Western Dilemma

by Janelle Daniels

  “You have my word that the men are being well looked after. Everett is planning to make even more changes.”

  “Everett?” Then it dawned on her—all their conversations about the mine’s safety and his emphatic belief that things would be different—and she whipped her head toward him. “You?”

  He shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal, but she couldn’t understand why he’d kept his position here a secret. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  A small smile curved his lips. “I tried telling you about the changes.”

  She scoffed. “You didn’t tell me you had been brought in to make them.” She tried to recall all the things he said he’d change. He’d even asked for her opinion on them.

  She felt ridiculous.

  And that was one emotion she hated.

  She swallowed hard and looked back to Lucas. “Thank you for telling me.”

  Everett leaned forward, but she refused to look at him as he spoke. “I was telling Miss Kane that we could use her services at the mine. I think having her on staff and allowing our workers to visit her for health checkups would be a benefit to all.”

  Lucas nodded slowly, thinking it over. “I agree.” He looked at Emery. “Would you be open to such an arrangement?”

  “Yes.” She held up her hands, not quite sure what to say. When Everett had suggested it at first, she hadn’t believed it to be even a possibility. “But as I told Everett, I wouldn’t be able to visit here unless it was dire. I’m needed in the clinic.”

  “Absolutely,” Lucas agreed. “And that’s where we’d want you. The men would come to you. Since they’re all staying in town, it’s more convenient anyway.” He tapped the desk. “Another option might be to construct a small building in the yard here. You’d be able to come as your schedule allowed to do the checkups on site.”

  Emery thought it over, saw the positives of such an arrangement, and nodded. “That might be possible. However, I could only do it one time a week.”

  Lucas held up his hands. “That’s all we need. With any luck, you’ll only be doing exams when the workers are healthy. It shouldn’t be too taxing.”

  The thought of taking care of people before they developed serious illnesses appealed to her. Making sure people were healthy and happy is what she’d always wanted.

  She smiled at Lucas and held out her hand. “You have yourself a nurse.”

  Chapter 6

  Everett watched Emery leave Lucas’ office, his eyes trailing after her until she closed the door. When he turned his attention back to Lucas, the man raised a brow. “Is there something you’d like to tell me?”

  Everett grinned. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “It’s good to see you at all. We were worried.”

  Everett had always respected Lucas as a businessman—it was the reason they’d formed a partnership. But more than that, Lucas had become his friend. “It turned out all right. At least I wasn’t more injured.”

  “The shaft has been dug out and will be reinforced properly. Such a thing will never happen again.”

  “Good.” Everett believed him. Lucas was efficient at what he managed. It was the reason they had decided Lucas would run the day-to-day operations here. “Is it true the water barrels made a difference?”

  Lucas blew out a breath. “Yes. It would’ve been catastrophic. It was a miracle they were put in place so quickly.”

  Everett knew they’d be necessary, but he’d had no idea how soon they’d be needed. It had been a close call. “I’ll make sure to see all the changes implemented quickly.”

  Lucas frowned. “Not until you’ve recovered.”

  “I’m plenty recovered.”

  Lucas raised his brow, clearly not believing him. “You’re banned from working until you’re cleared by our company nurse.”

  Everett snorted. “You enjoyed saying that, didn’t you?”

  Lucas grinned. “I did.” He glanced back to the door. “And now that you’ve brought up the topic, what’s going on between you and Emery?”

  At the use of her Christian name, Everett cocked his head. “How well do you know Emery?”

  “As well as I know the others we brought to town. I’ve needed to step in a time or two to protect them.”

  Gratitude washed through Everett. “Thank you for that. You’ve worked a miracle here with the town.”

  Lucas shrugged. “I’m just doing my job.”

  That might’ve been true in the beginning, but he’d done so much more than that. He’d made something here—then made it flourish. “You do it well.”

  Lucas shook his head. “Back to Emery.”

  Realizing his partner wouldn’t let it go, Everett shrugged. “Nothing. Nothing yet anyway,” he added to be honest.

  “Nothing happened while you were staying at the clinic?”

  “We spent time together, but nothing more than that. She intrigues me, so it’s fortunate we’ll be seeing more of her here.”

  Lucas leaned forward slowly. “I know this is none of my business, but I’m going to say this anyway. Have a care. You’ll be leaving soon enough, and Emery has already planted roots. Any attachment between the two of you will only cause heartache.”

  Instant denial swept through him, but he didn’t voice it. Lucas was right. Long-term, nothing could happen between him and Emery. He didn’t plan on staying, and she wouldn’t leave. He knew that much. “I hear you. I even agree with you. But there’s something about her, and it’s pulling at me. I can’t stay away.”

  Lucas blew out a breath. “Then be careful. That’s all I ask.”

  “I will. But understand that whatever does or doesn’t happen between me and Emery is just that—between us.”

  “Understood.”

  “I’ll take another day or two to rest, but after that, I’m back in the mines. These changes can’t wait.”

  “All right. Just let me know what you need.”

  “I will.” Everett rose to leave. “We’ll need to meet with Chase and Max about the announcement. I want all the workers to know about the changes as soon as possible.”

  “Max should be back soon, and then we can move forward.”

  He moved toward the door and then turned back. “I’d also like to tell Emery the truth. Will that be a problem?”

  Lucas looked at him curiously. “Are you still planning to keep your identity a secret until the announcement?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell her. Just know that once you do, your identity could come to light.”

  “I do.” He was willing to take the risk.

  He’d already waited too long to give her the truth.

  ***

  The few days she was away from Everett didn’t help the turmoil in her heart. Emery thought that with some distance, her connection with him would lessen. But it hadn’t.

  And here she was, back at the mine, looking over her shoulder every two seconds as she examined the workers, expecting him to walk out of the tunnels and talk to her.

  She knew he was back at work. Almost all her patients had thanked her for saving him. They considered him a hero.

  And he was. Not only had he saved the workers during the collapse, but his water barrels had saved countless lives from the fire. Who knew how many more he would save?

  Warmth filled her belly. He used his time and intelligence to help others. What could be more attractive? He was handsome and charming, and when they touched, butterflies wreaked havoc in her stomach. But none of that compared to the attractiveness of his mind or his actions.

  Finished with another patient, she said her goodbyes and then wrote notes about his health so she could compare after the next exam. It was easy, mindless work. But at the moment, she wished for something more taxing—something that would take her mind off of Everett and the way he made her feel.

  She thought herself beyond the infatuations she’d felt in girlhood. She’d seen too much of life for such a rosy outlook. But Everett made her feel like that again.<
br />
  He was no longer her patient, but her feelings for him still felt wrong.

  He might not even be staying in town for long. She’d be a fool to get involved with him—it would only result in breaking her heart.

  No, she was too sensible for that. So why was ignoring him so difficult?

  She was scribbling on her chart when the hairs on her arms raised. She glanced behind her once more, expecting to see the usual comings and goings of workers—but there he was.

  He stood at the mouth of the mine, his eyes on hers as he spoke with the two men beside him. They listened intently, finally nodding and leaving to do whatever he’d ordered.

  She couldn’t look away, couldn’t break eye contact with him. It’d been days since she’d seen him, but it felt so much longer.

  As he walked toward her, the sun teased highlights from his light-brown hair, and she ached to touch it. He seemed bigger—stronger somehow.

  She locked her hands in front of her, worried she might do something ridiculous like reach out for him. She refused to embarrass herself like that. Instead, she smiled casually in greeting. “Everett, it’s good to see you. You’re looking well.”

  He gave her a lopsided grin, and his eyes sparkled. How had she not noticed how bright his eyes were before? They shone like jade. “It’s amazing what a little rest can do.”

  “You should have rested longer. Your ribs aren’t fully recovered yet.” She couldn’t help but scold him.

  “I’ve been careful and have kept them wrapped.”

  Truly, that was all he needed, but the thought of him reinjuring himself distressed her. “Well, make sure you continue to do so.”

  “Yes ma’am.” He tipped his hat teasingly, and she rolled her eyes and laughed.

  They quieted for a moment, and his expression became more serious. “Emery, there’s something I wanted to ask you.”

  She glanced over her shoulder, wondering if her next patient had arrived, but they were still alone. “All right.”

  He looked around too, placed his hand on her back, and moved her a little ways away from the yard, looking for more privacy. “We didn’t talk about this when I was at the clinic. I knew we shouldn’t, but I feel like something needs to be said.”

  Panicked, she placed her hand on his chest, stopping him. “Maybe we still shouldn’t talk about this.”

  He placed a hand over hers, holding it there, and leaned forward, his voice low. “I think we need to. Emery, there’s something between us.” When she didn’t respond, he arched a brow at her. “Are you denying it?”

  She huffed, looked away, and then returned her gaze to his. She couldn’t deny it, and she refused to lie. “No. There is something. But there shouldn’t be.” She shook her head. “You’re my patient.”

  “I was your patient,” he stressed. “I no longer am.”

  She knew he was right, but still she pushed back. “Are you staying here for good? Or did you only come to town to fix the mine?”

  He nodded slowly. “I only came for this, and then I plan on leaving. I don’t know how things would work between us, and I know it’s not fair what I’m doing, but I can’t help myself. I needed you to know.”

  He released her hand, giving her the opportunity to move forward or step back. He wasn’t pushing her, wasn’t asking her for anything. But he’s still leaving. “What do you want?”

  “I want to spend more time with you,” he said honestly. “I want to see if what’s between us can be something more.”

  “How can it be?” She laughed at the absurdity of it all. “What’s the point?”

  He looked at her lips and then to her eyes. “The point is that I can’t stop myself. I dream about you, Emery.”

  “It’s only because I healed you.” That had to be why. It was the only thing that made sense.

  He shook his head slowly. “Maybe that’s part of it. But not all. How would that explain how you feel about me?”

  She pressed her lips together. He was right. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “And you’ve never acted on a bad idea?” he countered.

  The question was ludicrous, but she couldn’t deny it. “Not often.”

  He took her hand again and toyed with her fingers. “I’m not ready for this to end.”

  “It hasn’t even begun.”

  He looked into her eyes, practically piercing her soul. “And you’re all right with that? Can you honestly say you would never regret it if we didn’t see where this will lead?”

  She bit her lip. No, she couldn’t say that. But the true question was if she’d regret pursuing it. “I don’t know which I would regret more. Moving forward or stopping this now.”

  “Only you can make that choice,” he said softly. “This is your choice, Emery. I’m not going to force anything upon you.”

  That only made it worse. If things went wrong, she could only blame herself. “Thank you.” She let out a shaky breath then looked around the yard at the men going about their business.

  Everett was still a miner. Even if he was a supervisor and was only here for one assignment, it still meant he would work in mines day in and day out. He would always be in danger, would never fully be safe. Would she be able to accept that? Or would it slowly kill her inside, wondering if when she said goodbye to him each day it would be the last time. Because no matter how many precautions were taken in the mines he worked in, it would never be completely safe.

  She wasn’t a coward, but she didn’t believe weighing risks was cowardly. It was smart. “I need to think about it.”

  He nodded quickly, his stance relaxing. “Take as much time as you need. I just ask you don’t avoid me while you’re thinking about it.”

  Her lips quirked. “You’re just hoping to sway my decision.”

  “Absolutely.” He grinned unrepentantly. “I plan on using the power of persuasion to my advantage.”

  “Oh really?” She laughed. “And how will you do that?”

  “I guess you’ll see.” He slowly brought her hand to his lips.

  She inhaled sharply as his lips brushed against her hand. Soft, warm. Goosebumps broke out over her skin, and she shivered.

  His heated eyes returned to hers, and his thumb rubbed the spot where he’d kissed her, as if to keep the feeling in. “Please don’t take too long deciding, Emery.”

  Her throat went dry as she read the wicked promises in his eyes. “I won’t.”

  She couldn’t. She didn’t think she could stand for long against such an onslaught of feeling.

  He let her hand go and stepped away just as her next patient arrived. “I’ll see you soon,” he said, that promise still in his eyes.

  She nodded, worried her voice would come out as a squeak.

  She didn’t know how to handle this side of Everett.

  Chapter 7

  Everett knew if he was going to convince Emery to let him court her, he had to be persuasive.

  And that meant he had to be near her. He respected her mind, and he knew it would be working overtime to convince her that being around him was a bad idea.

  So instead of giving her space, he decided to remind her of how it felt to be around each other. She had promised to not avoid him.

  Clutching a fistful of wildflowers, he knocked on the door to her house, the one she shared with the other women he and the rest of the Copper Kings had helped bring to town.

  Footsteps sounded on the other side of the door, and a moment later, it opened. The woman in front of him looked smooth and polished, like the ones he’d associated with back East. “Good afternoon,” he said, tipping his hat.

  “Hello.” She looked at him with crystal-blue eyes and propped the door slightly open. “How can I help you?”

  He took off his hat. “I’m stopping by to visit with Miss Kane. Is she home?”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “May I ask who is calling?”

  “Mr. Everett.”

  “I’ll see if she’s available. Would you like
to come in?”

  “No. I’ll wait outside. That way if she wants to throw me out, I’m already there.” He winked.

  His charm didn’t affect her. She only raised an eyebrow before returning into the house.

  Emery had talked about the other women she lived with, and he guessed that was Hannah Pierce. It would take a strong man to crack that shell.

  A few moments later, Emery stepped out of the house. “Everett? What are you doing here?”

  He bowed gallantly and handed her the bouquet. Bemused, she accepted it. “What are these for?”

  “I was thinking of you.”

  She looked at him suspiciously. “What are you up to?”

  He held up his hands. “Exactly as I said. You have a choice to make, but I’ll try to convince you to say yes.”

  “You’re not going to drop this are you?” She shook her head. “I should’ve known. You’re stubborn.”

  “I like to think that’s one of my virtues.” It was then he saw she carried her bag. “Are you going somewhere?”

  “I am. You caught me right before I could leave for the clinic.”

  “Then let me escort you.”

  “I’m taking the wagon.”

  As if that would deter him. “I can tether my horse to the cart and drive you.” She looked like she was about to argue again. “Please?”

  She looked at him then, and he knew he’d won. “All right. But only because you’re heading back to town anyway.”

  “That’s true.” But he knew she still could have refused and sent him on his way. He was grateful to spend more time with her.

  He reached for her bag. “Allow me.”

  She looked down at his hand with confusion, as if she hadn’t expected him to do such a thing. But she didn’t refuse. “Thank you,” she said, handing him the bag.

  He offered his arm, and she took it tentatively.

  He relished the feel of her next to him. He could smell her sweet, natural scent mixed with the rose soap she’d used in her hair.

  It seemed so natural, being with her like this, and he loved it. When had spending time with a woman ever felt so comfortable? So carefree?