A Winter's Secret (A Winter's Tale Book 4) Read online

  “And what point would that be son?”

  “Don’t patronize me.”

  Shaking his head knowingly, Spencer let out a self- satisfying huff. “Your disposition hasn’t changed much, I see. You’re still as crass as ever.”

  “What of my compensation?” Nicholas asked, ignoring his father’s antagonizing remarks on his character.

  “I can offer you your previous salary . . . what was that . . . roughly $287,000? . . . $288,000? . . . annually?”

  “Unacceptable. I won’t take anything less than $350,000 annually. Let’s speak benefits?”

  “Full benefits.”

  “And shares?”

  Spencer’s thick brows drew together causing a plethora of wrinkles to gather around his eyes, making him look older than his years allotted. “What about them?”

  “I want an increase. 15%.”

  “You own 8% . . . I see no issues with giving you seven more.”

  “No,” Nicholas objected. “15% in addition to my fixed amount.”

  Spencer looked at his son musingly for a moment, then shaking his head, he said, “That would put you at 23%. Other investors may see that to be a conflict of interest.”

  “Is it me you want back at the company, or them?” Nicholas asked, standing up. “My terms are non-negotiable.”

  Raising an amused grey brow, Spencer considered the ultimatum for what felt like an eternity. Then extending his right hand, he smiled at his youngest son. “You’ve become quite the businessman, my boy. Welcome home.”

  Chapter Twenty- One

  Charlotte stood in the middle of her unkept bedroom staring at herself in the full- length body mirror. Letting out a breath of frustration she gawked at her image in dismay. Everything about her outfit was wrong. Knowing Muffy, the reception was going to be elegant, beyond elegant even. And while Charlotte’s sleek black dress was stylish, it was not classy by any meaning of the word, and it lacked a sense of refinement that she knew would be necessary for the bride. There was no doubt all eyes would be on her . . . Nicholas’ wife who clearly didn’t belong in the world that had groomed him from birth.

  Snatching the stainless steel Druzy Layered Necklace from around her neck she threw the inexpensive jewelry to the hardwood floor. “Who am I fooling? They would realize it was cheap even in the dim lit hall,” she sighed. “And who wears black to their wedding reception?” This dress is all wrong. My hair isn’t right for these straps. I don’t have any jewelry worth accessorizing with. Blinking back tears of frustration, Charlotte turned her back to the mirror that was intent on causing her misery and walked to her full closet in search of her favorite pair of black open toe stilettos. “Charli, you could have just given in and gone to the mall to purchase an outfit for tonight, a new pair of heels and semi- expensive jewelry and returned it the next day like any normal person would, but no! Instead you wait to the last second, as always,” she chastised herself. “There you are,” she said, reaching for the heels when the door- bell rang. Frowning, Charlotte picked up the shoes and quickly made her way to the front door. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Muffy had made arrangements for her parents and younger sister to stay at the Ritz Carlton a couple of blocks away from the venue, so it couldn’t have been them. “Who is it?” she yelled from the hallway, sliding her feet into the 5- inch pumps as she made her way to the door. When Charlotte didn’t receive a response, she repeated, “Who is it?”

  “Open the door,” answered a familiar voice. “We’re going to be late.”

  Nicholas! Her heart fell into her stomach. What is he doing here? She wondered. They hadn’t spoken since he’d accused her of blowing off their marriage, and prior to that it had been weeks since they’d been in contact, and so, he was the last person she had expected to show up at her door. Inhaling deeply, Charlotte continued toward the front door, and with slow breaths she closed her eyes, placing her right hand on the copper knob. Several seconds passed as she worked up the nerve to open the door for him, to dismantle any fabrication that she was doing fine without him.

  Opening her eyes once more, Charlotte put on her best poker face and ignoring all inhibitions opened the door to find Nicholas casually leaning against the door frame. A white garment zip bag rested on his left arm and in his right hand he held two small black unequally sized boxes. Charlotte’s gaze traveled from his tan face then slowly down the length of his hard body before returning to the items in his hand. He was dressed in a tailored navy- blue tux with a gold vest and tie. All black Christian Louboutin’s dressed his feet, adding an allure to his overall attire. His cinnamon beard was lined up perfectly, crisp and freshly trimmed. His silver eyes were bright and dazzling against his sun kissed complexion, a contrast that quickly caught her attention. In such a short period of time apart is it possible that she had forgotten just how beautiful of a man Nicholas had been? Charlotte swallowed her thoughts as her almond browns fed on Nicholas’ exquisiteness. From his clean fade to his full lips and broad shoulders it was all too much to take in at once.

  “May I come in?” Nicholas asked, a small frown hardening his sensuous features.

  Stepping aside Charlotte allowed him the space to walk past her. Instantly, his scent engulfed her senses, eucalyptus and citrus embraced her very being, drew her into him until she felt immersed in all that was Nicholas. Invisible chains tugged on her heartstrings pulling her toward him− obliterating her resolve. “Sorry, my place is a mess,” she said, closing the door behind him.

  “Our place,” he corrected, his silvery gaze regarding her intently. Shrugging nonchalantly, he declared, “I didn’t marry you for your housekeeping skills.”

  Though his serious demeanor and hard expression did not change, his tone mirrored the boyish sarcasm she had grown used to over the years. He’s teasing me, she mused inwardly, relieved that much hadn’t changed between them . . . at least in that regard.

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Charlotte said, and then after a second’s pause added, “I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “How did you plan on getting to the venue?” Nicholas frowned.

  Charlotte blinked rapidly, her almond browns holding his greys captive. “A cab.”

  “And when people began to question us about why we arrived separately . . . what would have been your answer?”

  “I didn’t think that far ahead. I didn’t plan on going in all honesty, but after days of trying to reach your mother in vain I figured it would be rude to not show up.” Narrowing her eyes at him, Charlotte asked, “It was rather arrogant of you to assume that I would attend this event, considering . . . everything that has taken place between us in the past few weeks. Especially after I told you that I didn’t want to go.”

  Handing Charlotte the full white bag and two small black boxes, he shrugged. “I figured you cared more about disappointing your family by not showing up than you did about hurting me.”

  “What’s all this?” she asked, ignoring his confession. The last thing she wanted to do was dive into such a deep conversation that would leave them both feeling broken and exhausted. And while there was still so much that needed to be said between them, Charlotte did not have the energy to argue− especially not on the night she was expected to put on the performance of a lifetime. How she was going to forge a realistic smile meant to impress the masses was beyond her.

  “I figured you’d be stressing over what to wear . . . so I called a friend.”

  Her eyes narrowed at him. “A friend?”

  Nicholas regarded her intently before saying, “You don’t know her.”

  “I’m sure.”

  Sighing, he shook his head denying the silent charge. “It’s not what you’re thinking. A family friend is a designer . . . she attends Milan Fashion Week every year, and this year she brought a few selections back to auction off for one of her many charities. I purchased a dress with you in mind.”

  “Your family has a lot of friends in high places,” she acknowledged wit
h a frown.

  “My mother is an enthusiast of fashion, especially fashion that elevates others from aristocratic backgrounds like her own.”

  “The privileged making the wealthy wealthier,” Charlotte uttered. “I can see Muffy as someone who plays a prominent role in high society, who attends fashionable events and turns up her nose at cheap clothing, department store costume jewelry and bargained priced shoes.”

  “It’s what she lives for,” Nicholas agreed, not denying Charlotte’s observation of his mother. “Still, her social standing is beneficial every once in a while.” Unzipping the bag, Nicholas removed a gold Oscar de la Renta Embellished Illusion Tulle Cocktail Dress and held it up for Charlotte to admire.

  “Oh-my-gosh,” she gasped. “It’s an Oscar de la Renta original. How did . . . when did . . . it’s beautiful.” Taking the dress from Nicholas, she gently ran her fingers across the shimmering metallic embellishments that were stunningly netted along the short liner and longer tulle skirt, tulle that would no doubt showcase her toned legs.

  “You didn’t have to do this,” she said, looking up at him with eyes of gratitude.

  “I wanted to,” he answered casually. Nodding at the unopened boxes in her hand, Nicholas said, “Open them.”

  With delicate care, Charlotte opened the smaller of the two black boxes. Her deep brown eyes widened as she stared in awe at the blue sapphire and halo diamond 14K white gold earrings. “Nicholas,” she breathed his name, not knowing what else to say. “This is too much.”

  “It’s nothing,” he answered. His voice was low, serious. “Here, let me help you,” he said, taking the second box from her smaller hands and opening it without pause, revealing a pear- shaped blue sapphire diamond pendant. “I know that you’re not big on necklaces, but I thought for the occasion . . .”

  “No, no. It’s perfect, thank you, Nicholas.”

  “You’re welcome, Dimple.”

  ***

  Gotham Hall, the well esteemed venue located in Midtown Manhattan was filled to capacity when Nicholas and Charlotte arrived. Entering the dining hall, Charlotte was taken aback by the beauty of the space. Her almond brown eyes moved around the large room, unblinking as she took in the exquisiteness that surrounded her. The tall towering domed ceiling was accented by a central chandelier that sparkled and illuminated inlaid marble floors. The long walls were accented by the dim lighting, and the crystalline effect of the chandelier which tinted the soft hues of the hundreds of Chinese peonies decorating the space. Hundreds of round tables spanned the hall, each one adorned with an ivory 400 thread count Egyptian cotton linen. In the center of each stood an 18" Gemcut Premium Glass Crystal Pillar Vase Candle Holder, all filled with a bouquet of the Asian flowers. A multitude of dessert tables lined the left wall with an assortment of Western and European courses, a plethora of selections that would surely please the individuals gathered for the occasion.

  Charlotte took it all in, every inch of the great hall in all its glamour and sophistication. An abundance of people from all ethnic backgrounds stood around the massive space waiting for the highborn, Nicholas Elliot to arrive with his unsuitable working- class wife. The guests mingled and ate hors d’oeuvres from small plates as they listened to the soft playing of the modern jazz quartet. Suddenly overwhelmed by unspoken expectations of the evening and the role she was expected to play as wife to the billionaire’s son, Charlotte nervously reached for Nicholas’ right hand as they moved further into the crowd of strangers. Her chest felt heavy and her arms began to tingle as the first wave of a panic attack began to spread through her thin frame. As they moved further into the grand hall strangers offered what Charlotte took as forced smiles and traditional head nods to demonstrate their practiced politeness, still, she was not fooled by their pretenses. If they were anything like Spencer Elliot, they had already passed their judgment and there was nothing she could do to earn their esteem.

  Sensing her anxiety, Nicholas stopped cold in the middle of the room; his silver eyes hard on her beautifully made up face. Pulling Charlotte into the safety of his arms, he leaned into her, bending his head until his full mouth skimmed her expensively decorated earlobe. “You have nothing to be nervous about. Just your being here is a privilege to all who have the opportunity to gaze upon your beauty,” he whispered. His breath was cool against her heated skin, his lips soft as they briefly grazed her jawline. Slowly backing away from Charlotte, Nicholas raised his tan hand to her face, his thumb lifting her chin so that her browns met his greys. “So, let them admire you while they have the chance.”

  Charlotte let out a light breath as she let Nicholas’ words soothe her frazzled mind. “Okay,” she answered after a heartbeat and then with practiced poise continued making her way through the multitude of guests. Guests that made an appearance, solely to honor their duty to the Elliot family by attending what was no doubt the most successfully last minute planned event of the year. “Do you know all of these people?” Charlotte asked Nicholas as they passed men and women from all backgrounds and age groups.

  “Some of them,” Nicholas said dryly, uninterested in the numerous guests they passed as he led the way to the back of the hall. His silver eyes scanned the room with a purpose as he searched for two individuals in particular, though he half expected to be disappointed. “Most I know solely by facial recognition, though I’ve never held a conversation with them; however, that will not have an effect on their levels of generosity as it pertains to our wedding gifts.”

  Charlotte gasped. “All of these people bought us gifts?” Where would it all fit? My apartment barely holds what little I have now, she thought, once again feeling overwhelmed.

  “Them, and then some−”

  “You certainly do clean up well,” a woman said to Nicholas from behind, causing him to stop short.

  Turning around at the sound of the familiar sultry voice, Nicholas released his hold on Charlotte’s hand and quickly moved to a tall brunette woman with deep grey eyes and full lips that looked too perfect to be real. “You made it,” Nicholas said, pulling the other woman into a warm embrace. Placing his hands on either side of her olive toned face, Nicholas bent his head to hers, pressing his lips to her forehead once, twice, and then a third time before releasing her from his arms. “I’ve missed you,” he said truly meaning it.

  Charlotte stared on in silence, her expression unreadable . . . her eyes thoughtful. Considering their current predicament, the last thing she expected was for him to intimately embrace another woman in front of her. Did he not know that she hated the sight of him being so close to another woman . . . touching her, kissing her . . .? How could he not have known that the vision of it all made her stomach lurch? Perching her lips, Charlotte roughly combed her fingers through her thick straightened hair as her level of agitation quickly began to escalate and her patience began to wane.

  “We’re being incredibly rude,” the woman said as she moved out of Nicholas’ arms. Stepping to the left of him, she smiled, “Nicholas, introduce me to your wife.”

  Charlotte stared at the brunette quizzically, aiming to control her disdain over the act of adoration she had just witnessed. It was obvious that Nicholas had a soft spot for the other woman and the thought annoyed Charlotte beyond reason. “Yes, Nicholas. Introduce me to your . . . friend.”

  Nicholas smiled then, making a serious attempt to hold back the laughter that was just beneath the surface. Hearing the possessiveness in her voice made his heart leap with satisfaction. “Dimple, this is Rebecca. Rebecca this is Charlotte.”

  Charlotte frowned. “Rebecca? Rebecca as in your sister, Rebecca?” she asked, suddenly feeling foolish.

  “The one and only,” Rebecca replied, answering for her brother. Extending her hand to Charlotte, she closed the small gap between them. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Charlotte.”

  Charlotte let out a quick breath as she shook the other woman’s hand. “Yes, it’s nice to meet you, too,” she said, seemingly embarrassed. “I apol
ogize for being impolite.”

  “There’s no need to apologize,” Rebecca smiled sweetly. “Congratulations to the both of you.”

  “Thank you,” Charlotte said, returning her smile.

  “So, have you seen your parents?” Nicholas asked as he made his way back to Charlotte’s side.

  Rebecca nodded. “I have. Twice actually. Though they are not as interested in my being here as they are with Caleb, thank God. Speaking of Caleb−”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Elliot!” Caleb shouted as he walked toward them. “Come here little brother,” he said, pulling Nicholas into his arms and kissing him on either cheek. “I didn’t think you had it in you . . . running off to Florida and eloping,” he laughed. “I cannot express in words how proud I am of you.”

  Nicholas’ laughter mirrored his brother’s. “How much have you had to drink?”

  “Not enough to be in the same room with your parents, but I am making the best out of a horrendous situation.”

  “I appreciate it,” Nicholas said sincerely.

  Caleb’s smile reached his dark blue eyes. It was a beautiful expression on a handsome face. “Anything for my little brother.” Releasing his hold on Nicholas, Caleb moved to Charlotte and without pause pulled her into him. “You look absolutely stunning,” he said, bending to kiss her forehead before releasing his hold on her.

  Charlotte’s eyes were light with humor. Like most people who encountered Caleb, she enjoyed being in his company. He was truly the life of the party wherever he went, whereas Nicholas preferred to go unnoticed, Caleb was spirited, a sparkling gem with a lively disposition. “Thank you,” Charlotte said, beaming up at him.

  “You’re welcome. Menzie sends her apologies for not being able to make it. Being in the same room with my father was not something she was willing to suffer through, but she sends her love and best wishes.”

  “Tell her that we appreciate both.”