Western Promise Page 5

  The man didn’t sleep either.

  A small smile curved her lips as she thought of Chase. He wasn’t anything like she’d first thought. Since he came from wealth, she’d assumed he’d only brought his name and money to the operation. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. Chase pulled his weight—and more.

  When he was finished in Promise Creek and moved on to whatever he was going to do next, she knew he’d thrive.

  Her hands stilled. Soon, she would never see him again.

  She’d known that, of course. The agreement had been for her to act as his assistant in a short-term capacity.

  And at the beginning, she’d been looking forward to it ending—but now? The thought of not seeing him again left an ache in her chest. Why?

  Although she wanted to pretend otherwise, she knew the answer. She was starting to have feelings for him. As ridiculous and foolish as it was, she couldn’t seem to help herself.

  Chase was a man she respected and looked up to. He treated her as an equal, respected her talents and her time, and he’d never been unkind to her or anyone else.

  Which was saying a lot. He’d been met with an endless supply of frustration since coming here. Things had fallen apart, machinery had broken, and employees hadn’t followed directions.

  She’d gotten used to him then had started depending on him. And now she worried that, when he left, he might leave a hole in her heart.

  I’m not in love with him. That would be dangerous. Stupid. No, she wasn’t in love with him, but she did care for him. That’s what this was all about. She’d gotten close to him, and the thought of never seeing him again—as a friend—was difficult.

  The door opened behind her, and she grinned. “I thought you were going to work all night too. Don’t you ever take a break?” She said, poking fun at Chase before turning around.

  It wasn’t Chase.

  She winced at Mr. Trent. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were someone else.”

  “Don’t talk again. After a long day, I don’t want to hear your grating voice.” He glanced around the tiny office and snorted. “I see Mr. Eversley isn’t here. Again. Does the man ever work?” He let out a resentful laugh.

  Lily might have been quiet if not for the man’s comment about Chase. Her chin rose. “Mr. Eversley has been working himself into an early grave, and I’d thank you not to speak of our boss that way.”

  The man laughed cruelly. “I see. Along with working for him you’ve been working under him. Well, I don’t need to stand here and listen to a lady of the night. I knew you were filthy just by looking at you.” He turned down his nose at her, giving her a look of disgust.

  Gasping, Lily took a step back against the desk. She’d never been called such a thing in her life. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that.”

  The man’s eyes slitted. “For a trollop, you’re pretty mouthy. Then again maybe that’s how Mr. Eversley likes it.” He threw back his head and laughed at his sick joke.

  It was then that Chase stepped through the door, murder in his eyes. He grabbed Mr. Trent by the scruff of his coat and whipped him back. The man’s laughter turned into a roar of rage, but Chase didn’t let go. He yanked Mr. Trent out of the office, down the steps, and threw him onto the dirt in the yard. “Get out. You’re fired.”

  Mr. Trent’s shock wore off, and he bounded to his feet in outrage. “You can’t fire me!”

  “I can. And I did. Get out.”

  Most of the yard was empty, but a few workers remained. They fell silent, stepping closer to see what was happening. Mr. Trent caught the movement, stood straighter, and became even more belligerent. “What are you going to do? The mine opens in a week. You can’t find anyone to replace me.”

  Chase took a menacing step forward. “Everyone can be replaced. Everyone,” he said again louder, directing it toward the workers in the yard. “If I ever hear anyone disrespect Miss Reed as this man just did, you’ll be out. I don’t care if I have to close the mine down. We will not tolerate such behavior here. Is that understood?”

  The men around them agreed with silent nods, and Chase turned his attention back to Mr. Trent. “I’ll tell you one more time to get out. After that, the sheriff will get involved.”

  Lily swallowed at the look of hate Mr. Trent threw at Chase, and when he turned that look on her, she held still, refusing to buckle under it.

  “You’re going to regret this,” he said.

  Chase stepped into his view so he could no longer see Lily. “You will be the one with regrets. I’ll make sure everyone hears about how you treat fellow employees. No one will touch you.”

  Mr. Trent’s hands balled into fists, and the workers in the yard shifted on their feet. She wanted to intervene. She didn’t want Chase hurt because of her.

  But instead, Chase leaned forward and spoke so softly she could barely hear him. “Go ahead and try it. We’ll see how fast you’re locked up.”

  Mr. Trent’s nostrils flared, but instead of throwing a punch, he stomped off toward the stable.

  When he was a good distance away, Chase’s stance relaxed. “Show’s over. Return to your work. We have a deadline coming up.”

  Without another word, the other men returned to their tasks. Chase swiveled around and pinned her with a stare.

  Her heart leapt, and she whirled around, racing back into the office. Getting back to work applied to her as well, and she’d already caused enough trouble.

  She furiously shuffled papers without seeing what they were. She’d have to figure out the mess later, but she needed to do something, to keep her hands busy.

  But before she could do anything else, Chase walked through the door, closing it softly behind him.

  She glanced up, taking in his look of anger and frustration. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any problems,” she said quickly.

  He stopped like his feet were stuck to the floor. “Cause problems? You?”

  Her spine straightened, but she kept looking downward. “Yes. Although I didn’t provoke Mr. Trent, my presence here did. I’m partially responsible.”

  Chase growled, and before she knew what was happening, he’d leapt across the room and gripped her shoulders. “You have nothing to apologize for! If he were truly a man, he would never speak to a woman like that, would never behave in such a malicious way. When he said those things to you…” He cursed and looked away, taking deep breaths. Finally, his eyes came back to hers, blazing with anger. “I wanted to kill him. I’m not proud of it, but I did.”

  Lily felt like she’d swallowed her heart. It was beating so hard it ached. Why was he doing this? Why was he so angry over something someone said to her? It was making her think things, believe things, that weren’t true. “Why do you care so much? I’m just an employee.”

  His hands tightened on her arms. “I would never allow anyone to speak to another employee like that. But you’re not, Lily. You’re not just an employee.”

  She shrunk in his arms. He couldn’t possibly be saying what she thought. “Chase…” Her eyes flew to his when she realized she’d called him by his Christian name. “Forgive me. I should never address you so informally.”

  But when she looked at him again, he didn’t look angry. In fact, he looked a little pleased. “Call me Chase, Lily.”

  It felt as though he’d asked for something more, and while she ached to give it, a part of her needed to keep the formality between them as a barrier. Because if it came down, if she saw him as a man instead of as her boss, she worried what she might do. “I’m not certain that’s wise. You’re my boss.”

  “But I’m also your friend.”

  His warm, rich tone was gruff, and it sent shivers through her body. She tingled and had the overwhelming urge to stand on her toes and press her lips against his. But she didn’t do that. If she did, it would change things—not necessarily for the better. So instead of arguing, she agreed with him, hoping to end the conversation quickly. “All right.”

  “All right, Chase.”

  She swallowed hard, meeting his eyes. If she stayed here much longer, she’d do something they’d both regret. “All right, Chase.”

  The satisfaction in his gaze made her knees buckle. One more second together and there’d be trouble.

  She cleared her throat and took a step back, forcing him to release her.

  His eyes dimmed, and she could tell he was disappointed, but instead of saying anything, he gave her a slow smile. “Now that we have that settled, are you certain you’re all right?”

  She nodded firmly. “I am. A little shaken up, but nothing a good night’s sleep won’t cure.”

  “Let’s get you home, then.” His voice was gruff.

  “We can’t.” She gestured to the mess over the table. “There’s still so much to do.”

  “We can finish it tomorrow.”

  She should argue that they were running out of time, but she didn’t. She wanted to go home. She wanted to rest, recover, and forget this happened.

  Mr. Trent had rattled her, but it was nothing compared to her conversation with Chase. With just a few soft words, he’d turned her mind and heart upside down.

  She needed time to put them back in place—to remind herself that some things weren’t possible.

  Chapter 8

  After an almost sleepless night, Chase gave up on rest and went into the office early. There was still plenty of work to do, and he’d be able to accomplish a lot of it before Lily arrived and they went to the mine.

  He scrubbed a hand across his tired face as he opened the office door. He stepped in and saw Lucas already elbow deep in work. “Good morning.”

  Lucas glanced up and grinned at him. “Good morning. I didn’t expect to see you this early.”

  A wry smile cr
ossed Chase’s lips as he set his coat and hat on the chair. “I didn’t expect to be here this early.”

  Lucas snorted. “Can’t sleep?”

  Chase shook his head.

  “Is it the mine?” He frowned with concern.

  “No. Nothing like that.”

  Lucas nodded. “Good. I know complications will arise, but I’m hoping they hold off.”

  Thinking about what had happened at the mine yesterday, Chase rubbed the back of his neck. “About that. Something happened.”

  Lucas groaned and leaned back in his chair. “I knew it. Things were going too smoothly.” He let out a gruff laugh. “What happened?”

  “I fired Mr. Trent.”

  Lucas leaned forward, all laughter gone. “What? Why?”

  Expecting a long conversation, Chase sat in the chair across from Lucas. “He attacked Miss Reed.”

  “He what?” Lucas roared and jumped to his feet. “Is she all right? Is she injured? What happened?”

  Chase waved Lucas back into his chair, appreciating his reaction. All his partners were of a similar mind when it came to how their employees—especially women—should be treated. “She’s unharmed. Physically, anyway. I don’t know everything that was said, but from the small snippet I did hear, he verbally assaulted her.” Lucas swore, and Chase noticed a vein pop from his neck. “I took care of it.”

  “When I hired Lily, I worried something like this would happen. She’s an outstanding assistant, the best I’ve ever had, but there’s still plenty of men out there who believe women shouldn’t work.” He shook his head with disgust. “I just hoped nothing like this would happen in our company.”

  Chase agreed. It was despicable, and just thinking of what could have been said before he got there made him sick. He’d make sure to find out everything when he saw Lily today. “I agree. Have you seen any other behavior like this?”

  Lucas shook his head. “Of course not. If I had, I would’ve fired whoever was involved.” Lucas rubbed the back of his neck, and Chase could see his mind going a mile a minute. “So, what now? How are we going to replace him? With the opening next week, this puts us in a sticky situation.”

  That had been one of the things keeping Chase up last night. “I’ll put a notice out immediately, but I think it likely we’ll end up promoting someone we have already. Most of our workers have the experience to step into such a position. In the meantime, we can temporarily pass the duties on to one of the other supervisors.”

  Lucas nodded. “That’s probably the best choice. We need to be up and running at full speed on opening day.”

  “Understood.” And Chase would do everything in his power to facilitate that. He needed this to be a success just as much as his partners did. “We’ll keep putting out fires as they pop up.”

  Lucas grimaced. “I know it’s inevitable, but I wish it would run smoothly.”

  “Agreed.” Chase pulled out his watch, noting the time. He had about another hour before Lily arrived. “Do you need help with any of this? I have some time.” He looked over the cluttered desk.

  Lucas waved it away. “I can handle it, but there was something else I wanted to mention. Blackgate will be arriving in two weeks to start optimizing things. We’ll need to make sure everything’s ready for him.”

  Maximus Blackgate was one of their partners. He excelled in business practices and efficiency. The others were good but nowhere near the level of their partner. He wasn’t personable, but with Chase filling that role, Max was able to excel. He’d make sure the mine was operating as profitably as possible before he was done.

  Chase pursed his lips. “Perfect. Most of the initial kinks should be worked out in the first couple weeks, with staffing and whatnot. We should be ready.”

  “That’s what I thought. With any luck, he’ll say we’ve done a good job and return home.”

  Chase chuckled. “Wishful thinking, my friend.”

  “A man can hope.”

  Chase held up his hands. “I won’t stop your delusions.”

  “Thank you,” Lucas said, his tone dry. “On that note, I also wanted to discuss your upcoming trip.”

  “Trip?”

  Lucas frowned. “You hadn’t heard?” When Chase shook his head, Lucas explained. “Nathan got pulled into something and can’t make it to the dinner in Denver this weekend. You’ll need to go in his stead.”

  “The devil you say.” The last thing Chase wanted to do was put on a horse and pony show and flatter people who didn’t deserve it. “Why don’t you go?”

  Lucas raised a brow. “You know I don’t have the polish. Besides, you’re best suited for this.”

  Chase knew it was true. He was the face, the charm, the reason they’d gotten so many contacts. That wasn’t conceit, just honesty. He knew it was one of the biggest strengths he brought to the table in their partnership—he just wished it wasn’t such a chore. “How will we manage? There’s so much more to do before opening.”

  “It’ll be hard, but I can handle it.” He looked away, as if uncomfortable about what he would bring up next.

  That more than anything put Chase on edge. “What is it? Is there something else I have to do while I’m there?”

  “No. The schedule will remain the same. Dinner Friday and a soiree on Saturday. You’ll be home on Sunday. However, one adjustment needs to be made.”

  Chase’s brows furrowed. “I don’t understand.”

  Lucas looked away. “I’ve spoken with the others, and they suggested you would be more successful if you brought someone with you.”

  It took a moment to understand what Lucas meant. “A companion? Are you saying I need a woman with me?”

  Lucas shrugged. “Don’t look so surprised. You’ll be going to parties. Normally, it isn’t a problem when you go alone, but this time you’ll be more successful if you have someone with you. The Kramers are particular that way.”

  Chase understood the logic, uneven pairs at dinner, mingling with both men and their wives. Bringing someone made sense, but he rebelled against the thought. There was no one in his life to bring. “Since I don’t have a wife, who are you suggesting?”

  “What about your sister? We can make arrangements for her to join you in Denver within a few days. It’s a stretch, but it’s still possible she could make it.”

  Chase shook his head. It was a good idea, but it wouldn’t work. “My sister’s touring the continent with my parents. They won’t be back for several months.” Lucas cursed. “Any other glowing suggestions?”

  Lucas glared at him. “No. You aren’t planning on getting married any time soon, are you?”

  “If you’re suggesting I get married just for this, I’ll have to disappoint you.”

  Lucas shrugged. “It was worth asking. I never know if you’re involved with anyone.”

  Chase’s lips quirked. “Thank you.” He went out of his way to keep his relationships discrete and was satisfied he’d been successful.

  Lucas still seemed to be turning the problem over in his mind. “It’d be best not to invite some society darling. She’d expect you to stay by her side at all times. Plus, we’d have to arrange for her family to come as well to keep things aboveboard.”

  Chase couldn’t hide his shudder. “If you put me in a situation like that, I’ll quit.”

  Lucas’ lips twitched. “You can’t quit. You own part of the company.”

  “Then I’ll become a silent partner.”

  “We both know you’d never do that.”

  While Chase normally appreciated that Lucas knew him so well, right now he’d rather that weren’t the case. “So what option are we left with? If a woman must join me, it would be best if it were a simple business arrangement.”

  “Agreed,” Lucas said. “But we don’t exactly have a woman who could…” His eyes lit up.

  The second the words were out of Lucas’ mouth, Chase was already shaking his head. He couldn’t handle having Lily there. “No. That would never work.”

  “Why not? Because she isn’t highborn?” He looked doubtful.

  Chase leveled a glare at him. “Of course not. You and I both know Miss Reed would navigate the situation with flying colors. Her reserve and sophistication would make her a natural in society. But she’s needed here.”