* * *
He was insane. It was the only logical conclusion to explain what was currently happening. Charlotte was an attractive woman, and every time he was near her, he seemed to find her more so.
He didn’t know what had happened, but when he heard her scream from outside the bakery, fear had struck him straight to the core.
He knew it wasn’t right to touch her, to hold her. And it wasn’t wise to create any more intimacy between them.
But he couldn’t stop.
Sitting here with her, it was like a spell was being woven around them. He wanted to feel her touch, taste her lips, hear her say his name.
He’d never been the rescuing type, but there was something about Charlotte that pulled at him. She’d been on his mind constantly over the last few days, interrupting his work to the point that he’d come today to move his things over to the hotel, hoping the distance would sever his budding feelings for her.
That wouldn’t happen now. He wasn’t sure if the break-in was a fluke, a random act, or if something else was going on here, but there was no way he’d leave her alone now. He frowned. “What do you think the man was after? Do you keep money here?”
She leaned back, softly shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts. “Um. Not much. Just what I make in sales that day. I deposit it in the bank each evening.”
If someone had been watching, they would have seen her routine and known there wasn’t much to be had during a robbery. He wanted to believe it was a crime of opportunity, but something in his gut told him it was something more.
“I know you just opened, but has anything like this happened before?”
She rubbed her forehead, thinking it over. “No.” She frowned. “Well, the night you arrived, I felt like someone was watching me through the window. I didn’t see anyone. I thought it was just a cat, but I couldn’t get rid of the feeling.”
“How long before my arrival did this happen?”
“A few hours? I’m not completely certain. But it was before I cleaned up and went to sleep.”
So there was no way he could’ve been the one to spook her. “And you didn’t see anyone?” he asked, needing to confirm.
She shook her head.
Perhaps this had something to do with him. He didn’t have a lot of enemies, but he’d made his fair share. If someone was out to get him, it would make sense to attack the place he was staying at. If this was about him, she’d be safer if he left.
But on the off-chance he was wrong, she’d be left vulnerable. If he stayed, he could protect her against any threat. “Are you planning to talk to the sheriff about this?”
She cringed. “Yes. I know I should. Part of me wants to ignore it so I don’t sound like a hysterical female, but if something more happens, it’ll be better if he’s already informed. Plus, there’s a chance someone saw something or knows who it is.”
“That’s true. I could come with you, if you’d like. I didn’t see him, but I am a witness,” he added, hoping the lame excuse would allow him to stay with her.
“Oh. I hadn’t thought of that. Yes, that would be helpful. I guess I should close early.” She sounded forlorn about it, and he knew that if she close up, she’d have to throw out the rest of her inventory.
“I could bring him here. It would actually be easier so he can see where everything happened.”
She brightened instantly, and he found it slightly amusing how much her happiness affected him. He didn’t know how or why, but taking care of Charlotte was something he enjoyed.
“Thank you. That would help so much.” She stood from the couch and brushed off her skirts. “I should go down in case anyone comes in.”
He wanted to pull her back down next to him, to give in to the illogical urge to wrap her in his arms and take what he so desperately wanted. But he knew that wasn’t a good idea. Getting further involved would complicate things. And although his mind was urging him to do it, it would only cause pain down the road.
He was leaving soon. It would be better if he didn’t form any unnecessary attachments. And Charlotte would definitely be an attachment. He had a feeling that once he kissed her, he wouldn’t want to stop.
That wasn’t a gamble he was willing to take.
Chapter 4
After her bakery got broken into last week, Charlotte thought there’d be tension between her and Max, but that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. Everything was great, wonderful, fantastic—at least whenever they saw each other.
As before, he continued to leave early. But he started returning around closing time, and they would exchange a polite greeting before he went upstairs. It was almost as if what had passed between them had never happened.
At first, she’d been frustrated and annoyed, and then she’d finally accepted it. He didn’t have feelings for her. And honestly? She didn’t have those kinds of feelings for him either. At least, none she would acknowledge. If he didn’t feel anything for her, then what was the point?
She shook her head at the foolishness of it all and carried another cake into the hotel from her shop.
Willow Winthrop, the wife of the hotel’s owner and one of the women whose house Charlotte lived in, saw the confection and lit up. “Charlotte, this is incredible. You’ve far outdone anything our own cooks produced.”
Charlotte flushed at the praise. “I highly doubt that. But thank you for saying so.”
“I mean it. I’m tempted to take this whole cake and put it in the back for me to eat. Alone.”
“If you’d like to, I won’t tell.”
Willow snorted in amusement. “Well, don’t think I’m not tempted.” She gestured toward the ballroom. “Why don’t you hurry and take it in. Others have already arrived, and I don’t want you to miss a moment of it. We’ll start the auction toward the end of the evening.”
“Thank you,” Charlotte said gratefully. She planned on enjoying this to the fullest. She’d even shut down her shop today. And as she stepped into the room, it appeared as if everyone else had done the same.
The room bustled with activity and laughter. It looked like a good portion of the town had shown up. As expected, there were far more men than women. Although, there seemed to be a higher rate of families, which was nice.
She placed the cake on the dessert table, giving it a quarter turn to present the best side. “You really can’t help it, can you?”
At the familiar voice, she turned. “I truly can’t.” She smiled at Hannah and then Emery and Grace. “I’m glad you’re all so early.”
Grace looked at the table. “Do you need help carrying anything else over?”
Charlotte shook her head, her unbound curls bouncing with the movement. “I got it all here just fine.”
Emery glanced at Charlotte’s side. “How are you feeling? Is it still giving you pain?”
“It’s almost completely better.” She patted her side as if to prove her words.
Grace turned back toward the room. “This is exciting, isn’t it? I can feel everyone’s energy.”
“Seems like everyone has really been looking forward to this for a long time.” If she had a child and had waited this long for a school, she would be rejoicing as well. “I’m sure the town will get every penny they’re looking for and more.”
Emery nodded once. “No doubt. I already see several people eyeing the tables, deciding which items they want to bid on.”
Grace’s eyes widened comically. “I already know where my money is going.” She glanced at the chocolate cake and licked her lips. “That one is my favorite.”
Charlotte shook her head in amusement. “We know.”
Hannah stood next to her, quietly glancing over the crowd.
“Is there someone in particular you’re looking for?” Charlotte asked.
Hannah jumped slightly as if startled. “Oh. No. No one in particular. Just seeing who’s here.”
Hannah’s face remained calm, but if Charlotte didn’t know any better, she would say a
blush crested her friend’s cheeks. But if Hannah didn’t want to tell her, Charlotte wouldn’t press.
Emery got her attention. “Is Mr. Blackgate attending?”
“I’m not certain. He hasn’t mentioned anything.”
Hannah frowned. “That’s odd. The entire town has been talking about it for a while.”
Charlotte held up her palms. “He might have if we ever saw each other. But it seems as though that man is determined to work himself into an early grave.”
Emery and Grace shared a look while Hannah raised a brow. “Is that so?”
She leveled a glare at them all. “Please don’t start on that. There’s nothing going on between us. He’s only my tenant.”
Emery tapped her cheek. “He seemed awfully concerned after your break in. I thought he was going to make me triple-check your injuries.”
Grace rocked back on her heels. “I also couldn’t help but notice how he hovered over you, growling like some beast with a broken toy. I thought for sure he’d stand guard at the bakery for a few days to watch over you.”
“He has a lot of work to do.” Charlotte defended him when only a moment before she’d been complaining about how much he worked. Her emotions and feelings toward him were so confusing. She couldn’t decide how she felt.
“Charlotte is perfectly safe during the day. Especially now that everyone knows what happened. Blackgate knows that too. I noticed he takes the time to come home early now, though. When others might not be watching your shop as diligently,” Hannah said pointedly.
Awareness filled her. Is that what he’d been doing? He knew she was safe, he hadn’t been crowding her, and he was still taking care of his responsibilities. But was he coming back early to protect her? Her mouth opened then closed, unsure of what to say about this revelation. “I’m not certain that’s what he’s doing.”
But wasn’t she? He’d said himself that when he worked on a project like this, he labored until he fell over, burning the candle at both ends. There was no reason for him to come back early—unless it was for her protection.
Hannah waited a moment as if giving Charlotte time to realize what Max was doing. “It’s admirable, you know,” Hannah said softly, still looking out at the room. “I always thought most men were like Mr. McDermott, Mr. Eversley, and Mr. Blackgate. I trusted that they were good, that they would stand by those they cared for. But since then, I’ve learned how rare such qualities are.”
Charlotte shared a look with Grace and Emery, but the two women stayed silent, knowing if either of them asked a question, Hannah would stop talking.
Hannah was from a wealthy family in the upper echelon of society. They didn’t know why she was in Promise Creek or why she’d needed the Copper Kings to come here, but they’d slowly found out that something had happened to her. Something horrible. They hadn’t pushed her for information but were allowing her to confide in them when she was ready.
Hannah glanced at her with sad eyes and shook her head. “You’d think out of everyone, your own brother would protect you. But he didn’t. I think Blackgate, like his two partners, is exceptional. His defense of you has only proven that.”
Charlotte ached to take her hand, to tell her she could trust them, but this wasn’t the right time. They were surrounded by people and even more arrived by the minute. There would be no privacy here. “I think you’re right. Max has shown his character.”
Grace’s eyes twinkled. “Max, huh?”
The rest of them laughed, and Charlotte threw up her hands. “Yes. All right? You’re right, he has been protecting me, but I didn’t notice.”
Before they could say anything else, Willow climbed onto the platform and welcomed everyone to the fundraiser. The room boomed with applause, the sound deafening as it echoed off the vaulted, chandeliered ceiling. She explained how the silent auction would work, which games would be located where, and how to earn entries for the grand prize.
“And if games aren’t to your liking, enjoy some dancing and the band!” Willow said with a flourish toward the musicians behind her. As if on cue, they began a robust jig that had several couples flocking to the floor.
“Looks fun,” Grace said. “I wonder if I can get someone to dance with me.”
Hannah snorted. “See that pile of hungry, single men over there? They’d all shoot themselves in the foot for a chance to dance with you.”
They all laughed, knowing how true that was. When they’d first arrived in town, there’d been a frenzy. There were far more single men in town than women, and with so many unmarried ladies arriving at once, it had started a mob. Fortunately, things had settled down, and their attempts at courtship now were much more acceptable.
“You have plenty of time too. Willow said the auction for an outing with each of us won’t be until later,” Charlotte assured her. She’d been happy to learn the other women had also agreed to the auction.
Grace rubbed her hands together comically. “I’m going to go get me a man, then.” Grace marched off toward the group, who immediately perked up at her arrival.
Emery looked at Charlotte. “Are you going to dance?”
It appealed to her. The music was lively, and it had been awhile since she’d danced. However, as she glanced at the group of men, she had zero desire to partner with any of them. “Maybe later.”
Emery and Hannah didn’t move to join Grace either. Instead, Emery said, “I’m going to play a few games if you’d like to join me.”
Charlotte didn’t really feel like playing right now either. She waved her away. “Maybe later. I think I’ll look over the auction items.”
Emery looked at Hannah. “Would you like to come?”
Surprise flittered across her face. “I’d like that.”
Emery offered a smile, and although Charlotte had managed to keep her own surprise hidden, she was pleased. The two had never seen eye to eye. For some reason, they’d taken an instant dislike to one another. But they were learning more about Hannah each day, and the entitled, fortune-hunting woman they’d first met had only been a veneer. Charlotte was grateful Emery was starting to see that too.
Everyone seemed to be settling well into their lives. Herself included. She just wished that, while standing here at one of the biggest town parties she’d been to, she was happy.
* * *
Max was late arriving to the festivities. Their employees had been talking about it nonstop, and because of all the interest, they’d closed the mine early. Besides, this was something he and his partners wanted to support. Building the town into a strong community would only help the mine’s success. When their workers were happy, the mine would thrive. And the money the men would bring to the auction would make a significant difference.
But after staying late to finish things, and then needing to stop by his room to clean up, he imagined he had missed the main events. However, as he stepped into the overheated ballroom, music playing boisterously as couples merrily danced across the floor, and hotel employees refreshing trays of food, he realized the party was still in full swing.
He saw Lucas a ways away and nodded to him but didn’t approach. Instead, he moved across the room to the opposite wall, where he could watch before deciding which activities to join.
He browsed the tables, noting that most of the auction items had already been claimed. He was sorry he hadn’t been able to bid on anything, but he knew a donation would still be appreciated. He’d be sure to take care of that before the evening was over.
Mrs. Winthrop walked to the platform and gestured for the musicians to cease playing. Once everyone quieted down, she smiled to the crowd. “I’m so grateful you all were able to be here tonight. And I’m pleased to announce that we raised a large portion of the school’s cost.”
Cheers resounded, and Max joined in. Being able to raise so much money at once was no small feat.
She gestured for everyone to settle. “I hope you all enjoyed the evening’s entertainments, and I’m pleased to announce one fi
nal auction this evening.” A surprised whisper spread across the room, and a knowing smile crossed her face. “Several of the unmarried ladies in town have volunteered their time for this. You will be bidding on an outing with each lady. So, if you’ve been wanting to get to know any of these ladies in particular, now’s the perfect opportunity to show her you’re interested while also supporting our school.”
The cheer was deafening, and several of the men surged forward, jockeying for position at the front.
Max had heard time and again how few women there were in town, so he knew the men would pay, and pay well, for such an opportunity. It was a brilliant idea. There was little cost for a big reward.
Mrs. Winthrop gestured to a group of women at the side of the stage. “Ladies, please come up here.”
Max begun clapping with the rest of the group, but when he caught sight of Charlotte taking her place on the platform, his cheering slowed until his hands stilled in front of him. What was she doing up there?
A surge of jealousy flew through him, stronger than he’d ever felt before. Why, he couldn’t say, and try as he might, he couldn’t extinguish it. It angered him that Charlotte was to be auctioned off like chattel, sold to the highest bidder.
He knew the comparison was unfair, and up until he’d seen her walk onstage, he’d fully supported the idea. Now, he wanted to climb up there, throw her over his shoulder, and stalk off—regardless of how illogical it was.
“We’ll start the bidding at one dollar for an outing with Miss Pierce. Would anyone like to start us off?” Mrs. Winthrop asked.
Instantly, several men called out, causing a bidding war that would make the most vicious traders on Wall Street proud. The bidding ended at twenty-one dollars, and a cheer sounded through the crowd again, the men’s blood up with excitement.
Miss Kane, Miss Cooper, and three other ladies’ time was auctioned off, and the final lady was Charlotte. Realizing this was their last opportunity, the men pushed forward, their demeanor aggressive and desperate.
Max stepped up as well, ready to intervene if anyone got too close to her.
Western Future (Copper Kings Book 3) Page 4
