Western Promise Read online

  Western Promise

  Copper Kings - Book 2

  Janelle Daniels

  Dream Cache Publishing

  Lily is desperate.

  She’s finally landed her dream job, but now she might lose it after her first assignment.

  He’s everything she can’t stand. Cultured. Entitled. Wealthy.

  So, when she’s asked to settle the newest Copper King in town, she reminds herself what’s at stake—she just wishes he wasn’t so handsome.

  Chase’s persona is a necessary evil.

  He’s willing to be the face of the Copper Kings, but it isn’t who he is. He’s hard-working, determined, and loyal, and his social standing has always made things easy—until he meets her.

  She’s not impressed.

  She’s the only woman he wants.

  Can he show her who he really is?

  Or will she realize she’s in love too late?

  To sign up for Janelle Daniels’ readers club and receive notice of new titles as they are available, go to www.janelledaniels.com

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue

  Titles by Janelle Daniels

  Chapter 1

  Lily Reed was an expert at managing crises. She was practical, organized, and could usually find the shortest distance from one point to another. But this wasn’t just any ordinary crisis, and Lily worried she might be going a little crazy.

  She let herself into Lucas McDermott’s office—one of the six Copper Kings who’d brought her to Promise Creek to help further establish the town and thereby strengthen their mine’s likelihood of success. A week after his whirlwind wedding, he was back in the office, practically drowning in the stack of paperwork in front of him.

  He glanced up briefly and waved to a chair in invitation. “Good morning, Miss Reed. Is there something I can do for you?”

  He went back to rifling through his stack, and Lily wondered if he was able to make any sense of the mess. “Morning. Looks like you have your hands full.”

  “Yes. Apparently, no one does your work for you when you take time off.” He darted an amused glance at her. “But you didn’t come here to talk about me, did you?”

  Her back straightened, and she was grateful he’d allowed her to jump right to the point. She wasn’t keen on social niceties, even though she realized their importance. “I need you to place me somewhere. Anywhere. I just need you to do it now.”

  “Place you somewhere? You want to move out of the house?”

  She and five other women were staying together in a house the Copper Kings had rented for them. They’d grown close since their arrival, and Lily had no intention of leaving.

  “No. I’d like to remain in the house, but I need something to do.” She held up her hands. “I’m not dainty, and I’m not used to sitting around. This is the first time in my life I’ve sat around so long. I’m driving our housekeeper crazy, taking over all of her tasks, and, for a while, I was helping Abby with your wedding. But now? There’s nothing to do. I need something to occupy my time. I need to work. And I’m willing to do anything you can come up with.”

  He leaned back in his chair. “I know it’s taken a bit more time to get placed than you’d like. And I apologize for that. Mostly, it’s my fault because I’ve dedicated my time toward other responsibilities. I had assumed you ladies would like time to get settled, to get to know people in town.”

  “And it’s been a great blessing,” she said, not wanting him to think she was ungrateful. “Truly, I’ve appreciated the time to adjust to my new life here. But I’ve done so, and I’m ready to move on to the next thing. Please.”

  He considered her for a moment. “A few jobs have opened up, but I thought they weren’t quite suited to your skills. You told me you excel in leadership positions, when you’re allowed free rein, and that your organizational skills are a particular asset. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to utilize those skills as a woman.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m aware. However, even if the job isn’t ideal for me, I’d still like to do it. I’ll take anything at this point.” She laughed. “I’d even work for free.”

  Amusement crinkled Lucas’ eyes. “I don’t think we’re quite at that point yet. We can definitely place you somewhere that provides an income. There are a few options. First, Mr. Winthrop has kindly informed me he’s looking for more women on the housekeeping staff at the hotel.”

  Lily sat up a little straighter and nodded. “I can do that.” It wasn’t ideal, as he’d said, but she’d meant it when she said she wouldn’t be picky.

  “Good. I also heard Sally is looking for help preparing simpler meals and side dishes at the cafe.”

  She winced. “That isn’t a good fit for me. I tend to burn anything I try to cook. That would be perfect for Charlotte, if she wasn’t starting the bakery soon,” she said, talking about one of the other women she was staying with.

  “I thought of that too. In any case, I don’t think the café would be a good fit for you either.”

  She placed her hands on the armrest. “All right. So, it looks as though I’ll be working at the hotel.”

  He cocked his head. “Are you sure that’s something you want to do?”

  “I won’t lie and say it’s my ideal position, but I truly am all right working there. I’m just grateful to be doing something rather than sitting in the house, slowly going mad.”

  “If you could have any job, what would it be?”

  They’d spoken about her skills in the past, but he’d never asked her how she’d like to use them. “I’d run a business or become someone’s personal assistant. I thrive in the details, in making sure things happen when needed. I’m not a saleswoman, though. Behind the scenes is where I shine.”

  He leaned forward. “An assistant, you say? Could you manage correspondence, coordinate schedules, send telegrams, and arrange meetings—things like that?”

  She shrugged, those sounded like easy tasks for her. “Absolutely. Those things wouldn’t even be difficult.”

  He grinned then stuck his hand on his desk and stood. “In that case, you’re hired.”

  Her mouth fell open. “I beg your pardon?”

  “I’m hiring you to be my assistant.” He waved at his desk. “I think it’s obvious I’m drowning here. I need someone to help me, to keep me organized, and to keep the mine’s opening on schedule. I’m struggling, and, while I’d make it work, I’m not as efficient as I need to be.”

  Excitement rose within her. “How closely will I be managed?”

  He shrugged. “I have no desire to manage you. That’s the point. I want you to manage things. I’ll give you tasks, but how you go about doing them is completely up to you. As long as they get finished”—he held up his hands—“I don’t care how you go about it.”

  This was like a dream, but still she was leery. “I would love the opportunity, but are you certain you won’t change your mind? It’s rather unconventional to have a woman in this type of position.”

  Lucas’ stare was hard. “I don’t care what’s conventional or not. Look at me, Miss Reed. I’m no one. I was poorer than dirt when I was born. I clawed my way up and became successful when no one thought it was possible. I don’t care if you’re a man or a woman, all I care about is if you can do the jo
b. Can you?”

  His blunt speech did more to settle Lily than any placating could’ve done. She appreciated honesty and directness. Those were things she understood. She was simple and hard-working, and she saw a kindred spirit in Mr. McDermott. She rose to her feet and held out her hand. “I accept the position.”

  A smile spread across his face, and he took her hand in a firm grip. “Excellent. When can you start?”

  She glanced over his desk then smiled at him. “Immediately.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.” They both laughed as he stepped away from the mess. “To start, please organize my desk. See if you can make heads or tails of my correspondence and figure out which items demand my immediate attention and which can be put off until later. After that, I want you to make arrangements for Mr. Eversley’s stay. He arrives tomorrow, and I’d like his reservation at the hotel double-checked. And take care of anything else you feel he’ll need while he’s here.”

  Lily listened intently, and, as Mr. McDermott continued on with his list, she grabbed a blank piece of paper off the desk, writing down everything he wanted.

  He paused as if realizing how much he was dumping on her. “Will this be all right?”

  She glanced up from her page. “I’ll be able to handle everything just fine. What else do you need?”

  He smiled, and she could tell he was pleased with her calm, no-nonsense tone.

  Others might feel overwhelmed and burdened with so many tasks, but Lily only felt joy, satisfaction, and excitement. For the first time in years, she felt as though she knew where she belonged. But more than that, she felt as if she would thrive here. She would be the best assistant Mr. McDermott had ever had.

  Chapter 2

  In his private railcar, Chase straightened his appearance as the train slowed to a stop at the Promise Creek station. He smoothed an invisible wrinkle, readjusted his coat lapels, and nodded to himself.

  For many people, this is all they saw. His immaculately tailored suit, his perfectly styled sandy-blond hair, a charming smile. Wealth and power. But more than that, it’s what people expected to see.

  He might’ve amassed a fortune on his own, but he’d been born with a silver spoon. Because of that, it’d been easy to make even more money, but he didn’t take it for granted.

  At least…not anymore.

  He flicked a piece of lint off his sleeve and turned away from the mirror. Dispassionately, he glanced around the opulent car that showcased the most expensive furnishings money could buy.

  He knew the importance of giving people the appearance they expected, but he drew the line on certain things. His bed had to be comfortable, his food hot, and if he had to travel long distances, his chair had better be well-cushioned.

  He left the luxury behind without another thought. A serene expression curved his lips as he made his way off the train. With every step, he became Chase Eversley, the charmer tycoon. He didn’t mind the image. In fact, he often enjoyed it. Because of it, people underestimated him, thought he was their friend, and it had allowed him to get ahead and further his business prospects. That’s why he was so important to this operation, to the Copper Kings, as people were calling them now.

  His lips quirked, still finding amusement in the name. The moniker was fitting though. Even without his fortune, or his five business partners’, this copper mine would slingshot them into unimaginable wealth on its own.

  So whatever he needed to do to see to its success, he would. But this mine would be a success.

  He stepped off the train, mentally running through a list of things he needed to do. Checking in at the hotel could wait. He was anxious to speak with Lucas and see how close they were to opening.

  But as he walked down the platform, a mass of tumbling, fiery-red hair caught his attention. He glanced over, quickly assessing the woman. She was beautiful. Maybe not in the classic sense, but still a goddess. She was petite and held herself with a confidence that hinted at her capabilities. Her porcelain-colored skin sported freckles across the bridge of her nose and showcased her sapphire-blue eyes, which he could see even from this distance. Her lips were full, forming a Cupid’s bow, and were almost an unnatural pink, as if she were wearing face paint. But he could tell she wasn’t.

  His sudden urge to taste her lips, to see if they were as soft as they looked, intrigued him. But what really captured his attention was her hair. It cascaded down her back, falling in large, loose curls. The color was like fire, unlike anything he’d ever seen, and his fingers itched to run through the long strands, caressing and testing their weight.

  The image was so vivid in his mind he shivered. It wasn’t often a woman captivated him like this, and he relished the feeling. He was so used to women fawning over him, presenting him with his every wish or whim, it had become boring. He doubted this woman would bore him.

  He grinned, shaking his head at the thought. He was about to move on when he finally noticed the paper she was holding. Mr. Eversley. His name was printed in a neat script.

  She was waiting for him? Bemused, he moved toward her, doing his best not to let his eyes rove over her.

  At his approach, the woman’s chin notched up, and she lowered her paper. “Mr. Eversley?”

  Her voice was like smoke. Sultry and soft, and he could imagine it whispering in his ear. He cleared his throat, banishing the thought. “Yes. And you are?” He kept his eyes on hers.

  “Lily Reed. I’m Mr. McDermott’s assistant.”

  “Assistant?” If he didn’t know Lucas was recently married, he would’ve wondered what type of relationship his business partner had with this woman.

  Her brow arched. “Yes. Is there a problem with that?”

  He held up his hands. “Absolutely not. In fact, you must be excellent in your job to obtain such a position.”

  “Hmm. Yes. I’m good at what I do.”

  “And what are you doing here?”

  “I should think it obvious. I’m here to greet you and make sure you’re settled in with everything you need. Now, if you’ll give me your ticket, I’ll make sure your luggage is transported to the hotel.”

  Chase had no problem taking care of such things himself, but he handed the ticket over, allowing her to do her job. “Thank you.”

  She nodded once, businesslike, before walking toward a porter. She spoke quickly, using minimal hand movements, before handing the ticket to the man.

  As she headed back toward him, there were no frills or extra bounces in her steps. She didn’t dawdle or move around people, just made a straight line back to him, never wasting a moment. Her movements were practical and yet elegant, and he found he liked the combination.

  As she approached, he made sure his thoughts weren’t showing on his face. The polite mask, his subtly amused look, was firmly in place. “All set?”

  She nodded once. “Your trunks will be delivered to the hotel.”

  “Which hotel am I staying at?” he asked, although he already knew the answer.

  She gave him a tight smile. “The only one in town. The Promise Creek Hotel.”

  He rocked back on his heels. “Ah, yes. Winthrop’s hotel. From what I remember, it was charming.”

  “It is. Mr. Winthrop has done an excellent job of restoring it, and the menu in the restaurant is top-notch. I’m certain you’ll have no complaints.”

  “You’re like a walking advertisement,” he said cheerfully.

  She gave him a long side-glance. “I’m happy to recommend things I enjoy. I assure you, Winthrop’s menu lives up to every compliment I’ve given.”

  He held up his hands. “I’ve no doubt of it.” He offered her the smile which had charmed ladies’ hearts across the country.

  She raised a brow and snorted delicately before looking forward and not acknowledging him further.

  Inside, he roared with laughter. This woman wasn’t easy to win over, and it only made him like her more. “So, what brought you to Promise Creek?”

  “You did.”

/>   “Me? Lucas is my friend, but I highly doubt he had you travel across the country just to help me find my way to my hotel.”

  She stopped and turned toward him. She cocked a hip and crossed her arms. “Do you take anything seriously?”

  He leaned forward like he was whispering a secret. “Not if I can help it.”

  “Look.” She held up her hands, waving him away. “We don’t need to like each other for me to do my job. So, it doesn’t matter to me what you do or don’t do.”

  He held a hand to his heart. “You don’t like me?”

  At his destroyed look, she rolled her eyes. “I’m sure your ego will manage such a crushing blow. But now, I have a job to do, and I intend to do it well. I’ll take you to the hotel, make sure you’re comfortable, and if there’s anything else you need, please let me know. But besides that, please keep your charm to yourself.” With that, she spun on her heel and marched toward the hotel, never looking back to see if he followed.

  He grinned and trailed after her. He didn’t know why, but he liked that she so clearly didn’t like him. She was a challenge.

  She breezed into the hotel, finally pausing long enough for him to catch up. They stepped into the entrance, and he looked around. “Just as lovely as I remember.”

  He’d sounded smooth, impressed, and at ease. But instead of being irritated at him, she only nodded. “It is. Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll get you checked in. I’m sure you’re exhausted from your journey.”

  He couldn’t tell if the final sentence was said with sarcasm or not, but instead of stepping toward the clerk’s desk, he held out his hand, offering to let her go first. “After you, please.”