Million Dollar Mistake by Meg Lacey Page A

than television.”
    Jackson brought a plate of fresh fruit back to his grandmother then took a seat beside her. “Anything is better than TV, Nana. Especially those soap operas you’ve become so addicted to.”
    “When you’re as old as I am, boy, you have to live vicariously. No man my age can keep up with me.”
    Nicholas winked at her. “Then the men in your world are sadly lacking.”
    Nana cackled. “That’s right. No stamina.”
    Raven laughed. “Not your problem, I suppose?”
    Lorianne giggled then covered her mouth as Nana wagged a finger at Raven. “If I were twenty years younger, you wouldn’t have a chance.”
    Raven nodded. “I’d fight you for him.”
    With an abrupt move, Jackson pushed his chair back and stood up. “I’ll see if Mother needs some help.”
    “Good idea,” J.R. said, looking up from his loaded plate. “Lorianne, pass the coffee, please.”
    It was another half hour and a couple of celebratory mimosas later before Raven could mention the real reason they’d come into the dining room in the first place. “This has been so lovely that I hate to cut my…um, our,” she added with a quick glance at Nicholas, “visit short, but we must be on our way.”
    “Your way where?” asked Lorianne.
    For a moment Raven was speechless. They hadn’t discussed that.
    “Back to New York for a few days while I finish some business and then on to Virginia,” Nicholas answered, smooth as a still lake.
    Lorianne rested her elbow on the table, cupping her chin as she stared at Nicholas. “What’s in Virginia?”
    “My home. It’s time Raven became reacquainted with it.” His chocolate tone, accompanied by the left hand that covered Raven’s shoulder, left no doubt that he intended to re-introduce Raven to his bedroom as soon as possible.
    Jackson’s expression darkened another notch as he looked from Nicholas to Raven.
    Margaret smiled and said brightly, “Virginia must be so lovely this time of year.”
    J.R. looked at his wife as if she’d lost her mind. “It’s the middle of winter there, Margaret, and the entire East Coast is braced for another big snow storm.”
    “Oh well.” Margaret shrugged. “Snow is lovely too.”
    “I’m glad you think so, my dear, because we have a lot of it at the moment.” J.R. stared down the table at Nicholas. “I hate to tell you, but you won’t be going anywhere today. Probably not for a few days.”
    Nicholas frowned. “The roads are that bad?”
    “Damn near impossible at the moment.”
    Raven was horrified at the thought of another few days spent in this awkward situation, even if it was of her own making—sort of. “But this is upstate New York. You’re used to snow.”
    “The snow fell too fast and over too large an area for the crews to keep up. The state and local crews are out in full force—”
    “Then—” Raven still hoped it was a mistake.
    “They haven’t made a dent. You’re still not going anywhere,” J.R. said.
    There was complete silence for a moment. Silence so loud Raven could hear it screaming. The only consolation was that Lorianne and Margaret looked as dismayed as she probably did, while Nicholas looked rather grim. The only one who looked pleased was Jackson.
    Finally, Nana broke the silence. “Well, won’t this be fun? I think we should have another mimosa to celebrate.” She punctuated the announcement with a hiccup.
    Jackson lifted the pitcher. “Great idea, Nana.” His hungry gaze ran over Raven. “It’s not every day life gives you a second chance.”

Chapter Five
    Lorianne hesitated when she saw Jackson standing alone in the drawing room. She’d been looking for him, thinking he might need to talk, but found herself suddenly reluctant to face him. She’d known this man since childhood. She’d watched him grow from gangly youth into polished man, supported him when he needed it, laughed at his jokes even when they weren’t funny, listened with a sympathetic ear as he spoke of his dreams,