Ripples of delight shot through her, but she ignored them, bringing her focus back to the reason for coming to see Tad.
“We need to talk. Would it be okay to go into your workroom?” she asked, tipping her head toward the doorway to the back room.
“Certainly,” Tad said, motioning for her to precede him.
She could feel his eyes on her as she walked across the store, but didn’t falter in her steps or glance back at him. In the workroom, she set her reticule on a workbench and removed her gloves and hat, tossing them down, too. For the length of several heartbeats, she studied Tad. The dark blue shirt he wore made his eyes look even bluer. As usual, his short hair was tousled with a few strands feathered around his face. Despite the growth of stubble along his square jaw, he owned a boyish appearance that made it hard for her to hold onto her anger against him.
Tad Palmer was undeniably attractive. It wasn’t just his broad shoulders and muscular form that appealed to her, either. He went through his days with a quiet, unassuming strength many relied on. Kind and generous, he was also loyal and dependable. The combination of those last four traits were the reason she’d gotten so ridiculously angry the other day.
“What’s going on, Posey?” Tad asked, motioning for her to take a seat on one of the tall stools at his worktable.
She shook her head and firmed her resolve to speak what was on her mind, even if she refused to give voice to what was on her heart. “Tad Palmer! I can’t believe you’ve lied to me since John’s passing. How could you do that?”
Stunned by her accusation, Tad merely stared at her in mute surprise.
“Don’t you pretend to be innocent. I know all about what you did.” She took a step closer to him, holding his gaze with her irate glare. “The other day I was doing some spring cleaning. I found a box of papers, things John had kept that I’d never worried about looking into. After going through them, I went to see Mr. Dylan, the attorney.”
“Yeah, you mentioned that last week, but what’s that got to do with me?” Tad took a seat on a stool, watching Posey pace back and forth in front of him.
“It has everything to do with you, and you know it!” She stamped her foot in frustration. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth, Tad? Why?”
“About…?”
“The Limitless!” She spat out, infuriated. “You let me think John was the sole owner when you were his partner all along. When you sold the mine on my behalf, you gave me every single penny. Half of it was rightfully yours.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “From the papers I found, your share was more like two thirds because you’d invested heavily in the mine. You couldn’t afford to do that, Tad. You live in that tiny apartment upstairs and work such long, hard hours to make ends meet. The money that has kept Nate and I living comfortably is really yours!”
“No, Posey. It’s yours. I couldn’t have lived with myself if I hadn’t made sure you and Nate were taken care of.”
“But we weren’t your responsibility or problem, Tad. And we owe you, so much.” Her arms fell to her sides and she took a step closer to him.
A soft light shone from his eyes as he reached out and took her hand in his. The gentle way he rubbed his thumb across her palm made fiery currents flow from her fingers to her toes.
“Posey, I made John a promise to take care of his girl and I intend to keep it. I didn’t need the money from the sale of the mine, but you and Nate did. And you have never been a problem. Helping you has been my honor and pleasure.”
The anger melted out of her at the sincere look on his face. “You shouldn’t have let me continue thinking John was the sole owner of the mine, though. Haven’t you ever heard of a lie by omission?”
He grinned. “I have and admittedly it was, but if I’d told you the truth, you wouldn’t have accepted the money. You needed it. I hate that you work so hard making quilts and seeing to things at your place as it is. If you’d let me, I’d do more for you.”
She shook her head. “I’m not some weakling incapable of taking care of herself or her son, Tad. I enjoy making my quilts and I like to work outside on our little farm. It’s good for Nate to help, too. And somehow, someday, I intend to pay back every cent I owe you. If you want your money now, I have some money tucked away I can give you.”
Tad shook his head and subtly pulled Posey closer. “I don’t want or need your money. I’ve got more than enough of my own.”
She gave him a dubious look and waved one hand around his shop. “That’s why you live such a simple life? Because you’ve money to spare. Don’t be ludicrous, Tad.”
He shrugged. “I’m not. Look, Posey, I suppose while you’re in the mood to discover all my secrets, you might as well learn one more. I don’t need money. I truly do have enough of my own.”
“What are you talking about?” She drew back and stared at him.
“Remember when I told you a long time ago that my family had some money but I wanted no part of it?”
She nodded.
“Well, that is true. I left home without taking a dime of my parents’ money. My parents own Davis Shipping in Virginia. My mother was a Davis and Father took over the business from my grandparents.” He sighed and ran a hand over his head, further mussing his hair. “My grandparents left a trust fund for my sister and me. I received the funds when I turned twenty-three. That’s the money I used to help buy the mine. And that’s why I don’t need your money, Posey. I could close this shop and never work another day in my life, and still have plenty.”
“Oh, I had no idea.” She wondered how Tad could live such a humble existence. Surely he’d grown up amid luxuries, surrounded by great wealth.
As though he could read her mind, he smiled. “I don’t miss all the falderol of living in my parents’ fancy home. I like it here, like my life and my friends. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, although Gloria does think I should at least have running water installed in my apartment. She’s warned me if she and Colin ever come to visit, she’ll stay at the hotel rather than with me.”
“She’s a very smart girl,” Posey said, giving him a teasing look.
Disturbed by the odd light glowing in his eyes and the determined look on his face, she didn’t even think of resisting. Not when her gaze fixated on his lips and how much she wanted to taste his kiss.
Unable to recall when Tad’s mouth had first fascinated her, all she knew was for the last two years, she’d dreamed of him taking her in his arms and kissing her with the same level of passion he stirred in her.
In spite of the lingering guilt she felt about falling in love again, she knew John would be glad the one who’d captured her heart was Tad. Her husband had often said there was no one finer than his best friend, and Posey heartily agreed.
“I never wanted or needed your money, Posey Jo,” Tad growled, slowly lowering his head toward hers as he continued to draw her closer. He sat on the stool with his legs bracketing her on either side. “What I want…” One of his big hands slid around to cup the back of her head while the other encircled her waist. “Is to kiss you.”
Warmth flooded through Posey and her lips curved upward in a smile. “Why, then, are you still talking instead of kissing me?”
Hesitantly, Tad’s lips moved over hers in a light caress.
Thrilled with the scrumptious euphoria created by finally being in the place she’d longed for so long, Posey slid her hands up his arms and rested them on his broad shoulders, moving nearer to him.
Tad moaned and deepened the kiss, wrapping both arms around her as he took possession of her mouth and laid claim to her soul.
Consumed with the passion arcing between them, Posey wouldn’t have been able to break away from Tad in that moment if the building had collapsed around them. Her only thought was that it felt so good, so right, to be in Tad’s arms.
His kisses, rich and dark, filled her with a yearning she never again thought to experience. As he lavished her with his affection, something that had long r
ested dormant in her heart burst into full bloom.
Oh, how she loved this good, kind, caring man. A man full of secrets and complexities that she’d never imagined. Not her Tad.
Wholly given to the experience of his kisses, to the wonder of being held so lovingly in his arms, Posey sucked in a gulp of astonishment when Tad suddenly pulled back and got to his feet, moving away from her.
“This isn’t right, Posey. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have… it’s wrong to…”
She sidled up to him and wrapped her arms around his lean waist, pressing against him. “It’s okay, Tad. There’s nothing wrong in…”
“Yes, there is.” He pushed her away again and moved so he stood on the other side of the worktable. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the whole truth, Posey, and I’m really sorry about kissing you. It won’t happen again.”
“Well, perhaps I want it to.” She gave him a look that caused him to swallow hard as his gaze focused on her just-kissed mouth. “Maybe there’s nothing I’d like better than for you to kiss me repeatedly.”
“Posey, no. You’re just caught up in the moment and confused.” He plopped her hat on her head, shoved her gloves and reticule into her hands, and took her elbow in his hand. In a rush, he escorted her to the front of the store. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this, Posey. Goodbye.”
He nudged her out the door and closed it behind her.
Posey yanked on her gloves with a jerk. “That man is the most thick-headed, stubborn fool I’ve ever encountered,” she muttered as she marched down the boardwalk. “We’ll just see about him never kissing me again.”
Chapter Nine
“He did what?” Maggie asked, eyes wide with disbelief as Posey sat at her kitchen table, relaying what had transpired with Tad.
“He threw me out of his shop!” Posey huffed and stirred more sugar into her cup of tea. Affronted, shamed, and downright infuriated, she didn’t know which emotion to give full rein first and wavered between all three. Although she left out Tad’s confession to having a healthy bank account, she did tell Maggie about him kissing then rejecting her. “Stupid, stupid man!”
“Men can be such thoughtless, brainless creatures,” Maggie said, reaching across the table and patting Posey on the arm. “Why, my Daniel could do and say the most idiotic things then wonder why he got cold, lumpy porridge for supper.”
Posey sighed. “Tad’s so mule-headed that he rarely even comes to share a meal with us lately. You’d think Nate and I had the plague or some such thing for as hard as he works to stay away from us.”
At the sound of his name, Nate ran into Maggie’s kitchen from where he’d played in her sitting room with a set of blocks. “May I have a cookie, Miss Maggie?” the boy asked sweetly.
“Of course, young man. You sit right there by your mama,” Maggie said, pointing to a chair. She poured him a glass of milk and put two cookies in a plate, setting it before him before she resumed her seat.
“Did you see Uncle Tad, Mama?” Nate asked innocently.
“I sure did, baby.”
“Is he still working on the sheriff’s saddle?” Nate looked to his mother as he took a bite of cookie.
Posey nodded. “He is, honey. I heard him tell the sheriff he’ll have it finished soon. Is that the saddle you helped him work on?”
“Yep! I helped good.” Nate took another bite then a big gulp of milk.
Maggie grinned at the little boy. “My goodness, I didn’t realize you helped Mr. Palmer in his shop. We’ll have to be sure to tell Sheriff Barrett that his saddle is extra special because you’ve been helping with it.”
Nate beamed and nodded his head, making his hair flop forward.
Posey smiled and brushed it away from his face.
Later, after she’d thanked Maggie for watching Nate and the delicious refreshments, they stood at Maggie’s back door. Nate tried to get close to an alley cat sunning itself a few yards away.
“It seems to me Tad is fighting his feelings for you, Posey. You could give him a little competition, make him jealous.”
“I couldn’t do that, even if there was someone who’d pretend to show interest in me.”
Maggie shrugged. “You could make it impossible for him to ignore you. Invite him over for supper and make sure you’re very attentive to him. That used to work quite well with Daniel when I wanted to get his attention.”
Posey smiled then shook her head. “I don’t think so. I wouldn’t want him to get the wrong idea.”
“What idea would that be? That you’re a beautiful, available woman who has eyes only for him?” Maggie laughed. “Even if he’s too blind to see it, the rest of us have noticed. We’ve made note of the way he can’t take his eyes off you, too.”
“I think you and those others you mentioned might want to swing by Doc’s office and have your vision checked,” Posey teased then motioned to Nate.
“Come along, son. Time to go home.” She turned back to Maggie. “Thank you, again, for watching him. If there’s anything I can do for you, just let me know.”
“It was my pleasure, Posey. Anytime you need someone to keep an eye on Nate, let me know.”
“I might just do that.” Posey took her son’s hand in hers and moved a few steps down the alley. “Thank you, Maggie.”
Maggie waved. “It was my pleasure. It’s not every day a lively boy wants to spend time in my dress shop.”
Chapter Ten
Tad straightened from his bent over position above his workbench and stretched his back. He’d spent the last hour meticulously stamping a piece of leather that would end up on the skirt of a saddle for Luden Scott. The man was a wonder with horses and ran a successful training business a few miles out of town.
The intricate details on the saddle Luden ordered proved a welcome challenge for Tad. He needed something to occupy his thoughts besides Posey.
Since he’d so stupidly kissed her, he couldn’t think of anything else. He’d barely slept a wink and had lost five pounds from being too distracted to eat.
He’d also ruined more leather in the last week from failing to pay attention to what he was doing than he’d done in the rest of his life combined.
Something had to be done to chase thoughts of the woman from his head, but he had no idea what. The notion of turning his attention to another woman wasn’t even a consideration.
He loved Posey. Loved her to the very depths of his heart and soul, even if he’d never admit it to her.
Frustrated and flustered, he set aside his tools and decided to close his shop long enough to run down to the hotel’s dining room. With as many meals as he’d missed recently, he figured he deserved to indulge in one of the hotel’s fine meals. Maybe he’d even order dessert. He’d yet to eat one of their sweet offerings that wasn’t incredibly tasty.
After removing his work apron and washing his hands, Tad settled a hat on his head and locked his shop doors.
In no rush to return to work, he ambled down the boardwalk, glancing in store windows and noticing the bright blue sky overhead.
Before long, summer heat would beat down on them with ruthless force, making the area residents long for spring or autumn weather.
It had been quite a change for Tad when he left behind his home in Virginia and traveled west to this land dotted with sagebrush and not much else. Majestic mountains towered in the distance, where many men, like John, had worked hard to make a living in the mines.
Years of growing accustomed to the harsh winters and scorching summers had left Tad glad he’d made Baker City his home. He loved the area and felt true kinship to many of the people who lived in the community.
Although no one had filled the vacancy in his life left by John’s death, Tad counted several men among his good friends.
He liked the Scottish man who took over the lumberyard. Ian McGregor was a fun-loving sort who worked and played hard. He’d give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it and never ask for anything in return.
Thane Jord
an was another man he liked and admired. Like Tad and John, Thane had arrived in Baker City young and green. He’d worked in a mine with Maggie’s husband and Tully Barrett. Once he made enough to venture out on his own, Thane started buying land and building up his ranch. The man owned a handful of mines and thousands of acres, along with a fine herd of beef cattle and several thoroughbred horses.
One of these days he might have to take Thane up on his offer to come out and visit the Jordan Ranch to see the most recent improvements on the place. It had been a few months since he’d been out to the place, although he used to visit more often.
The sheriff rode out there with some frequency. Perhaps, the next time Tully went, he would tag along. Despite the sheriff’s tendency to tease and joke, sometimes without mercy, Tad liked Tully. He was a fair man, and an honest one. He was another one who’d lay down his life for his friends, or fight to protect them until his last breath.
Tad smiled. Those were the kind of friends that many people went a whole lifetime without knowing and he’d had the pleasure of knowing several.
Even Maggie’s husband, Daniel, had been someone Tad considered a friend right up until the man’s unfortunate death. He was glad Thane and Tully kept an eye on his widow. Between the two of them, he didn’t think there was much lacking in Maggie’s world, other than the love of a good man.
He’d seen the pain that lingered in Maggie’s eyes just like he’d noticed it in Posey’s. It shone brightly from Maggie’s, though he’d noticed it had dimmed considerably in Posey’s, especially the last few months.
Tad stopped in the middle of the street as a thought struck him. What if Posey had found love again? What if some man, someone other than him, had made her smile? Something, or someone, had definitely added pink blossoms to her cheeks and a spring to her step.
Sure, he’d noticed she’d found happiness in life again. That she tended to hum happy tunes while she worked in the kitchen and around the yard. He couldn’t help but observe the warmth shining in her gorgeous brown eyes or the welcoming smile on her delectable lips.
Tad's Treasure (Grandma's Wedding Quilts Book 12) Page 8
