Western Promise, page 8
part #2 of Copper Kings Series
His eyes flashed. Before she could react, his lips came down on hers.
She gasped at the shock surging through her at his touch. There was no fumbling, no indecision. She’d only been kissed by one other person, but compared to this, she could hardly call that a kiss.
His hand rose to her jaw, and he cradled it as he deepened the kiss. His flavor overwhelmed her, and she felt drugged by it.
But he didn’t let up as her body surrendered. It was as if he reveled in it, as if it made his passion burn brighter.
A man like Chase should kiss how he looked—cultured, suave, composed—but he didn’t. This Chase, the man buried beneath layers of civility, was a pirate. He plundered, took, and gave without a hint of remorse.
She shivered, enjoying every moment of the onslaught.
This was possession. No teasing or playing. Just pure, unadulterated need.
Its rawness, the complete honesty of his passion, pulled her in, and she responded in kind, unable to hold back from him.
He pressed her against the wall, his body up against hers, and she welcomed it, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him closer.
One kiss bled into another until she didn’t know where one ended and the next began. The wildness in him settled, but it only made the connection sharper, more intense, as things slowed. They moved as one, breathed as one, and her heart opened, feeling things she’d never dared.
He kissed her softly one last time, nuzzling her before stepping back. He watched her closely as if wondering how she’d react.
In truth, it was all she could manage to hold herself upright. It was as if every fiber of her being had been altered.
His eyes tracked hers, and all she wanted to do was hold him again. He was so handsome, so completely unlike her first impression of him.
His hair was no longer slicked back perfectly after her hands had had their way with it. But he looked perfect to her. More handsome, more entrancing, than any man she’d ever met before.
If it weren’t for their differences in social class and wealth, he’d be perfect for her.
At that sobering reminder, she blew out a breath, attempting to regain her balance. Those were dangerous thoughts.
No matter how she might care for Chase, no matter how much she might want him, he would never be hers.
Although she forced her hands to remain still in her lap, it was all Lily could do to keep them there as they bumped along in the carriage toward the dinner party. She didn’t know if she was more wound up over the upcoming event or what had happened at the hotel between her and Chase before they left.
He kissed me.
And not just a little peck you’d give a family member. He’d kissed her as if he could reach into the depths of her soul. She let out a shaky breath, remembering how it felt to have his lips against hers.
She’d never be the same.
It was dark out, but with the luminescent gas lighting, she could easily see the grandeur of the buildings they passed. Mansion after mansion, her unease grew. Regardless of Chase’s reassurance, all her self-consciousness flooded back.
What was she doing? She didn’t belong in a fancy carriage, wearing an intricate gown, on her way to an elaborate dinner hosted by one of society’s queens. If she’d ever been welcomed in a place like this before, it would’ve been below stairs.
Her fingers twisted in her lap.
Without a word, Chase reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. “You’re going to do great.”
Breath bound up in her lungs, but she didn’t look at him. She kept her eyes fixed out the window as if all of her problems would be solved by watching the world pass. She nodded once, hoping he’d drop the line of conversation.
She was here now, and there was nothing to be done but move forward and get through it. This is my job, she told herself. This is what she was getting paid for. Regardless of how she felt about Chase, she was doing a job. And that job was to represent the company, to be charming, and to allow Chase to close whatever business he needed.
She could do that. She could do anything she set her mind to. And if she thought of it like that, she would get through this.
But as he squeezed her hand once again, she acknowledged she was also doing this for him. She wanted to help him, and not because it was required of her. She just hoped she would accomplish that.
They rolled to a stop in front of what she considered a palace, its tall, white columns elegant and imposing, and Lily’s stomach clenched.
Chase removed his hand from hers, rolled his shoulders, and quirked his lips as if he found the situation amusing.
In a way, it disturbed her, and she didn’t understand why.
At least, not until the carriage door opened and he stepped out, pulling her with him.
This was the Chase she’d met when he first arrived in Promise Creek. The slick, amused, polished man who hadn’t a care in the world. It was a façade, she knew. One he wore around others. But she hadn’t seen it in so long, it unnerved her.
How could he change himself so quickly? How could he hide who he truly was?
At that thought, she wondered if he was hiding anything else. Almost immediately, she shut down that line of thinking. She knew Chase. Knew who he truly was.
Working side by side so closely, there was no way he could deceive her. He might look like a dilettante, but inside, he was hard-working, caring, and passionate about what mattered to him.
She had to remember that.
He escorted her up the stairs and into the entry, where they were greeted by staff who took his coat and hat and her cloak before leading them to the parlor.
Conversation floated down the hall, and Lily’s breath came in pants, the tightly laced corset making any deeper breaths impossible.
Her arm still in his, he gave her a quick squeeze as if to bolster her.
It worked.
Her back straightened just as they turned into the room. They were announced, and all eyes fell on Chase. He still had on his amused smile and nodded to everyone as if pleased to see them.
But then all attention turned to her. Curious eyes met hers, and a few whispers sounded as people tried to figure out who she was and what her relationship to Chase might be.
But instead of shrinking, she held herself still, serene, and placed a small smile on her lips as others looked on. It felt like minutes had passed with them on display before an expensively bedecked couple made their way toward them.
The man grinned at Chase and held out his hand. “I’m glad you could make it, Eversley. Wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t here.”
Chase flashed a broader smile. “You know I wouldn’t miss this. You and your lovely wife host the best parties.” He winked at the couple.
The woman tittered, and the heavy diamond necklace resting on her chest jiggled, sending sparkles throughout the room. She placed her hand close to the jewelry, purposefully drawing their eyes to it. “Oh, Mr. Eversley, you’re too kind. We only try to keep our guests from getting too bored.”
Inside, Lily groaned at the false modesty, but when the woman’s eyes met hers, Lily made sure a pleasant expression was on her face.
“We were so pleased to hear Mr. Eversley was bringing a guest. But I don’t believe we’ve met,” their hostess said.
Chase smoothly interceded. “Mr. And Mrs. Kramer, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Lily Reed.” He didn’t give any further information about her, how they knew each other, or why she was there.
An interested gleam came into Mrs. Kramer’s eye. “It’s lovely to meet you, Miss Reed. We’re pleased to have you with us tonight. Might I hope you’ll also be at the soirée tomorrow?”
The question was addressed to Lily, but Mrs. Kramer looked to Chase for a reply. Instead of being offended, Lily was relieved. If she could go without speaking the entire night, she would.
Chase nodded softly. “Miss Reed will be joining me tomorrow as well.”
“Excellent.” The woman gave Lily another considering look, but Lily wasn’t sure what she was thinking. “I’m sure several men will be pleased to hear of your attendance. Beautiful women are always in high demand.”
The words were a compliment, but it felt as if there was something more being said. “Thank you,” Lily said. “I’m looking forward to the event.”
Like the cat that got the cream, a cunning smile spread across the woman’s face as she looked around the room. “In fact, there’s quite a few gentlemen here this evening I think will be interested in meeting you.” She glanced to Chase. “That is, if Mr. Eversley doesn’t mind me stealing you away for a bit.”
Chase’s hand tightened on her, but Lily knew no one would notice. His easy, affable smile remained steady. “Of course not.”
He turned his attention to Lily. “Find me once you’re finished. I’d like to escort you into dinner myself.”
His eyes softened now that he was looking at her, and her cheeks warmed from his attention. “Of course,” she murmured.
But when she looked back at Mrs. Kramer, the woman’s eyes had darkened slightly. “Come, my dear. Let’s not keep the other guests waiting.”
Lily followed after Mrs. Kramer, glancing back over her shoulder at Chase, who continued to watch her even though Mr. Kramer was speaking with him. With the kind of attention he lavished on her, no one could doubt his feelings for her.
And as she glanced around the room, several of the younger women threw daggers at her with their eyes. That wasn’t something she’d expected. How could she have known that arriving with Chase would paint a target on her?
She sighed inwardly. She should have known. Chase was a catch, and she couldn’t blame these women for wanting him for themselves. But what did surprise her was the possessiveness winding through her.
Chase is mine.
But even as the thought crossed her mind, she pushed it away. Chase wasn’t hers, and he never would be.
She looked over at him, but this time, she was the one with heat in her gaze. He might never be hers, but she realized she wanted to be his.
It was madness—utter madness—but she blamed it on the circumstances. This wasn’t reality. At least, not for her. Chase belonged here, in homes like this, at parties such as these.
Mrs. Kramer stopped in front of two men in conversation. Both possessed striking appearances, perhaps more so because they were so different. One had white-blonde hair, slicked back like Chase’s, and the other had almost black hair, his eyes just as dark. But where there was a sparkle of mischief in the one man’s dark eyes, there was coldness in the blonde’s.
Regardless of their outward difference, as she approached, they both looked at her with interest, momentarily stunning her.
“Mr. Blake, Mr. Mayne, I’d like to introduce you both to Miss Lily Reed. Miss Reed, I’d like you to meet these two gentlemen. I also caution you, however, as they’re both rogues.” She tittered again as if she found her words vastly amusing.
The dark-haired gentleman, Mr. Mayne, also seemed amused. However, Mr. Blake’s expression hardened.
Lily curtsied demurely. “It’s a pleasure to meet both of you.”
At her graceful deportment, Mr. Blake’s eyes softened slightly, and even more interest flickered in Mr. Mayne’s cool dark eyes before he darted a glance in Chase’s direction. He stepped forward, took Lily’s hand, and brushed a soft kiss over the back of her glove. “I assure you, the pleasure is mine.” He looked at Mrs. Kramer. “I commend you for your choice in guests. I haven’t seen such a gathering of elegant and beautiful ladies in some time.”
His words were smooth, flattering, but they didn’t fluster Lily in the slightest. Mr. Mayne might have a silver tongue, but it was just that. He didn’t know who she was and was only basing his high opinion on how she looked. However, such obnoxious things were to be expected. She lowered her eyes as if flattered. “You’re too kind, Mr. Mayne.”
They exchanged brief, meaningless conversation, and after a few minutes, Mr. Blake excused himself to speak with someone else. A moment later, Mrs. Kramer made an excuse to leave as well, but by the gleam in her eye, Lily realized this was her plan all along.
But why?
When she glanced over her shoulder, looking for Chase, she knew. There was a hard look in Chase’s eye as he watched her with Mr. Mayne. What was that about?
“You’ll have to forgive him,” Mr. Mayne said, drawing her attention back to him.
She knew she should feel embarrassed at having been caught looking for Chase, but she refused to let that feeling blossom. “Forgive whom?” she asked.
A smile curved his lips. “Chase and I aren’t on the best terms. Business deal gone wrong.” He winked as if it truly weren’t serious.
She glanced at Chase again, but by the look on his face, she wasn’t so sure his animosity was because of a simple business deal. “I see.”
Mr. Mayne cocked his head. “I am curious about you.”
“Whatever for?”
“Chase has never had anyone accompany him to such events. I find myself intrigued now that he has.”
Her heart raced as understanding filled her. They were rivals, and she realized his interest in her was solely because of Chase’s interest. “I’m afraid I’m quite boring. Not nearly as interesting as you seem to think.”
He shook his head and brushed a thumb across his lower lip as he considered her. “I doubt that. If Chase has an interest in you, there’s a reason.”
Irritated, she wanted to tell him she was only here because it was her job to be. And while it was a truth, and Chase hadn’t told her to keep that information to herself, she refused to explain in case it caused problems for him. “I assure you I’m no one of import,” she said, brushing off his interest.
However, her words—or perhaps the way she’d spoken them—only seemed to intrigue him further. “I guess that’s something we’ll have to find out then.”
Before she could reply, dinner was announced. He stepped forward to escort her, but before he got the chance, Chase approached. “Are you ready?” he asked her, offering his arm.
Relief flowed through her, and she nodded, quickly tucking her hand through his arm.
Chase nodded to Mr. Mayne. “Mayne.”
“Eversley.” Mr. Mayne’s tone was cheery, as if he’d expected Chase to come after her. He turned his attention to her. “Miss Reed, it’s been a pleasure. I hope we have another opportunity to speak.”
Chase’s arm tightened, but he didn’t say anything. She wished she knew their history. “I look forward to it.”
Chase maneuvered her away, and they followed other couples into the dining room. “Is everything all right?” she asked, still feeling the tension in Chase’s body.
He leaned closer to her. “Yes. If you can, stay away from Mr. Mayne.”
She wanted to ask why, what had happened between them, but they’d entered the dining room. Unfortunately, she and Chase were seated at opposite ends of the table. Chase had been given a seat of honor, next to Mr. Kramer, and Lily had been placed between an older gentleman whom she suspected couldn’t hear very well, and Mr. Blake.
She sighed inwardly, anticipating the meal would be painful.
Chase waved one of the servants away and seated her himself. But before he stepped away, he leaned forward. “I’m sorry we’re not sitting close together. But if you need me for any reason, just signal and we’ll leave.”
At his care, some of the tension left her body, and she nodded. She watched as he seated himself close to the head of the table, quickly engaging Mr. Kramer in conversation.
He was charming, and while she couldn’t hear exactly what he said, she knew he already had Mr. Kramer eating out of his hand.
She chatted amiably with the people around her as the evening progressed and several courses were served. Before too long, she felt herself relaxing, chuckling at someone’s joke. She responded in kind and had the people around her laughing. Mr. Blake even cracked a smile, and she felt as though she’d won a prize.
Dinner wound down and relief filled her. This hadn’t been nearly as difficult as she thought it would be. Everyone had enjoyed her company, and she hadn’t embarrassed herself or Chase as the night wore on.
She looked over at him, and his eyes met hers. He smiled, pride evident in his gaze, and her stomach fluttered.
For a moment, she imagined them like this in the future. Attending functions neither one wanted to go to, sharing secret looks, and then returning home together after.
The longer she imagined it, the more she wanted it.
And the scary thing was, after tonight, she was starting to believe it was possible.
Chapter 12
Chase had known Lily would excel at dinner, but he hadn’t imagined the extent of her success. She’d been a jewel among coal. She’d charmed her tablemates without trying, her wit and natural deportment shining through the conversation.
He’d even been surprised by the way Mr. Blake had seemed intrigued with her. The man normally found little to interest him, but by the end of the night, Chase could tell Lily had snagged his attention.
It didn’t matter though. Lily was his, and he had no intention of sharing her with anyone. She’d been nervous about mingling in high society, but after last night, she couldn’t say she didn’t belong.
The fact was, she belonged with him. They were a perfect fit, and he was determined to make her see it as well.
The soirée wasn’t until later, and then they’d be catching the early morning train back to Promise Creek. But in the meantime, he wanted to show her more of the town, show her what life together could be like.
He’d already made reservations for lunch, and he planned on spoiling her before and after, utilizing every moment he had with her. He wanted to spoil her for the rest of his life.
