Winter's Magic (Music City Hearts Series) Read Free Page A

get to the dealership in the morning.”
    Of course she would . He almost felt sorry for Lauren’s father. Two daughters and a wife who made a profession out of shopping and socializing. He couldn’t imagine what it cost to keep all three of them in the latest fashion, driving the newest luxury cars, and wearing the finest jewelry.
    He picked up the bottle of chilled champagne and poured two glasses, wondering what she would think of his present. This evening would be a success if she had enough to brag about for the next three hours and his gift would be critical.
    Knowing the situation, his grandfather had suggested the spa package. He’d Googled the salon and had been surprised at the results. Spa Finder , Luxury Vacation Guide , even Resort Weekly had written articles featuring the new business. Staffed with experienced employees from all across the country, La Bella Vita had been a feature on the travel channel recently.
    Critics had labeled the spa a five-star experience. The perfect match for Lauren with a price tag of $1600 for a single day of pampering. Or magic, he amended and couldn’t help smiling.
    “Open your present, Lauren. We’re almost there.”
    She slowly untied the ribbon and took the lid off the gift box. Separating the tissue, she uncovered the gold embossed certificate.
    “La Bella Vita.” Her voice had a shrill edge that he didn’t like. “I remember Beth. She didn’t belong in my circle, of course. But I wondered what happened to her after we graduated and she went off to college. Mother recently mentioned she had returned and opened a little shop of her own. How quaint.”
    He let the air out of his lungs slowly. What had he expected? “It’s an exquisite place. I think you’ll like it.” But even as he said the words, Nick knew Lauren wouldn’t use the gift. She would probably give the certificate to a friend or her mother. He wondered if something had happened between the two women. His skin prickled at the way she’d referred to Beth as quaint.
    “Oh, of course. Mother and I leave for Saint Lucia in just a week, so I won’t have time before then.” She accepted the glass he held and whispered, “Maybe we could go together when I get back.”
    “Don’t start, Lauren. You know my conditions for attending tonight.”
    “Not another word. I promise.” She took a long, slow sip of her champagne and eyed him with a mischievous gleam. “You’ll change your mind. I know you will.”
    Nick emptied his glass, relished the feel of the cold effervescence flowing down the back of his throat and tried to remember why he’d agreed to this.
    Midnight couldn’t get here fast enough.

CHAPTER 2
    “That dress is beautiful on you, dear,” Beth’s mother said as her parents entered her living room.
    “Thank you. I’m lucky the boutique had something that didn’t need altering. I forgot about the Christmas party until you called this afternoon.” How that had happened, she’d never know. The festivities were being held at the Chester family estate. Exactly one week had passed since Nick came into the spa to buy his now-ex-girlfriend a birthday gift. Seven days in which she thought her ridiculous attraction to the man would have faded.
    “I’m glad you finally decided to come with us. Jonathon would be so disappointed if you hadn’t.”
    “If I remember right, you didn’t give me much choice.” She smiled at her mother and tried to relax as she slipped on her coat and gloves. Her only solace—she wouldn’t be alone. After succumbing to her mother’s plea, her first call had been to Jenny, her best friend since college. Come to find out, Chester & Dorsey was one of her biggest advertising clients and she already had an invitation.
    “I still don’t understand why you’re not excited. This is the first holiday party of the year.”
    “I am. But it took an entire week to prepare for our first Black Friday at the salon and I’m exhausted. A blanket, hot cocoa, and a roaring