TWO
Being this close tohim made Nicole’s body go berserk, but it was more than that. She didn’t know why he acted so considerate. Tycoons like Mick Remington didn’t have a thoughtful bone in their bodies. Unless... maybe he had too much to drink tonight already. She hadn’t detected the strong odor of alcohol on his breath, so she dismissed that thought.
From her new vantage point in the booth, she could see him a little better – at least his body. He wasn’t wearing the Armani suit she’d expected. Instead, he wore a loose long-sleeve buttoned blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. As she slid her gaze down farther, black Wranglers hugged his lean waist and muscular legs. She couldn’t see his feet, but she bet he wore boots, too.
Strange, but he didn’t resemble the jerk she’d believed from the rumors she’d heard.
Mick motioned to the waitress who hustled to their table, wearing acome-get-melook in her eyes that were surrounded by long, thick – fake – eyelashes. Inwardly, Nicole seethed. Apparently, he could snap his fingers and any woman would come running. She vowed not to ever be controlled by him like that.
“Could you bring me some ice,” he asked the waitress.
The younger woman’s forehead crinkled. “Do you want that in a glass?”
Mick only hesitated briefly. “A small sandwich size bag will work better since I’ll be putting it on the lady’s bruised foot.”
He grinned at the waitress and her face flamed bright red. Nicole rolled her eyes.
“Yes, Mr. Remington, I’ll get that for you right away.”
When his attention moved back to Nicole, she gave him her best smile, under the strained circumstances, anyway. “I appreciate your kindness.” Which she still didn’t quite understand, since she’d heard he was merciless.
“It’s the least I can do for a pretty lady.”
She wanted to groan with distaste, but her heart fluttered instead. She reminded herself he was as charming as a rattlesnake. He would only cause pain as he injected poison into her system just like the serpent. Over the years, she’d seen the people Mick and his father had put out of business just to make themselves wealthier.
Nicole forced a laugh. “You’re too kind. However, I think this low lighting has affected your sight.” She waved her hand in front of his face.
“Oh, you’d be surprised what I can see.” His brows lifted suggestively.
She held her breath as panic grew inside of her. Did he know her real purpose? Could he possibly know that James Adkins was her grandfather?
No, she wouldn’t believe that. There was no way Mick knew her grandfatherthatwell.
As she expelled a slow breath, she toyed with the coaster on the table. “So, Mr. Remington—”
“Call me Mick.”
She nodded. “Mick, are you new to Maple Springs? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”
“I’m here on business.”
Nicole tried to maintain a pleasant expression, even if she was tempted to plow her fist into his nose for even thinking of trying to take over her grandfather’s company. Mick Remington’s only kind of business was ruining people.
“Business?” she asked sweetly. “You’ve been conducting business here at the country club’s lounge?”
“I met with some colleagues earlier, and I was just finishing my drink when you fell into my life.” He winked.
“Am I keeping you from anything?”
