Winter's Magic: Music City Hearts, #1

By Cynthia Gail

Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele firsthand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world.

 

After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda.

 

Beth can't resist Nick's charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she's nothing like other women Nick's dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick's past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cynthia Gail
• Release date: May 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958355008

Book preview

One

Beth took a bite of the Caramello and closed her eyes, slowly savoring every ounce of dreamy satisfaction as the creamy milk chocolate blended with the gooey caramel center.

Mmm. Whoever invented the Caramello deserves a humanitarian award. I swear this is better than sex. She let her body sway to the jazzy rhythm of Ella Fitzgerald’s Sleigh Ride that filled the air.

The sound of Gina’s giggle drew her from the dreamy bliss she’d been enjoying.

We could probably make a list, but what would that say about our sex lives?

Amused at her employee’s bluntness, Beth held a finger to her lips. Shh. It would say exactly what neither of us is willing to admit out loud. She sipped her hot cocoa, then placed the last bite of melting pleasure onto her tongue, relishing the chocolate overload.

Gina snatched the wrapper from her hand. "Should we say the Caramello has raised the bar? She lifted it into the air. No more dates with men where the anticipation doesn’t exceed an evening alone with chocolate!"

Beth choked with laughter at her proclamation and dramatic pose. At the same time, she had to push back the sting of realization. She couldn’t think of a single date in the last two years that would meet Gina’s criteria.

Caramello. My favorite, came a rich male voice from beside them.

Beth jerked her attention toward the man who’d just approached the front desk. And blinked twice. A prickling heat rose up the back of her neck.

How much had he heard?

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.

Focusing, she tried to remove all thoughts of candy bars from her mind—with little success. His voice flowed like the caramel, smooth and velvety. The handsome stranger had chocolate-colored hair and looked like he’d just spent a month in the Caribbean sun.

Maybe Santa had brought her an early Christmas present.

She rose and held out a hand. Beth Sergeant. Welcome to La Bella Vita. How can I help you?

He took her hand, engulfing her palm with a soft touch that sent a flutter through her stomach. Nick Chester. Jonathon, my grandfather, attended your grand opening last spring. I need a gift, and he suggested I stop by.

She slid her hand from his and stepped out from behind the long counter, just as she saw Gina sneaking away through the salon door. She’d have to remember to thank her later.

Beth took her time, absorbing every inch of Nick’s towering figure as she came forward. He was substantially taller than her five foot six inches. His tailored suit and designer shoes were no surprise, given the familiar Chester name, but the remarkable body that shaped them to perfection seemed almost sinful.

I’m glad he enjoyed the party and liked what he saw.

Beth couldn’t keep a grin from spreading across her face as she thought about how he not only met, but exceeded, the bar. That flutter made another appearance.

Why don’t we start with a tour of the salon and spa? she said. Then we can discuss what type of package you may be interested in.

Lead the way. Nick nodded and smiled, making her heart skip a beat.

She headed for one of her favorite rooms. This is where the magic begins. We call it the tranquility room. A beautiful stone fountain, soft music, and several large loungers provided a serene atmosphere where her clients could relax before or between spa treatments.

Magic?

Yes. A day in our spa is an eloquent transformation experience. An all-day package not only treats your body, but your mind and soul. The body is the easy part. We exfoliate and cleanse, moisturize, buff, and shine to a healthy glow—wiping away years of harmful effects caused by the sun, chemicals, and the wear and tear of daily life. But we also use hot stones and aromatherapy to calm and de-stress the mind.

And the soul? He stepped deeper into the room, took a lingering scan around, and turned back to face her.

The mind and soul are connected. What the mind sees and feels shapes the soul and our innermost feelings. Sounds, like the running water in this fountain or the wind and leaves rustling in the breeze, emit serenity and have a soothing effect on the soul.

I see. Nick’s tone and the sparkle in his eyes showed his skepticism. Most men reacted that way.

Lie down and I’ll give you just a hint of what an entire day would be like.

Without a word, Nick took off his suit jacket, placed it across a nearby chair, and laid down on the lounger closest to her. His incredible muscles flexed beneath his dress shirt. Those broad shoulders had not been exaggerated by the fitting of his jacket.

Now close your eyes. She had to force the air through her lungs just to form a whisper.

She lit a nearby candle that smelled of amber and fall. As she dimmed the lights, she closed the door, leaving only the sound of the fountain’s running water and their soft breathing. Neither one of them spoke.

Beth stepped behind him and took a slow, deep breath, trying to remain calm as she willed her fingers not to shake. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. He made her agitated and excited all at the same time. She couldn’t remember a man ever making her feel so off balance. Even as he lay there, completely still and relaxed, she felt an almost uncontrollable need to run her fingers through his wavy hair.

She shook those thoughts from her mind, inhaled the soothing amber, and began massaging his forehead. Using her index and middle fingers from each hand, she grazed across his temple, down his nose, out across his cheekbones, and back in against the edge of his jawline to the center of his chin. Then she placed her fingers under the lip of his shirt collar and swept them up the back of his neck to his hairline, letting his silky locks graze the edge of her hands.

Beth repeated the simple set of motions over and over until she could see his entire body had relaxed. How do you feel? She traced the contours of his face one last time.

You have amazing fingers. The lazy drawl in his voice made her smile.

This is just the beginning. Imagine what a full day of similar treatments would do for the entire body.

Her stomach quivered as the words left her mouth. She hadn’t meant them in the way her mind now envisioned. Grinning to herself, Beth let the idea linger a moment longer.

She moved to the dimmer switch and turned the knob to three-quarter light. Shall we continue? She picked up his suit jacket.

Definitely. It’s been enlightening so far.

As he stood and held out his hand, she watched the muscles flex in his arms and upper body all over again. When his fingers touched hers, Beth realized she’d been staring. She quickly turned and retreated into the hallway, heart racing. They needed to continue the tour. Actually, she needed to finish the tour before she lost her mind.

When they’d made a full circle through the spa, Beth led Nick back to the front desk and handed him a brochure with their gift packages listed on the front. Do you know what type of package you’re interested in, Mr. Chester? We have everything from a two hour mini-treat to a full day of ecstasy.

Please, call me Nick. Can I call you Beth?

She barely caught the wink, temporarily distracted by his brilliant, pearly white smile. And those milk chocolate eyes. She swore they could see straight into her soul. She just hoped they couldn’t read her mind.

Of course, Nick. So, what did you think?

"I’d like the full day of magic . . . Beth."

Ohhh. The way he said her name. A shiver flowed through her body at the same time a heated flush crept up the back of her neck. No doubt he was flirting. And Lord help her, she melted with every word that oozed from his lips.

If you have just a few more minutes, I’ll put a package together that you can take with you.

I have all afternoon, Beth. The silky-sounding word hung in the air. Funny how she’d never really liked her name. But when he said it, it rolled from his tongue like a sweet elixir.

She tore her eyes away from him, forced herself to focus on the computer screen, and opened a file of customized gift certificates. Is this a birthday present, or are you an early Christmas shopper?

Birthday. He paused, but she’d already caught the hesitation in his voice. The name is Lauren Parker.

Of course.

A lump rose in Beth’s throat as she realized how silly she’d been to interpret his practiced charm as flirtation. She knew better. She may not have met Nick Chester before today, but everyone knew of his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. How fitting that Nick would be dating someone like Lauren.

Beth and Lauren had grown up on the same side of town, just a few blocks from each other. But that’s where the similarities ended. By high school, Lauren’s father had made his fortune as a real estate developer; Lauren and her sister, Maureen, were sent off to Fille Chérie, a highly exclusive prep-school in New England, only the wealthiest of families could afford.

Beth’s family was very comfortable. Her father had spent most of her younger years working his way up the ladder as a stockbroker in one of the most prestigious firms in town. Despite his reputation and financial success now, she didn’t feel as though her family had changed from their original middle-class roots.

After high school, Beth had gone to the University of Kentucky and completed a Master’s degree. Returning to Nashville, she’d worked hard building her own business from the ground up. Lauren eagerly embraced the role of a modern-day heiress, swaying through life on her father’s checkbook and the overwhelming generosity of boyfriend after boyfriend.

Currently, their paths rarely crossed. Lauren remained the queen bee of the socialites, while Beth had a successful career and a close-knit circle of friends that didn’t require sucking up to or competing for attention.

She swallowed the disappointment, and honestly, a stab of resentment. Concentrating on the screen, she opened an elegant birthday design and filled in the names. She wondered how long they’d been dating, but quickly removed the question from her mind. The answer didn’t matter. She knew her place. Flirting or not, this man was off limits.

She reached below the counter, retrieved a small gold box, and quickly wrapped the certificate. Then she replaced the clear lid and tied a gold ribbon around the center. After processing Nick’s card, she handed it back to him with the receipt and gift.

I hope Ms. Parker enjoys her birthday. Please tell her to call me personally to set up the appointment. My card is on top with my direct line and cell phone numbers.

Thank you, Beth. For the tour and the demonstration of your magic. He reached out his hand.

She took it, and their eyes met . . . and held.

Her insides trembled uncontrollably with his gentle touch, and she feared he could see her chest vibrating as her heart raced. He didn’t let go. In the distance, she could hear Natalie Cole belting out the last few lines of I’ll Be Home For Christmas.

Nick opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something more, but didn’t, and the mesmerizing spell he’d put on her broke. After another long moment, she withdrew her hand from his and nodded. My pleasure. Tell your grandfather hello for me.

I will. He turned and strolled out the front door. Beth watched him climb into his black Mercedes, start the engine, and drive away. He never glanced back.

Nick pulled away from the curb into a wave of midday traffic. He could drive to his grandfather’s home in Green Hills in his sleep. A good thing, since his mind was consumed with the woman he’d just met.

When he’d first entered the lobby, her eyes had been closed and her face glowed with delight and blissful pleasure. The image, still burned into his mind, made his pulse flare, sending a shot of heat through his veins that cut the chill from the wintry air.

He should have cleared his throat or made a sound to announce his entry, but the animated conversation between the two women had been too captivating. And he couldn’t stop himself from simply staring at her. He didn’t believe for a moment Beth couldn’t find a man more enticing than chocolate. He knew more than a handful who would be happy to apply for the job, including himself.

He’d almost forgotten about Lauren during the tour. Hard to do given the number of times she’d called him since their break-up three days ago. He held no illusions. He knew her anxiety had nothing to do with losing him. She simply couldn’t face their friends without a date to her own thirtieth birthday party.

Every woman he’d dated over the years had wanted something from him. Status. Money. Influence. Never just him. But he would keep his word and be her escort to the party and pretend nothing had happened until the following day.

Thanks to Beth, he had something to occupy his mind during the dreary hours of tedious conversation and false smiles. His tour had started as simple conversation and chitchat about what he’d always viewed as female pampering. But then she’d given him a short demonstration of the magic.

Ecstasy was more like it.

From the moment her fingers had touched his forehead, he’d been lost. He’d heard her deep breath and felt the slight quiver in her fingers as she stroked his face and neck. Her touch was electric silk, with a revitalizing effect that set his skin on fire. It had taken focused determination to control his body’s reaction and maintain a steady heartbeat.

Even after the demonstration, his mind soaked up every gesture and facial expression she made as they finished the tour. He’d responded to her questions with simple yes and no answers, but hadn’t really listened to the words. He’d been preoccupied, reliving the feel of her fingers on his face over and over again. Like he was right now.

He hadn’t remembered Lauren and his original purpose for being in the spa until Beth asked for the gift details. She hadn’t missed a beat when he gave her Lauren Parker’s name, but he sensed a tightening in her jawline as she processed the certificate and wrapped the gift with concentrated urgency.

The awkwardness had been his fault. He hadn’t meant to flirt, and any effort to explain would have made the situation worse. But the attraction had been so overwhelming. His body had come alive with an exhilaration he hadn’t felt in years. And when he shook her hand and those beautiful green eyes met his . . .

Nick turned into his grandfather’s driveway and knew he had to get his mind on other things. The birthday party was only two hours away and he had business to take care of. When he stepped out of his car, he picked up the gift box and tucked the business card into the pocket of his jacket.

Nicholas?

He heard his grandfather’s voice as he entered the foyer and headed toward the study. Grandfather. I’m sorry to be so late. I shouldn’t have put this off to the last minute.

Not a problem, Son. Did you meet Ms. Sergeant?

Yes I did. Lauren’s present is on the foyer table. Do you have time to go over the budget for—

Isn’t she lovely? his grandfather interrupted in a wistful tone. "I hadn’t seen her in years until the grand opening of her shop this