A Winter's Promise (A Winter's Tale Series Book 2) Read online

  “And you agreed?” Charlotte asked, engrossed in his story.

  “I did after he put enough pressure on me. Back then I worked for his company, and I didn’t want to go against him. No one had ever gone against my father’s wishes. If he wanted something, he got it, and his children were no exception to the rule. I honestly don’t know what made me say yes, if it was the fear of disappointing him, or the worry over losing my trust fund, hell, it may have been a combination of both . . . .”

  “But you didn’t go through with it,” Charlotte whispered, her eyes fixed on his.

  “A week before the wedding I left the company and told my father that I refused to go through with the ceremony. It was at that moment that he realized his control over the money he dangled in front of my face was no longer of any consequence. Spencer no longer had control over my life, or my decisions. Growing up in a family where money meant everything it was fascinating to live beyond their reach, around people who didn’t know what it felt like to want for nothing. I like working hard for my keep, and for my income. It gives me a sense of privilege in knowing that I don’t need my parents’, or their money to survive.”

  Charlotte nodded her head in quiet understanding. It was all beginning to make sense. “Is that why you wouldn’t ask your dad for help at the magazine when Fissicle became interested in taking over?”

  “Yes,” he admitted, awaiting her disapproval at his stubbornness. “Pride cometh before the fall, right?” he laughed, though there was no humor in it. “I couldn’t accept his help, Dimple. His help would have been chained with condition after condition, and I know that I wouldn’t have been able to hold up my end of the deal, so why even make one to begin with? No, I would have rather my magazine be taken away from me by Fissicle, insuring that my staff is taken care of verses have Spencer help, and still end up having to walk away from the magazine.”

  “He would have made you leave the magazine? Why?”

  “My father wants me back at the family business. According to him my interest in running a magazine is a hobby that I should soon tire of,” he clarified, his tone mocking. “Anyway, Blithe left for the Peace Core shortly after I called off the wedding, and I moved to Manhattan. I haven’t seen her since.”

  “How long ago did all of this happen?”

  “Five years ago.”

  “Did you love her?

  “No,” he frowned. “If I had what would have been the point of calling off the engagement?”

  “It was just a question. There’s no need for you to get all huffy,” Charlotte sighed.

  “Sometimes you ask foolish questions,” he grinned, taking her hand in his. There was something about the way he looked at her; the intensity of his stare took away her ability to think rationally, her thoughts became jumbled fragments that were difficult to sort through. “Last night when you heard about the engagement between her and I were you upset?”

  “Why would I have been upset?”

  “You left the table so abruptly . . . I thought you might have been in your feelings over what Spencer had said.”

  “I was just tired,” she lied, gently pulling away from him and continuing forward. Her long legs took short steps as she walked on in front of him.

  “Charlotte,” he called after her, his voice thick with frustration.

  Turning around to face him she felt forced to look away under the scrutiny of his glare. “What?” she demanded, staring down at the sand.

  “Never mind . . . it’s not important. I’m going to take a shower.”

  Charlotte stared after him as he walked away from her. Every fiber of her being cried for her to run to him, to tell him that she cared, that she was hurt by his father’s words the night before, and so much more. Her heart yearned for her to open up to him, to express her true feelings that went far beyond the stratosphere of friendship, to tell him that there wasn’t a night that passed that she hadn’t thought about what it would feel like making love to him, holding him, kissing him, but her mind wouldn’t allow it. He had rejected her once, and once was enough. Though her mouth was agape, no words came out, and so she stood there mute with all of her good intentions buried deep within her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Evening came quickly and for that Charlotte was grateful. Counting down the minutes from the start to finish of dinner, she’d thought that freedom from the company of others was in her reach when they had finally made their way into the sitting room for tea and crackers, but without warning she was robbed of her aspiration of being alone in the comfort of Nicholas’ bedroom. Charlotte wanted nothing more than to be away from the questions, stares, and nuisances of being ignored by the one person she craved attention from.

  “Mitch! Lily!” Spencer exclaimed, quickly making his way over to the archway that separated the living room from the foyer. “We were hoping that you’d have a chance to stop by. Blithe,” he smiled, wrapping the petite brunette in a quick embrace before moving to her parents. “Lily you’re stunning as always,” he said, kissing either side of her cheeks. “Mitch, it’s been too long.” Spencer acknowledged, extending his hand to the other man for a gentleman’s shake.

  “Indeed, it has,” the tall greying man agreed. “My apologies for barging in this way, we rang the doorbell, but when no one came─”

  “The damn thing mustn’t be working. Muffy call the handyman in the morning.”

  “First thing in the morning,” Muffy confirmed, nodding her welcome in the Sullivan’s direction. “Mitch. Lily. It’s so good to see you. It has been too long,” she conceded, her words mirroring her husband’s. “Please, come have a seat and allow me to introduce you to the Toutant’s. Manuel and Babet Toutant, and their daughter’s Charlotte and Adeline,” she beamed, gesturing with her boney hand as she made the introductions. “Nicholas and Charlotte are betrothed.”

  “The news of the engagement has already made it to our household,” Lily acknowledged, forcing a smile on her lipstick stained lips. “I believe congratulations are in order,” she said as she took a seat in the chair opposite the large couch where Charlotte had been sitting in between Nicholas and her father. “When is the big day?” she asked forging interest.

  “Hopefully, no time soon,” Blithe snorted, taking a seat beside her mother. Her expression was unreadable, but her sparkling blue eyes held an intensity that hadn’t gone unnoticed as her concentrated look held Charlotte captive.

  “I’m sorry, dear?” Muffy exclaimed, taken aback by the young woman’s words.

  “They shouldn’t rush into anything.”

  Nicholas glared at her, his piercing silvers shooting attacks of their own in her direction. “Excuse me?” he demanded, his furrowed brows causing wrinkles to form around his eyes.

  “Charlotte,” Blithe said, ignoring Nicholas’ rising temper. “You had a missed call earlier from a Jeremy. Strangest thing when I inquired about his involvement with you . . . he said that the two of you were dating.”

  Charlotte let out an exasperated breath. “You answered my phone?” she asked, unnerved by the woman’s audacity.

  “It was ringing. That’s what you do when a phone rings, you answer it,” Blithe explained, not in the least put off by Charlotte’s irritated tone.

  “My phone was upstairs in our bedroom charging on the nightstand when you came by earlier. How could you have possibly heard it ringing?” Charlotte challenged.

  “Dating?” Spencer jumped in. “Dating who?”

  “She must have heard him wrong─” Charlotte began.

  “Oh? I’m certain that he said dating. I’m not mistaken.”

  “Charli?” Babet muttered, a demand for an explanation in the way she spoke her name.

  “Dated. Past tense,” Nicholas chimed in, taking Charlotte’s small shaking hands into the protection of his larger ones.

  “You know about him?” Blithe asked in disbelief.

  Nicholas snorted indignantly. “Of course, I know about him,” he laughed. “He’s the man I to
ok her from, hence, the meaning of the words past tense, they dated.”

  “Nicholas,” Blithe sulked, her eyes clouded with frustration, her pale cheeks flushed. “Marriage─”

  “On to more important matters, what’s this I hear about you selling off a percentage of the company?” Nicholas turned his attention to his father. “Another one of your ploys to get me to come back?”

  “Certain topics should not be discussed in company,” Spencer answered, taking a sip from the silver polished mug that sat atop his small china plate.

  “If my source is accurate I’m certain Mitch is in on the deal already,” Nicholas acknowledged, knowing his words to be correct. “So, is it true?”

  “Yes. I’m breaking up the company and selling pieces off at random to the most attractive offers.”

  Nodding his head, Nicholas stood, pulling Charlotte from the couch with him as he did so. “Congratulations all around this evening,” he said, extending his hand to his father who sat comfortably in his large white leather chair. “Best of luck with that.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Nicholas lay with his back in the sand staring into the Heavens, a quiet peace settling in his chest as he gazed at the stars in deep thought. The cold front that drifted off the ocean was of no consequence, as he was grateful for the sting that clung to his fingers like a second layer of skin. Licking his lips Nicholas allowed his mind to drift back to the feeling of having Charlotte in his arms, the sensation of having his lips pressed against hers, the sweet essence that seeped through her pores. Inhaling deeply, he breathed in the frigid December air in hopes of cleansing his lungs from the memory of her, an effort made in vain. Knitting his brow at the sudden distraction, Nicholas pulled his phone from its hard plastic holder as the feel of vibrations juddered against his leg.

  Caleb: I’m in town. Meet me at Eloici’s

  in a half hour.

  Nicholas: Lol. Hello to you, too, big brother.

  Caleb: Oh! I’m such an ass. Excuse my ill-

  manners. Hello Nicholas! How are you, bro?

  Nicholas: That’s a lot better. I’m amazing now

  that you’re here!!!

  Nicholas: !!!!!!!!

  Caleb: Lmao! Nerd. Bring your ass. I miss

  my crazy little brother.

  Silently climbing up the stairs Nicholas opened the door to his bedroom with ease. Noiselessly making his way into the large room he stripped his clothes as he walked over to Charlotte who lay tucked under a thick plush grey comforter. Pulling the quilt from her head he softly grazed his long fingers down her cheek stopping just short of her pouty lips. Tracing the outline of her mouth, he allowed his hand to linger there for a moment before continuing his exploration, the tip of his index finger drifting to her jawbone stopping just below her ear. Bending down he kissed the bridge of her nose, his full lips settling on hers. One second, two, and then as if on cue he backed away before she stirred beneath him, her eyes fluttering in the darkness of the room. “Let’s go out,” he said, his voice barely above an octave. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “How is Adie supposed to get into a twenty-one and older bar? She barely looks sixteen,” Nicholas laughed.

  “No offence, but your parents’ home can be quite stifling . . . I wanted her to get some fresh air away from the acres of private beach that your family owns.”

  “Understandable,” he smiled at Charlotte, his bright eyes shining at her. “But how do you plan on getting her in?”

  “You’ve proven successful in the way of getting whatever you want. Add this to your list of accomplishments,” Charlotte challenged, a teasing grin tugging at her lips.

  ***

  “I cannot believe you really got them to let me in,” Adeline gasped, amazed by Nicholas’ pull.

  Nicholas shrugged . “I didn’t have to do much.”

  “Slipping the doorman two one- hundred dollar bills came so naturally to you,” Charlotte noted. “Handing out money . . . is that the trick behind your trade?”

  “It doesn’t hurt,” he said, a sexy smirk illuminating his features. Stepping in front of the two women, he grabbed Charlotte by her wrist and pulled her further into the dim lit establishment. “Grab Adie’s hand,” he said over the loud music. Folk melodies streamed through the speakers as they walked past the beer covered tables where locals sat engrossed in conversation. Eloici had become Nicholas’ and Caleb’s go to spot whenever they were both in town at the same time, which hadn’t been often over the years. Keeping a steady pace, Nicholas made his way to the back of the bar, stopping when he reached a hunter green L shaped couch. “Hey loser,” he said, walking up behind a man dressed in a rustic orange trench coat and fitted blue jeans.

  Caleb turned around at the sound of his brother’s voice. “What took you so long handsome?” he chuckled, pulling Nicholas into his arms. With his large hands on either side of his brother’s face he kissed his forehead, roughly combing his fingers through Nicholas’ already tasseled hair. “And who are these two beautiful ladies?” he asked, pushing his younger brother to the side.

  Nicholas laughed. “Caleb, Charlotte. Charlotte, Caleb . . . my obnoxious older brother. And this is Adeline,” he said inching the younger girl in front of him. “Charlotte’s sister.”

  “Nice to meet you both,” Caleb smiled broadly, the expression reaching his dark blue eyes. “Menzie just walked to the bathroom. She should be back in an hour or so,” he laughed.

  Charlotte smiled up at the man who resembled Nicholas in so many ways. Other than their obvious contrast in eye color, they were identical. From the shape of their mouth to the texture of their unruly chestnut brown hair, even their physical build reflected the other.

  “Menzie?” she asked, taking a seat on the wide couch, her hand still attached to her sister’s.

  “My wife,” Caleb said sitting back down. Gazing over his shoulder he scanned the crowded room before turning his attention back to his brother. “Dude, you’re looking good,” he smiled. “Hitting the gym, I see . . . making gains.”

  “You know it,” Nicholas grinned boyishly at him. “So where are you staying?”

  “Checked into Parkside Ocean View about an hour or so ago.”

  Attempting to keep a straight face Nicholas asked, “You didn’t want to stay at the house?” He already knew the answer. Caleb tried to stay away from the Elliot family drama and had thoroughly succeed in doing so until his mother left a voicemail announcing his brother’s engagement and demanding that he be there for New Year’s to meet his soon- to- be sister in law.

  “Absolutely not. Not for any reason. Ever, would I stay under that roof . . . I would honest to God sleep outside first.”

  Shaking his head at his brother, Nicholas asked, “What time does Rebecca’s flight come in?”

  “She canceled her flight. She said that she had a lot of work to catch up on . . . papers to grade . . . lesson plans to write.”

  “So, in other words she didn’t feel like dealing with Muffy and Spencer making attacks on her career choice, and Feministic lifestyle.”

  “Exactly,” Caleb said, raising the nearly empty beer bottle to his lips. “I really don’t understand what takes this woman so long.” Frowning, he turned around for the second time, looking for his wife’s face in the room full of strangers.

  “There she is,” Nicholas nodded his head to the left. Looking past his brother he made eye contact with his sister- in- law, a petite Cambodian woman with long black hair, a narrow nose, and slanted dark brown eyes.

  Rising from his seat, Caleb extended his hand to his wife pulling her to sit on the inside of the couch. “I will never understand what takes you so long in a public bathroom.”

  “I was fixing my make-up.”

  “Did you wash it off and start all over again?” he asked, a serious expression on his face, though his tone was teasing.

  “Don’t be a jerk all of your life,” Menzie said, rolling her eyes at
him.

  “Menzie, this is Charlotte and her sister Adeline. Ladies meet Menzie,” Caleb said, happily making the introductions.

  “Nice to meet you,” Menzie beamed.

  “You too,” Charlotte smiled back at the other woman.

  “Alright. Alright. Alright. Introductions have been made. Our women are looking hot. Beer is never ending─”

  “The Elliot boys are together again!” Nicholas interjected laughter in his voice.

  “The Elliot boys are together again!” Caleb repeated shouting over the music. “Let’s party!”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Trailing closely behind Adeline as they walked through the dark hallways of the Elliot’s beach house, Charlotte worked to adjust her eyes to the blackness. Taking small steps, they tiptoed to the fourth floor where Adeline and their parents stayed in the large fully furnished guestrooms.

  “This house is like a hotel,” Charlotte whispered, pushing against her sister to get into the room. “Hurry up, before you wake up Babet.”

  “Did you see how much wine she guzzled down at dinner? She isn’t waking up anytime soon.”

  Charlotte giggled aloud, gasping and covering her mouth with a quick hand when she realized the act hadn’t taken place in her head. “I think I had one too many drinks,” she admitted. Throwing herself on the king size bed she slid her feet out of her brown stiletto booties and unhooked her hoop earrings.