Chapter 1
Isaac Spencer watched the raven-haired beauty hurry by. She wore the staff uniform for Maple Gardens Assisted Care and smiled at one of the residents, stopping long enough to collect a cup. He recognized her from somewhere, but he couldn’t recall her being on staff. She was petite, and her long, black, wavy hair made him think fairy tales could exist. He shook his head and dragged his attention back to his mother, finding her smiling like a crocodile.
“What?”
Millie glanced in the direction the young woman was going. “She’s pretty. Nice, too. Always remembers everyone’s favorite drinks and makes sure we get something extra special on our birthdays.”
“Who?”
Her pointed stare was one he’d been privy to several times over the years. She tugged on his hand. “Her name is Olivia and she usually only works on weekdays. You must have seen her at least once or twice. She’s single.”
“Mom.” He expelled a breath. “How many times have I told you I’m not interested in dating anyone?”
She stared at him innocently. “Who said anything about dating her?”
He leaned back in his chair and crossed his ankle over his knee. “Let’s not talk about me. Tell me how your week was. I’m sorry I couldn’t come for bingo night. I’m dealing with a lot right now at work.”
Millie smiled warmly and brushed him off. “Don’t worry about it. There will be other game nights.”
She gestured toward where his close friends Bart and Izzie were sitting together. Bart’s uncle Lawrence lived here at Maple Gardens, thanks to debilitating health issues, leaving Bart to take over the reins of a vast property empire. Isaac had been shocked to be gifted Maple Gardens by Lawrence and was determined to live up to the elderly man’s belief in him. And Izzie’s mother Margaret was also a resident, much younger but here following a terrible accident a few years earlier.
“Speaking of dating … remember how I helped those two get together?”
“Here we go again,” he murmured.
“Oh, hush.” She whacked his upper arm with the back of her fingers. “Anyway, we could tell they were getting close and then we noticed they weren’t visiting together anymore.”
“What do you mean ‘we?’”
Her face brightened. “Lily and Alice. We’ve tried to get Margaret to join our group, but she’s more interested in spending time with Lawrence.”
“This isn’t your little matchmaking cartel, is it?”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Cartel, indeed. We’re just a group of friends. Don’t you worry about it.” Millie clasped her hands in her lap. “Anyway, I had a nice little chat with Bartholomew and it was a good thing I did. Otherwise, those two wouldn’t have realized just how good they were together.”
“You have told me this before.” Isaac glanced over at Bart and Izzie once more. They sure appeared happy. They sat together, holding hands, their heads tilted together as they spoke. Isaac’s chest tightened. Bart had been Isaac’s wingman many times. Neither of them had been interested in relationships—until Bart had met Izzie. But Isaac hadn’t changed; between work and visiting his mother, he simply didn’t have the time.
He didn’t know what he would do if he had a girlfriend. She’d hate how little they’d see one another. Granted, there would be some perks to having someone he could come home to. But none of those perks were good enough reasons to tie himself to a relationship.
Isaac patted his mother’s hand. “That’s great, Mom. I’m glad you could help them. But maybe don’t meddle so much.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m sorry I have to cut this visit short. I have a meeting with an investor.”
“Oh. I thought you’d stay longer.” The smile dropped from her face as he kissed her forehead.
“I’ll come back and visit again next week. And Christmas isn’t too far away so I’ll find some time to visit more frequently.”
“Sure, dear. That would be lovely.” Her voice no longer held the bright tone, and guilt swirled in his chest.
His mother understood how important his job was. And it was her long friendship with Lawrence which probably had something to do with Isaac now owning Maple Gardens. She had so many opportunities to stay busy and enjoy her hobbies—even if those hobbies meant she was more interested in matching unsuspecting couples.
Isaac pulled his phone out of his pocket, his eyes glued to the screen as he headed toward the exit. The investor he needed to meet with today was in town for this week only and Isaac couldn’t be late to this meeting. So much rode on it.
He swiped through his phone for his driver’s number and collided with someone. A splash of icy cold liquid washed down the front of his shirt. Isaac let out a yelp, his arms coming out at his sides as he looked down with dismay at his ruined suit.
His eyes lifted, and he glowered at none other than that woman with the dark hair. From her nose down, she looked shocked—even a little apologetic. But it was her eyes that betrayed her. She was amused. Had she done this on purpose?
Isaac gestured to his clothes. “Look what you did!”
“I’m terribly sorry, sir.”
“You should be. You should pay better attention. What if you had run into one of the residents?”
“Oh, I was paying attention, and it wasn’t to my phone.” She placed one hand on her hip. “Perhaps it’s you who should have watched where you’re going.”
His mouth opened, then closed and opened again. Isaac gestured once more to his shirt. “I have a very important meeting to get to. I can’t go like this.”
She lifted a shoulder. “You could borrow some scrubs if you’d like.”
“You obviously don’t know who I am.” He threw his hands up as he stormed past her. He was almost certain she laughed. A memory itched at the back of his mind, like déjà vu. As much as he tried to grasp at that thread, he couldn’t retrieve it. Irritation sparked and ignited, filling him from inside out.
If he was lucky, he’d have a spare shirt at the office. Otherwise, he’d be showing up at the meeting covered in … what was it? Iced coffee. He shoved his phone into his pocket and clenched his hands into fists as he charged from the building.
***
Isaac held in an unpleasant word as he slammed the cabinet door shut. He did not in fact have a spare shirt and Mr. Frederickson was due to arrive in the next five minutes.
All he could do was pray this guy was forgiving of his less than professional attire. Isaac slumped down into his office chair and scowled at the wall. That woman’s face filled his thoughts. Why did she look so familiar? The question was beginning to be just as annoying as the soiled shirt itself.
His office door opened, and his secretary stepped inside, hugging a stack of folders. “Mr. Frederickson is here.”
Isaac heaved a sigh. “Send him in.”
She nodded and backed out of the door to make room for an older gentleman. Samuel Frederickson had white hair, and his face was creased with smile lines. He had a neatly trimmed white beard and mustache and a round belly. If he’d had a red suit, he’d pass for a dapper Santa.
He opened his arms and tilted his head to the side as he entered the room. “Mr. Spencer! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”
Isaac rose from his seat, offering a crooked smile and held out his hand. “The pleasure is mine, I assure you.”
Mr. Frederickson took Isaac’s hand in both of his and shook it energetically. Then his eyes dropped to Isaac’s shirt, and he chuckled. “Looks like you had a minor mishap. Would I be correct in assuming you have children?”
Isaac chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. It would be so easy to pretend that he had children. He could blame the spill on anything but his own mistakes. But he wouldn’t. He shook his head and glanced at his shirt. “I had a run-in with a woman.”
His visitor’s laughter grew, and he raised his brows a few times. “Your wife then?”
Shaking his head again, he smiled. “No. I’m not married, sir.”
That was the first time the man’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh. Well, you still have time. I remember when I met my wife. It was love at first sight. It’s cliché, but if the line in that movie was ever true, it is for us.” He winked at Isaac. “She completes me.”
A sense of unease fell over Isaac. Why was Mr. Frederickson so interested in Isaac’s personal life?
They took a seat across from one another and Isaac retrieved a file and pushed it across the desk toward the man. “As you will see in those reports, Maple Gardens is a very profitable company. The numbers speak for themselves and I personally guarantee, if you invest in my company, we’ll be able to put one in every state within ten years.”
Mr. Frederickson raised his brows as he accepted the folder. “Ten years, huh? That’s five every year.”
Isaac nodded. “Correct. Honestly, that number is a modest estimate. With the right backers, we could beat that projected schedule by a few years.”
“I’ve already seen the numbers. That’s not what drew my interest. It’s the atmosphere. Maple Gardens isn’t like some run-of-the-mill assisted living community. It’s a place where their residents still live their full lives—even those struggling with multiple issues.” Mr. Frederickson closed the folder and placed it back on the desk.
Isaac straightened. “Of course. Maple Gardens is the best. That is why I’m confident my mother is happy. I was just visiting with her today and—”
“Your mother lives at Maple Gardens?”
“She loves it there. I make sure to personally oversee any changes and improvements so that they benefit the residents first and foremost. I have an excellent management team there and anything important goes through me.”
Mr. Frederickson’s brows furrowed. “That doesn’t seem to leave much time for a personal life. How does your mother feel about that?”
Isaac pulled at his collar. Here came the personal questions again. “My mother is very supportive. She knows my work is important to me.”
“Am I correct to assume you don’t have a fiancée?”
“That is correct.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Pardon?” Isaac chuckled nervously. “My apologies, but why would that sort of thing matter when we’re discussing business?”
Mr. Frederickson rose from his seat and held out his hand toward Isaac. “I’m sorry, Mr. Spencer. But I don’t think I can invest in a company that is led by a man without a family.”
Isaac shot out of his seat and sputtered. “What?”
The older man gave him an empathetic look. “I’m a family man. I raised six children and I have fifteen grandchildren. They are so very important to me and I think about them each time I make a decision regarding my business and my future.”
That notion was completely ridiculous. This was a corporation. The man needed to think about the numbers, not whether the CEO was married.
“Maple Gardens seems like a wonderful place, but if it’s not overseen by someone who values the residents and their families more than the money, then it will inevitably fail.”
A lump formed in Isaac’s throat as Mr. Fredrickson headed for the door. Isaac bounded around his desk and held the door open for his visitor. “With all due respect, Maple Gardens is the most important thing to me—along with my mother. She’s my family. I would never let it fail.”
Mr. Frederickson stopped and patted Isaac on the shoulder. “I can tell. And one day you will wake up with nothing but a pile of money. What about your legacy?”
“Maple Gardens will be my legacy.”
The old man chuckled and shook his head. “You misunderstand. Once you’re gone, Maple Gardens will go on to the next CEO and the next one after that. Who will remember you when you’re gone?”
His words had an unsettling effect. It was a good point. But that didn’t mean Isaac had to agree. On the other hand, he truly believed in sharing the happiness his mother had found with the rest of the world.
Mr. Frederickson patted his shoulder once more. “Thank you for the meeting, son. Give me a call if anything changes.”
“I have a girlfriend.” Heat crawled up his neck. Why did he just say that? He never lied to investors. The numbers always won the conversation. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to have proof.
Frederickson’s face broke into a wide smile. “Oh, why didn’t you say so? How serious is it?”
Isaac shifted, putting all his weight from one foot to the other. “We’ve been dating for only a few months, but she’s very special. Maybe by this time next year …” What? He couldn’t tell an investor he would be married in a year. What would he say at next year’s meetings?
The man winked. “You never know. Could happen sooner than you think.” He glanced at his watch, then down the hall toward the elevators. “Tell you what, I have a Christmas party the first week of December. I’ll send out my private jet and you bring your girlfriend. Of course, we won’t talk business at the party, but afterward, we can hash out the details and sign a few contracts.”
Relief washed over Isaac. He nodded and accepted Frederickson’s extended hand. “Of course, sir. That sounds wonderful.”
“I can’t wait to meet the lucky lady. If she’s as charming as you, I know I’ll like her. Have your secretary send me a copy of that report you showed me.”
“I will.”
“Have a good evening, Mr. Spencer.”
“You too.” Isaac watched the man make his way toward the elevator and the second he disappeared behind those sliding metal doors, he jumped in the air and let out a whoop. His heart beat erratically. He was on an absolute high.
But then it all came crashing down around him.
Isaac let out a cuss word and charged toward his office. What was he going to do about finding a girlfriend? He couldn’t find a real one. Convincing a sane woman to travel to New York with him for a business trip would be next to impossible.
No. He’d have to find a woman who would be willing to play a part—to be in love with him and possibly make a few additional cameos in the future if Mr. Frederickson ever made a visit to Georgia again. But where would he be able to find someone he could trust to do any of that?
Chapter 2
Olivia hummed to herself as she sorted files at the central station. As an administrative assistant she shared the space with the shift supervisor, another assistant, and any of the aides or nurses who needed to access patient information. A large, wraparound counter overlooked the huge common space and was easily accessed by residents and visitors. From here she could keep an eye on the needs of anyone using the common room. She loved the residents and wouldn’t swap this job for anything.
Even though she’d had to clean up the puddle of iced coffee earlier, the look on the face of that annoying, pompous man had made it worthwhile. And although she’d shocked herself at the time, she’d reminded herself karma was involved. It wasn’t as if their paths would cross again. She’d managed to avoid him on his visits with his mother and would continue to do so.
She stopped sorting and frowned. What if Millie found out?
You didn’t think it through at all.
Olivia would never do anything to upset Millie. Or any of the wonderful people who lived here.
“You should frown!”
How long had Izzie been standing there? Her friend had the oddest expression … kind of halfway between outrage and laughter.
“I saw what happened,” Izzie said, folding her arms.
Oops. She’d forgotten that painful man was friends with Bart. And Izzie was engaged to Bart.
“Nothing happened.”
“Olivia!”
“What?” Olivia returned with a similar exaggerated tone. She glanced up at Izzie as she stuffed a file into the cabinet, then turned and shut it with her hip. “I told you ages ago he had it coming.”
“You never said that.”
Olivia’s brows creased. “Don’t you remember? He’s the guy who dumped his latte all over me in the coffee shop a while back and then didn’t even apologize.”
“Yes, I remember you being upset because it made you late for work—but, Olivia, you never said it was Isaac who ran into you.”
“Of course I did. I think I did. Millie’s son. Anyway, it just kinda happened and I’m not sorry.”
“You did say you didn’t like Isaac. I thought it was because he was technically your employer.”
Olivia froze. “Wait, what?” She whirled around, her eyes wide and her pulse quickening. “No. He’s not my boss. He’s a client. Well, his mother is. I’ve only seen him a few times.” Her breaths shortened and a string of spiraling thoughts dragged her from the happy place she’d been in when she’d poured her drink down the front of that annoying man. “Why do you think he’s my boss? Isn’t Bart in charge of this place?”
“Bart took over Lawrence’s corporation—all those casinos, plus lots of other properties, but somebody else was gifted Maple Gardens.”
“Somebody else … oh no.”
How did you not know?” The corners of Izzie’s lips twitched and Olivia scowled.
“Don’t you dare laugh. I’ve never met any of the board or the owner apart from thinking Bart was heavily involved. I deal with Mr. Charles, nobody higher.”
Izzie snorted.
“Izzie! I mean it. There’s no way that guy is my employer. I think I would have recognized him …” Then again, how often was it that board members for large companies paid visits to places like this? It wasn’t like she was some kind of manager. She had never had the opportunity to meet with anyone higher up.
Oh bother. This wasn’t good. Olivia dragged a hand down her heated face. What was she going to do?
“Well, you threw a drink on the man who is not only CEO of Bart’s holdings, but who owns the very carpet you are standing on.” Izzie snickered. “Why did you feel the need to do it in the first place? You are better than that, Liv.”
Olivia bit down on her lower lip, and the warmth in her face intensified. “What am I going to do?”
“I have no idea. I guess I could ask Bart to explain to Isaac …”
“That what? I held a grudge for several months and then threw my coffee at him to get even? He’s going to have me fired! I don’t want to lose my job.” The tightness in her chest knotted up even more. There was no good explanation. This Isaac guy didn’t seem like the type to let go of something like this.
“Don’t stress about it yet.” Izzie moved closer, her words pulling Olivia out of her own head. “I’m sure Bart can help. You’re a good employee. You just had a moment of poor judgment.”
“People get fired for less,” she said dismally. “I guarantee Isaac isn’t going to look past this moment of poor judgment. That shirt I ruined probably cost him more than I make in a week.” She needed to relax. All these dark thoughts would only make the day at work that much worse. She forced a smile and shooed Izzie away. “Go enjoy your day with your mother. I’m going to get some more work done and try not to dwell on my inevitable firing.”
“Olivia—”
“I’m fine. Really.” She gave her friend a pointed look, then flicked her fingers at her. While she would have loved to go get drinks and vent about Isaac and why he deserved to be doused in coffee, she couldn’t. Olivia had never been the needy type. She was more than capable of taking care of herself. Izzie had enough to deal with between her new relationship and her mother’s health issues. The last thing she needed was for Olivia to drag her down into a teetering state of unease.
She took a steadying breath. If she was going to be fired, he would have done something already. At least that’s how he seemed. People in power suits loved wielding their control over others.
It didn’t matter what kind of reassurance she attempted to give herself in her pep talk, Olivia couldn’t squash the feeling that everything was going to come crashing down on her.
Olivia collapsed into her office chair, thumped her elbows up on the desk, and she placed her head in her hands. She didn’t know what would happen, but it was more than likely she’d be getting called into the manager’s office any day now.
“Excuse me, dear.”
Olivia’s head popped up, and she met the bright blue eyes of Millie.
Olivia forced a smile and her hands dropped to the desk. “What can I do for you, Millie? Would you like me to set up a game of chess for you and find a partner to play?”
“That does sound nice, but not right now. What’s the matter, Olivia? You look absolutely terrible.”
Olivia bit back a humorless laugh. There was no way she’d tell this woman that she’d basically assaulted her son—and with iced coffee no less. “I’m fine. What can I do for you?”
Millie pressed her thin lips together in a tight line, then shook her head. “Nope. I don’t believe that for one second. You have got to be the cheeriest person here. I can’t remember a time when you weren’t smiling. What’s going on? You can tell me.” Her weathered hands were clasped together and her stance was sure. She had no intention of letting this drop.
Olivia reached over the counter and grasped Millie’s hands. “I’m having a tough day. But you know what? Everyone does. It’s not what happened that matters. It’s how I grow from it.”
Millie’s worried look morphed into a bright smile. “I like that outlook.”
“So. Is there something I can do for you, or get you?” She released Millie’s hand and picked up her water bottle to quench her dry throat.
Millie glanced toward the doors and then swung her gaze toward Olivia. “I was wondering if you had found a boyfriend recently.”
Olivia coughed on the cold fluid that was attempting to slide down her throat, which closed up and she sputtered, water flying from her mouth and her nose. She wiped her face with the back of her hand and let out a surprised laugh. “What?”
“A boyfriend. I’ve never seen you with anyone. I was curious if you’re dating.”
Olivia laughed. “No. I’m not currently seeing anyone. Why? Do you have someone in mind?” The second she asked, she knew she’d regret it. There was only one reason Millie would ask her such a question.
Before the woman could recommend her son, Olivia held up both hands. “But I’m not looking for anyone at the moment. I’m kind of a mess. In fact, I might not even have a job soon.”
Confusion filled Millie’s features, and she frowned. “Did something happen?”
Olivia shook her head. “I’m talking way too much. I’m supposed to be professional.” She shot around the counter. “I’m sorry. I have to go get some air.” She blew past Millie and all but ran toward the front entrance.
She didn’t want to leave any of the friends she’d made at Maple Gardens. People would call her crazy if they knew, but this job was perfect for her. It was as close to a dream job as she could get. Had she just ruined everything?
Olivia darted through groups of people who were in the waiting area and when she got outside, she immediately buckled over, her hands on her knees as she sucked in one deep breath after another.
This wasn’t a panic attack. This was something else.
Whatever it was, she didn’t like it.
Dang it. The chances were pretty good that she’d have to apologize to the man if she wanted to keep her job. Not only that, but she’d probably be stuck with some of the more unfavorable tasks and schedules.
She pushed against her knees and rose to her full stature, then spun with the intent of heading to the gardens for a brisk walk, only to collide with something hard.
Olivia blinked rapidly and stumbled back a step as her gaze swept over the tall, firm body in front of her. His piercing blue eyes matched his mother’s except for a fleck of brown in his left eye.
His brows were furrowed and the set of his jaw made it clear he wasn’t thrilled about their second encounter for the day. Isaac folded his arms then glanced toward the building. “Just the person I needed to see.”
This was it. He’d come back to fire her in person rather than calling her supervisor and making him do the dirty work.
Before he had a chance to speak, she held up her hands. “Can I say something?”
His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t stop her. So that was a good sign, right?
She licked her lips and glanced away. Dang, his eyes made her feel uneasy. The lump lodged in her throat wasn’t doing her squeaky voice any favors. “I want to apologize for spilling my coffee on you.”
Still he didn’t speak.
“I should have been watching where I was going.”
Why wasn’t he saying anything? Olivia lifted her focus to those unyielding eyes, feeling pinned against a wall even though there was plenty of space to go running off somewhere to hide. She twirled a stray strand of hair around her finger, irritation flickering to life in her chest. “Well, aren’t you going to say something?”
Was it her imagination? Or did she see a hint of a smile at the corners of his full lips?
Yep. Definitely her imagination. Isaac Spencer was nothing if not incredibly disappointed. But whether it was due to bumping into her or having to hear her lame excuse for an apology, she couldn’t tell.
“I have to visit with my mother for just a moment. Then I expect you to make yourself available for a meeting.”
She swallowed hard and nodded, not trusting her voice.
Shoot. This is it.
Olivia had hoped to at least make it through the end of the week. She should have taken Izzie up on her offer to have Bart help. If Isaac and Bart were close, that might be her only shot.
Isaac headed through the front doors and Olivia shook her head, releasing a pent-up breath she’d been holding since she bumped into him. How was it possible that each time they interacted, they managed to crash into each other? If she weren’t so terrified, she might have laughed.
Instead, her heart cowered in the back of her chest as if it could hide from the inevitable. Normally Olivia would have rolled with the punches. Had she been working anywhere else she would have easily quit before he could terminate her.
Maple Gardens was special. She knew it and so did every other employee. It was more than just the residents and the coworkers here. And she had zero desire to pick up and start somewhere new.
She’d never find a place as wonderful as Maple Gardens.