Western Promise, page 9
part #2 of Copper Kings Series
He just had to convince her to let him.
He grinned as he walked across the hall to her door and knocked softly.
When she opened the door, with her hair pinned up in a sophisticated chignon, he lost his breath. She was gorgeous. Stunning.
Those words didn’t even do her justice.
Her hand went to the back of her neck in a self-conscious gesture when he kept staring. “Do I look all right?” she asked.
“You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.” He couldn’t stop the words from leaving his lips if he’d tried.
Her cheeks reddened, and he couldn’t help it, he reached forward, brushing a fingertip across her skin. His eyes hooded as he again thought about kissing her there and on her neck where color now bloomed.
“What are you thinking?” she asked, gasping slightly when his fingers trailed to the side of her neck.
“When you blush, color goes here,” he said, tracing it with his finger. She shivered at his touch, and he lingered, drawing out her pleasure. “I was just thinking I wanted to see if it tastes as warm as it looks.”
She swallowed hard. “Taste?”
He nodded seriously. “With my lips first. Then my tongue if you’d let me.” At her dazed look, he took a step into her room, keeping eye contact with her. “Will you let me, Lily?”
“Do you really want to?” Her breath came in shallow pants, and he loved seeing how much he affected her.
He closed the door softly behind him. “I do,” he said, leaning forward to whisper in her hair. “More than anything.” He wanted to do it right then, but he wanted her to tell him even more. “Will you let me?”
He saw goosebumps rise on her skin, and he made sure to breathe in the exact same place. Her body reacted instantly. He’d kiss there as well, just below her ear.
She moaned as she arched her body, saying without words that she wanted him to. But it wasn’t enough.
He pulled back, and her eyes fluttered open, lost in what he was making her feel. “Kiss me, Chase.”
He groaned and took her lips, his pulse pounding at the desire in her voice. He wouldn’t have been able to hold himself back another moment. Holding her like this, tasting her, being with her, gave him more pleasure than anything else in his life.
He felt a tentative flick of her tongue against his lips, and his eyes rolled back.
He tilted her chin, connecting their lips more fully before tasting deeper. Her flavor exploded through him, causing shocks of need to race through him.
He groaned against her mouth, and she shivered at the vibrations of it.
His control was slipping, and all he could think about was ravishing her, about pulling all the pins out of her hair, undressing her—
He pulled away, his heart pounding, his body shaking with need.
He stepped back, breathing in deeply, but when he glanced at her, her rosy, swollen lips still open from their kiss, it almost undid him.
She brought her fingers to the puffy skin, tracing it. “Is everything all right?”
She looked uneasy, and he didn’t want that. He answered honestly. “I find myself short on control when it comes to you.” And that was the truth. He felt like a teenager experiencing his first kiss.
She blushed again, and he groaned. That color is what got him into this state in the first place.
A smile returned to her lips. “Perhaps it’s best if we leave. Make sure we’re around others.”
He wanted to object, to keep her to himself and stay in her room, where he could take his time enjoying her, but he knew that would only lead to one thing, and he refused to dishonor her in that way.
So instead, he opened the door and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
Without hesitation she stepped toward him, looping her arm through his as she had several times before. They walked casually through the hotel, and Chase was struck with how right this felt. He’d always looked at other men, thinking how it must be a hindrance to have their wives in tow—sometimes even an annoyance—but with Lily by his side, he’d never feel that way. He wanted her with him at all times. He wanted to travel with her, to show her all the places he’d been, and experience new things with her. He wanted to share their lives with one another.
Every day he was with Lily only confirmed she was the person he wanted to be with. He didn’t shy away from it, didn’t fight it. Instead, he embraced it. He just wondered how Lily felt.
He led her out the door and into a waiting carriage, the driver taking off at Chase’s signal.
She looked at him curiously. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” He wasn’t sure she liked surprises, but regardless, he wouldn’t tell her.
She looked out at the passing scenery, excited, happy even. It was so different than how she’d looked last night on their way to dinner, and it made him happy.
And now it was his personal goal to see her happy for the rest of her life. “Lily…” She looked over at him, and he choked back the words of love which almost spilled out, his hands clenching in a fist as if the action could keep them inside. Now wasn’t the time.
“Yes?” She gave him an odd look.
He cleared his throat. “Are you enjoying the trip?”
The tension eased from her face. “Much more than I expected, actually.”
“You didn’t think you’d like it?”
She rolled her eyes. “I thought it would be torture. But this”—she gestured around the carriage that had had no expense spared during its creation—“it’s so much more than I ever imagined.”
“And that’s a good thing, right?” He laughed, knowing it could go either way with her.
She smirked. “In this case, yes. It’s been a wonderful thing. I can’t thank you enough. You’ve been so generous.”
He shook his head. “No thanks necessary. It’s been a pleasure.” And he planned on giving her so much more.
Awareness filled the air, and as if unable to handle it, she let out a soft laugh. “I’m not sure I can go back to regular life after being so spoiled.”
If he could help it, she never would go back to her regular life. He planned on spoiling her for the rest of their lives if she would let him. But he didn’t think she would take kindly to such information now. He gave her a sober look. “I won’t tell if you want to take home one of the pillows from the hotel.”
Her mouth fell open. “I couldn’t steal a pillow!”
He laughed at her outraged shock. “How about I buy one for you?”
“You will do no such thing!”
He leaned forward slightly. “You know you want me to. Those pillows are like heaven.”
She mashed her lips together as if fighting the urge to laugh. Instead, she just shook her head. “They’re the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on.”
And just like that, he planned on buying out the hotel’s pillow supply. He’d load them in their train car and make a bed for her out of them if she wanted.
The carriage rolled to a stop, and she looked out the window. She turned to him with a frown. “Are we in the shopping district?”
“We are,” he said, opening the carriage door before helping her out.
After she descended the steps, he held onto her hand as she looked around the crowded sidewalks.
People jostled by, intent on their destinations. Children ran in the crowd, and Chase knew it was just as likely that they were running for licorice as they were pickpocketing. He thought to warn her, but then realized such a thing was unnecessary. Lily was a strong, capable woman. She was used to city life and was aware of such things.
The air smelled warm and yeasty, and Chase imagined the bakery a few doors down had just finished a batch of bread. Perhaps he could tempt Lily with a treat after.
After taking her fill of the area, she gave him her attention again. “Is there something you need?”
He looped her arm in his. “You could say that.” He walked her to the closest shop door, where a burly looking guard opened the door for them, allowing them to enter.
“What is this place?” Lily quietly asked as they stepped in, their eyes adjusting to the dimmer light. But once they had, she gasped.
The walls were lined with jewelry cases. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and every other gem imaginable filled the cases in a glittering display. The light filtering in the front window hit the jewels, throwing cascades of sparkles against the walls and furniture.
It was quiet in the shop, and he nodded his greeting to the shopkeeper, allowing Lily to absorb the atmosphere.
“Are we the only ones here?” she asked, glancing briefly at the worker.
“I made an appointment so we wouldn’t be disturbed.”
As if knowing they were ready, the owner stepped forward. “It’s wonderful to see you, Mr. Eversley, Miss Reed.”
Chase stepped forward and shook the man’s hand, surprising him. “We appreciate you seeing us on such short notice.”
The man had a decade or two on Chase. His hair had turned a salt-and-pepper color, but it was fashionably cut and styled. The smile he now gave Chase was pleasant and sincere. “It’s my pleasure.” He clapped his hands together. “Now, are you looking for anything in particular?” His eyes trailed to Lily in question.
Her eyes widened slightly at the insinuation, and she shook her head. “Oh no. We’re not here for me.” She looked over at him. “Chase?” She had a suspicious gleam in her eye.
He’d thought to bring her here and buy her anything she wanted, just because she fancied it. But he should’ve known better. Instantly, he changed tactics. He rocked back on his heels. “I’m looking for a gift for someone, and I thought you could help me. You know, give me a woman’s perspective.”
“Oh.” She deflated instantly.
She’d been correct in her initial assumptions, but he wouldn’t let her know that.
“Of course.” She began looking at the cases, a focused look crossing her face—one he’d come to know and appreciate. “Everything is so lovely.”
The owner’s chest puffed with pride. “I offer only the best in my shop.”
She nodded, agreeing instantly. “I can see that.” After another moment, she shook her head. “I’m afraid I’m going to need more information, Chase. Who are we buying for?” As if a new thought occurred to her, she frowned, her eyebrows furrowing. “Family—or someone else?” she said the last part with a bite as if it was painful to even suggest.
She couldn’t possibly think he would ask her to pick out a bauble for his mistress, could she? Not that he had one, but the thought astounded him. “Family,” he said immediately. After all, he hoped she would become his wife.
The tension in her shoulders eased. “Of course.” She returned her study of the displays. After another moment she shook her head. “I’m still uncertain. Perhaps it would be better if you told me what they liked. Do they favor emeralds? Diamonds? Sapphires?”
He hadn’t the faintest idea what she might like. However, he could imagine sapphires draped across her neck, matching the fire in her eyes and setting off her hair. “I don’t know. That’s why I need your help.”
She shook her head. “It’s not that easy. Every woman has different tastes, things she likes and dislikes.”
He took a step closer to her. “What do you like?”
Her eyes trailed back to the displays as if imagining owning the beautiful pieces there. Finally, she shook her head. “This isn’t about me.”
He wanted to tell her that it was, actually. But he knew she would never accept such a thing. So instead, he shrugged as if it didn’t really matter. “I figure you’re more likely to pick something that she’ll like than I am.” He pointed to the gaudiest ring in the case. “Let’s see that one. I think—”
“Absolutely not!” She shook her head disbelievingly, looking at him as if he were insane.
It was difficult, but he repressed the laugh billowing in his chest.
She blew out a breath, mumbling something he couldn’t quite make out. Finally, she said, “I see what you mean. You really do need my help, don’t you?”
He nodded seriously. “I do.”
She sighed. “All right.” She straightened her shoulders, determination in her eyes. “I think we should start with bracelets,” she said to the shopkeeper.
He moved to do her bidding, gesturing to a different case. “If you’ll follow me over here, I think you’ll find several things of interest.”
She pointed to several items, and as the man handed them to her, she turned them in her hands and placed a few over her wrist. “This one’s nice,” she said.
Chase looked at it, the thin bracelet was filigreed and intricate in detail. Amethysts and seed pearls wove throughout the design, sparkling when the light hit just right. “It is nice,” he agreed, but while that was true, he didn’t see any spark of longing in her eyes. She looked at it critically, without any attachment.
“Let’s keep looking, but we’ll keep this one in mind.”
They searched through the earring displays, and he made a mental note to buy a set of rubies which looked like they’d been made for her. They were about to look at the rings again, when she passed the necklace display, a gasp escaping her lips.
He stepped next to her and looked inside, but couldn’t tell what she was looking at. “What is it?”
She shrank as if embarrassed. “Sorry. It’s nothing. I just…”
“You just?”
“Saw something I love,” she finally admitted.
“Really?” He wished he didn’t sound so excited, but he couldn’t help it. He leaned over the case, eyeing an incredible diamond necklace—which is what he assumed caught her attention. “Incredible. It would definitely make a statement.” He glanced at her, but she frowned.
“What?” Her confused eyes landed on the diamonds. “Oh. No, it wasn’t that. But they’re lovely,” she hurriedly added.
“You’re talking about the diamonds?”
She shook her head and then pointed at the case almost guiltily. “The locket.”
The jewel-encrusted oval locket was practically hidden next to the other gaudy jewels. It hung on a spiderweb thin chain. Chase gestured for the man to get it out, and he complied without hesitation.
Her breath came out in a whoosh as she delicately ran her thumb over the small gems on top. “It’s beautiful.” She opened the locket, and Chase imagined the miniatures she might one day carry there. She turned it over, and the back was smooth, ready for engraving. “I’ve never seen its equal,” she said, almost reverently. She handed it back to the owner, but Chase could tell she hated parting with it as she continued to look at it longingly.
He ached to tell her she could have it, to put it around her neck right then, but he didn’t, knowing she would refuse. It didn’t matter if she didn’t know it, but that locket was hers.
He looked up at the shopkeeper. “I think we’ve seen enough.”
She looked at him curiously. “What did you decide?”
He pointed to the earring displays. “The ruby and diamond earrings, this diamond necklace, and the emerald hair combs.”
The man beamed. “Excellent choices, sir.”
Lily gasped. “All of them?” She looked over the cases frantically.
He made an effort to frown through his amusement. “You think they’re not enough?”
Her eyes rounded. “Not enough?” She gestured wildly, then whispered, “You just spent more than I’d probably make in my lifetime!”
On her current salary? She was probably right. “I can afford it,” he reassured her. He wouldn’t even feel the dent in his pocket book. He could almost buy the entire shop without breaking a sweat.
She looked at him again as if remembering who he was. Finally, she nodded, bemused. “You’re right. You can.” She shook her head with a laugh and turned away. “I can scarcely imagine such a thing.”
Even though she sounded overwhelmed by the idea, she didn’t seem disgusted by it, and it gave him hope. To win her, he needed to convince her that his wealth, his way of life, wasn’t an obstacle.
After the purchase was made, he walked her out and helped her into the carriage before murmuring that he forgot to tell the owner something. She agreed to wait in the carriage and he made his way back in to purchase the locket.
His step was light, and he felt like everything was right in his life. Even though she’d been shocked by his wealth, it no longer seemed a negative in her mind—more just something that was.
And that gave him hope the rest would work out in his favor. Every moment they spent together, he fell more in love with her. Without her in his life, the future seemed bleak.
Chapter 13
An excited buzz filled Lily’s body as they rode in the carriage toward the soirée. It amazed her what a difference twenty-four hours could make. Last night, as they rode to the dinner party, she’d been filled with dread and fear, and she would’ve done almost anything to get out of it. But the evening had gone so well that everything had changed. Because of last night, she knew she could fit in. She knew she wouldn’t be an embarrassment. Now, she was just excited to enjoy herself.
The lilac ball gown Abby had lent her was like a dream. It shimmered in the light, and as she ran her hands over the silky-smooth material, she couldn’t remember ever feeling anything so fine. She didn’t have any jewelry, but she wasn’t worried over it. The gown had crystals attached and anything extra would’ve only detracted from it.
For the first time in her life, she felt as though she were living a fairytale. Besides Cinderella, what other servant girl could dress up like this and attend a ball with the handsomest man she’d ever seen?
Her gaze trailed to Chase, and he gave her a slow smile as if happy to just be sharing the moment with her. She was happy to be with him as well.
Her heart thumped as the carriage stopped, but she pushed the feeling away. Tonight was going to be amazing, she just knew it. She didn’t want even a moment to be tainted with her nervousness.
Because, just like Cinderella, they were returning home afterward, and life would go back to normal, without fine carriages and ball gowns.
