MARRIAGE-BARGAIN

CHAPTER 20

NICK POV

Nick stood on the dock and watched the line of boats bob in the water. Cranky waves rose and hit the shore as a harbinger of winter. The

burnt orange sunset cut through the threatening dark and illuminated the archway of lights from the Newburgh Beacon Bridge. He stuck his

hands in his Armani suit jacket and breathed in the fresh, clean air. Calmness seeped through his body as he stared at his beloved mountains,

and once again, he knew this was where he belonged.

Ten years ago, the waterfront property had been infested with drug dealers and crack addicts. The beautiful lines of the river were steeped

in garbage, the elegant brick buildings stood empty, their broken windows a cry for help. Eventually, investors saw the potential of the area

and began to throw money into a dream of restoration.

Nick and his uncle watched the project carefully and bided their time. Somehow, they had both suspected the opportunity would finally

come for Dreamscape to profit locally. The first daring person to open a bar in the area began to draw a new crowd who wanted to have a

beer and some Buffalo wings while watching the seagulls. As the cops descended into the heart of the city, cleanup projects sprouted up from

not-for-profit organizations. The last five years proved the project was worthy of investors' attention. The restaurants and spa Nick wanted to

build would change the Hudson Valley forever. And he knew he was the one meant to build it.

His mind flashed back to his meeting with Hyoshi Komo. Nick had finally closed the deal. There was only one man left who stood in the

way of his dream.

Michael Conte.

Nick swore softly as he watched the sun begin to sink. Hyoshi had agreed to give Nick the contract only if Michael Conte backed him. If Nick

couldn't convince Conte he was the man for the job, Hyoshi would pick another architect and Dreamscape wouldn't have a chance.

Nick couldn't let that happen.

He was a man who had traveled widely in search of an education for architecture. He'd looked upon the glittering gold domes in Florence

and the tall elegant towers in Paris. He'd seen pristine exotic islands, the majestic Swiss Alps, and the raw, carved rocks of the Grand Canyon.

Nothing in his sight or mind or heart came close to his mountains.

A mocking smile touched his lips as the corny thought caught and held.

He studied the view for a long time, as his mind sorted his problems with his wife and the contract and Conte and still came up empty. His

cell phone rang and interrupted his thoughts.

He punched the button without checking caller ID. "Hello."

"Nicky?"

He smothered a curse. "Gabriella. What do you want?"

She paused. "I need to see you. There's something important to discuss and I can't over the phone."

"I'm down by the river. Why don't you come to the office tomorrow?"

"By the marina?"

"Yes, but—"

"I'm on my way. Be there in ten."