This man had begun to steal her heart. “Well, that was generous of you.”
“I’m happy to make the trip. And I wanted to show you how much I appreciate your baskets by taking you out properly. I did win the auction,” he added as if he needed an excuse to spend time with her.
His flirty smile thrilled her, but she had no idea how to handle him. What had gotten into him? “You’re right. So, you’ve come to claim your prize?”
“Only if you’re willing.”
“More than willing.” She loved how he put the choice in her hands. He hadn’t ever pushed her for more than she wanted to give, hadn’t ever demanded or taken or forced.
Instead, he’d been there over the past few weeks, quietly working his way into her heart and mind.
She untied her apron and hung it on a hook. “Did you want to take the basket out somewhere for a picnic? Or were you thinking something else?”
“Something else.” He walked to the edge of the counter and she joined him. He held out his arm. “If you’re ready, let’s go. I can get the basket after we get back.”
“All right.” She took his arm, enjoying the feel of him and relishing his clean scent.
He opened the door, guiding her out before pausing to let her lock up. She took his arm again as they strolled down the boardwalk. “Where are we going?”
He looked down at her and grinned. “It’s a surprise.”
She couldn’t help but smile in return. She didn’t know what had happened to put him in this mood, but she loved it.
When they turned toward the stables on the edge of town, she laughed. “Really, where are we going? I thought you were taking me to Sally’s or something.”
He shook his head. “No. Nowhere in town. I found something I wanted to share with you.”
That, more than anything else, meant the world to her. “I’m excited.”
He gathered their horses, helping her mount and getting her settled before climbing onto his own mount. “It’s not far.”
She urged her horse forward, matching his pace. As they picked up speed, she closed her eyes for a moment, allowing the sun to warm her skin as she breathed in the pungent fall air. The weather would turn shortly, and the seasons would change, but she couldn’t deny that this was one of her favorite times of year.
After about ten minutes, he pulled back to a walk. She glanced around at the surrounding landscape. She couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. “Are we close?”
He pointed toward the crest of a hill. “It’s just beyond that.”
She was tempted to race toward it, but she wanted to enjoy the moment with him.
He dismounted, and she followed suit. “I thought we could walk the rest of the way.”
She liked the thought, especially when he took her hand. The minute his palm touched hers, their fingers lacing together, she was certain no other moment before could compare. Out here, they were all alone. Just Max and Charlotte. Just a man and woman who could possibly have a future together.
He swung their joined hands easily. “I found this yesterday and thought of you.”
“Oh.” She breathed out softly. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Something about this moment felt different, more important, than others they’d shared. Just like the hill, she felt like they were on the cusp of something. Something that could change their lives. After everything he’d confided about his past, she’d been certain it would be the end of things between them before they’d even started.
But with this, she was starting to have hope.
They walked silently up the rise, enjoying each other’s company. But when they hit the top and the valley floor came into view, breath burst from her lungs. Stunned, all she could do was gape.
She felt his eyes on her. “Do you like it?”
She guffawed. “Like it? Who wouldn’t? This is glorious.” In a space that had to be at least a square mile, wild flowers bloomed in riotous colors. Pinks, yellows, purples, blues, and every other color imaginable blended together, merging until they formed a breathtaking masterpiece. She’d never seen the like, had never even imagined a place like this existed, and it called to her, deep in her soul. “Who owns this?”
“No one. After finding it, I looked into it. It’s available for purchase.”
Dreams filled Charlotte’s mind of the bakery doing so well that in a few years she could afford to purchase the land and build a home on it. She could picture the small two-story cabin, whitewashed, its windows glistening in the sunlight, and surrounded with these flowers. She couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to love and raise a family.
But at that thought, her dreams dimmed. Would she ever have a family?
He brushed a loose curl over her shoulder. “Tell me what you’re thinking,” he said softly.
She shook her head, unable to form words for a moment. “It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.” She pointed to a spot next to a large oak tree. “I can see a house over there. It would be the perfect spot.”
He grinned. “That’s just what I thought too.”
They were both quiet for a few more moments, wrestling with their own thoughts, until finally, Max turned toward her. “Charlotte, I brought you here to show you this place, but there was something else I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What is it?”
His face was serious, and he looked down as if to gather his thoughts. “I’ve never told anyone about Crystal, about what happened between us. Especially not the part where she crushed me. I was too humiliated, embarrassed, that someone had duped me. You’re the first person I’ve told.”
Shock and warmth filled her. “No one?” The fact he trusted her, that he’d told her when he’d never spoken of it before, warmed her. He wouldn’t have done that lightly, and it showed how much he cared.
“No.”
“Then why me?” She held her breath.
He looked deep into her eyes. “Because for the first time, I’m growing attached to someone new, someone I care about, and it felt right to tell her.”
She couldn’t keep her breath from speeding up. What he was saying, what he was telling her, she’d only imagined in her dreams. “I care about you too,” she said quietly.
He pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. “I know. I could feel it. You’ve been so kind and patient, and it’s meant everything to me. You deserved the truth. After what happened, I locked my heart away. I hadn’t realized that, hadn’t realized how much it had affected my entire life until I told you the other day. I had closed everyone off, closed myself off to the opportunity of a future.
“But that’s not what I want. I don’t want to be cold, closed off, never allowing myself to care for someone. And because of you, I was able to realize it. I can’t thank you enough.”
Her heart ached for him, for everything he’d been through. To know he’d been hurt so badly hurt her too. She wished she could go back in time to stop it from happening, to guard his heart, but it wasn’t possible. All she could do was help him move forward to whatever future he was meant to have. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad I was able to help.”
He cupped her cheek. “You’ve helped more than you’ll ever know. Charlotte, I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, or next week, or even next month, but what I do know is that I want to get to know you. I want to be with you, spend time with you, and see if the feelings we share can grow into something more.”
She could barely hear over the roaring of her heart. “I want that too.” She wanted it so much she ached.
“Good.” He smiled sweetly and leaned forward to brush his lips softly over hers. “May I court you? I want to do this properly, give you everything you deserve.”
She didn’t know what she’d expected him to say, but it wasn’t that. He certainly hadn’t made a declaration of his undying love, but she was happy he wanted to head in that direction, for them to get to know each other better.
“Yes. I would like that.”
He kissed her softly, and while she wanted to pour her whole heart into it, she held part of herself back.
This wasn’t a declaration. He was saying he wanted to court her, to get to know her, to see if they could possibly have a future together. That was far different than telling her he was in love with her. And while she wanted to fully open her heart, to accept him, doing so would only risk hurting herself.
So instead of feeling blissful at this turn of events, all she felt was leery. So many things could go wrong, and she refused to set herself up for disappointment.
No. It was better to hold part of herself back, to wait, to be sensible. No matter how much she wanted to jump without a net.
Soon enough, she’d know if Max was her future.
He kissed her again, but she could tell he was holding back too. Like there was something else he wanted to say.
“Is something wrong?”
He shook his head, but his eyes were serious. “I feel I need to be completely honest with you.”
Her stomach flipped. She knew something had felt off. “Please do. What’s wrong?”
He shuffled. “I do want to court you, to see if we’re right for each other. But I feel I need to be honest and tell you I’m not certain I’ll be able to give you more than that. What happened with Crystal destroyed a part of me, and I don’t know if it can be fixed. After something like that, I’m not sure I could trust someone enough to make a lifetime commitment.”
She sucked in a slow breath, processing what he was telling her. This wasn’t what she’d hoped for, what she’d dreamed of, but she still appreciated his honesty. Besides, she would rather know now than to find out after she’d fallen completely in love. “I understand, and I appreciate you telling me.”
Worried eyes met hers. “But will you still allow me to court you?”
“Yes.” Because even though it might hurt, having a little part of him was better than nothing. She would just be careful to protect herself, to make sure she didn’t fall too deep too quick. When he fell in love with her—if he fell in love with her—she would allow herself to open completely.
Chapter 8
Each moment she spent with Max made the battle to remain aloof more difficult. And she knew today would be no different.
He’d been attentive, considerate, and everything she’d ever hoped for in a man. He left work in a timely matter, always taking the time to escort her home in the evenings. One of the nights he’d even stayed to help her bake.
As she smoothed her skirts, looking in the mirror at her appearance, she chuckled at the memory of the cookies he’d scorched.
But she didn’t care about the cookies. It was his care of her, the intense way he watched her, the kisses he stole when no one was around. Everything added up to tell her how much he cared for her. But still, the words hadn’t come.
They’d picnicked more times than she could count at the place she’d come to think of as their meadow, and they’d dined several times at the hotel, ordering fabulous food she could hardly finish. At night, they’d stargazed, lying in each other’s arms as they talked and studied the sky—something that pushed her heart even closer to the edge.
As hard as she’d fought it, she was certain of one thing now: she was in love with Max. She couldn’t deny it any longer, and it seemed foolish to try.
But did he feel the same? She wasn’t certain. Sometimes she felt he did, but other times, no.
It was frustrating, heart wrenching, and uncomfortable. She wanted to speak the words, tell him how she felt, but she didn’t dare. She was too worried it would ruin what they’d built between them.
She heaved a sigh as she trudged down the stairs. Why couldn’t love ever be simple? She’d wondered the same as she watched Abby and Lily’s courtships over the last couple of months. Nothing was ever straightforward. Nothing was easy. But it would be so much simpler if it were.
Right on time, a knock sounded at the door. And even though her feelings were in turmoil, butterflies danced in her belly at the thought of seeing Max on the other side.
She didn’t make him wait. She opened the door immediately, smiling up into his dark, chocolatey eyes. “Hello.”
He surveyed her from head to toe, a grin splitting his face. “Good morning. Are you ready to go?”
She nodded. “I am. Although, I’m a bit nervous. I haven’t fished in years.”
He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her, squeezing gently. “Don’t worry, you’ll pick it right back up.”
She wasn’t sure if she believed him or not, but it didn’t really matter. All that mattered was spending time with him. She shrugged. “I hope so, or we might go hungry tonight.”
It was ludicrous to say, but that didn’t stop her from teasing. More than likely, they’d throw their catches back into the river.
His voice lowered, and he looked at her meaningfully. “Then I’ll make sure we’re not hungry.”
A delicious shiver wove through her. Just his voice, that deep, irresistible voice, affected her. It was like Max was one big magnet and she was its opposite. Even if she wanted to—which she didn’t—she couldn’t turn away.
But something still seemed to be missing. Max was holding himself back. She was certain of it.
Oh, she didn’t blame him for it. She understood completely. If she’d gone through something like he had, she would be hesitant as well. But his reluctance to jump in made her worried to do so as well.
He placed his hand on her back and escorted her out the door. “Were you able to find the rods?” he asked.
“No. But Sylvia said we had them in the shed around back. She said we wouldn’t miss them.”
He nodded, pleased. “Excellent. But if we can’t find them for some reason, we can ride back into town and buy a pair. It’s not a problem.”
She waved him away. “No. It won’t be necessary. I doubt we’ll be fishing much in the future.”
He wiggled his eyebrows at her in a way she never would’ve thought he’d do when they first met. The gesture was teasing, when he’d been so serious before. “Are you certain? You might find you love it and want to go fishing every day.”
She scoffed at the idea. “Even if I do love it, I can guarantee I won’t do it that often.” She chuckled. “I’ve too much baking to do.”
He laughed then, relenting. “You’re right.” He gave her a sideways glance. “Although, I still think it would be best if you hired someone else.”
As they approached the shed, she laughed and threw up her hands. “I already hired someone part-time to help with my catering orders. Now you think I should hire someone else?” She arched a brow at him. She knew he couldn’t help it. It was his nature to tweak businesses until they thrived. And truly, she appreciated his advice. Hiring someone over the last several days had been a tremendous help. It might be tight for a bit, paying someone while also making sure she had enough supplies for everything, but she knew it would pay off quickly.
“Absolutely.”
She rolled her eyes. “At least you’re consistent. I appreciate that about you.” She laughed as she reached for the shed’s handles and threw the doors wide open. She wished everything could always be this easy, this carefree. And now that she’d gone and totally fallen in love with him, she had to believe that someday it would be.
She took several steps in before freezing, the sound of hundreds of bees filling her ears. “Oh, my…bees.”
“Wasps,” Max corrected softly, still outside the shed. “Don’t make any sudden movements or loud sounds.”
She gulped.
“Just slowly step backward toward me.”
At her first step, several angry insects swooped down at her. She squeaked, unable to suppress the sound.
“Careful. Move slower.”
She didn’t know how much more slowly she could walk. Her movements felt statue-like already.
A wasp landed on her bare arm, and she sucked in
a breath, choking back the urge to swat him away. She took another step backward.
More swarmed her, and a curse came from behind as Max launched into the shed. Before she knew what was happening, he wrapped his coat around her head and carried her out.
After several heart-pounding moments, he set her down and uncovered her, frantically looking over her arms, neck, and face. “Are you all right? Did they sting you?”
Her heart pulsed so hard it was hard to hear him for a moment. Finally, she shook her head. “No. I don’t think so.”
He let out a slow breath and raked a hand through his hair. It was then she noticed a large welt forming on the back of his hand.
She let out a cry and reached for it, bringing it in front of her face. “But you have! Did they sting you anywhere else?” Her eyes flew to his, widening in fear. “Have you been stung before? Do you know if you have an allergy?”
“I’ll be fine,” he said gruffly, trying to pull his hand from hers as if embarrassed by the attention, but she wouldn’t let him go. “I’ve been stung once before.”
She looked over him again, still worried. “That’s the only one?”
He nodded, and she let out a relieved breath, before glancing back at the shed, the door still wide open. Wasps moved in a chaotic pattern inside and outside of the structure. “How many are there, do you think?”
He blew out a breath. “Hundreds. Thousands, maybe” he finally said. “That’s one developed hive. I’m assuming no one’s been in that shed for some time.”
She had no idea. Neither she nor any of the women she lived with had gone inside. Who knew how long it’d been since Sylvia had been in there. “We’ll have to find someone to take care of it.”
“I’ll have someone come out here tomorrow.”
“No. It’s all right. I’m sure we can find someone easily.”
He tipped her chin up with his finger. “It’s my responsibility, remember? We’re the ones renting it for you.”
“Oh.” She coughed lightly. “Right.” It made sense, but she was still discombobulated from everything that had happened. Why was everything so awkward?
Western Future (Copper Kings Book 3) Page 7
