Exposed: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 5) (20 page)

When we return to town, Neal leaves me at Ruby Raines so he can deal with other business. Silk is luxurious in my hand as I rearrange a dress one more time. I’m driving myself crazy, trying to make everything perfect, so I head over to Rhinestone Cowgirl to visit with Nika.

She looks up from a pile of jewelry on the counter. “Everything set?”

“Pretty much. I have Loren and Mandy coming later to train on the register and to see the clothes. I hope you don’t mind if I teach them to sell the way you taught me.” I grab a sheet of labels, and metal scratches as Nika moves the pile that goes with it over for me.

“Of course not. Besides, there will be times when one of our girls might follow a customer over to the other shop. It’s good that they do things the same way.”

I picture Neal pouring over the spreadsheets he loves, and smile. Nika and I decided early on that we would ring each other’s sales up with our own to make things easy for the shopper, and Neal and Christian could sort out how to do the finances.

Nika asks, “How are you doing with what happened last night?”

The shame of sharing my secret causes my pulse to quicken, but I squash it down. “Strangely, just fine.” I decide to assume she’s talking about Trevor instead. “Trevor and I broke up this morning, and it’s like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”

Adhesive is sticky on my finger as I wrap a price tag around a chain. “Spending time with Trevor just confirmed what it was we had. While it was wonderful in high school, as an adult, not so much.”

“Hey, I’m hoping you’ll like this idea. Christian and I would like to have you and Neal over for a celebratory dinner next week. Would it feel too much like I’m setting you up?”

“What? No. Gosh, no. Neal and I get along great.”

“Okay, just making sure. Of course you know I think you two belong together, but you seemed really uncomfortable around him last night.”

I gather up the necklaces I tagged, and they clink as I wander over to the jewelry display. “It was an awkward situation. I guess maybe I was afraid he’d think less of me as a partner.”

“Oh, Ruby, you didn’t exactly commit a crime. I think a whole lot of women can imagine the same thing could have happened to them. Guys, too.”

“I know that. But the shame I felt back then has definitely lingered.”

Nika has finished with the bracelets and links her fingers through them. “Well, don’t feel embarrassed around me. I’m like Neal, I think what you did was courageous and probably incredibly hard.” She’s beside me now, and her light floral scent floats around me. “Childbirth scares the hell out of me. How did you manage?”

I grin. “Drugs, lots of good drugs.”

The side door opened when I was speaking, and the cold reaches us. Christian asks, “Drugs? What did I just walk in on?”

Nika and I chuckle. And then she says, “You don’t want to know.”

I say, “Hey, you’re cooking for me again next week.”

“Oh, good, I was thinking I’d do the duck again since that’s what sold you on the whole idea we’re celebrating.”

Nika snorts, “Yeah, that was it.”

“Duck sounds awesome.” I wink at him. “And it just might have been what tipped me over the edge.”

Christian wraps an arm around my body and pulls me against him. “You’re going to get the biggest piece of dessert.”

I put my arm around his waist and lean into him as I glance at Nika. “If things don’t work out with you two, I’m happy to let you cook for me every night instead.”

He says, “Finally, someone who appreciates me.”

Nika rolls her eyes at him as I pull away and hit his arm lightly. “I need to get back on my side to train Loren and Mandy.”

***

The lock clicks as I turn it on the front door of Ruby Raines. Turning back to glance over my shop, I take a moment to appreciate it. From the mossy green carpet to the twig light fixtures, it’s a dream come true. I open tomorrow morning and I’m ready. Garret stopped by with the last of the clothing, and I’m satisfied that my store is the best it can be.

Nika steps in. “Are you almost done for the night?”

“I am done. I was just admiring how fabulous this place looks.”

“It really does.” She twirls in a circle slowly. “Very magical. Hey, don’t leave just yet, okay?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

She can’t look at me, and her mouth twitches into a smile. “Oh, nothing.”

I snort. “You can’t keep a secret to save your life. But if you tell me, I’ll pretend I’m surprised.”

She leans in close and whispers, “Neal’s bringing you something, and I’m supposed to make sure you don’t go before he gets here.”

I whisper back, “Okay.”

She walks over to a vibrant purple dress made from vintage silks. “This one keeps calling to me. I might have to have it.”

The dress is a lingerie-type sheath until it gets below the knees where it flares out in a ruffle. It’s designed to either be worn as a first layer or on its own. She has a body that would work that dress well. “It would look gorgeous on you. You’ve got great taste, because I could only get enough of that fabric for a few dresses, but I had to have it anyway.”

Nika holds the hanger up by her face and splays it out over the front of her body. A voice with a distinctive male tone that warms me to the core sounds behind me. “Twirl in it, because that’s what they’re made for.”

I turn to a large bouquet of purple, pink, and magenta flowers that covers Neal’s face. I gasp. “Oh, my, those are amazing.” I take the large vase with two hands and inhale an aroma that makes me want to smother myself with them.

“What fairy wonderland would be complete without flowers? Congratulations on Ruby Raines.”

Nika says, “Wow, now that’s how to do flowers.”

I set them down on the counter and turn to him. “Thank you.” I wrap my arms around his waist, and the crisp cotton of his Oxford shirt is smooth on my cheek. “You’ve made my dream come true.”

His arms embrace me. “I’m glad I could do it. But don’t forget, you’re going to make me money. I know a good investment when I see one.”

I pull away, but he doesn’t let go. Gazing up at his face I place my hands on his chest. He says, “I’ve got one more surprise for you.”

Releasing me, he steps back as Christian enters with a bottle of champagne. Four flutes tinkle against each other in his other hand, and I guess they’re expensive too.

Nika takes the glasses from Christian and the cork pops. He says, “To Ruby Raines!” He pours the champagne slowly into the tilted flutes, and Nika hands them out. When he’s done, we all raise our glasses in a toast.

Neal says, “To women in dancy dresses.”

I giggle at the odd look Nika and Christian give us. After I take a sip, I say, “When I was a little girl I loved to twirl and watch my dress fly out in the shadow. I would get upset if I didn’t have something dancy to wear.”

Nika says, “And a style was born. That’s perfect.”

I raise my glass, and the others join me. “To the most amazing friends a girl could have. All three of you have supported me every step of the way, and for that I’m grateful.”

This time I savor the bubbles on my tongue and the crisp finish as it goes down. “I’m forever spoiled, you know. I can’t drink house wine, and now I’m afraid I’ll never be satisfied with regular champagne either.”

Nika sighs. “I love good champagne.”

Neal says, “You’re not spoiled, just enlightened. Life’s too short to drink the cheap stuff.”

I chuckle at our snobbiness. While the words sound pretentious, I know the man saying them has no trouble knocking down a wall or doing my laundry if that’s what needs to be done. I recall his office that first day and how I was surprised he sat amidst straws, napkins, and urinal cakes.

Neal’s gaze locks with mine, and I smile slowly. He asks, “What are you thinking?”

That I’m lucky to have you in my life. I sip my champagne slowly, and after I swallow, I say, ”That fate is smiling down on me.”

Chapter 30

I
got a sweet text from my mom wishing me luck this morning, and when I arrived at Ruby Raines there was a chocolate croissant and hot tea waiting for me, along with Neal, which was even sweeter. He had to work at other things and took off quickly but said he would stop by later.

A bottle of champagne and orange juice for mimosas and sparkling juice are sitting in a small container of ice in case any shoppers want a drink to celebrate my opening. I set the flowers on a pedestal next to it so others can enjoy them. Soft music is playing, and I do one last round of adjustments before Mandy arrives.

I unlock the door to her knock. She’s a perky brunette with big brown eyes. “This is so exciting.”

“I know. I’m a little nervous.”

“Don’t be, people are going to love your clothes.” She leans down to sniff my flowers. “These are fabulous.”

“Thanks. Neal gave them to me.” I peek out the window to check out sidewalk traffic. Another gorgeous blue-sky day, it won’t be very busy since everyone is on the slopes. “I just hope we get some customers.”

“Is there anything I can do before we open?”

“No, I’ve been ready since yesterday. Although you can keep me distracted.”

Mandy grins. “What do you want to hear? Boyfriend drama, gossip? Or I can show you funny Vines on my phone.”

“Let’s do funny.” We watch ridiculous videos and laugh until it’s time to open.

When I unlock the door I step outside to the sidewalk to glance at my window display. Amazingly, it looks just the same as it did yesterday and the day before that. I chuckle at myself for needing to check.

“Ruby!” I turn to my mother’s voice. She’s walking toward me with two other women.

“Mom!” I open my arms to her. “What are you doing here?”

She embraces me, and the faint vanilla spice of her perfume wraps around me like her love. “I came to see my baby girl’s new store.” She steps back and says, “Ruby, these are my friends, Lydia and Audrey.”

I smile at two women who are well-dressed and surely here at my mother’s command to buy something. “Did you all drive here from Vail?”

The one named Lydia has dark hair slicked back and delicate pearl earrings. “We sure did. Road trip!” She giggles, and I can’t help but chuckle with her. I imagine these three had a lot of fun.

Audrey gasps, and I notice she’s looking at my window. “Goodness, that green outfit is so me.”

My mother says, “See? C’mon, let’s go spend some money.” She grabs my hand and drags me into my own store.

Lydia squeals. “Champagne!”

Mandy is right there for her and asks, “Mimosa?”

“Yes, please, and make that three. We’re going to be here a while.”

I say, “In that case, let me take your coats. Mandy, this is my mom, Rachael, and her two friends, Lydia and Audrey.”

When the drinks are in hand, the women begin browsing, and I place their coats and purses on the small sofa by the mirror. It doesn’t take long before their arms get full, and Mandy and I take the clothes from them for the dressing rooms. I only have two, so I set my mother’s things on the overstuffed chair that matches the couch.

The giggling going on is fun to hear, and I love that they are all doing my job for me as they pull things and hand it to the person they think will wear it best.

Lydia says, “Okay, I’m ready to start trying things on.”

Audrey tucks a section of her light brown bob behind her ear, and she says, “Me, too. Rachael, go sit on the couch and we’ll give you a fashion show while you wait your turn.”

I glance at Mandy from across the room, and she nods. I know it means the moment one comes out she will grab accessories to go with the outfit and dress the woman even more. A trick I learned from Nika, it’s a sure way to increase your sales and the likelihood they’ll buy the clothing. It’s the finishing touches that make getting dressed easy.

Glasses thud on the small coffee table as my mom grabs my hand and pulls me down on the sofa with her. The fluffy cushions cuddle my thighs. She asks, “Who gave you the flowers?”

“Neal.”

“Uh-huh.” She knows Trevor and I broke up, and while she didn’t say anything, I think she’s pleased. “And is Neal still just a partner?”

“Yes.” My mother has always been my closest friend, and I confide in her. I whisper, “I’m hoping to make it more.”

“Well, then, I must meet him.” She sits up and turns her head to scan the store. “Where is he?”

I grin. “He’s doing what Neal does, running a hundred different businesses.”

“Oh, good, a hard worker. That’s the best kind, as long as he doesn’t forget about you.” She places a hand on my leg and gives it a tweak, making me flinch because it tickles. “But judging by the flowers, I don’t think that’s a problem.”

I recall the breakfast he brought me this morning and all the little things he does for me now. I glance toward the Wine and Cheese Shop, and I realize Neal’s become more than my business partner. Have I fallen in love with him? “He’s very thoughtful.”

Audrey comes out in the green dress like she saw in the window. “I’m calling it ‘mine.’”

When she turns to gaze in the full-length mirror, Mandy holds out a belt that matches. “Here, try it with this to see how it will look when you wear it later.”