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

fire seem so much more appealing.”
    Her mother wouldn’t understand if she told her the truth. That no matter how her body tingled at the thought of seeing Nick Chester tonight, she didn’t belong in his world. She wouldn’t give anyone the opportunity to judge her worth or make her feel like she didn’t measure up. Never again.
    Settling into the backseat of her parents’ town car, Beth took a deep breath and tried to ignore the nervous shudder running through her body. It was going to be a long night.
    “Sergeant!” Beth heard the strong, billowy voice right before she saw Mr. Chester come forward to meet them in the grand foyer.
    “Jonathon.” Beth’s father held out his hand, only to be pulled in for a quick pounding on the back, instead. “So good to see you.” He turned his attention to Jayne. “Come here. It’s been too long.”
    He wrapped his arms around her mother in a papa-bear hug. When he let go, Jayne smiled and turned to her. “You remember Beth.”
    Beth held out her hand and he took it, dwarfing hers as if she were a ten-year-old child. “Of course, I do. Such a pleasure to see you again. I’m so glad you were able to come.” Letting go, he turned to Beth’s parents, then quickly pivoted back. “You’ve met my grandson, Nicholas, haven’t you?”
    “Yes, sir. Thank you for the recommendation.”
    “Oh, don’t mention it.” He waved his hand. “He’s here tonight and several other young folks your age. I’m sure you know a few of them. Grab a drink. There’s a buffet and bar at the end of this corridor. Just follow the voices.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    Mr. Chester stared at her with a tenderness that melted her heart. Then he touched her shoulder with a gentle hand. “Please, call me Jonathon.” He nodded toward Jayne. “Your mother’s been like family to me.”
    Beth strolled down the hallway, peering into side rooms and scanning the guests as she passed by. Jonathon was the kind of grandfather she’d always wished for. If things had been different, he would have been closer to the family growing up.
    Her mother had told her the story as they’d cleaned up from the grand opening party last spring. How he’d mourned his daughter so deeply and would have completely disappeared from society if it hadn’t been for Nick. Being needed by his only grandchild had saved him.
    “Are you always this serious at a Christmas party?”
    Her insides jumped—she would recognize that voice anywhere.
    “Can I get you a drink?” Nick asked as she turned to face him.
    Beth’s throat went dry. She’d known he would be here. She’d spent every spare second of her day obsessing over this very moment. But she hadn’t expected to be put on the spot so soon.
    She’d pictured herself quietly entering a room full of people. Slowly making her way through the crowd, she would talk to the few acquaintances she recognized. They would chitchat about the chilly weather or their plans for the holidays. Once she felt relaxed, indulged in a second glass of wine, she would subtly make her way to the group he was in. Mingle. Blend in. Then quickly retreat. Hopefully, he wouldn’t notice her.
    “A glass of wine or champagne?” he repeated softly.
    Abruptly, Beth came back to the present and the man standing next to her. “Chardonnay, please.”
    Nick led her to the bar. Glancing down, she noticed the whites of her knuckles were showing. She took a deep breath and tried to relax, consciously loosening the grip on her evening bag. By the time the bartender poured two glasses and Nick handed her a drink, her free hand felt steady enough to accept.
    “Thank you.”
    “My pleasure, Beth.”
    Man, if he only knew what it did to her every time he said her name. She already tingled just seeing him in that tux, which instantly reminded her of the powerful body beneath.
    “The house is incredible.” She took a sip of her wine and tried to clear her mind as they headed toward a room just off the main