Western Promise Page 4

  He sighed. “It’s not something I’m going to forget, but if you don’t want me to pursue it, I won’t. This time. But if he does it again, something will have to be done. I won’t tolerate that type of behavior from my employees.”

  It was more than she’d hoped for. “Thank you.” If he went after Mr. Trent for what had happened, it would only make it seem like she and Mr. Eversley had more of a relationship than they did. Then no one would respect her.

  He gave her a brief nod. “Where is he? I’d rather find him and get this over with as soon as possible so we can return to town.”

  “The yard.”

  He nodded again and headed toward the door. But before he left, he glanced back at her. “I hope you know that, no matter what happens, I won’t allow you to be treated like that. I know how women in the workforce are perceived, but that’s not how I feel. I’ve never had a more capable assistant than you. Man or woman.”

  A blush stained her cheeks. “Thank you,” she said, knowing if she said anything more, she’d gush.

  He gave her a small smile. “It’s the truth,” he said before walking out the door.

  Chapter 6

  When Lily was offered a day off, she pounced on it. She couldn’t remember the last time she had an entire day with the other ladies she lived with—the ones the Copper Kings had brought in.

  As they rode into town in the wagon, Lily just enjoyed their company.

  “I can’t believe they gave you the day off!” Charlotte said excitedly from across the wagon bed, her tight spiral curls bouncing with the movement. “It’s a miracle, especially since it’s such a big day for me. I’m so happy to have you here.”

  Lily snorted. “It truly is a miracle. Things have been so busy with the mine opening soon.”

  Hannah, pristine and immaculately manicured as always, frowned. “If that’s the case, why did they let you have the day off?”

  Lily cocked her head to the side. “They didn’t let me have the day off. They forced me to take a day off.”

  The others chuckled.

  “That sounds like Lucas,” Emery said, her deep brown eyes sparking with intelligence. “He’s been so kind to us, I can’t imagine him working you into the grave.”

  Grace grinned over her shoulder as she expertly drove the wagon. “If she died, she wouldn’t be able to take care of him anymore. Lucas knows that.” She winked at Lily, but then tilted her head as if just thinking of something. “But then again, Lucas isn’t the only one you’re working for anymore, is he?”

  Hannah gave her a sly side-look. “How is it working with Mr. Eversley? We’ve crossed paths before in the past. Is he still as charming as ever?”

  Lily willed herself not to blush and cleared her throat. “He’s an excellent boss.” She hoped the answer would suffice.

  The women looked at each other, and Grace guffawed. “You really can’t expect us to accept that as an answer, can you?”

  Apparently not. “I’m not sure what else there is to say.” Oh, there was plenty to say—just nothing she wanted to admit to.

  Charlotte looked at Hannah. “So, you know Mr. Eversley? What’s he like?”

  Hannah’s shoulders lifted daintily. “It’s been a few years, but I can’t imagine he’s changed much. Most men don’t,” she said matter-of-factly, bitterness tinging her tone.

  Emery’s brow quirked. “You didn’t like him?”

  “It’s not that I didn’t like him,” Hannah said. “In fact, everyone likes him. It’s who he’s always been. Kind, courteous, charming. He is liked by everyone, invited to all the parties.” Her lips quirked with amusement. “And he’s wealthy as sin. What isn’t there to like?”

  A notch formed between Lily’s eyebrows. She couldn’t refute anything Hannah said, but how she described him disturbed her. Lily had gotten to know another side of him, one she realized he didn’t let other people to see, but he was still all those other things. Kind, courteous, charming.

  She didn’t know why Hannah’s comment bothered her, but it did—until she realized that how he behaved with her was no different than how he treated anyone else.

  Her shoulders deflated. A foolish part of her, one she hadn’t even realized existed, had started making more of her interaction with Chase—Mr. Eversley—than she should have.

  It was foolish. She was nothing more than his employee, and this proved it.

  “Are you all right?” Charlotte frowned, watching her.

  “Of course! Of course,” she said again, realizing the first had sounded too cheery. “I was just thinking about your shop and how excited I am to see it,” she said, hoping to distract Charlotte from her previous line of questioning.

  “I am too!” She practically vibrated with excitement on the wagon bench. “I just can’t believe I’m opening in a few weeks.”

  “I can.” Grace patted her stomach. “With those baking skills, you’re going to fatten up the town.”

  Emery rolled her eyes and then laughed. “As a nurse, I can assure you that it would take more than an occasional slice of pie for the people in town to gain much weight.”

  Grace clucked. “Oh, they’re going to be eating a lot more than the occasional slice of pie. I guarantee it. If Charlotte doesn’t sell out every day by three o’clock, I’ll be shocked.”

  Charlotte flushed with pleasure. “You really think so?”

  All four of them said, “Yes!” They laughed.

  Lily grinned. “We all have confidence in you.”

  “And in your baked goods,” Grace added to the amusement of all. “I’m just grateful you’re staying at the house with us, instead of moving into the apartment above your shop, so we can all continue to enjoy your confectionery goodness.”

  “I can’t tell you how much your confidence means,” Charlotte said, looking at each of them individually. “This is what I’ve always wanted. Everything I’ve dreamed of. I just can’t believe it’s actually happening.”

  Emery placed a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. “Believe it. It’s happening, and we all know you’ll be a success. And we’ll all be there to help you if you need it.”

  Emery’s gaze fell on Hannah, and Hannah’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t look at me like that. You know very well I’ll support Charlotte in any way I can.”

  Emery finally nodded but looked away, and Lily wondered, not for the first time, why Emery seemed to give Hannah such a hard time. It was obvious Hannah came from wealth, but something had brought her here, same as all of them. Hannah was one of them, and it was unfair for Emery to not give her the chance she deserved.

  Besides, Hannah might look like high society, but she’d stuck by their side and had even supported Abby in her relationship with Lucas when she’d been interested in him herself.

  Hannah might be an ice queen at times, but Lily knew she had a good heart. It wasn’t always easy to open up to people. It was something Lily had learned herself, and she saw that same thing in Hannah.

  As they got closer to town, Charlotte squealed. “I can’t believe I’m getting my keys!”

  Lily smiled, excited for her friend. Lily never had a desire to open a shop or restaurant, but the thought of having her own space, something that was just hers, that she could make successful, appealed to her.

  She had a knack for details, but she didn’t know how that would translate into running a business. “Are you sure you want us to wait in the wagon while you go into the bank?”

  Charlotte nodded. “Mr. Grant told me there was nothing left to sign. He’s just handing me the keys. It should take less than five minutes.”

  “All right,” Lily agreed. She didn’t know the owner of the bank well, but from what she’d heard, he was a good, honest man. “We’ll wait with the wagon then drive with you across the square before unloading the supplies.”

  With their plan in place, Charlotte sprang out of the wagon as soon as the horses stopped moving. In record time, she was back outside, a grin on her face, and jingling keys in her hand. “It’s mine. It’s all mine!”

  As they cheered, people around the square looked in their direction, no doubt wondering if they’d gone mad. But Lily didn’t care. This was a big moment for Charlotte, and she would cheer as loud as she could to celebrate it.

  They quickly made their way over to the shop. It wasn’t directly on the main square, but it was only two storefronts down. It was a great location, and with the big glass front window, she could easily showcase her wares. “This is the perfect place.”

  They all agreed, discussing how amazing it was. The front could use a touch of paint, but the wood was in good condition. Nothing in the town was old enough to be run down, but this place looked as though it hadn’t been cared for in a while. Charlotte would do well here.

  Charlotte walked to the front door, placed the key in the lock, and turned it. The door stuck, but when she pushed again, it opened.

  Emery frowned, looking at the door frame. “I’m sure it’s an easy fix. We can find someone to repair it before your opening.”

  Charlotte nodded easily and stepped inside as if she hadn’t heard the comment at all. Awe, amazement, and bliss crossed Charlotte’s features. Like the outside, the interior could use a few touch-ups, but the floors had recently been sanded and polished, and the shelving along the wall and counter looked sturdy.

  Lily could just imagine it after Charlotte was finished. Flowers, glass jars, and frosted confections with sparkling sugar would make the place seem magical.

  They stood there in the quiet, all of them taking in the moment, and Lily was so glad she was able to be there. This was something she would never forget—her friend’s dream turned into reality.

  She was just sorry Abby couldn’t make it. Lily knew Abby would understand just as much
as the rest of them how much this meant. The Copper Kings might not have brought her to Promise Creek, and she might not live in the house now that she’d married Lucas, but she was still one of them.

  Lily walked up and placed her hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. “What do you think?”

  She shook her head slowly. “It’s perfect,” she finally said softly, as if speaking any louder would make her wake from a dream.

  Hannah ran her finger through dust on the countertop before nodding. “It could use a good cleaning, but it really is perfect for your bakery.”

  Lily glanced over at Emery, and she could tell she was making an effort to bite her tongue. Lily was glad she did. She didn’t want this moment ruined, and what Hannah had said was true. The place did need a scrub. She picked up an abandoned, dusty bucket. “Well, it’s a good thing we’re all here together. With all of us working, we’ll have this place sparkling in no time.”

  Grace’s eyes lit up. “I’ll get the supplies,” she said, before practically running out the door.

  Hannah began rolling up her sleeves, and Emery frowned as if she’d expected her to balk at manual labor. But she was wrong, yet again.

  Lily shook her head. Perhaps someday Emery and Hannah would see eye to eye, and whatever their differences, could put them behind them.

  Grace came back in, her arms full. “Let’s get to work!”

  A resounding cheer rose from the women as they dug in to their work. Lily’s job with the Copper Kings occasionally required light labor, but after years of hard work, standing on her feet and filing things or running around doing errands was easy.

  But getting her hands dirty and unearthing beauty from something that had been neglected for so long gave Lily a satisfaction she’d long missed. “I’m glad I was able to be here for this.”

  Charlotte laughed over her shoulder. “You’re glad you had a day off so you could help me clean my shop?”

  “Precisely.”

  They all laughed, chatting amiably as they worked side by side. In a short time, they’d made huge progress.

  Lily used her sleeve to wipe her forehead, and quickly realized it had been smeared with dust. She probably looked like she was wearing war paint. She looked at the window, hoping to see her reflection, but instead she saw Chase walking toward the shop from across the street.

  Panicking, she wiped her face again, hoping to get the grime off while she mentally flew through his schedule, worrying she’d made a mistake. Why else would he be here?

  She wiped her hands on her apron and straightened to face the front door. Her eyes met Chase’s through the window, and the way he looked at her, the way his eyes roamed from her head to her toes and back, caused her whole body to flush like he’d just caressed her.

  The others hadn’t seemed to notice him, but when he opened the door and stepped inside, their chattering ceased. Before anyone could say anything, Lily stepped forward. “Is everything all right? Did I forget something?”

  His gaze lingered on her forehead, and she knew the mark must still be there. But she held still, refusing to swipe at it again.

  His eyes trailed down to hers, warmth and amusement mingling in their blue depths. “My schedule is fine. My last meeting ended early, so I thought I’d stop by and see how things are going.” He turned his attention to Charlotte. “Congratulations on opening your own shop.”

  “Thank you. That’s very generous.” Charlotte seemed flustered by the recognition, and Lily felt sympathy for her. She knew what it was like to have Chase’s full attention.

  He looked at the others. “I know most of your involvement has been with Mr. McDermott, but I want you to know that all of us Copper Kings”—his smile widened—“are pleased to have you here. We want you to be happy and will do whatever we can to put you in positions of your choosing.”

  Emery stepped forward. “That’s very generous. We all greatly appreciate it.”

  “Of course. Forgive me, but are you Ms. Kane?”

  Emery cocked her head. “I am.”

  “I thought so. You have a very competent air about you. I’m sure you’re an excellent nurse.”

  His words startled Emery, but Lily wasn’t sure if it was because of the compliment or the fact that he knew so much about her. “Thank you.”

  “The people in Promise Creek are lucky to have you.” He glanced to the other ladies. “Miss Pierce?” He cocked his head. “I believe we’ve met previously?”

  Hannah bowed her head politely. “Yes. It was a few years ago. We mingled in the same circles for a time.”

  “I see,” he said as if remembering something. Hannah’s spine went rigid.

  Lily could tell he knew something, but Hannah didn’t offer any explanations, only waited to hear what he would say next.

  He finally nodded. “It’s lovely to see you again. We’re grateful you decided to join us in Promise Creek.”

  He looked at Grace and offered her a polite smile as he tipped his hat. “Miss Cooper.”

  Grace waved. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Eversley.”

  “The pleasure’s mine. I can see I’ve interrupted you, so I won’t keep you. Congratulations again,” he said to Charlotte.

  Charlotte smiled, the expression genuine. “Thank you.”

  He turned to Lily, only allowing his gaze to stray to her forehead for a moment. But he looked at her warmly, and she scolded herself for letting it affect her. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Reed.” He tipped his hat one last time before walking out the door.

  The room remained quiet for several seconds following his exit.

  Finally, Emery picked up her broom. “That was kind of him.”

  “It was,” Charlotte agreed, darting a glance at Lily before moving into action as well.

  Lily frowned as the others watched her curiously. “What is it?”

  “Nothing,” Grace said. She smiled slowly. “Only, I couldn’t help but notice Mr. Eversley’s gaze continually returned to you.”

  “He looked at all of us,” Lily insisted.

  Emery cocked her head to the side. “I want to agree with you, Lily, but I can’t. He was watching you.”

  “That’s ridiculous. I’m his employee.”

  “What does that have to do with anything?” Hannah asked. “It’s not illegal for Mr. Eversley to have feelings for someone who works for him.”

  “No. That’s not what’s happening.” She held up her hands. “Everything has only ever been professional between us. Nothing has happened.”

  Charlotte shrugged. “Nothing yet. Would it be such a bad thing?”

  Charlotte wasn’t trying to bait her. She looked genuinely curious. But what could Lily say? The notion of Chase having feelings for her was ridiculous.

  But more than that, it was dangerous.

  Hannah looked at her sympathetically. “Let’s not pester her,” she said to the others.

  Grace look like she wanted to dig for more information, but finally they all nodded and set back to work. Lily tried to throw herself into the task, but her mind kept straying back to Chase.

  Did he feel something for her? Perhaps the better question was, did she feel something for him?

  She was afraid of the answer.

  Chapter 7

  The next week passed by in a blur. Between helping to get Charlotte’s bakery ready and the mine’s grand opening in a week, Lily was up to her eyebrows in work. She was so tired, she’d found herself falling asleep on her feet too many times to count.

  She didn’t even remember what a full night’s sleep was like. But it didn’t matter. In a week or two when things settled down, she could sleep for days if she wanted to. At least that’s what Lucas had promised her.

  She smiled, shaking her head as she filed papers in the office at the mine. Right now, sleeping for days sounded pleasant, but she knew she’d never do it. She’d give herself two extra hours of sleep before guilt ate at her, or she thought of something else that needed to be done. It was pathetic.

  One thing at a time. She kept saying the line over and over in her mind. One thing at a time until everything was done.

  She looked out the window, not surprised to see the sun setting. She and Chase had been at the mine almost every day from sunup until sundown. But she’d hardly seen him. He’d been so busy meeting with people, checking supplies and machinery, and handling last-minute staffing snags.