Winter's Magic (Music City Hearts Series)

WINTER’S MAGIC

Music City Hearts Series

CYNTHIA GAIL

SOUL MATE PUBLISHING

New York

WINTER’S MAGIC

Copyright©2012

CYNTHIA GAIL

Cover Design by Rae Monet, Inc.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Published in the United States of America by

Soul Mate Publishing

P.O. Box 24

Macedon, New York, 14502

ISBN-13: 978-1-61935-137-0

www.SoulMatePublishing.com

The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

I believe in love at first sight. I believe there are people who from the moment they meet, have an instant, electric connection, and know they’ve found their soul mate.

And then there are others who take longer to realize that the person God has picked out for them is right in front of their eyes. They could be best friends or just an acquaintance, but one day the blinders come off and they realize This is the One.

 I also believe God gave us the gift of his love—not only to save us from our sinful nature, but as our example of how we should love unconditionally and without limitations.

 God gave me my husband, Brian, twenty-five years ago. It wasn’t love at first sight. In fact I don’t actually remember our first meet. We even disagree about what we did on our official first date. We don’t have the perfect marriage—we have a real marriage. One with ups and downs, stress from life and family, and our own stubbornness. We’ve raised a wonderful son, experienced the mid-life crisis hurdle of turning forty, and made it through the empty-nest syndrome. Through it all, he’s always been my biggest supporter and believes in me no matter what I do. My personal cheerleader and my best friend.

 So, no matter how you meet your soul mate, whether sparks fly instantly, build over time, or smack you in the face one morning when you least expect it, LOVE is the greatest part of life’s journey.

Work hard for it. Treasure it. And thank God for it every day.

 I love you, Brian.

Thank you to my best friend, Angie Sloan, who convinced me to do something with the stories I’d written. I always know you’re in my corner cheering me on.

To Joy Dent, Soul Sister Extraordinaire. Not only are you a wonderful critique partner, but a listening ear, a shoulder for strength and encouragement, and all around beautiful person.

Thank you to Jeanne Hardt-Mantlo,
Christina Tetreault
, and Donya Pedigo for your honest critiques that made my work stronger.

Trish Milburn, you’ll never know how much I appreciate you taking the time to read my very first manuscript, your encouragement and kind words, for guiding me in the right direction, and introducing me to the MCRW family.

And thank you to Debby Gilbert for having vision and faith in your writers and giving me the opportunity to share my stories.

Beth took a bite of the Caramello and closed her eyes, slowly savoring every ounce of dreamy satisfaction as the creamy milk chocolate blended with the gooey caramel center.

“Mmm. Whoever invented the Caramello deserves a humanitarian award. I swear this is better than sex.” She let her body sway to the jazzy rhythm of Ella Fitzgerald’s “Sleigh Ride” that filled the air.

The sound of Gina’s giggle drew her from the dreamy bliss she’d been enjoying.

“We could probably make a list, but what would that say about our sex lives?”

Amused at her employee’s bluntness, Beth held a finger to her lips. “Shh. It would say exactly what neither of us is willing to admit out loud.” She took a sip of hot cocoa and slid the last bite of melting pleasure onto her tongue, just as Gina snatched the wrapper from her hand.

“Should we say the Caramello has
raised the bar
?” Gina lifted it into the air and proclaimed, “No more dates with men where the anticipation doesn’t exceed an evening alone with chocolate.”

Beth choked with laughter as she viewed the dramatic pose. At the same time, she had to push back the sting of realization. She couldn’t think of a single date in the last two years that would meet Gina’s criteria.

“Caramello. My favorite,” came a rich male voice from beside them.

Beth jerked her attention toward the man who’d just approached the front desk. And blinked twice. She felt the color drain from her face.

How much had he heard?

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Focusing, she tried to remove all thoughts of candy bars from her mind—with little success. His voice flowed like the caramel, smooth and velvety. This handsome stranger had chocolate-colored hair and looked like he’d just spent a month in the Caribbean sun.

Maybe Santa had brought her an early Christmas present.

She rose and held out a hand. “Beth Sergeant. Welcome to La Bella Vita. How can I help you?”

He took her hand, engulfing her palm with a soft touch that sent a flutter through her stomach. “I’m Nick Chester. Jonathon, my grandfather, attended your grand opening last spring. I need a gift and he suggested I stop by.”

Sliding her hand from his, she stepped out from behind the long counter, just as she saw Gina sneaking away through the salon door. She took her time, absorbing every inch of his towering figure as she came forward. He was substantially taller than her five foot six inches. His tailored suit and designer shoes were no surprise, given the familiar Chester name, but the body that shaped them to perfection was a remarkable sight.

“I’m glad he enjoyed the party and liked what he saw.”

Beth couldn’t help the grin she felt spreading across her face as she thought about how he not only met, but also exceeded,
the bar
. That flutter made another appearance.

“Why don’t we start with a tour of the salon and spa? Then we can discuss what type of package you may be interested in,” she said.

“Lead the way.” Nick nodded and smiled, making her heart skip a beat.

She began the tour in one of her favorite rooms. A beautiful stone fountain, soft music, and several large loungers provided a serene atmosphere where her clients could relax before or between spa treatments.

“This is where the magic begins. We call it the tranquility room,” she said.

“Magic?”

“Yes. A day in our spa is an eloquent transformation experience. An all-day package not only treats your body, but your mind and soul. The body is the easy part. We exfoliate and cleanse, moisturize, buff, and shine to a healthy glow. Wiping away years of harmful effects caused by the sun, chemicals, and the wear and tear of daily life. But we also use hot stones and aromatherapy to calm and de-stress the mind.”

“And the soul?” He stepped deeper into the room, took a lingering scan around, and turned back to face her.

“The mind and soul are connected. What the mind sees and feels shapes the soul and our inner most feelings. Sounds, like the running water in this fountain or the wind and leaves rustling in the breeze, emit serenity and have a soothing effect on the soul.”

“I see.”

She could tell from Nick’s tone and the sparkle in his eyes that he was skeptical. Most men were. “Lie down on the lounger and I’ll give you just a hint of what an entire day would be like.”

Without a word, Nick took off his suit jacket, placed it across a nearby chair, and laid down on the lounger closest to her. She could see the muscles flex beneath his dress shirt. Those broad shoulders had not been exaggerated by the fitting of his jacket.

“Now close your eyes.” She had to force the air through her lungs just to form a whisper.

She lit a nearby candle that smelled of amber and fall. As she dimmed the lights, she closed the door, leaving only the sound of the fountain’s running water and their soft breathing. Neither one of them spoke.

Stepping behind him, Beth took a slow, deep breath, trying to remain calm as she willed her fingers not to shake.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea
. He made her agitated and excited all at the same time. She couldn’t remember a man ever making her feel so off balance. Even as he lay there, completely still and relaxed, she felt an almost uncontrollable need to run her fingers through his wavy hair.

Shaking all thought from her mind, she inhaled the soothing amber and began massaging his forehead. Using her index and middle fingers from each hand, she grazed across his temple, down his nose, out across his cheekbones, and back in against the edge of his jaw line to the center of his chin. Then she placed her fingers under the lip of his shirt collar and swept them up the back of his neck to his hairline, letting his silky locks graze the edge of her hands.

Beth repeated the simple set of motions over and over until she could see his entire body had relaxed. “How do you feel?” She traced the contours of his face one last time.

“You have amazing fingers.” The lazy drawl in his voice made her smile.

“This is only the beginning. Just imagine what a full day of similar treatments would do for the entire body.”

Her stomach quivered as the words left her mouth. She hadn’t meant them in the way her mind now envisioned. Grinning to herself, Beth let the idea linger a moment longer. Then she moved to the dimmer switch and turned the knob to three-quarter light.

“Shall we continue?” She picked up his suit jacket.

As he stood and held out his hand, she watched the muscles flex in his arms and upper body all over again. “Definitely. It’s been enlightening so far.”

When his fingers touched hers, Beth realized she’d been staring. She quickly turned and retreated into the hallway. Her heart raced—they needed to continue the tour. Actually, she needed to finish the tour before she lost her mind.

When they’d made a full circle through the spa, Beth led Nick back to the front desk and handed him a brochure with their gift packages listed on the front. “Do you know what type of package you’re interested in, Mr. Chester? We have everything from a two hour mini-treat to a full day of ecstasy.”

“Please, call me Nick. Can I call you Beth?”

She barely caught the wink, temporarily distracted by his brilliant, pearly white smile. And those milk chocolate eyes. She swore they could see straight into her soul. She just hoped they couldn’t read her mind.

“Of course, Nick. So, what did you think?”

“I’d like the full day of magic . . .” He paused. “. . . Beth.”

Ohhh. The way he said her name. She felt a shiver flow through her body at the same time a heated flush crept up the back of her neck. No doubt he was flirting. And Lord help her, she melted with every word that oozed from his lips.

“If you have just a few more minutes, I’ll put a package together that you can take with you.”

“I have all afternoon, Beth.” The word hung in the air—the sound of his silken voice saying her name. Funny how she’d never really liked her name. But when
he
said the word, it rolled from his tongue like a sweet elixir.

Tearing her eyes away from him, she forced herself to focus on the computer screen and opened a file of customized gift certificates. “Is this a birthday present, or are you an early Christmas shopper?”

“Birthday.” He paused, but she’d already caught the hesitation in his voice. “The name is Lauren Parker.”

Of course
.

Beth felt a lump rise in her throat as she realized how silly she’d been to interpret his practiced charm as flirtation. She knew better. She may not have met Nick Chester before today, but everyone knew of his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. How fitting that Nick would be dating someone like Lauren.

The two girls had gone to the same private schools growing up. Graduated from the same class. But their differences were unmistakable.

Beth’s family was very comfortable. Her father had spent most of her younger years working his way up the ladder as a stockbroker in one of the most prestigious firms in town. Despite his reputation and financial success now, the climb had been a long one. Beth fell into the gray area, closer to middle class. Lauren embraced the role of a modern-day heiress.

Beth had gone to the University of Kentucky and completed a Masters degree in business. Lauren swayed through life on her father’s checkbook and the overwhelming generosity of boyfriend after boyfriend.

While Beth had worked hard building her own business, Lauren spent her days perfecting her eyelash flutter and brainless giggle.

Currently, their paths rarely crossed. Lauren remained the
queen bee
of the socialites, while Beth had a successful career and a close-knit circle of friends that didn’t require sucking up to or competing for attention.

She swallowed the disappointment and, if she were honest, a stab of resentment. Concentrating on the screen, she opened an elegant birthday design and filled in the names. She wondered how long they’d been dating and quickly removed the question from her mind. The answer didn’t matter. She knew her place. Flirting or not, this man was off limits.

She reached below the counter, retrieved a small gold box, and quickly wrapped the certificate. Then she replaced the clear lid and tied a gold ribbon around the center. After processing Nick’s card, she handed it back to him with the receipt and gift.

“I hope Ms. Parker enjoys her birthday. Please tell her to call me personally to setup the appointment. My card is on top with my direct line and cell phone numbers.”

“Thank you, Beth. For the tour and the demonstration of your magic.” He reached out his hand and she took it at the same time their eyes met . . . and held.

Her insides trembled uncontrollably with his gentle touch, and she feared he could see her chest vibrating as her heart raced. He didn’t let go. In the distance, she could hear Natalie Cole belting out the last few lines of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

Nick opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but didn’t, and the mesmerizing spell he’d put on her broke. After another long moment, she withdrew her hand from his and nodded. “My pleasure. Tell your grandfather hello for me.”

“I will.” He turned and strolled out the front door. Beth watched him climb into his black Mercedes, start the engine, and drive away. He never glanced back.

Nick pulled away from the curb into a wave of mid-day traffic. He could drive to his grandfather’s home in Green Hills in his sleep. A good thing, since his mind was consumed with the woman he’d just met.

When he’d first entered the lobby, her eyes had been closed and her face glowed with delight and blissful pleasure. The image, still burned into his mind, made his pulse flare, sending a shot of heat through his veins that cut the chill from the wintry air.

He should have cleared his throat or made a sound to announce his entry, but the animated conversation between the two women had been too captivating. And he couldn’t stop himself from simply staring at her. He didn’t believe for a moment Beth couldn’t find a man more enticing than chocolate. He knew more than a handful that would be happy to apply for the job, including himself.

He’d almost forgotten about Lauren during the tour—hard to do given the number of times she’d called him since their break-up three days ago. He held no illusions. He knew her anxiety had nothing to do with losing him. She simply couldn’t face their friends without a date to her own thirtieth birthday party.

Every woman he’d dated over the years had wanted something from him. Status. Money. Influence. Never just him. But he would keep his word and be her escort to the party—pretend nothing had happened until the following day.

Thanks to Beth, he had something to occupy his mind during the dreary hours of tedious conversation and false smiles. His tour had started as simple conversation and chitchat about what he’d always viewed as female pampering. But then she’d given him a short demonstration of the magic.

Ecstasy
was more like it.

From the moment her fingers had touched his forehead, he’d been lost. He’d heard her deep breath and felt the slight quiver in her fingers as she stroked his face and neck. Her touch was electric silk, with a revitalizing effect that set his skin on fire. It had taken focused determination to control his body’s reaction and maintain a steady heartbeat.

Even after the demonstration, his mind soaked up every gesture and facial expression she made as they finished the tour. He’d responded to her questions with simple ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers, but hadn’t really listened to the words. He’d been preoccupied, reliving the feel of her fingers on his face over and over again. Like he was right now.

He hadn’t remembered Lauren and his original purpose for being in the spa until she asked for the gift details. Beth hadn’t missed a beat when he gave her Lauren Parker’s name, but he sensed a tightening in her jaw line as she processed the certificate and wrapped the gift with concentrated urgency.

The awkwardness had been his fault. He hadn’t meant to flirt and any effort to explain would have made the situation worse. But the attraction had been so overwhelming. His body had come alive with an exhilaration he hadn’t felt in years. And when he shook her hand and those beautiful green eyes met his . . .