Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4) (27 page)

I may not be able to do a thing to help in Vermont, but I can certainly keep Rhinestone Cowgirl making money and learn everything I can to further our success. An idea comes to me. One of the best ways to be successful is to treat employees right. My two best ones are out on the floor right now.

I grab my coat and purse. Slipping my arms into the fuzzy sheepskin, I walk toward the front to find Ruby or Lori. They are both organizing things on the floor, and I smile at how diligent these two are. “Hey, ladies, I’m off to run an errand. I’ll be back soon.”

Their voices follow me as I breeze out the front door. I’m off to the Wine and Cheese shop, which is about a block away. The sun is bright, and snow sparkles as it reflects the warm yellow light. But there is a chill in the air that I welcome into my lungs when I breathe deeply.

A small bell jingles as I open the door to the shop. I’m surprised to see Neal. He smiles at me as he walks over to greet me with our usual cheek kisses, and I ask, “Do you ever sleep?”

“Not really. But you don’t seem to, either.” His cologne is light and pleasant, and I think he really is a charming man and will be a good catch for whatever girl tames him.

I welcome the distraction of a little harmless flirting. “I have big plans, and they keep me busy.”

“Do tell.” He is still holding my arms lightly, and I move away slowly toward the champagne section.

“I need two nice bottles of champagne in pretty bags for my two best employees. And a split of Ruinart, or something similar, please.” He reaches for bottles, and I say, “I’m looking into expanding.”

“Already? Good thinking. I have rental spaces in Aspen and Vail if those appeal to you.”

Of course he does. “That’s good to know. Thanks, I’m tempted.”

He leans in close and speaks softly. “And it’s good to know I can still tempt you.”

I chuckle, and say, “It’ll be a shame the day you actually fall in love, Neal. Such a shame.”

He grins back and walks off to wrap the bottles for me.

I can’t stop smiling when I walk back to Rhinestone Cowgirl. I love giving gifts. But what I’m really smiling about is the knowledge that Neal has commercial space in our two top towns for expanding. It gives me hope we could make it happen. I burst into the shop, excited about my evening poring over a business plan. Christian and I will have a lot to think about when he gets back. Boy, have I changed.

Chapter 43

Righ
t after I give Lori and Ruby their champagne, my phone rings with a call from Christian. I close myself up in the office to talk to him.

“Hey, hon, how are you doing?” I plop down in the chair and roll it away from the desk so I can prop my feet up.

“I’ve been better. I’m in the car with Gretchen on our way home.”

“Give her a big hug for me. I wish I was there to do it in person.” I take a sip of my coffee, which is still warm but lacking in the flavor I’m used to.

“I know. I just wanted to let you know I’m here.”

“Thanks. Do you need to go?”

He’s quick to reply. “No. Tell me about the shop. I want to stop obsessing over my dad for a bit.”

I picture sun streaming in the car, making his red highlights glisten like the first time I saw him. “Okay, I actually have some news for you. I saw Neal today, and he told me he has commercial space in Vail and Aspen. So tonight I’m going to read through your expansion business plan and learn all I can.”

“Neal, huh? As much as I like to hate the guy, he sure is savvy with real estate.”

“Crazy, I know. And while he’s a shameless flirt, he’s also a good landlord. I trust him.”

“I do too. That is pretty great news. Thanks.” Gretchen says something in the background, but I can’t hear it. Christian says, “So you’re working on New Year’s Eve? Why don’t you do something with Casey, Lori, and Megan?”

I stroke the velvet of new skirts hanging to be steamed. “I’m not really in the mood to go out, and I’m looking forward to staying home. Besides, I have six lobsters to eat.”

He chuckles. “I forgot about those. Well if anyone can manage it, it’s you.”

I laugh at his teasing because I do eat a lot. He says, “I wish I was going to be able to kiss you tonight.”

Gretchen’s voice carries over the phone. “Oh, my God! Nika, what have you done to my brother?”

I snort. “You’d better not start talking about what else you’d like to do.”

“Are you sitting at the desk?”

I look over at it and my core twinges. “Why, yes. Yes I am.” As I stand to lean my butt against the edge of the desk. “Would you like me to bend over it and take a selfie?”

Christian’s voice lowers and the deep baritone rumbles through me, awakening my desire. “I’m afraid what I want a picture of is considered sexting.”

Gretchen yells, “Still here! Don’t make me pull over.”

“Tell her it’s payback for all I had to put up with last winter.”

“I will. Can I call you later?”

“You can call me anytime. Maybe we can even have a little phone sex.” I bite my lip, thinking about getting off over a phone call.

“I might take you up on that. Thanks for making me smile, princess.”

I rub the worn wood edge of the desk, and the notches of time are a rough contrast to the smoothness. “I’m glad I could. I love you.”

“I love you too. I’ll try to call later, bye.”

My phone is warm in my hand, and I hold it a little while as if it’s a piece of Christian before slipping it in my pocket.

***

Even though it’s only me, I treat dinner as something special. Candles are lit and I just finished greens with baked goat cheese and the caramelized onions I took the time to cook. Champagne bubbles dance their way down my throat as I wait for the lobster to finish steaming.

The beeping of the microwave demands my attention, and I pull out a bowl of melted butter. When I squeeze a lemon wedge into it, the citrus scent is released into the air. My mouth is watering, thinking about the treat I’m preparing.

I begin reading over Christian’s plans and ponder the catalog idea. The thought of obtaining Colorado fashion designers and offering their clothing and accessories in the catalog, along with my other favorite brands, appeals to me. Letting myself daydream, I envision photo shoots at local area horse farms or working ranches.

I slide the lobster pot off the burner and lift the lid. Steam rises, and I reach in to grab a bright red body. Using my bare hand, I quickly drop it onto a plate with a clatter. My fantasies are quite possible, and I’ve gotten excited about Rhinestone Cowgirl all over again.

The shell of my lobster snaps loudly when I squeeze it with the cracking tool. I pull out the tender meat with my fingers and drench it in my lemon butter. The salty-sweet flavor on my tongue makes me moan, and I think I could eat all six.

When I finish cleaning up my labor-intensive meal, it’s almost ten. I pour myself a glass of sweet brandy and wander to the couch to research clothing catalogs. In a world where everyone is shopping online, I think reaching out to past vacationers with a catalogue that reminds them of the fun they had might work well. And having a website that matches should cover all the bases. My Christian is a smart man.

By eleven I decide to go to bed and rouse the dogs from the couches to come with me. They stretch, and Ollie groans when I push him to get down. I smile, watching the drama. My evening may have been calm, but it was a nice solitary celebration of how far I’ve come and where I plan to go. And Christian is a big part of the future I want. I pat the phone in my back pocket to make sure it’s on my bedside table in case he calls.

At midnight my phone rings, waking me. But I’m not upset when I see it’s Christian.

My voice is thick when I answer the phone. “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year. It’s so nice to hear your voice. Did I wake you?”

I sit up and lift a shade to look out at the stars. “You did, but I don’t mind, I was hoping you’d call.”

“Princess, my father is going to die.”

“Oh, Christian.” Tears well up in my eyes, and I don’t hold them back.

“We’re taking him off life support tomorrow.” His voice cracks. “This is so fucking hard.”

“Oh, honey, that is hard.” I ache to hold him and let him cry. “I can be on a plane tomorrow. Do you want me there?”

He sniffs. “The doctors say he may be alive for a few days. I don’t know. I just don’t know.”

The sky is jet black, and I find one star that shines brighter and bigger than the others to focus on. “Okay. You tell me when, and I’ll come.”

“Thanks. I’m sorry; I’m not doing this very well.”

“I don’t think there’s a right way to do it.”

He sighs, “Yeah. I’m going to go. I love you, Nika.”

“I love you too. Bye.”

I lie back down and stare out the window. In this position I can’t see my star, so I close my eyes and fall back asleep.

Chapter 44

T
om Nickelson hung on for two more days and then went peacefully early in the morning. I take comfort in knowing those who were close to him had the chance to say good-bye.

A siren blares in bursts, announcing the arrival of luggage on the carousel. My red bag is one of the first to come out, and I yank it off easily. I texted Derrick when I landed, and he should be waiting curbside for me.

Leaving Lori and Ruby in charge at Rhinestone Cowgirl, I’m not going to worry about work while I’m gone. But when I think about my dogs, I have a pang of regret. I don’t like to use kennels, but there was no other alternative.

Bitter cold wind bites at me when I get through the automatic doors. I search for a blue Volvo station wagon and notice Derrick waving as he steps out of one. When I get to him, he kisses my cheek quickly before he takes my bag. The car is warm, and the radio is playing softly when I get inside.

Derrick slides into the driver’s seat and lets out a big sigh when he slams the door shut. I ask, “How are you?”

“I’m fine, but watching this is harder than I thought.” The blinker ticks as he pulls away from the curb and merges into traffic.

“Are you thinking about mom and dad the way I am?”

He flips off the radio. “Uh-huh. And you know it doesn’t matter how old you are. It’s difficult to lose a parent.”

I turn the heat vent toward me, and it warms my chilled fingers. “Yeah, I can imagine it is. How’s Sandra?”

“She’s amazing. I think she’s taking it better than Gretchen and Christian are.” He pulls quickly into the left lane, and I smile at how easily he’s slipped back into Boston driving.

“Really?

He nods. “She’s a strong woman and will be just fine.”

I wonder if maybe she’s putting on a brave face for her children because the idea of losing your husband of decades doesn’t sound like something one would get over easily. “That’s good to hear. So what’s the plan?”

“We have the wake tonight, and the funeral will be tomorrow morning.” He turns to me and flashes a smile. “We’re sharing a bedroom. We have twin beds.”

I grin at the bad joke. “How long is our drive?”

“A little over two hours. Are you hungry?”

My stomach growls at the suggestion of food. “Yes, but do we have time to stop?”

“We can. The wake isn’t about us, so we don’t need to be on time. Christian and Gretchen will be busy talking to everyone that comes.”

I’m glad I wore a long skirt and blouse for the flight, thinking I might not be able to change. “I can do a rest-area salad if that makes things easier.”

“I’ll see what I can find.”

“Okay, I’m going to try to nap. I had to get up early for my flight.”

Derrick turns the radio back on and finds a classical station to play quietly. I close my eyes and drift off.

***

We get to the funeral home fifteen minutes after the wake begins. The family is standing in a receiving line, greeting people that want to talk to them. The room is decorated in gold and burgundy, and it lends to the depressing mood. It’s warm with the number of people crowding the space, and I realize Derrick was right. Us being here is insignificant.

From where I stand, Christian looks exhausted. He’s freshly shaven, but his eyes are dark and puffy. His shoulders are slumped, and while he’s smiling at people as he talks to them, I know it’s forced.