Winter's Magic (Music City Hearts Series)

by Cynthia Gail

  Beth remembered the expression he’d had on his face when she’d threatened to fire him. His amusement hadn’t hidden the worry buried underneath. That tenderness Gina talked about had come through. Most men would have shied away or even run from the wreck she’d been in that night. Nick hadn’t. He’d taken care of her, and she’d actually let down her guard long enough to let him.

  “Beth?”

  Snapping to attention, Beth refocused and found Gina holding back a chuckle. “I need to go. Hope I gave you something to talk about this afternoon.” She winked and grabbed her coat and purse before leaving.

  Beth’s mind raced as she drove to Nick’s house. He lived on the other side of town, closer to the farm than she did, so she’d packed a change of clothes before going to the spa this morning.

  Turning into his gated subdivision, she punched in the code he’d given her and drove through the iron gates. The community was exactly as she’d pictured. A combination of elegance and welcome comfort. The homes were large, but not grand, each representing the centerpiece of what had to be at least two- or three-acre lots. She could imagine the scene in the summer with their Bermuda lawns mowed and edged to perfection, trimmed with immaculate floral landscapes.

  Nick’s home faced the west and the afternoon sun reflected off the copper hoods covering the front bay windows. Various shades of rust and tan stone outlined the garage and two-story entry, blending with a cream stucco façade.

  A garage door went up as she drove down the long driveway. Nick emerged and waved her to pull through. Once inside, Beth turned off her car and grabbed the duffle. Her door opened, and he was there with an outstretched hand.

  “We’re supposed to get more snow, so I thought you might like to park inside.”

  Taking his hand, she stepped from the car and into his arms—exactly what she’d been waiting for all day long.

  “I could get used to this, Mr. Chester. I don’t take long to spoil.” She lifted onto her toes and kissed him.

  Somewhere in the back of her mind, Beth heard the car door shut. Too lost in the feel of Nick’s mouth on hers, she didn’t care that they were standing in the middle of a cold winter breeze. They hadn’t had a single moment alone the day before and she’d dreamed about feeling the warmth from his body all night long.

  When she drew back, he was achingly sexy with a half smile, half smirk on his face.

  “I like to spoil,” he said. “And if a warm parking space gets me this kind of welcome, it’s yours any time.” Nick kissed her again, then led her inside the house to a half-bath where she quickly changed into thermals, riding jeans, double socks, and boots. She would grab the coat and gloves from her backseat before they left.

  When she emerged, she could hear Nick’s voice on the phone. Entering the kitchen, she laid her bag on the counter and followed the faint sound.

  “I appreciate it, Grandfather. I understand everything’s been taken care of and I’d like to keep this a private matter.”

  Nick’s head whipped around just as she entered the dining room. His startled expression quickly dissolved into a smile. He waved her forward, holding her tightly against his side, and continued the conversation.

  “Thank you.” He paused. “I need to go. Beth just got here, and we’re heading out to the farm for a ride this afternoon.”

  There was another pause as Nick listened.

  “Dinner? I’m not sure what our plans are. Let me find out and I’ll give you a call when we’re on our way back.”

  Nick hung up and led her back out to the garage. “My grandfather would like to meet us for dinner.”

  “That would be great, but I didn’t bring anything nice to wear for a dinner out. I just have this and the jeans I wore to work this morning,” she said.

  “I think he’s hungry for Margaret’s Café. That’s my guess, anyway. He’s subtly mentioned it about six times this week.”

  “Then count me in.” She laughed. “I’d love to have dinner with him.”

  “I’m glad you were able to take the afternoon off after the busy week you’ve had.” Nick backed out of the garage and turned the Jeep around before heading out of the driveway. She had warned him the road leading in and out of the farm would have limited snow clearing.

  “Come to find out, they do pretty well without me. Anita’s been covering my front deskwork and does a really good job. I stayed late last night and I’ll probably have a stack of paperwork waiting for me tomorrow.”

  “Do you get out to the farm very often?” he asked.

  “Not as much as I’d like, especially now that winter’s really hit. I know Nathan, our manager, takes good care of everything.”

  The drive from Nick’s home to the farm was short. On her direction, he turned down a long path covered in snow with a single set of tracks down the middle. She was glad they’d brought the Jeep. Neither one of their regular vehicles would have fared well on the gravel-dirt mix they called an entrance.

  Once parked, Beth led them to the barn where she could hear Nathan rustling around. As they entered, she saw her two best thoroughbreds saddled and ready.

  “This is Salo.” Beth stroked the chestnut’s black mane, then nodded toward the palomino standing next to him. “I’ll be riding Izzy.”

  Just as Beth got ready to lead them from the barn, Nathan stepped out of the front office.

  “Beth, I hope you dressed warm,” he said.

  “I’ve got three layers and a down-lined coat, so I’ll be okay.” She put her toboggan on her head and motioned toward Nick. “This is Nick Chester. Nick, this is Nathan. As I told you earlier, he keeps everything around here in perfect order.”

  “I’m impressed. Beth says you have about eighteen horses on site? You must work around the clock. This place is spotless.”

  “Beth is too kind. She probably didn’t mention all the help I have.”

  “Oh, Nathan. You and I both know this place couldn’t run without you,” Beth said. “And thank you for having Izzy and Salo ready for us. We’ll be back in about an hour.”

  “Be careful.”

  Beth handed Nick the reins to Salo and they headed out of the barn. Once mounted, she took it slow in the direction of the western hills.

  The farm was a mixture of five hundred acres open field and another two hundred acres of timberland that were thinned and full of man-made trails. Beth led Nick down a long path winding up and around the side of the hill.

  When they emerged from the woods, they came to an open spread of land.

  “This is where we typically let them loose. With the snow, we’ll take it a little slower. They won’t like the slower pace, but I’d hate for one of them to get hurt.”

  Beth urged her mount into a gentle gallop and felt the beautiful sting of cold whipping across her cheeks. She loved her farm. No matter what ailed you, riding across the open field, feeling the power in the animal beneath you, was like free therapy. And if you were already in a good mood, making your way to the top of the hillside was even more exhilarating.

  Nick rode next to her as the field opened up and wound around to the back of the forest. A gradual incline took them to the top of the hill where her small lake had started to freeze. The gazebo and picnic tables were snow covered and the woodpile and bonfire pit were buried in a deep drift.

  She dismounted and let Nick take the reins. Once the horses were tied to the hitching post, he came up from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. She covered his hands with one of her own.

  “This is Sergeant’s Gate.” She waved her free hand over the great expanse and gazed out across the magnificent skyline.

  “You can imagine what the view is like at night, with everything in downtown Nashville lit up. It’s breathtaking.”

  “It sure is,” Nick said.

  When she turned her head toward him, he wasn’t looking at the city. Rotating in his arms, she faced him and slid her hands up the front of his chest.

  “I was talking about the skyline,�
�� she said.

  “I know you were. I was talking about you.”

  The chill she’d felt in her cheeks suddenly turned warm as she stared into his gentle eyes. “Please tell me we didn’t ride all the way up here so you could look at me? I wanted you to see how beautiful the city is.”

  “I think you’re a more stunning view.” Nick pulled her closer.

  “You’re pretty smooth with your lines,” she whispered, suddenly not able to take in enough air to make her voice any louder.

  “It’s true.” He was sporting a devilish grin as he leaned down and touched his nose to hers. “I really like the hats. This one’s almost as cute as the Santa hat you were wearing yesterday.” He kissed her nose. “And your red nose is adorable.”

  Beth felt her insides sway as he took her mouth in a soft caress. A slow burn began to build as his tongue swept in and she caught the warm chill of his breath. The need inside her rose as realization slammed home.

  She wanted things she’d never felt before. Troy had been experienced and known how to please her. But she’d never craved like this. Her body had never screamed with need the way it did when she was with Nick.

  He drew back and stared into her eyes with a seriousness that squeezed her chest. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

  Beth didn’t know what to say. Her brain reeled, digesting the idea he could be feeling the same things she was. She desperately wanted to say yes.

  Her lips wouldn’t move.

  “I know. It’s too soon,” he said.

  “Yes.” Beth barely heard her own voice. She watched his eyes grow wide, just before she kissed him back.

  CHAPTER 8

  Nick wished he hadn’t blurted out the invitation. Oh, he wanted her to stay the night. And not just because she was beautiful and intelligent and drove him crazy twenty-four hours a day.

  He simply needed her as he’d never needed a woman before. He wanted to fill her mind every waking hour. Touch every inch of her body and make her sigh his name as he made love to her over and over again. But he should have waited until after their dinner with his grandfather before asking.

  Instead, his chest hummed in vibration as they walked into Margaret’s Café. He couldn’t even glance in her direction without his body reacting to the knowledge she would be going home with him in less than an hour.

  “Nick. Beth. It’s good to see you.” Margaret greeted them at the door just before he saw his grandfather seated at a nearby booth.

  “Margaret, how’s my favorite girl?” He kissed her cheek and gave her a quick hug.

  “Girl? I’m older than your grandpa, son. As if this gray hair wasn’t a dead giveaway.” She laughed and patted the silver strands wound into a bun at the back of her head.

  “I don’t believe a word of it. You can’t be a day over forty.”

  “I was forty when you were in grade school.” She paused and touched the corner of one eye. “I have been using a new facial cream that’s supposed to take away the fine lines and wrinkles. Maybe it’s finally working.”

  “That must be your secret. Keep it up and you’ll look thirty.”

  “If only.” Margaret turned to Beth. “You should be careful with this one. He’s a real charmer.”

  “I’ve noticed.” She chuckled.

  “You two go on. Your grandfather’s on his second cup of coffee. I’ll bring the usual.”

  When they reached the booth, his grandfather was already standing. Nick shook his hand, then stepped back as Beth was drawn into a brief hug.

  “It’s good to see you again, Mr. . . . um, Jonathon,” she said.

  Nick slid into the booth next to Beth and put his arm across the back of the seat.

  “I’m so glad you were able to join me tonight. Nick told me you two were going riding today. Sergeant’s Gate must be beautiful this time of year.”

  “Breathtaking.” Nick stared at Beth, waiting for the soft blush to appear on her neck. Yet, even when he dropped his hand and began rubbing his thumb back and forth across her shoulder blade, she wasn’t fazed and kept her focus straight ahead.

  “Yes, sir. I hadn’t been up there since the leaves changed. This has always been my favorite time of year,” she said.

  He probably should have sat next to his grandfather on the opposite side of the booth. Or at least kept his distance by sitting as close to the outside edge as possible. But he wanted her next to him.

  “My parents and I had a great time at the party last weekend. Your home is beautiful.”

  “I hope to see your parents more often. I miss Jayne and your father. William’s a good man.” He laughed. “Of course, I’m not telling you anything new. I could see you’re a daddy’s girl.”

  “Guilty. Always have been. Though, I have to admit the older I get, the more I hang out with Mom. I think Dad’s ready to retire from the shopping scene. He sends her my way anytime something girly comes up.”

  Nick wondered what time she had to go to work in the morning. He wanted to hold her and feel her heartbeat against his chest until she drifted off to sleep and then wake up tomorrow morning with her still in his arms.

  “Good for him. He should be in charge of the Titan’s tickets and let your mom take care of Nieman Marcus. It’s the natural law of balance once a man’s paid his dues.”

  He could only imagine what she would look like in his robe. She obviously needed something to wear around the house and the black silk would be perfect. The hem would probably hit the floor.

  “Huh, Ugh.”

  Nick spun around to find Margaret with arms full of food. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn’t realize his arm blocked a portion of the table. “Sorry.”

  When he turned back to Beth, she gave him that smile, the one he’d decided was just for him. And her eyes were laughing.

  “Thank you, Margaret.” His grandfather handed him a plate without a hint of knowing on his face. Nick had heard somewhere that he’d been a successful poker player in his youth. Never letting his face tell a bluff from a royal flush. He believed the story.

  Once they were eating, the discussion slowed. Thank God. This . . . he couldn’t find the right word, was like a disease. He had to get control back. He didn’t like feeling so helpless, so consumed. Maybe it was just his mind’s reaction to the anticipation. Hopefully everything would be back to normal in the morning.

  “Jonathon.”

  Nick glanced up from his plate to see an older gentleman in a suit approaching. His grandfather rose quickly and met the man before he reached their table.

  “I haven’t seen you in months and here we are, meeting twice in the same week. I can’t believe we don’t run into each other more often. Alice loves this place.”

  From the corner of his eye, Nick could see a woman just behind the man speaking.

  “Isn’t Margaret the best? Of course, nothing on the menu is approved by my doctor. At some point a man has to live, right?” Jonathon asked.

  “True. That’s exactly why Alice lets me come here once a week. We’re usually here for lunch, as soon as the bank closes on Saturdays. But our granddaughter had a recital this afternoon, so we’re a little late.”

  “I hope you enjoy your evening, then.”

  “Come see me again before Christmas, Jonathon. This time with no business. We’ll have a drink and an early dinner. I’ll bring pictures of the grandchildren and we can discuss retirement plans. I only have three months left, you know.”

  “Congratulations, I’ll give you a call.”

  Nick watched as the man and his wife followed Margaret to a nearby booth.

  “Who was that?” he asked.

  “Charles and his wife, Alice.” His grandfather waved his hand. “Just an old friend I don’t run into very often.”

  Nick felt an odd twang in his gut. Even with the poker face, something felt off. Since his refusal to accept the family fortune, his grandfather had become relentless in his determination to pass on every ounce of influence the Chester name could p
rovide. He never missed the chance to introduce him to everyone he knew, business related or socially, every single time they met.

  His grandfather stared into his eyes as if trying to send him a message, and then quickly turned to Beth, who seemed oblivious to anything being wrong.

  “So, Beth. Does your family have big plans for Christmas?”

  His grandfather definitely wanted to change the subject.

  “Christmas day is always at Mom and Dad’s house. My mom’s two sisters and my dad’s sister and brother, plus all of the spouses, kids, and grandkids will be here for the full weekend.”

  “Where does everyone stay?” Nick decided not to dwell on his grandfather’s oddity. He would figure it out later. Right now, he wanted to enjoy the moment.

  “I think we have twelve rooms at the Opryland Hotel reserved. The whole weekend will be full of different activities with the men spending most of Friday at Bass Pro Shop and the women doing last-minute shopping or baking.”

  “Sounds like a lot of fun. Are you open on Christmas Eve?” his grandfather asked.

  “We’ll close at one o’clock with just a skeleton crew. Several of the girls have closed their books for the day. I’ll pretend to work.”

  Margaret brought their check, and Nick handed her enough cash to cover all three meals. He’d barely touched his plate, but his grandfather seemed tired and oddly restless. Christmas was a difficult time for both of them.

  Their family meal would include his aunt and uncle and three younger cousins, only one of which were married. A quiet meal and of course lots of presents. This year his cousin had a new baby–the first newborn addition to the Chester family in over twenty-two years.

  They all slid out of the booth and made their way to the front door, saying goodbye to Margaret on their way out. Nick hugged his grandfather who, in turn, gave Beth a long hug and lingered next to the Jeep.

  “I hope you’ll join us again soon, Beth. Thanks for coming tonight.”