Western Desire

by Janelle Daniels

  “Me too.”

  “If there’s dancing, will you save me one?”

  Some of the laughter left her eyes as she sobered. “I’m not certain that’s a good idea.”

  He regretted seeing the guarded look in her eyes again. “Just one.”

  His request was soft, and, as if she wasn’t able to fight against it, she finally nodded. “All right.”

  He stepped toward her, taking her hand in his, enjoying the sparks that shot between them.

  She sucked in a breath. “What are you doing?”

  “Sealing the deal, of course.”

  Her hand tightened in his, and she shook it quickly.

  But he didn’t let go. Instead, he raised her hand to his lips. He needed to taste her skin again, inhale her scent.

  “Nathan…”

  He brushed a soft kiss on the back of her hand and released it. “I’ll let you get back to your work.” Then he excused himself, knowing when to retreat.

  He’d made progress with her today. And as he walked down the boardwalk, he found himself whistling.

  Chapter 9

  No matter what, Hannah was determined to avoid Nathan at the spring festival. She might’ve promised him a dance, but if he couldn’t find her, he could never claim it.

  She’d come to town early to grab a painting she was auctioning off. It was one of her favorites, and she hoped it would find a good home.

  It felt good to contribute something. It made her feel more like she was a part of the town, that she belonged.

  The square outside was colorfully decorated with bright streamers and paper flowers. Grace had been up well before dawn to help.

  Shaking her head ruefully, Hannah picked up the painting. Her friend amazed her. Before coming here, she would’ve thought someone like Grace was only helping out for show, to make others think well of her. In this case, she would have been completely wrong.

  Grace genuinely had a good heart. It was rare, but apparently not impossible. For a brief moment, Hannah wondered if she could ever be like that. Then she pushed the thought aside. That wasn’t her. Although she wanted to be more helpful, more kind—she didn’t want to be someone she wasn’t.

  Just being Hannah was enough.

  And as each day passed, she liked who she was more and more.

  Stepping out of her shop, sounds of joy and excitement filled the air. People were already starting to filter in, bringing pies and other baked goods to share. Musical instruments rang in the air as musicians warmed up before the party officially started. There was giggling, children squealing, and happiness everywhere she looked. She was so blessed to be a part of it.

  For so long, she’d resented what had happened to her, but now she accepted it. Without any of the bad, she wouldn’t be here. And right now, it all seemed worth it.

  She walked over to the auction area. The town was trying to raise money to purchase more books for the library. They’d started out with a good amount already, but this would help it even more.

  As Hannah approached, Grace smiled. “Thank you again for donating this. I have a feeling it’ll be the highest earner of the lot.”

  “You mean we aren’t auctioning time with some of the women?” she asked dryly, remembering last fall when they’d done just that to raise funds for the school.

  Grace rolled her eyes. “Not this time. But maybe for something more pressing in the future. Be prepared.” Then she gave Hannah a curious look. “But perhaps by then you won’t be a single woman anymore.”

  “I have a feeling I probably will be.”

  Grace glanced past Hannah’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

  Confused, Hannah glanced behind her and spotted Nathan making his way toward her. Her stomach flipped, and she placed a hand over it, hoping to settle the feeling. Would that reaction ever go away? “It seems he doesn’t know how to take no for an answer.”

  “Do you really want to say no?”

  Hannah looked at her friend. “Yes. Nothing’s changed. He’s going back East, a place I don’t want to be. It doesn’t matter how attractive I find him or how he makes me feel, because I am unwilling to give him what he needs.”

  Grace shrugged. “Maybe you’re wrong about what he needs. Have you asked him?”

  “No. Of course not. It would make things too complicated.”

  “Then I guess you’ll never know.”

  Before Hannah could say anything else, Nathan was at her side. “Miss Pierce, Miss Cooper, it’s lovely to see you both.”

  Grace grinned. “You as well, Mr. Branson. We’re glad you could make it today.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. I’ve heard wonderful things about the festivals here.”

  Hannah looked at him curiously, unable to stop herself. “You have?”

  His eyes twinkled with mischief. “After you wouldn’t give me details, I started asking around.” He rubbed his hands together. “I’m excited to try my hand at the shooting contest.”

  Hannah laughed, shaking her head. “You don’t have a chance.”

  Grace guffawed. “Hannah!”

  “What? It’s true. Some of the men here have shot every day of their lives—he doesn’t stand a chance.”

  “You still can’t say that,” she said with a laugh then turned her attention back to Nathan. “I apologize since it doesn’t look as though she will.”

  Instead of looking offended, Nathan only grinned. “She’s probably right. Still, I’m not deterred.” He gave Hannah a meaningful look. “Anything worth winning takes effort.”

  She didn’t know why, but at his words, warmth spread through her. What did he mean by that?

  “May I bring you ladies some refreshment?”

  “Please!” Grace said. “I’ve been working for hours and haven’t had a chance to grab anything myself.”

  He looked at Hannah, and she nodded. “Thank you, yes.”

  He set off to get them drinks, and the two of them watched as he walked away. Finally, Grace shook her head. “He likes you.”

  Hannah chewed her lip. “He does. But it doesn’t change anything.”

  Grace turned to her, looking at her seriously. “I know when we talked about it, you decided it was best to stay away. But I have to tell you, I’m not sure that’s the wisest choice. At least, not until you have an honest talk with him. You could be good for each other, Hannah. He could make you happy.”

  “I won’t be happy going east.”

  Grace reached out and put her hand over hers. “Just think about it. You don’t have to make any decisions right now.”

  Knowing her friend wouldn’t relent, Hannah agreed. But what more was there to think about? Things could never work out.

  But as she watched Nathan mingle with the others in town, laughing casually and acting as though he’d lived here his entire life, Hannah’s resolve started to crumble.

  What if she was wrong? What if he was willing to stay? Would that change her mind about being with him?

  Questions swirled in her mind, and she realized something startling—if Nathan was willing to stay, it changed everything.

  Perhaps Grace was right. Perhaps she should have a candid talk with Nathan, see how he really felt about staying. At worst, he would tell her he fully intended on returning east once more, and then that would be the end of it.

  But if he didn’t—there just might be hope.

  As they watched Nathan walk back toward them, Grace changed the subject. “What activities are you planning to do, Hannah?”

  Before she could answer, Nathan was handing them their drinks. “She’s promised to dance with me.”

  “She did?” Grace’s eyebrows rose before she sipped her drink.

  He looked at Hannah. “Isn’t that so?”

  Not seeing a way out of it, she said, “Yes. One dance.”

  “I’m going to try for a second one as well,” he whispered loudly to Grace.

  She smiled. “Good luck with that.” She turned her attent
ion to Hannah. “What else are you planning to do?”

  “I didn’t have anything in mind. I’ll probably end up watching a few of the competitions.”

  “You should join one of them! I want to, but I’m probably terrible at everything, and I don’t feel comfortable shooting a rifle. I need someone to teach me first.”

  Hannah understood completely. “I wouldn’t want to shoot either.” She glanced at Nathan. “He’s going to enter though.”

  He grinned. “And get thoroughly bested, I’ve been told.”

  Grace snorted. “You probably will. Sorry.”

  He just laughed.

  “If you want, you really should enter something,” Hannah encouraged. “You might as well.”

  Grace’s eyes widened with a new idea. “You should do something with me! You can’t just sit in a chair like an old maid.”

  Hannah was already shaking her head. “No way. I wouldn’t be any good at it.”

  “I haven’t said what I wanted to try.” Grace’s hands went to her hips.

  “It doesn’t matter what it is. I’ll still be terrible.”

  Nathan clucked his tongue. “Don’t know until you try. Plus, if this is your home now, don’t you think you should try some things out?”

  She knew he was goading her. And it worked. “I’ll only succeed in making a fool of myself.”

  Grace grabbed her arm. “Come on! I’ll be way worse. Just do something with me.”

  Hannah sighed. They were right, she wanted to fit in. And since the same games and activities were done at each festival, she might as well take an interest in one of them. “All right.”

  “Yes!” Grace cheered. “I’m so excited. We’re going to have the best time.” She looked at Nathan. “You should do it with us too.”

  “I’d enjoy that.”

  Hannah held up her hands. “Oh no. He really shouldn’t. He’s already doing the shooting.” It was dangerous to be with him any longer than necessary. Her resolve was already weakening, and spending more time with him was a terrible idea.

  “We’ve already established that I’ll fail miserably against the other men here. I might as well do something where I have a chance.”

  “Excellent,” Grace said. “Let’s head over.”

  Hannah was thrown off guard. “Over where? Are we doing this now?”

  “Of course we’re doing it now. Everything just started, and it’ll only get more crowded as the day goes on.”

  Grace looked at her in understanding, but Nathan’s look was more in challenge. He knew she wanted to be rid of him, and he was making it difficult. But she’d already agreed, and at least she’d get it over with quickly and be able to avoid him the rest of the day. “Let’s go.”

  “Tomahawks? Are you out of your mind?” Hannah screeched, and it took all of Nathan’s willpower to suppress the laugh bubbling in his throat. “Out of everything possible, we’re throwing axes? You honestly think that’s a good idea?”

  Grace only laughed. “I’ve always wanted to try it. Come on. It’s safe.”

  They watched a few people ahead of them try it, and Nathan had to admit it was fairly straightforward. He wasn’t going to be amazing by any means, but he had an accurate throw. “I agree. As long as you don’t throw it straight up in the air, you should be fine.”

  He looked at the person running the event, standing well out of the way. Smart man.

  “You’ll be fine,” Grace said. “Just three throws like everyone else, and then we’ll be on our way.”

  Hannah huffed. “At least my humiliation won’t be prolonged.”

  Grace wrapped her arms around her. “That’s the spirit,” she said before leaving the two of them to register.

  Nathan had only just met Grace, but he liked her. She had a sunny spirit that complemented Hannah’s. She was the perfect friend for her. “If it would make you feel any better,” he said now that he was alone with Hannah. “I’ll bungle my attempt on purpose.”

  She flashed him the look he’d been waiting for and pointed her finger at him. “Don’t you dare.”

  He held up his hands. “All right then. But while we’re at it, why don’t we make a bet?”

  He could see he’d caught her interest. “What kind of bet?” she finally asked.

  “Whoever loses has to pay the winner a forfeit.” He could see the thoughts running through her head, weighing whether or not she thought she could beat him.

  “What kind of forfeit?”

  “Something small. Like paints or sweets.”

  She pursed her lips. “All right. But it really has to be something small.”

  “Something small,” he agreed.

  Grace returned and handed them each a number. “Pin that to your back. That way, the judges will be able to keep track of your scores.”

  “I don’t think it’ll matter one way or another if they do,” Hannah shook her head ruefully.

  His eyebrow rose. “I might be amazing at this, you know.”

  Hannah rolled her eyes. “Right. Have you ever done this before? Or thrown knives, or anything like it?”

  “No.”

  She snorted. “That’s what I thought. We’re both going to be terrible.”

  “Oh stop. It’ll be fun.” Grace beamed. “We’re up next! Hurry and pin this on me, Hannah.”

  The ladies pinned their numbers on each other, and then he held up his to Hannah. “Would you mind?”

  She eyed the pin. “You really trust me with this at your back?” She arched a brow.

  “At least if I get stabbed, I’ll know who to come after.”

  She shook her head, put her hand on his shoulder, and turned him around. She made quick work of the pin. “All done.”

  He turned around, and the man running the event gestured for them to step forward.

  “Looks like we’re up,” Nathan said, intrigued when Hannah stilled, and her eyes slightly widened as if afraid.

  He’d been joking with her earlier, but now he realized she might have been nervous for more than one reason. She wasn’t worried about her safety. Her nerves had everything to do with her personality. She was used to always looking the best, being the best. And, although she might have changed since coming here, some things were hard to change.

  He stepped behind her, closing the gap between them. His hand went to her lower back to steady her. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” he whispered as Grace took her place in front of the target.

  He’d wanted this to be fun for her, a chance to do something together, but if she truly didn’t want to, he wanted her to know she didn’t have to.

  She shivered slightly, but it was a nice day and there wasn’t a breeze. “Yes, I do. I have to do it even more so because I don’t want to.”

  Admiration shone in him. She was strong, more so than anyone had ever realized. He didn’t argue with her. All he wanted to do was support her. “Let me go first then. I guarantee no one will do worse.”

  A chuckle escaped her lips, and he felt as if he’d uncovered a treasure, knowing he’d brought her a moment of relief. “Just don’t lose on purpose. I have my heart set on something in particular, and I’d hate to miss out because you didn’t do your best.”

  “Oh, I’ll do my best. That’s what will make it even more embarrassing,” he said, moving in front of her and shuddering in jest.

  He took the tomahawk from the man and listened to a brief instruction on how to hold it and throw. Feeling confident, he arced it back and let it fly—straight into the ground.

  Stunned, he stared at it in the dirt, as if he couldn’t believe it had done that, when a snort sounded behind him. When he glanced over his shoulder, Hannah had a serene, innocent expression on her face. “Well done.”

  He couldn’t help chuckling. “Thanks. Hopefully throw two will be an improvement.” And it was…but not by much.

  After his second throw, he had a greater respect and appreciation for the skill it took to throw these. The weapon was
unbalanced, making its movement through the air unpredictable.

  He stepped to the side, allowing Hannah to move in front of the target. “There. You couldn’t possibly do worse,” he said, his tone self-deprecating.

  “Well, you did hit the target on the last one,” she said sweetly.

  He wanted to grab her and kiss the teasing quirk on her lips. “I’m rather proud of that, actually. It was much harder than it looks.”

  She hefted the weapon in her hands. “I believe it.”

  The judge nodded to her. “Go ahead when you’re ready.”

  “Good luck,” Nathan said, stepping away from her to give her space, unable to stop from smiling when she focused on the target and bit her tongue. Had she always done that while concentrating?

  She moved the ax around, testing its weight. Then a moment later, she let it fly.

  Dead center.

  Shock wove through the crowd a second before everyone erupted in cheers.

  He swooped her frozen limbs in his arms. “Perfect!”

  As if breaking free of her shock, she twisted her head around to look at the target. “Is it really a bullseye?”

  The man running the competition tipped his hat to her and grinned. “Yes, ma’am. Excellent shot. Are you sure this is your first time?”

  Hannah stuttered. “Yes. It must’ve been a lucky throw.”

  “I’ve seen a lot of throwing, and some people just have a natural gift for it.” He shrugged. “Seems like you do. If there’s no other perfect scores, you’ll be the winner today.”

  “And if there’s another perfect score?” Nathan asked.

  “They’ll throw once more and whoever does best will win.”

  Hannah nodded. “Thank you. I’ll check back later.”

  Grace cheered again and hugged Hannah. “That was amazing! Aren’t you glad we tried it?”

  “I just can’t believe it happened.” Hannah still looked a little shocked.

  Nathan grinned. “Believe it. Everyone saw it.” And as he glanced around, the men around them were giving her admiring looks. It didn’t look like anyone would be forgetting this anytime soon.

  She laughed. “I just can’t believe it.”

  Before she could say anything else, the band started the intro to a song. He offered her his hand. “Then let’s dance to burn off some of that excited energy.”