give me a call when you get in and we’ll figure out where to meet.”

  Beth closed her eyes for a moment to absorb the exquisite sensation of being cocooned in his arms as he held her so gently. She could feel the power in his broad shoulders and the hardness of his chest as he drew her against him a little closer than before, bringing every nerve ending in her body to attention.

  When she opened her eyes, Nick was staring at her with an intensity that caused a shudder to run through her. And as the music faded, he led her through one last turn and bent down to kiss her. Short, but heavenly sweet. Then he nodded toward the windows.

  “We probably need to head home.”

  “I don’t think the snow’s going to let up anytime soon.” Her voice sounding steadier than she felt.

  By the time their waitress processed the dinner check, the valet had Nick’s car brought around with the heat turned on high. The wind was strong and the temperature had dropped at least fifteen degrees in the past two hours.

  Nick held her close as they left the restaurant. Though his closeness warmed her insides, her wrap turned out to be more decorative than useful. Beth slid into the passenger seat, grateful for the seat warmer that instantly took the chill away.

  The side streets were slick from a thin layer of icy mix below the snow. Traffic moved at a snail’s pace as they drove the short distance to the interstate. Once there, however, conditions were much improved—evidence that snowplows and salt trucks had started making their rounds. Nick, visibly relaxed, reached over and took her hand in his.

  Beth felt the tension in her own body fade as the warmth from his caressing hand engulfed hers. She stared at it for a moment, remembering the gentle strength she’d felt in those hands as he’d held her just minutes ago.

  “My grandfather mentioned your family has a horse farm. Do you still ride?” he asked, bringing her thoughts back to the present.

  “Not as much as I’d like to. You’ll have to come out to the farm sometime. We have a stable with six horses and almost a dozen boarders. There are miles of trails that wind through the hills. When you’re on top of what my father calls Sergeant’s Gate, you can see for miles in all directions.”

  “I bet the view is beautiful this time of year, especially now being snow-covered. I don’t think I’ve been riding since I was ten or twelve years old.”

  “Maybe next Saturday we could take a short ride if you’re not working or traveling.” Beth was glad the only light in the car came from the dashboard. She could feel heat rise on her cheeks. Had she just asked him out on a third date? She couldn’t help it. Taking a horseback ride with Nick, up her snow-covered mountain to see the city view, was just too tempting. And he could always say he had to work if he didn’t want to go.

  “Sounds nice.” He gave her hand a soft squeeze.

  Nick turned into her driveway and parked, leaving the car running. In a weird way, the gesture made her more comfortable knowing he didn’t expecting to stay. She wasn’t ready for the evening to end, but didn’t want to give the wrong impression. And she didn’t like the typical Would you like to come in for a drink? awkwardness.

  Nick placed his arm around her back as they ascended the front steps. She unlocked the door and went inside, hoping he hadn’t noticed the way the key had shaken in her hand. He followed her to the adjoining living room, where she dropped her purse and wrap into a chair. When she turned back around, he was closer than she’d expected.

  “Come here,” he said.

  CHAPTER 5

  Beth stepped into the circle of his arms and raised her hands to his chest, laying them flat against the steady beat of his heart. She’d imagined how the taut muscles would feel against her palms a dozen times in the past three days. Even as they’d danced tonight, she had wanted to glide her fingers across his upper body and over his shoulders to feel the raw power beneath.

  In her dreams those shoulders were bare and she’d kissed every last inch, tasting his skin as she went. The perfect combination of sweet and salty.

  His heartbeat sped beneath her palms and brought her back to the present. She realized she had been staring at her hands, his chest, licking her lips. The intensity in his eyes told her she wasn’t the only one daydreaming. Beth rose up on her toes and melted into his embrace. And as her eyes closed, her remaining senses awakened.

  His potent touch was soft, h
is smooth lips slowly moving across hers in a whispering glide. His tongue gently stroked, coaxing her to part for him. A quiver ran through her body as she felt his grip on her waist tighten. She took her time as she slid her hands up and around the back of his neck, her fingers skimming the edge of his hairline.

  This kiss was different, so much more than the one they’d shared earlier in the evening. He tasted like wine and coffee and his breath still held a hint of the brisk winter air. His body radiated heat that intensified the deep woodsy spice of his cologne.

  Their tongues leisurely mated in a seductive dance that made her knees weak. No rush, no frenzy. Just a slow burn that grew at her core as her insides uncoiled and began a silent plea for more. She heard a soft moan, and then realized the sound had come from her own throat. He answered with a smile she felt against the corner of her lips.

  She felt suspended in time, losing herself in the feel of his mouth as it traveled over her cheekbone, nibbled on the edge of her earlobe, and made its way to the hollow at the base of her neck. His hands, one splayed across her back and the other around her waist, pressed every inch of their bodies together.

  When his mouth came back to hers, she opened her eyes and found him staring. She couldn’t hide the desire that burned through every nerve ending in her body, nor did she try.

  A war raged within her—what she wanted versus what she knew she had to do. She could ask him to stay. Every ounce of her body screamed with applause at the thought. The way he kissed, with such soft and gentle caress, paying attention to every nuance and reaction she gave, told her he’d be an amazing lover. Nothing like what she’d had in the few serious relationships of her past.

  She forced the hand at the back of his head to relax and let go of the silky hair she’d been running her fingers through. Then she lowered both hands to the top of his shoulders without breaking their gaze.

  “I should be going.” His lips were so close to hers she felt the air as he spoke. Then his mouth touched hers again.