“Do you know him? Because if you truly knew him, you wouldn’t think that. Mick has a kind heart. He cares about people.”
She rolled her eyes. “Poppie, how long has it been since you have talked to Mick? Years? Because I can promise you, he’s not the boy you remember. He’s been working alongside his father for too long.”
“Please, Nikki. Do this one thing for me, even if it’s the last thing you do. I want you to find Mick and tell him that I sent you to help save the company.”
Her throat burned as she held back the cuss words she wanted to spout. Her grandfather didn’t know what he was saying. There was no way... And yet, she couldn’t deny the man who was always there for her when her own father had died ten years ago. Poppie had stepped in to help her mother, and to make sure Nicole had the best schooling.
He was on limited time. She must make the promise, or she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t.
“Fine.” She sighed heavily in defeat. “I’ll find Mick Remington and ask him to help us.”
“That’s my girl.” He touched her hand. “And do me one more thing.”
She was afraid to ask what he wanted now. “What?”
“Trust in the Lord. Somehow you’ve lost your faith in Him. He listens to prayers, and if you sincerely pray for help, the Lord will guide you.”
The tears filling her eyes made her vision blurry. Why hadn’t she thought to do that? After all, she was the pastor’s daughter. But she’d made so many mistakes lately... How could God forgive her when she couldn’t forgive herself?
“I promise, Poppie.”
He placed the mask back on his face and within seconds, was breathing easier. His eyelids drooped, and soon he was asleep.
As Nicole walked out of his bedroom, anger built inside of her. How could she see Mick again now? He’d think she was crawling back to him, but she wasn’t. She was only fulfilling a dying man’s last wish.
Curse Mick Remington for making her feel this much hatred.
She stomped out of the house and toward her car. Just as she reached the vehicle, another car pulled up. The familiar shiny, black jaguar had her fisting her hands. If she didn’t know better, she’d think Mick was following her.
He stopped beside her car and killed the engine. She waited beside her car, tapping her foot irritably until he climbed out and looked at her.
“Nicole,” he nodded once, “it’s nice to see you today. How is your grandfather doing?”
“He’s asleep right now. You can’t see him.”
“Oh.” He frowned.
As he moved toward her, she scanned his attire. Today he wore a pair of jeans, cowboy boots, and a tee-shirt. Dang! Why did he look good ineverythinghe wore?
“Do you think I can see him tomorrow?” He stopped across from her, leaning against his car.
Holding her breath, she silently counted to ten. She needed to tell him about her grandfather’s request. Once Mick talked to Poppie, he’d know about it, anyway.
“Yes, tomorrow is fine.” She turned toward her car and placed her hand on the handle. “Oh, and my grandfather wants us to work together to try and stop your father,” she said over her shoulder without looking at him. If she saw his cocky grin, she’d be tempted to smack it right off his face.
“He said that?” Mick moved beside her, leaning against her car, and keeping her from opening the door.
“Yes. He has a lot of trust in you, but I don’t know why. I’m assuming he doesn’t know what kind of man you really are.” She looked into his eyes and was surprised that his expression of sadness was genuine. Either that or he was a really good actor. “He made me promise him that I’d work with you.” She shrugged. “Although I have major reservations, I couldn’t deny him what might be his last wish.”
Mick touched her hand. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Now why is that hard for me to believe?”
The frown stayed on his face as he sighed and turned with his back against her car. “You’re not ready to listen to my explanation, but one day I hope you’re ready to hear it. I’m really not the skunk you’re accusing me of being.”
Anger resurfaced and rose to her throat. “That’s right because Mr. Mick Remington can do no wrong. Mr. Hot-Shot Moneybags never makes mistakes.”
“I’m sorry, Nicole. I didn’t want to hurt you. I still don’t. When you’re ready, I’ll tell you everything.” He walked to his car and opened the door. “When do you want to meet again? Tomorrow?”
