Western Promise Page 6

  “We’ll be fine. I can manage things until she gets back, and we’ll still have a few days before the mine’s opening. Besides, most of the important stuff is done, what we’re down to now are the details.”

  Emotions churned through Chase faster than he could process. Excitement, fear, longing. He wanted her with him so much he ached, but that was part of the problem. His attraction to Lily grew each day, and, in proportion, his willpower lessened.

  Having her alone, and in such close proximity, was dangerous. “I still think I can accomplish what we need if I go by myself.”

  Lucas speared him with a glance. “Do you? Think about it. You know these people. You’ll be at an intimate dinner, without a companion. There’ll be uneven numbers—you know how much they care about such nonsense.”

  He knew it was true, and it frustrated him. But they’d only be together for two days. How much could happen in the two days? Besides, if Lily joined him, then they wouldn’t have to worry about chaperones and other such nuisances. Just business.

  He let out a sigh. “All right. But I can’t guarantee Miss Reed will agree. In fact, I’m expecting her to pitch quite a fit.”

  Lucas’ lips twitched. “Leave it to me. I can convince Miss Reed.”

  Chase was intrigued, but finally he nodded. “If you can convince her, I’ll do it.”

  Heaven help them both.

  Chapter 9

  “So you’re going away with Mr. Eversley for the weekend?” Charlotte asked slowly as if she hadn’t heard correctly.

  “Not exactly.” Lily looked around at the women who’d become so close to her, hoping they would understand. It was just her luck Abigail had decided to visit that afternoon. Now it felt like standing in front of a firing squad. “I’m not going with Mr. Eversley. I’m just traveling to attend a dinner. For business,” she added, as if that made it sound any better. Which it didn’t.

  Giving up, she placed her head in her hands. “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

  “You don’t have to go,” Grace said and slung an arm around Lily’s shoulders. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. If this makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it.”

  That wasn’t the problem. She felt comfortable around Chase, knew he wouldn’t do anything inappropriate. The problem—for once in her life—was that she worried she would do something inappropriate.

  Ever since the confrontation with Mr. Trent, Lily hadn’t been able to forget the way Chase had defended and protected her—or the way he’d looked at her. Like she was the most precious person in his life.

  She knew that wasn’t true, though. It was ridiculous. Chase could have anything—anyone—he wanted. And she was no one.

  She sucked in a shaky breath and looked up at the others. “I do have to go. This is for business, and Lucas asked me personally to do it. Mr. Eversley wasn’t involved.”

  “Oh,” Emery said. “I can see the problem, then.”

  Lily nodded. “Exactly.”

  Abigail bit her lip. “I love my husband, but if you’re uncomfortable with this, I’ll go to him and tell him it’s off. He’ll just have to find someone else.”

  Lily looked into Abigail’s bright green eyes, seeing her concern there. “I appreciate it, but that won’t be necessary. There isn’t enough time to find someone else, and frankly, if they’re asking me, that means there is no one else. As he explained, it would be awkward if Mr. Eversley arrived alone. Especially to the dinner.”

  Hannah shrugged and nodded. “They’re right. It would. I mean, it wouldn’t destroy everything, but it would be awkward for the hostess. And I’m assuming they don’t want to create any awkwardness if they’re trying to do business.”

  Lily held up her hands. “That’s exactly what Lucas said.”

  Hannah cocked her head. “I’m not sure what the problem is. Traveling with him will be a dream, and you’ll have your own room once you arrive. It’ll be completely appropriate. You’ll go to a few parties and then come home. What’s the problem?”

  For some reason, Hannah’s breezy attitude set Lily off. “What’s the problem? Look at me!” She gestured to her clean but simple dress. “I’ll be at his side. Like this. I’m not a fancy lady! I don’t have fancy dresses. I don’t know how to act or what to do!”

  Abigail reached over and placed her hand over hers. “You might not be a fancy lady, but you have the manners and attitude of one. You’ll do just fine by being yourself. As for your clothes, you’re right, you’ll need different ones. But I’m happy to lend you mine.”

  Hannah glanced at Lily’s form. “I’d offer to lend you some of mine as well, but with the height difference, I don’t think any of them would fit.”

  Lily agreed, but it was kind of her to offer. “Thank you.” She looked over Abby’s casual dress. It was still far more elaborate than Lily’s best. “But I couldn’t. What if I spilled something on them?”

  Abby’s laughter filled the air. “Then I would buy more. You know that wouldn’t be a problem.”

  That was the truth. Abby was a hotel heiress, and when she married Lucas, she’d gained an even larger fortune. Losing a few dresses was a pittance to Abby. But to Lily, the dresses were worth more than she’d ever owned. “I don’t know. It all just seems so mad.”

  Charlotte grinned. “I don’t know. Traveling somewhere with a handsome, wealthy man almost seems like a fairytale.”

  Grace and Emery chuckled.

  She probably would’ve said the same thing if their places were reversed. But Lily was too stressed to see the humor in the moment. What if she did something embarrassing? What if she made a fool of Chase? Herself? Or worse, what if she did something ridiculous like kiss him? She would never forgive herself.

  She groaned. “I just wish this wasn’t happening.”

  Abby patted her hand. “It will be over soon. You’ll be home before you know it and opening the mine. Then Mr. Eversley will be gone, and you’ll never have to see him again.”

  She knew Abby was trying to make her feel better, but the words only made her heart heavy. Having Chase in her life had brought some difficulty, but the thought of him gone left her world bleak.

  She was in trouble. Big, big trouble.

  In a whirlwind, Abby lent Lily everything she’d need for the trip and more. Lily couldn’t even imagine needing all the stuff, but as they disembarked from the wagon at the train station, there wasn’t much she could do but accept it.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to go the rest of the way with you?” Abby asked.

  After bringing the items and helping her pack, Abby had driven her back to town on her way home.

  “No. Thank you, though. Mr. Eversley said he would meet me here.” She glanced over her shoulder and scanned the crowd.

  Abby grinned slowly and pointed in a different direction. “He’s over there by the private cars.”

  She tried not to gape. “Private cars?” She knew what they were, but she’d never thought she’d ride in one. Only the extremely wealthy could afford them.

  Abby gave her one last squeeze. “You’re going to do great. Just remember who you are and that you’re amazing. Mr. Eversley likes you just the way you are.”

  “Oh! It’s not that.”

  Abby raised a brow. “Isn’t it?”

  “No. I thought it was clear that Chase and I are just associates.”

  “It is clear,” she agreed. “But that doesn’t mean there can’t be more…with Chase,” she said meaningfully, and Lily realized she’d slipped and called him by his first name.

  At Abby’s challenging look, Lily shook her head. “Abby…I can’t.”

  “I’m not saying you have to. I’m just saying I see something between you. And you know my history, you know what happened between me and Lucas. I’d hate for you to waste any time.”

  Lucas and Abby had been in love for years, but because Lucas hadn’t been a man of means, they were parted for eight years because he hadn’t felt good enough for her. When they saw each other again, they realized they’d only ever loved each other.

  But this wasn’t like that. “I’m not in love with Chase.” Lily didn’t know why that felt like a lie.

  “All right.” Abby apparently knew when to retreat. “Let me know if you need a ride home when you get back.” She gave her a hug. “Stay safe. And have fun.”

  Lily laughed then. “I’ll try,” she said, although she doubted any part of this trip would be fun.

  She glanced back over the platform and saw Chase waiting for her, allowing her to say her goodbyes. He nodded, but she could tell he wanted her to take her time. “I guess that means I should go.”

  Abby gave her one last hug before flagging down a porter. “Take these trunks to Mr. Eversley’s car.”

  The man tipped his cap. “Very good, Mrs. McDermott.”

  Abby waved as Lily made her way to Chase. “Safe travels,” she called. “Have fun!”

  Lily was chuckling when she stepped up to Chase. He passed an amused glance between Abby and herself. “Do you need reminding to have fun?”

  “Apparently Abby think so,” she said dryly. “She seems to think this will be an adventure. I tried telling her it was just business, but I’m not sure she believes me.”

  “Well, maybe it can be both.” He stepped back and gestured for her to move toward the car. “The train should be leaving soon, so we should get comfortable. If you’re hungry, we can have something made up for us.”

  She was hungry, but her stomach was so jittery, she wanted to wait. She was worried anything she put in her stomach would come right back up. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d rather wait a bit.”

  He smiled at her. “Whenever you’re ready.” They stepped up to the car. “After you.” He held out his hand and helped her up the steps.

  She smiled her thanks and stepped into the car, her feet rooting in place as she gazed over the luxurious surroundings, the likes of which she’d never seen.

  He walked past her before turning back. “Is everything all right?”

  “This is yours?” She knew she had a bemused expression on her face, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get rid of it.

  He nodded, looking around as if seeing it through her eyes. “It is. I travel so much it seemed prudent to get one so I was comfortable. I don’t know if you remember, but traveling coach was rather uncomfortable.”

  She couldn’t help it—a giggle escaped her lips as she imagined Chase crammed elbow-to-elbow with the other passengers, children screaming as they raced down the aisles. “I think this was a wise choice in your case.”

  He feigned outrage but then grinned. “You’re absolutely right. Unfortunately, I’m rather spoiled with such things.”

  Looking around the car again, and truly seeing the wealth Chase possessed, Lily imagined he must be.

  “Please, have a seat.” He gestured to a seating arrangement with plush pillows and cushions which looked as though she could sink in and never get up. “I hope you don’t mind if I loosen up a bit. We’ll be traveling for a while, and I’d rather relax.”

  She smiled at him. “Go ahead. It’s nothing I haven’t already seen in the office after twelve hours of work,” she said tartly.

  He chuckled in amusement. “That’s true. If only I could be like that all the time.”

  She watched him, interested. Is that what he wanted? She’d spent so much time with him over the last few weeks and had gotten to know him as the hard-working, caring person he was. But seeing him in this environment, diamond cuff links in place, tie perfectly knotted, she wondered how she felt about this side of Chase. Which one was the true man?

  After loosening his cuffs and rolling up his shirtsleeves, he took off his tie and coat, placing them over the back of another chair. “Much better.”

  She was wearing one of her own dresses for the trip, worried she would wrinkle one of Abby’s gowns. Abby had tried to talk her out of it, but Lily hadn’t relented. Besides she could change before they arrived in Denver. This way, she could be comfortable as well.

  After a few minutes, the whistle sounded, and the train pulled from the station. For a while, she watched the passing scenery, sipping the water a footman had given her.

  It was quiet, peaceful even, as Chase looked over paperwork and she relaxed on the sofa. It was so different from her trip out West. Back then, she’d been excited and uncertain of her future, but she’d known she was setting her life on an adventurous path—one where she could make her own future, her own fortune, and her own decisions.

  So much had changed since then, and Lily wondered how things would continue to evolve once the mine opened.

  After a while, Chase moved next to her, looking relaxed. “You look very serious over here. Has the scenery offended you?”

  She rolled her eyes and snorted. “Of course not. It’s lovely,” she said, looking back at the window. Mountains towered on both sides of them, giant pine trees standing as sentinels. She hadn’t known the country could look so different before she’d come to Promise Creek, and yet there was still so much to see. She wondered if she would ever travel and see the famed deserts she’d heard of. “Have you been farther west?” she asked, suddenly curious. “San Francisco, maybe?”

  He let out a tired sigh and nodded. “I’ve been all over the place.”

  But he didn’t sound happy about it. “Do you not like traveling?” she asked. Getting around wasn’t fun, but she imagined seeing new places would be worth it.

  “I neither like nor dislike it. I guess most cities are like all the others.”

  “That sounds lonely,” she said before thinking it through. She lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry. That was too personal.”

  His finger slipped beneath her chin, and he lifted her head so her eyes met his. “You can ask me anything you want. If there’s something you’d like to know, I’ll tell you.”

  His finger lingered on her skin, and he brushed her cheek tenderly before he let his hand fall. She sucked in a breath, shaking a little. Why was it when they touched, her nerve endings lit on fire? She wanted to ask if he felt the same but wasn’t sure she was brave enough for the answer.

  So instead, she asked, “Are you happy to be leaving? I can’t imagine Promise Creek lives up to the lifestyle you’re used to.”

  He retreated a little more. “I’m not everything I appear to be, Lily.”

  “Chase…” She shook her head, slightly worried how easily his name fell from her lips. She frowned. “Perhaps it would be best if I called you Mr. Eversley again.”

  “I thought we agreed to call each other by our given names?”

  “I’m worried if I get used to calling you Chase, I might slip when we’re around others.”

  He shrugged. “Oh well.”

  She laughed. “You don’t mean that. It would make it seem as though…” She trailed off, not wanting to finish her statement.

  He leaned closer to her. “It would make it seem like what?”

  Her cheeks flushed, and she inwardly cursed. He chuckled and traced the warmth with the knuckle of his forefinger. “This color suits you. It matches your hair.”

  Laughing and embarrassed, she swatted his hand away. “I just mean that if I referred to you so informally, others will think we’re involved. Romantically,” she added, so he wouldn’t ask a follow-up question.

  She expected him to laugh, to brush it off. But instead, he sat quietly, watching her. “And would that be so bad?”

  She frowned. “Don’t you think so? A relationship with me would damage your reputation.”

  He cocked his head. “Why is that?”

  She hated that she had to spell it out for him. “I’m no one. A commoner.”

  “This is America, Lily.”

  “I know that. But there are still social classes, and I don’t fit into yours.” She wasn’t ashamed of it. It was just a fact. She couldn’t change who she was, and she wouldn’t want to either.

  “You’re right. I won’t pretend otherwise. There would be some who would lift their noses at us, but they’re not the sort I care to be involved with. Besides, when I took up working, and I mean really working, like you’ve seen me do in the last couple of weeks, those same people washed their hands of me. Lily, I don’t care about them. In fact, I hate going to these things more than anything. The people at them are entitled snobs, and I find most of their behavior despicable.”

  She frowned. “How can that be? That’s the society you were born into.”

  He nodded seriously. “It is. And for a long time, I was just like them. Stuck up, self-centered, and couldn’t care less about anyone or anything besides my own pursuit of pleasure.” He shook his head slowly, his face screwed into a mask of disgust. “I don’t like who I was.”

  “What happened? What made you change?”

  He was quiet for a moment, and Lily was about to apologize for overstepping when he said, “I’ve seen what it can do. I’ve seen what those people can do. If you step out of line, lose your fortune, marry the wrong person, or do any number of minor infractions, you’re cast off. Look at Miss Pierce. Look what happened to her.”

  The sudden change in topic jarred her. “What does Hannah have to do with this?”

  He paused. “You mean, she didn’t tell you?”

  “Tell me what? Did something happen to her?” Lily wanted to kick herself. Of course something had happened or else she wouldn’t be here. She’d known Hannah was from upper society, but she hadn’t realized quite how far up. She hadn’t realized how bad it must’ve been for her to come to Promise Creek. She should’ve pushed, should’ve made more of an effort to find out. When she got back from this trip, she promised herself she would.

  He rubbed his jaw as if debating whether or not to tell her. Finally, he shook his head. “I’m sorry, but if she chose not to tell you, I’ll respect that. Ask her yourself what happened, and she might open up.”

  He looked at her like she’d be upset over his silence on the matter, but in truth, she only respected him more. He could keep a confidence. He didn’t gossip. It was a rare quality. “I will. Now that I know, I’ll ask her.”