Fortune's Little Heartbreaker

by Cindy Kirk

  Unsure how to respond, Shannon took a bite of ham.

  Oliver set down his wineglass and leveled a gaze at her. “They expect me to go out of my way when they couldn’t be bothered to tell me about Diane’s death. I had to hear about her death at a bloody cocktail party.”

  “I assume you asked why they hadn’t told you when you picked Ollie up.” Shannon kept her tone nonchalant, as if totally unaware of the hostility vibrating in the air.

  “Celeste—that’s Diane’s mother—said she hadn’t been thinking clearly. That her daughter’s death had devastated her.”

  “Sounds...logical.”

  As if he’d finally found an outlet for his rage, Oliver pinned his gaze on her. “You’re on their side. You think I should forgive them.”

  “I think—” Shannon carefully picked up another olive, though her stomach was so jittery she didn’t dare put it in her mouth “—that losing a child would be horrific. It seems logical she wasn’t thinking clearly.”

  “They had Ollie for two months.” He shoved back his chair and jerked to his feet. “Two months without notifying me.”

  Let it go, Shannon told herself, you’re the nanny. This isn’t your business.

  But even as the thought crossed her mind, she realized that she couldn’t let it go. She cared for Oliver and for his son.

  Ollie deserved to know his grandparents. And no good would be served for Oliver to harbor such anger. Still, how to proceed was the question.

  Shannon took a long drink of wine. “What was your impression of Diane’s parents? Prior to her death, I mean?”

  He turned back from the kitchen window where he’d been gazing—or rather glaring—out into the twilight.

  “Nice enough,” he said grudgingly, as if it pained him to say the words. “Father is a barrister. Mother is involved in a lot of civic activities.”

  “Any other children?” she asked casually.

  “Just Diane.”

  “Did you see her parents often after you were married?”

  “At holidays. Occasionally they’d come to London and we’d go to the symphony or the theater.”

  “No backyard barbecues or card parties?” Shannon teased, relieved when he smiled.

  “Not their cup of tea.” His smile faded. “I can see where you’re headed with this, what you’re trying to do.”

  “Really?” She lifted the glass to her lips, but didn’t drink. “Tell me. What is it I’m trying to do?”

  “You want me to think about what they were like before, to give them the benefit of the doubt.” He twirled the stem of the glass between his fingers.

  “Someday Ollie will want to know about his mother. He’ll have all sorts of questions. Who better to give him that information than her parents?”

  His jaw jutted out at a stubborn angle. “They should have told me.”

  “Life is full of should-haves,” Shannon said with a heavy sigh. “I should have confronted Jerry, but I didn’t. Cut them some slack, Oliver. Not only for Ollie’s sake, but for your own.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Shannon rested her head against the seat of Oliver’s luxury Mercedes sedan and let the soothing tones of a Mozart piano concerto wash over her. As the car continued smoothly down the highway toward town, she slanted a glance at Oliver. Her heart tripped when he returned her smile then reached over to squeeze her hand.

  She liked that they didn’t feel the need to talk all the time. They’d both gotten comfortable with occasional silence. And she liked how when she did say something, Oliver listened to her, really and truly listened. Though Shannon still didn’t know what he planned to do about the situation with Oliver’s grandparents, it had been empowering for her to realize that he seriously considered her opinions.

  Tonight she planned to simply sit back and enjoy her date with Oliver.

  It was a date, she told herself. How could it be considered anything else?

  Oliver had asked if she was busy Saturday night.

  She’d said she was free.

  He asked if she wanted to check out the recently renovated theater that had opened in Horseback Hollow.

  She told him she’d love to see a movie.

  While Horseback Hollow wasn’t big enough to support a first-run theater—they had to go to Vicker’s Corners or Lubbock for that—this week the local theater was running the classic Back to the Future. Shannon hadn’t even been born when the movie had been made, but since this particular science-fiction comedy was one of her father’s favorites, she’d seen it many times.

  The thought of sitting in a dark theater with Oliver, eating popcorn and candy, perhaps even sharing a soda, made seeing the movie for what had to be the zillionth time very appealing.

  Josephine had been desperate for what she had taken to calling her “Ollie time,” so the boy was spending the night with “Nana,” whom he now adored. Thinking of the vibrant woman brought to mind something Shannon had meant to bring up earlier.

  “Have you noticed that lately your mother is always texting?” she asked Oliver after he parked and they started down the sidewalk of Horseback Hollow’s main street.

  Earlier when they dropped off Ollie, Josephine had been in the process of sending a text. Though Shannon’s parents both texted occasionally, lately it seemed every time she saw Oliver’s mother, the phone was glued to her hand.

  “Mum likes technology,” he said a bit absently. His eyes suddenly widened and a grin split his face. “Brodie.”

  Shannon hadn’t seen much of Oliver’s brother, although she knew he and Oliver had gotten together several times since Brodie had arrived in Horseback Hollow. From the few things Oliver had said, Shannon had the distinct impression his brother didn’t think much of her hometown.

  Brodie strode over. As always, he was impeccably dressed in a dark suit, his shoes shined to a high gloss. He cast a disapproving gaze at the jeans and cotton shirt Oliver wore.

  “At least you’re not wearing cowboy boots,” Brodie said with a sniff.

  “No,” Shannon said with an impish smile, extending one foot so he could see her Tony Lama footwear. “I am.”

  A pained look crossed Brodie’s face.

  “We’re going to view a movie at the cinema,” Oliver told him. “Would you care to join us?”

  “They’re showing Back to the Future,” Shannon added. “It’s considered a classic.”

  A hint of a smile lifted Brodie’s lips and then it was gone. It was as if he wasn’t sure if she was putting him on or not. “I appreciate the invitation, but I have other plans.”

  “Would those plans involve Alden Moore?” Oliver lifted a brow. “I saw you coming out of the Hollows Cantina yesterday with him.”

  Shannon glanced at Oliver in surprise. He hadn’t mentioned anything to her about his brother and Mr. Moore. Not that Oliver was required to tell her everyone he saw or spoke with during the course of the day. But Alden Moore was big news in Horseback Hollow.

  The president of Moore Entertainment, Alden was the man charged with opening Cowboy Country USA, a theme park currently under construction at the edge of Horseback Hollow. The last Shannon heard, the park was scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.

  “The Hollows is one of the few places in town I can tolerate.” Brodie gave a dismissive wave. “Thank heavens I leave for London in a few days, where I can get some real food.”

  “What were you and Alden discussing?” Oliver pressed.

  “Business. That’s the only topic that interests me.” Brodie shifted his gaze to Shannon, not missing the way his brother’s hand circled her waist. “It appears you two are enjoying an evening out, leaving my nephew to fend for himself.”

  Oliver laughed. “Mum has him. Trust me, he’ll be spoiled rotten by the time we pick him up tomorrow mo
rning.”

  Surprise had Brodie’s eyes widening. “You’re leaving the tyke in her care overnight?”

  “She insisted.” Oliver’s lips twitched. “You know how determined she can be.”

  “He’ll be asleep by the time the movie is over,” Shannon added. “We’d just have to wake him to take him home.”

  “Well—” Brodie inclined his head “—enjoy the cinema.”

  “Stop by before you leave,” Oliver called after him.

  Brodie nodded and continued to walk.

  “Odd,” Oliver said, almost to himself.

  “What?”

  “Brodie isn’t usually so reticent.” Oliver lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug. “It’s of no importance.”

  He took Shannon’s hand, a gesture that had come to seem so natural to him. Oliver assumed it was because there was a lot of touching going on at home.

  Shannon’s capacity for pleasure astounded him, as did his need for her. As their trust in each other had grown, they’d become even more adventurous in bed. Oliver had discovered that lovemaking could be passionate and intense but also casual and fun. Last night he’d even laughed aloud while tussling with her on the bed.

  As they strolled down the sidewalk, under the glow of the streetlamps, they spoke of Ollie and Barnaby, of his mother and other family members. She didn’t mention Diane’s parents and he didn’t bring them up either. Though he was becoming more reconciled to the idea of letting them be a part of Ollie’s life, he wasn’t quite there yet.

  Once they reached the box office, he paid for the tickets. Shannon tried to pay for hers but that was never an option. He had invited her and he would pay.

  Though the show was ready to begin, Shannon insisted she couldn’t watch the movie without candy and popcorn. He hurriedly bought the refreshments and they found a couple of seats toward the back of the darkened theater. The place was only a third full, so there were plenty of choices.

  “I love Junior Mints,” Shannon whispered halfway through the show, popping another of the dark candies into her mouth.

  The merest hint of chocolate remained on her lips. Leaning close, he ran a finger across her lips, heard her quick intake of air.

  “Chocolate,” he said, in response to her questioning look. “Your lips are sweet enough. They don’t need any enhancement.”

  Instead of looking at the screen, where a truck of manure was being dumped on Biff’s car, Shannon’s gaze remained focused on Oliver. His groin tightened when she slowly ran her tongue across her lips.

  Oliver had never condoned public displays of affection. But lately he found himself reaching for Shannon’s hand or placing his palm against her back...simply for the contact and because the connection to her felt so good.

  Taking her arm to steady her when getting out of the car made perfect sense. Reaching out to grab her if she stumbled was totally appropriate.

  Kissing a woman in a public theater? Unthinkable. But now, as Oliver’s gaze lingered on Shannon’s full, soft lips, he found he couldn’t think of anything else.

  Wait until you get home.

  He’d never last that long.

  Wait until you get in the car.

  He’d never last that long.

  Kiss her now. It seemed the best option. The only option.

  Societal rules be damned.

  “Shannon,” he spoke softly while his gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes.

  Was that harsh, uneven breath coming from her? Or him?

  With great tenderness, Oliver brushed his fingers against her cheek then slowly lowered his head and closed his mouth over hers.

  The kiss was warm and sweet and touched a place inside him that had been cold for so long. He heard sounds of laughter coming from the big screen but paid it no mind. All that mattered was him. And her. The closeness. The love.

  The thought had him jerking back.

  Even in the dim light, he could see the startled confusion in her eyes. Her lipstick was smudged from his kisses, the hair she’d intricately braided pulling loose.

  Though his heart galloped in his chest, he casually gestured with his head toward the screen. “They’re getting to the good part.”

  Since he’d paid little attention to the film, he had no idea what had happened or was about to happen. Neither did he particularly care.

  Shannon gave a jerky nod and turned her attention back to the screen, but he sensed her puzzlement. When she straightened in her seat and leaned ever so slightly away from him, her withdrawal was like an ice pick to the heart.

  Oliver slid his arm around her and pulled her close. When she relaxed and rested her head against his shoulder, his world that had tipped so precariously only seconds before righted itself.

  He knew they were back to normal when she lifted the box of Junior Mints from her lap and offered him one.

  Though Oliver wasn’t a fan of the candies, he took one and realized when it hit his tongue that it tasted like her kisses. And he simply had to have another taste. The rest of the movie passed by unwatched.

  Shannon blinked as they stepped from the darkened theater into the light. She looked, he thought fancifully, like a sleeping beauty waking up. His sleeping beauty.

  Her lips were swollen from his kisses, her hair mussed. He hadn’t been able to keep from slipping his fingers into the silky strands as their mouths melded together. And though they’d just stopped kissing when the credits had begun to roll, Oliver was seized with an overpowering urge to kiss her again.

  Actually, he wanted to do a whole lot more than kiss her.

  “Instead of going for ice cream in Vicker’s Corners as we discussed, how about we go home and have...dessert there?” Though Shannon spoke casually, he recognized the look in her eye.

  “Great minds think alike.” He took her arm as they stepped out of the theater and onto the sidewalk.

  Oliver resisted—barely—the urge to hurry her along. There was no need to rush. With his mum watching Ollie, they had all night.

  “Oliver, what a pleasant surprise.”

  He pulled up short. “Amelia.”

  Looking young and carefree in a dress more suited to a college girl than a new mum, his sister quickly closed the distance between them. Quinn was with her, their baby bound to his chest in some kind of flowery fabric.

  Oliver shot him a sympathetic glance.

  Quinn simply grinned.

  “What are you two doing out?” Oliver asked. The baby seemed far too small to be exposed to the cool night air.

  “We could ask you the same question.” Amelia’s decidedly curious gaze slid from him to Shannon.

  “We wanted to check out the new theater,” Shannon said, then seemed to reconsider her words. “I mean, I wanted to check it out so I asked Oliver if he’d be interested in joining me. He said he was, so here we are.”

  She was chattering, Oliver realized, the way she tended to do when she was nervous. Why, he wondered, was she so nervous? And why was she making it sound as if he’d simply tagged along for the evening?

  “It was very nice, wasn’t it, Oliver?” she added, when no one spoke.

  “It was very enjoyable.” The only part Oliver remembered of the movie was the rolling credits, but the kisses had been exceedingly pleasurable. “What about you?”

  “Wendy and Marcos wanted to see Clementine, so we stopped in for dessert.”

  Oliver resisted—barely—slanting a glance at Shannon. They had a different kind of dessert planned once they reached home. And he had no doubt he’d enjoy his more than whatever his sister and her husband ordered tonight.

  “Where’s Ollie?” Amelia glanced around as if expecting the toddler to jump out from behind a tree.

  “He’s with Mum this evening.”

 
“Ollie is such a sweet little boy.” Amelia’s lips curved, her look one of fondness. “I was telling Quinn just the other day how much I wished you and Ollie would stay in Horseback Hollow.”

  “Am, you know that’s—” Oliver began.

  “Oliver was such a good big brother to me,” Amelia told Shannon. “I couldn’t have asked for better. I know our children are just cousins, but if Ollie grew up here, he’d be like Clemmie’s big brother.”

  Amelia shifted her gaze back to Oliver. “Wouldn’t that be nice?”

  “Most certainly.” Oliver knew his sister too well to argue. “But my home is in London.”

  “It doesn’t have to be,” Amelia said, her expression earnest. “Technology makes it possible for people to work from anywhere. Quinn and I watched an episode on the telly about that quite recently.”

  “Did you?” Oliver said, vaguely amused at the thought of his former jet-setting younger sister sitting at home watching the telly and discussing changing work habits with her rancher husband.

  “You’re conducting your business right now from Horseback Hollow,” Amelia reminded him, as if she somehow thought that fact had slipped his mind.

  “He is, but it’s very difficult for him.” Shannon spoke up for the first time since Amelia had started her discourse. “Because of the time difference, Oliver has to do all his work in the middle of the night.”

  “Granted, it’s probably not ideal,” Amelia conceded. “But if you wanted, you could make staying here work.”

  Once again, Oliver avoided arguing and simply agreed with his headstrong baby sister. “You’re right, Amelia. If a person wants something badly enough, they can make it happen.”

  * * *

  Though it was past midnight and Oliver had a lot of calls to make, he sat back in his desk chair, his mind on everything but stocks and bonds.

  The words he’d said to Amelia—primarily to placate her—continued to haunt him. Three days might have passed, but he couldn’t stop thinking about them.

  He believed what he’d said. If he wanted something badly enough, he could make it happen. In his case, Oliver wanted Shannon.