The Professional Bride: Billionaire Marriage Brokers Book Three (17 page)

Chapter 2
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7

As Rym made the last turn on Homeward Lane, he lifted his eyes to take in the view. From up here, he could see down to where the lodge nestled into the small valley. It was the perfect place for a skier’s home base. With mountains on either side, there were plenty of easy trails for beginners and instant access to lifts for those who were more advanced. Heading off trail to take some of the rollers, Rym kept his eyes on the snow in front of him half the time, and the other half he scanned the area for Amber. It only took him a second, thanks to his radar and her bright-colored coat, to pick her out of the crowd. Had she been wearing a white coat, it would have been almost impossible to see her through the heavy snowflakes, but the sapphire blue was unmistakable … just like Amber.

He leaned forward to increase his speed and popped out of the side trail like a kid on a trampoline. She probably couldn’t see him, but he wanted to show off a little. Crossing over the run, he went up the side of the hill and dropped off the nearly ten-foot edge, landing as easily in the powder as he would have on a pile of feathers. He wove back and forth, spun in a three-sixty, and pulled out a snow-spraying hockey stop in front of the lodge.

Popping off his skis, he grinned as Amber made her way over.

“Was it a good day?” she asked.

Still a little winded from pushing it, he grinned. “One of the best.”

She opened the door to the co-ed locker room where the ski lockers were, and followed him inside. He’d need to get his things out of here; this area was really for instructors only. Maybe he could take his stuff up to his grandpa’s office. There was a ski rack on the wall. It was full, but he could take a few pairs out. He hadn’t really looked that closely at it.

A strangled sob drifted over the top of the lockers. Rym ducked around to see Robyn hunched over on a bench, her hand pressed against her lips. “What’s the matter?” asked Rym.

Robyn jerked and then her eyes hardened. “I guess money means a lot more to you than people.” She stood up, slammed her locker, and brushed past Rym.

“What was that?” Rym pointed toward Robyn’s retreating figure.

“Let me explain.” Amber placed a hand on his arm.

Rym’s chest went cold. “What is there to explain? Why would she say that?”

“We had another lawsuit filed against the resort—and you and me.”

Rym watched Amber’s throat bob as she swallowed. His mind raced. They hadn’t had any accidents since … He cursed. “The little girl over the cliff?”

Amber nodded. “They offered to drop the suit if we fired Robyn.”

Rym took a step back and held up his hands. “You caved? They’re bullying us and you caved?”

“Rym, try to understand. From a business perspective—”

“How many times do I have to tell you it’s not always about business?”

“You could have lost the resort.”

Rym stepped close, anger boiling, making his head burn and his face flush. “You’re trying to teach me a lesson again, aren’t you? It’s the whole ‘position of power’ thing all over. People aren’t your playthings, Amber. Robyn has a family, responsibilities.”

Amber’s eyes widened. For the first time since their first few days together, Rym saw her composure slip. “I know she does. She also has dreams of being a paralegal, but working as a ski instructor wasn’t getting her any closer to those dreams.”

“So you thought you’d kick her out to motivate her? What is it with you? Do you think you can
coach
everyone into their dream life? It doesn’t work that way. Life isn’t like that.” Rym pulled back and leaned against the lockers. “And you aren’t the person I thought you were.”

“I know you’re upset—” Amber moved forward.

Rym threw his arms out to ward her off. Stepping over the bench, he went for the door.  “This isn’t working out, Amber.” He spoke with his back to her. “I thought it was or would, but … it’s not.”

“What? What are you saying, Rym?” Amber’s voice had a vulnerable quality Rym had never heard before. He must have misheard it. Amber didn’t need him. She was all about the job. If she cared about Rym, she would have fought for what he believed in, not caved to save money.

“I went through with the wedding. It was BMB that said it had to last for a year, not grandpa’s will. You’ve gotten me through the first season. I’ll talk to McGraw and we’ll figure out how to get you into your next …” He stopped himself from saying “marriage.”

There was a quick intake of breath, and Rym strode from the room, his steps more sure than he was. Once in his office, he shut the door and sagged against it. Pressing his hand to his chest to hold back the pain, he tried to breathe and found it hurt like a branding iron to his heart. Having opened his life, his home, and his heart to Amber, there wasn’t a part of him that didn’t ache at the loss of her.

Chapter 2
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Amber sank slowly onto the bench, shocked. She’d been fired. Canned. Sacked. Given her pink slip. Dismissed. 

Worse than that—she’d been dumped. Rym loved her. Not that he’d ever said the words. They’d barely had three months together, and yet she was more in tune with him than she had ever been with Braden, Derik, or Jeremy. She knew he loved her. She’d seen it reflected in his eyes. Had hoped it would grow into something stronger than his independence over the next year and they could renegotiate her contract.

She’d gotten her wish: they were going to renegotiate her contract—only they were going to make it shorter, not longer. Amber stayed on the bench, unsure if she should, or even could, go home. What was the protocol after a breakup? She pressed her palm to her forehead and doubled over. Why was she thinking about protocol when her heart was breaking? She’d spent much too long keeping her heart on a shelf, out of reach. She’d known Rym would be upset; she just didn’t think he’d ask her to leave. He didn’t know it, but she was protecting him.

She gathered herself up. There was still one more thing she could do, had planned on doing for a month. Dialing BMB, she asked Tina to put her through to Harrison.

“It’s good to hear from you. I thought you’d dropped off the planet.”

Amber didn’t smile. “It’s been spring break busy here. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I finished up those documents. Do you want me to send them to you?”

Amber thought fast. “No, send them to Rym.”

“Sure.”

“Um … can you put an email with it?”

“Sure.”

“Just say—‘Every penny can count.’ And then put my name.”

Silence filled the line.

“Amber, is everything all right?” Harrison had lowered his voice, and Amber heard a door shut on his end of the line.

“No, it’s not.” She sighed. “But if you can send those papers, a wrong will be righted.”

“Then I’m on it.”

“Thanks, Harrison.” Amber gulped. This could be her last conversation with Harrison. Pamela had adequately impressed upon Amber’s mind the importance of this contract. She’d become distracted by Rym’s kisses, and now she was paying the price. Her future at BMB looked bleak. “I appreciate all you’ve done. It’s more than you needed to, and I know it’s outside of your job description.”

“Are you kidding? It’s a great cause. I’m glad I could be a part of it.”

“You’re a stand-up guy.”

“Thanks.”

The door opened on the other end of the line and Amber could hear Trish announce someone. “I’ll let you go. Thanks again.”

“Bye, Amber.”

Amber hung up the phone and stared at it. “Bye, Harrison.”

A moment later her phone rang, and she picked up without looking at the caller ID.

“What’s going on?” demanded Trish.

Amber’s eyes burned. The tears fell, and she sucked in, feeling as if she’d never be able to fill her lungs again.

“Oh, sweetie,” Trish cooed. “I’m booking a flight. I can be there tonight.”

“No,” Amber choked out. “I’ll come to you.”

“Is Rym coming with you?”

“No. It’s just me.”

There was a pause.

Amber swiped her face clean. “I wanted him, Trish.” Amber sniffed. “I let myself want him.”

“I’ll have Tina make the arrangements. I’ll pick you up at the airport and you can stay at my place.”

“Thank you,” Amber whispered.

“Hang in there, sweetie.” Trish hung up.

A fresh wave of tears overtook Amber. Within five minutes, her phone beeped and she had the information for a flight out at nine that night. She might have been flying to California, but she was leaving her home and her heart behind.

Chapter 2
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Rym finally made his way to the desk and sat in his grandpa’s chair. He contemplated the furniture. All of it was left over. He hadn’t even brought in a picture or his skis. Grandpa’s skis still hung on the wall, waiting.

Waiting for what? For someone to take them out on the hill again? Skis were objects, tools; they weren’t animated. Much like Rym had been before Amber entered his life. He’d been an exemplary employee, a world-class instructor, and a roommate who helped pay the bills. He’d been a tool other people had used to accomplish their goals of increasing their skill level, lining their wallet, or building a reputation. Until Grandpa left him the resort.

Rym thought back. That wasn’t true. Even after he’d moved into this office, he had been on a tether. But slowly, under Amber’s tutelage, he’d become part of the legacy. He’d kept the resort running during a time when it could have fallen into disorder or been made into a heartless machine.

A rueful smile played at his lips. He’d messed up with the water rights. Amber had told him he would mess up sometimes and that they would handle it—together. Only there would be no more together. He’d broken them, ruined his chance at happiness. He was only a tool after all.

Chapter
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Amber did her best to keep her shoulders and her back straight as she entered Pamela’s office. Unsure of her welcome, she hovered at the door until her boss looked up and waved her in.

“Amber, I’m glad you could get here on such short notice. Rym insisted this all be cleared up as soon as possible.”

A fresh wave of pain caused Amber’s steps to falter. “Of course.” She bit her lip to keep the tears at bay and settled her mind on the task at hand. No matter what Pamela said, she would not cry. Crying was unprofessional and she’d done enough of it over the last two days to last a lifetime. Trish was an excellent host, giving Amber the space she needed to let it out and providing plenty of chocolate.

“I have the papers for your discharge here.” Pamela opened a folder and pointed to the signature line. “Sign here, please.”

Amber gave a small shake of her head. She’d anticipated being let go and felt a pang of regret. Her time at BMB had been productive and pleasant. She couldn’t bring herself to regret her time with Rym, though. If she had to do it all over again, the time they’d had together was worth all of this. She missed him something fierce. “I take it everything worked out legally for Rym ... I mean, Mr. Hoagland.”

Pamela offered her first smile. “He’s fine. That Mr. McGraw is a legal wiz-kid. He had everything ironed out in no time.”

Amber squirmed under the sense of betrayal. She thought McGraw liked her. Mentally cringing, she realized she’d never learned his first name. She and Rym had dropped the “Mr.” and referred to him as McGraw, like they were teammates. Because they had been. They’d all been on the Iron Mountain team, working to make Rym’s first season as successful as his grandpa’s last. Well, at least they’d done that.

Suddenly eager to be out from under Pamela’s careful gaze, Amber asked, “Is that all?”

“Harrison has a few papers for you to sign as well.”

Amber got to her feet. “I’ll stop in his office.” She held out her hand. “Thank you, Pamela, for taking a chance on me. I’ve learned a lot from working with you and I hope I’ve represented BMB well over the years.”

Pamela’s eyes softened as she took Amber’s hand and pressed it between both of hers. “Amber, I had a good feeling about you from the beginning, and I stand by it. You’re going to do wonderful things. Good luck.”

Amber didn’t fight the tears that came at the rare, but cherished, words of praise. She made her way to Harrison’s office and checked her mascara in the decorative mirror in the hall before knocking.

“Come in,” called Harrison’s deep voice.

Amber sucked in a breath and opened the door. The moment her eyes landed on Rym, she felt lightheaded. In a heartbeat, Rym was at her side, holding her elbow to keep her steady.

“Here, sit down.” He escorted her to the chair he’d been sitting in and then scooted another one around to sit next to her.

“What are you …?” Amber tried to ask. She’d never expected to see Rym again in her life and she’d thought he’d stay in Utah. Pamela had sent everything to him in Park City, including her, so there was no reason to expect him at BMB headquarters.

Harrison answered, “Rym and I were going over the particulars for the Iron Mountain scholarship program you organized.”

Amber dropped her gaze to her hands resting in her lap.

“Why did you do it, Amber?” asked Rym.

Amber twirled her ring around her finger. She hadn’t been able to make herself take it off yet. “When I talked to Robyn, and after hearing about your struggles growing up, I thought there might be a way for Iron Mountain to help. Robyn wants to be a paralegal. She’s smart, too: I looked through her employee records. She’ll make it. And McGraw could use someone on Iron Mountain’s staff who could help with the lawsuits. It made sense.”

“And since I’d all but thrown away the thirty thousand dollars on fake bank fees the first day I met you, you didn’t think I’d mind.”

“Actually, I just thought you’d want to help.”

Rym reached for her hand and Amber let him take it, knowing full well it would make their separation harder but unable to resist having just one more moment with him.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea.” He glanced at Harrison.

Harrison suddenly cleared his throat and stood. “I think I need a drink. If you’ll excuse me.”

Amber watched him go, puzzled by his abrupt departure.

Rym brushed his thumb over Amber’s knuckles, bringing her attention back to him. “Are you ready to sign up for another husband?”

Amber shook her head. “I couldn’t. Not after—”

Rym’s shoulders tensed. “Not after what?”

Amber blinked. “Not after you,” she whispered.

Rym lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. His whiskers tickled her skin. “Forgive me, Amber, for letting my fear get the better of me.”

Amber bit her lip to keep from crying out. She could forgive him. She’d known the risk she took and that she was pushing him beyond his limits. She just hadn’t expected it to reach the limits of her heart as well. Trying to find words to express the thoughts tumbling around inside her head, Amber opened and closed her mouth.

Rym knelt before her, still holding her hand. “I know you hate the cold, but Utah has four seasons and only three of them are cold. Our summers are really warm, and you should see Iron Mountain in the fall, it’s amazing.”

Amber sputtered. “It sounds beautiful.”

“Please come home.” Rym kissed her fingers, his lips lingering and his eyes warm and so full of love. “Come home to your husband; not your job.”

Surely he could hear her heart racing. “I want to.” Amber tightened her grip on Rym’s hand. “I want to be with you.”

Rym dropped her fingers and placed his hands on either side of Amber’s face. “I love you, Amber.”

Rym’s warm breath touched Amber’s lips a moment before his kiss. Amber melted into him, threading her fingers into his hair. “I love you too,” she said against his mouth.

“I believe this would count as a public display of affection.”

Amber jumped at the sound of McGraw’s voice. She tucked her head next to Rym’s jaw. Placing a palm on his chest, she said, “If you’re here, and McGraw is here, who’s in charge of Iron Mountain?”

McGraw shuffled his feet.

Amber sat up. “Please tell me you left someone in charge.”

McGraw pointed to Rym. “He said this took precedence over everything.” McGraw held up a stack of papers.

“What is that?” Amber asked.

“A new prenup—without the divorce stipulation,” replied McGraw. He threw a dirty look at Rym. “You haven’t told her you plan to extend the marriage contract?”

Rym shrugged. “I told her the important stuff.”

Amber’s heart trilled. This would be her final marriage. She wondered for a moment if Pamela had fired her to clear the way for Amber and Rym to be together. Shaking out of her musings, Amber stood and pulled Rym up with her. “We can go over all the paperwork you want—in the office. Right now, we need to get back to Park City before the place falls apart.”

McGraw chuckled. “The woman at the front desk offered to make flight reservations …”

“Good. Have her book three flights. We’re going home.”

Rym pulled Amber in for a bear hug, and McGraw pumped his fist. “Sign here and I’ll have her put your ticket under Amber Hoagland.”

Smiling, Amber signed with a flourish. Rym wouldn’t be her first husband, but he would be her last.

***

Rym watched as Amber pushed her skis out and slowed to a stop. Rym spun in a complete circle and ended up next to her. “You’re getting the hang of this.”

“Ha. At the rate I’m going, I’ll be fifty before I can ski like you.”

Rym closed his eyes and breathed in Amber’s words and the accompanying promise that went with them. The snow was icy in spots, the sun burned down, and Iron Mountain was on a skeleton crew for the last day of the season, but Rym couldn’t think of a more perfect day than the one he’d spent skiing with Amber.

They’d returned to find that Iron Mountain was still standing, though there were a few matters to take care of. Rym and Amber both signed the new prenup. Rym had been shocked to find out that Amber was worth almost as much as his grandpa had been before he passed away. The fact that she didn’t need Rym’s money had gone a long way to thaw Rym’s mom’s opinion of Amber.

Amber said she had fallen in love with Iron Mountain and agreed to work as a vice president for the modest salary, knowing full well it was all the resort could offer. She’d already invited four magazines to come out next year, hoping they’d do full-page spreads on the resort. She was also in negotiations to host several high-level races that were sure to bring in business for the resort’s hotels during the slower parts of the season.

They popped off their skis and headed to the parking lot. “What would you like for dinner?” asked Amber.

Rym slung his free arm around her shoulder and kissed her cheek. As amazing as Amber was at running a ski resort, it was the quiet evenings at home that had stolen Rym’s heart. Because it was after work, when Amber was just Amber, that he’d seen her true beauty. And how was a man supposed to resist someone who was good and kind and who had saved her heart just for him? Rym couldn’t. He’d been up against impossible odds the moment Amber stepped off the airplane. And he couldn’t be happier about it.

“How about blueberry pancakes?” he suggested.

Amber’s eyes lit up. “Sounds great.”

Rym set his skis down and wrapped his arms around Amber’s middle, pulling her closer until their lips met. The sensation of kissing Amber was something Rym couldn’t get used to. It was sweet, wonderful, and as pure as spring runoff. Pouring his love for her into the kiss, Rym realized he couldn’t put into words how much he loved Amber. It was like trying to explain his love for the mountain that had nurtured him, provided shelter from life’s storms, accepted him as he was and pushed him to be better. Grandpa would have understood. Grandpa had loved that deep and in the end, Grandpa had bequeathed Rym the best in life; he’d brought him Amber.

Scroll ahead for a peak at Lucy McConnell’s novel
Undercover Engagement.