Falling For You (Pine Ridge Romance Book 3) Read online

  She is an amazing girl, he responded. And either way, you’ll be seeing more of me in the future since we’ll be working together. Thanks for sharing the good news about Hope. See you Monday.

  See you.

  He let out the breath he’d been holding. He hated bringing the tone back to polite and professional when it was just starting to go beyond that, but if he played his cards right, hopefully he would find a way to get back into more personal territory with Olivia again. He groaned, setting his phone aside and pulling back into the sparse midnight traffic.

  Hopefully much, much more personal.

  Chapter 13

  Olivia straightened the burgundy cardigan over her cotton denim dress as she stepped out of Drew’s car and admired the colorful aspens mixed in with the pines around Briarwood. Sunday brunch at Briarwood with Gran was something she looked forward to every week. She, Drew, and Piper met with Grandma Margaret every Sunday afternoon after church services to share a meal and talk. Trent had been joining them lately, but he’d left this morning for his race and Olivia was secretly glad. Last night she’d experienced more than a few doubts about their relationship, and she needed time away from him to sort through her feelings.

  Texting Nolan hadn’t helped either. She was so excited after hearing back from Hope that she couldn’t resist telling him. But she should have resisted. Her friends were so happy for Savannah, and she needed to get on board by sharing in that happiness. Guilt pricked her that she couldn’t seem to muster enthusiasm that Savannah was finally opening her heart to love again. If only the guy she was falling for wasn’t Nolan. Why did it have to be him?

  “Just look at these colors!” Piper exclaimed, turning in a circle to take in the panorama of autumn leaves. “We should be getting married in the fall to take advantage of this gorgeous backdrop.”

  Drew smiled and stepped toward her, taking her in his arms with a look of complete adoration in his eyes. “That can be arranged,” he said, lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles.

  “Don’t tempt me,” Piper teased, her face reflecting that same adoration.

  Olivia rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. “You guys are slightly nauseating, you know that?”

  They laughed but didn’t move apart, touching foreheads and getting lost in their own world. Olivia shook her head and continued on to the front entry, letting herself in through the large front door. “Gran?” she called. “We’re here.”

  Agnes, Gran’s maid, came around the corner, wiping her hands on the white apron at her waist. “Olivia! It’s so good to see you.” She smiled and took both of Olivia’s hands in hers. She’d been Gran’s maid for as long as Olivia had been alive, and she was like family to her. “How are you, dear?”

  “I’m fine,” Olivia said, returning the smile. “Where’s Gran?”

  “She’s already in the dining room, and brunch will be served in five minutes.” Agnes looked past her shoulder. “Did you come alone?”

  She smirked. “No. Drew and Piper are being lovey-dovey in the driveway so I left them behind. Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll elope and spare us all from their obsession for each other.”

  Agnes’s eyes bulged. “Don’t say that. Your grandmother would never forgive them if they ran off and got married. This wedding is all she talks about.”

  Olivia tucked her hands behind her back. “I know. I was only teasing.” And truthfully, she was looking forward to the wedding just as much as Gran was. She gave Drew and Piper a hard time over how lovesick and smitten they were, but she was sincerely happy that her brother had found his soulmate. They belonged together, and she couldn’t wait for Piper to officially be her sister.

  Agnes shook her head. “And you, the maid of honor. You should be ashamed of yourself.” She fought back a smile and patted Olivia’s arm. “Come. Your grandma has been anxious to see you.”

  Olivia followed Agnes to the dining room. Briarwood was an expansive mansion, but the blend of rustic design and contemporary comforts served to make the place feel homey. Gran planned to move out once Drew and Piper were married, and Olivia knew they would be happy here.

  And she would be alone in her apartment.

  She tried to shoo the selfish thought away, but it lingered. Drew had always been there for her. What would life be like when he was married and had a family of his own to take care of? Gran would move back to New York, and Olivia would be alone.

  “Hello, dear.” Gran’s bright smile greeted Olivia as she entered the dining room. She stood from the armchair she’d occupied and came to give Olivia a warm hug.

  Liv hugged her back with a sigh. There was nothing like one of Gran’s hugs to chase away sadness. “Hi, Gran,” she said, pulling back to smile. “Piper and Drew are coming. They were just admiring the leaves outside.” Among other things.

  “I know, aren’t the colors stunning? I was thinking we could go for a walk after brunch to enjoy the mild weather.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  Gran looked beyond her, frowning. “But where’s Trent? Didn’t he come with you?”

  Trent. Olivia flinched inwardly. She hadn’t even thought about her boyfriend when she’d considered being alone after Drew was married. Somehow that fact seemed significant. “He’s traveling to his next race in Austin,” she said. “I’m sorry, I should have told you sooner so you wouldn’t be expecting him for brunch.”

  “Not a problem.” Gran waved a hand. “Flora always makes extra and whatever doesn’t get eaten, she keeps warm and takes to Pleasant Pines for the residents there.”

  “Really? How sweet.” Olivia liked Gran’s cook, Flora. She was a culinary genius, and it was a thoughtful gesture to take food to the retirement home. Olivia considered the idea, knowing that helping others was probably the best remedy for forgetting her own issues. She tipped her head to the side. “Is Flora planning to go there today? Maybe I’ll join her.”

  “I think so.” The wrinkles in the corners of Gran’s eyes deepened. “That’s a lovely idea. Maybe I’ll come along too. It would be good for me to get out of the house for a bit.”

  Olivia smiled. “It’s a date then.”

  A series of excited barks sounded from the entrance before they heard Drew’s voice. “Toodles, you little rascal. When are you going to treat me like I’m not an intruder?”

  Piper’s laughter followed the comment. “Come here, Toodles,” she said.

  Olivia and Gran exchanged knowing looks. Toodles, Gran’s teacup poodle, loved Piper. She was the only other person besides Gran who’d won the spoiled dog’s affections. Piper entered the room, carrying the tiny dog as Drew sulked behind them.

  “You’d think Toodles would remember all the treats I’ve bribed her with over the years, but no. Who does she go to? Piper.” He kissed Piper on the cheek. “Not that I can blame her,” he added.

  Piper nuzzled the top of Toodle’s head. “She’s a good girl, aren’t you, sweetheart?” Toodles turned and licked Piper’s nose in response.

  Gran’s eyes sparkled with delight as she greeted Piper and Drew with hugs before brunch was served. The talk immediately turned to the latest wedding plans, and Olivia was content to enjoy her food as she listened.

  “My goodness, Savannah certainly knows how to plan a wedding,” Gran said. “You should invite her over to our next brunch. She’s such a charming girl. I’ll miss seeing her so often once the resort is finished, though I must admit I won’t miss the hassle of staying at a hotel each time there’s a wedding.”

  “I bet,” Olivia said. Gran knew Savannah well. After purchasing Briarwood, she’d graciously allowed the weddings that had already been booked there to take place while Savannah’s wedding planning company put her up in a local five-star hotel.

  “Speaking of Savannah,” Piper leaned forward eagerly, “guess who’s finally dating again?”

  “No . . . is she really?” Gran asked, setting her fork down.

  Drew caught Olivia’s eye and shook his head in amusement.
She attempted a weak smile in return. Not this again.

  Piper nodded. “She’s dating the manager of the hotel, Nolan McGrath. And they make the cutest couple.”

  Gran clapped her hands together. “Oh, this is happy news! It always seemed such a pity that the woman planning such gorgeous weddings shouldn’t have one of her own. I do hope it works out.”

  “I hope so too,” Piper agreed. “They’ve only been on a few dates, but she seems happy.” She glanced at Olivia.

  Olivia forced her smile brighter as she nodded. “She does.” A sting of jealousy followed the admission. Ugh. She was a horrible friend. A toad! Why couldn’t she be thrilled about this like she ought to be? Nolan and Savannah were two incredible people who deserved happiness.

  “Nolan is Liv’s boss at the resort,” Drew explained. “He’s a great guy and perfect for the position. He’s got everything running and on schedule for the grand opening.”

  “How wonderful.” Gran’s eyes twinkled. “And that means that he and Savannah will be working together with all of the weddings there. It sounds like an ideal situation for two people to fall in love.”

  Olivia didn’t realize she was frowning until Drew nudged her shoulder.

  “Something wrong?” he asked.

  She blinked, feeling the blush on her cheeks as she shook her head. “No. Nothing. I was just—” She raced to come up with an excuse. “—thinking about all of the work it will take to host weddings at the resort. It’s going to be a big job.”

  “You’re up to the challenge,” he said with a confident nod. “Nolan knew what he was doing when he hired you. You’ll be an amazing event planner.”

  “Thanks, Drew.” Olivia smiled, touched by his support.

  “I’m so proud of both of you,” Gran added, admiration lighting her wrinkled features as she looked between them. “You’re working hard and finding love—it’s exactly what I’d hoped when I decided on the inheritance clause.” Her eyes glistened and she dabbed at them with the corner of a cloth napkin.

  Olivia reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. As much as she’d resisted the idea of the clause at the beginning, she could see the good behind it. She was learning how to work, and she would do a good job as an event planner. Even better, she would be doing something she loved. But love itself? She hadn’t found that yet. Not with Trent anyway. Maybe it would come eventually if she gave it enough time.

  She couldn’t focus on the idea because something else Gran said hovered around her thoughts like a hornet at a picnic: Nolan and Savannah would be working together. They would be flirting and interacting with each other—and Olivia would have to watch. The very idea formed a pit in her stomach. She needed to banish every thought of Nolan McGrath from her mind. And she needed to do it soon.

  Chapter 14

  “That’s thirty-seven points for one word, well done,” Nolan said, writing down Daphne’s Scrabble score on the small pad of paper. He glanced up at her with a raised eyebrow. “You didn’t tell me you were a Scrabble shark. I would have thought twice before playing against you.”

  Daphne laughed. “I admit, it’s my favorite game. But you’re doing very well. I’m impressed with some of these words you’re coming up with.”

  He shrugged. “I like to read.” He pointed the pencil at her and smiled. “But that’s still not helping me much. You’re in a league all your own.”

  She raised both hands. “What can I say? It’s a way to pass the time. The days are long here and I can only stand to watch so much TV.”

  Nolan’s heart pinched. The other residents at Pleasant Pines were friendly and welcoming, but as he looked around, it appeared that nearly everyone had family visiting tonight. He was glad he’d decided to pay her a visit, and unbeknownst to her, she was helping him out too. He’d needed something to take his mind off of Olivia, and his parents were gone on yet another vacation, enjoying retirement to the fullest and making up for the years Nolan’s dad was running the construction company and couldn’t get away.

  Jade and Connor weren’t an option either, since they would undoubtedly hound him with questions about Savannah. He was enjoying this visit with Daphne and resolved to make it a regular habit. He couldn’t stand the thought of this sweet older woman here alone on family night. Not wanting his thoughts to be visible, he returned his focus to the game. “It’s my turn now, isn’t it? Hmm.” He rested his chin on his fist, studying the letter tiles in front of him and wondering what he would do with almost no vowels to choose from.

  “Tell me more about your lady friend,” Daphne said, pulling her shawl closer over her shoulders.

  Nolan had noticed the room was drafty. It probably had something to do with the fact that the building was old and clearly in need of updating. More than one resident wore a shawl or blanket to keep warm.

  “Are you warm enough? Can I get you another blanket?” he asked.

  She waved a hand. “I’m fine, now don’t change the subject.”

  One corner of his mouth lifted, but he kept his focus on the board. “I don’t have a lady friend, Daphne.”

  She frowned. “What about that girl you were with at lunch the other day? The pretty brunette.”

  “Olivia.” He said her name almost too eagerly, as if he’d been waiting for an excuse to say it out loud. She was all he could think about; all he wanted to talk about. “She works with me at the new Pine Ridge Resort, so that was a business lunch.”

  Daphne leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. “It certainly didn’t look like a business lunch. I saw the way she looked at you.”

  Nolan’s pulse picked up. “What do you mean? How did she look at me?”

  “Like she thinks of you as much more than a coworker, that’s how.” She winked.

  His heart tripped but he shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s a bit more complicated than that. I’m her boss.”

  Her brows wrinkled. “So?”

  He smiled faintly. “So it wouldn’t be wise for me to get romantically involved with one of my employees. If the relationship didn’t end well, it could make the work atmosphere—” He paused, trying to think of the right word. “—unpleasant.”

  She chuckled and uncrossed her arms. “I don’t think you need to worry about that. The way you two looked at each other, I’m absolutely certain things would end well. In fact, it would probably go so well, the relationship might not end at all. It might only be a new beginning. You never know until you take the leap.”

  He frowned, wanting to take her advice so badly it caused pain. “I wish I could give it a try, but there’s another problem.” He took a breath, the unspoken words giving him a bitter taste in his mouth. “She already has a boyfriend.”

  “Oh.” Daphne’s shoulders sagged. She nodded slowly. “That does complicate things.” She looked beyond him, her face growing thoughtful. “But so long as she’s not married . . . I say you still have a chance.”

  Nolan’s eyebrows lifted. “You’re suggesting I make a move on someone else’s girl?”

  She shrugged and waved a hand. “All’s fair in love and war, isn’t it?”

  He tilted his head, loving the older woman’s spunk. “Daphne, I’m shocked at you,” he teased. “What makes you so sure she’d return my feelings?”

  A slow smile spread across her face as she continued to look past him. “Why else would she show up here?”

  “What?” Nolan looked over his shoulder. His breath caught when he saw Olivia in the foyer, holding a large foil-wrapped pan. She stood next to two older women and was smiling and talking to the front desk clerk. As if sensing his gaze, she turned. Her eyes widened when she saw Nolan and there was a look of disbelief on her face before she smoothed it into a smile. She said something to the women with her, handing the pan to the desk clerk before making her way over to him with one of the women in tow.

  Nolan hurried to stand, nearly knocking into the table as he did. He heard Daphne’s low chuckle and silently begged her not to give his secret aw
ay. “Olivia,” he said, managing a smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “Neither did I.” She gave him a shy look before turning to Daphne. “You were at Henry’s the other day, weren’t you?”

  “Yes, child. I’m Daphne.” She extended her hand and Olivia took it.

  “I’m Olivia. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You too, honey.” Daphne smiled. “We’re just playing a game of Scrabble if you’d like to join us?”

  “That would be lovely,” the older woman behind Olivia answered, tapping her shoulder. “Flora has some friends here she’ll want to visit, so we have time.”

  Olivia nodded, turning to Nolan and Daphne for introductions. “This is my—” she stopped short, clearly flustered. “This is my friend, Margaret Livingston,” she finished. “Margaret, this is my boss, Nolan McGrath and his friend, Daphne.”

  Nolan blinked. Margaret Livingston? The head of Livingston Mutual, the company that owned Pine Ridge Resort? His head spun as he stepped forward to take her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Margaret,” he said. “I believe I have you to thank for my new job. Aren’t you the one responsible for the Pine Ridge Resort?”

  She clasped his hand in both of hers. “I have a vested interest in the company, yes,” she answered, “and I’m very happy to meet you, Nolan. I’ve heard good things about you, and I’m particularly pleased to hear that you’re dating Liv’s friend Savannah. She’s such a dear girl.”

  Nolan’s neck flushed and he heard Daphne give a small cough behind him. “Uh . . . well, yes. She is great. I don’t know that I’d say we’re technically dating though.” His eyes flicked to Olivia’s, desperate to change the subject.

  Margaret looked slightly taken aback, but she smoothed out the expression and saved him by turning to shake hands with Daphne next. The two women fell into conversation and he looked at Olivia. She was gorgeous in the fitted denim dress she wore. Putting her from his mind was a battle he wasn’t going to win, so maybe it was time to stop trying. All’s fair in love and war.