She’d needed to escape, to get away from the vultures who circled, waiting until she was completely broken before feasting. It was the whole reason he’d recommended to his partners to find women to help further develop the town.
As a business strategy, it was great for their long-term operation. And in the short term, it had accomplished his ultimate goal—protecting Hannah.
It had worked brilliantly. She was safe under the protection of his partners.
He’d gotten updates on each of the women on the pretense of gathering information about the experience, but all he really wanted to know was how Hannah fared. Was she happy? Was she settled? It shouldn’t matter to him, but he couldn’t stop wondering. He needed to know how she was.
He’d thought that with some distance between them, his obsession with her would fade, but it hadn’t.
And she was the only reason he was here now. He hadn’t been able to forget her, and he’d come to a startling conclusion—
He wanted her as his wife.
He should have realized it much sooner, should’ve realized it immediately after what had happened to her. If he had, he could have spared her so much anguish. They could have married immediately and then everything would have blown over. The gossip mill would have been silenced.
He wasn’t delusional. He knew he wasn’t her first pick. He probably wasn’t even in her top twenty. But marriage to him would give her the level of protection she needed.
It would allow her to come home and regain her place in society. Surely, with so many positives, she would agree to the union.
And after a time, he hoped they’d find there was more between them than just a common goal. He was fascinated by her, desired her, and appreciated her for who she was. He hoped, with time, to have love.
He’d never given it much thought before, and the emotion itself seemed messy, causing people to do all sorts of insane things. But in the last nine months, four of his partners had settled down. They all were in love with their wives, and he’d seen the benefits of the unions.
He wanted the same with Hannah.
He got off the train, giving instruction for his trunks to be delivered to the hotel. He’d wired ahead and secured a suite for his stay.
Receiving directions, he realized the hotel was only a short distance away and decided to walk. The town was charming and more appealing than he’d imagined. Although, he shouldn’t be surprised. Each of his partners had decided to settle down here after their visits.
But, as appealing as it was, Nathan couldn’t see himself in such a small town. He might have grown up without luxuries, but he was honest enough to admit he depended on them now.
He enjoyed being able to visit a bookshop and procure the latest releases. He relished fine dining, fine clothes, and all the trappings of wealth.
And with more money than he could ever spend, he enjoyed trying. When Hannah became his wife, he’d spoil her rotten. She would have the best of everything: clothes, carriages, houses, jewels. Whatever she desired would be hers.
He finished his walk across town and entered the Winthrop Hotel. Luxury surrounded him, but it was subtle instead of the hit-you-over-the-head style of the Winthrop in New York. He would have never thought such a thing would appeal to him, but it did.
It would be the perfect place to host their wedding meal. He’d planned on traveling to New York and having a large ceremony, but perhaps it would be better if they married here. Then she’d return as someone with status. No one would dare speak ill of her then.
Pleased with the new plan, he walked to the front desk to check in.
“Good afternoon, sir. Do you have a reservation?”
The young man in front of him still looked like a boy. “Yes. Mr. Branson.”
His eyes widened. “Yes, sir. Your suite is ready, and I’ve been instructed to take you up immediately.”
He walked around the desk to do just that, but Nathan held up a hand. “Before I go up, I was hoping to have a few words with Mr. Winthrop. Is he available?”
“I can check for you, sir. It should only take a moment.”
Nathan nodded at the ready-to-please worker as he left to do Nathan’s bidding. Nathan barely had time to peruse the hotel’s lunch menu before Rhys Winthrop exited from the employees-only section of the hotel.
“Nathan, it’s good to see you.” Rhys gave him a firm handshake. “I heard you’ll be a guest of ours for a while.”
“That’s right.”
“Business?”
Nathan nodded, declining to give further details. He considered Rhys a close acquaintance, but not close enough to divulge his plans. There wasn’t a single person he was close enough with to share those details.
Rhys seemed to get the message. “Good then. The mine seems to be going well, I think you’ll be pleased.”
“I am. I expect things will only continue to improve.”
“That’s what I expect too.” He chuckled. “I would say you’ve hit a gold mine, but what you’ve found is much more profitable.”
Nathan gave a small smile. “I agree.”
Rhys looked around his hotel as if taking stock of everything. He was sharp and good at what he did, and it was why his business was so successful. It was something Nathan admired about the man.
“Is there anything in particular I can help you with?”
Nathan shrugged. “I wanted to make sure to greet you before too much time passed. However, I was curious if you rented out the hotel for special events.”
Rhys’ eyebrows raised. “Yes. We’ve held several large gatherings in the ballroom. However, the restaurant can be bought out as well. Are you planning a party?”
Nathan briefly thought of a wedding party again but waved his hand. “Just curious.”
Rhys’ eyes were shrewd. “If you ever change your mind, let me know.”
“I will.” Nathan shook his hand. “It’s good to see you again, Rhys.”
“You too. Perhaps you can join us for dinner one of these nights? I’m sure my wife would enjoy meeting you.”
Nathan smiled, imagining Hannah at his side. It was something she’d enjoy. “I look forward to it.” He told Rhys to send his regards to his wife and then excused himself.
He needed to freshen up and then find Hannah. There was no point in delaying their meeting. The sooner he saw her, the sooner they could move forward with their lives.
He could see exactly how it would unfold, and he couldn’t wait to put his plans in motion.
Chapter 3
Hannah hummed quietly in her studio on Main Street. It hadn’t taken long for her to order supplies, move into the store, and decorate the studio.
And now, as she sat in the front section of the building, natural light spilling into the room, she was at peace. It was amazing how quickly things could turn around. With so much time on her hands, she’d been able to quickly produce the paintings for both Lily and Charlotte, and they’d been in awe of them.
Hannah was still reeling from their reaction. And just as they’d anticipated, orders had flooded in. Who knew so many people wanted fine art?
She had more commissions than she could ever want, a place of her own, and more time to dedicate to her work than she knew what to do with. But for today, she was working on something just for her. Painting only for the pleasure of it.
She tilted her head, looking at the canvas from a new angle before mixing colors. A little bit lighter, then it would be perfect. She was painting a queen, one who’d risen from the ashes. She didn’t need to dig deep to figure out what it meant.
She’d risen from the ashes and had created a whole new life. She couldn’t have imagined it a few weeks ago, but it was everything she wanted. She didn’t care whether she found a husband or not. Now that she had this, she could take care of herself for the rest of her life. She didn’t intend on using the apartment upstairs unless Grace married. They would have all moved on then.
The bell above the front door rang, bu
t she stayed focused on her painting.
Heavy boots moved across the floor. She peeked over her shoulder, noting the man’s broad, muscular back even through his coat. The material was of the utmost quality—unlike anything she’d seen in the West. The gentleman must be visiting. She turned her attention back to her painting, proud he’d found her displays intriguing enough for a closer look. “I’ll be with you in a moment,” she said, refocusing on her work.
It was so close to being finished.
She bit her tongue, quickly adding the last few details. After a few more minutes, she settled back, looking at it with critical eyes.
It was fantastic. Probably the best she’d done so far. With pride, she signed her name, grinning.
“That one is exquisite. If it’s for sale, I want to purchase it.”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and her back went rigid. She knew that voice, but it couldn’t be him. He was back East—he’d never travel all this way.
She swallowed hard, looking down at her paint-smeared smock. Her hair was falling out of her pins because she’d been sticking paintbrushes in it all day. And from the tightness on her cheek, she guessed some paint had dried there.
She refused to turn around. “I don’t know if it’s for sale.”
There was a slight pause. “I understand it must be hard to let something so beautiful go, but I’ll make it worth your while. It’s the perfect present for someone I know. She would love to have it.” He rattled off a price—more than she would have charged for one hundred paintings.
She choked. “You’d pay that for this?”
“Yes. Do you charge more?”
She was having a hard time breathing. It was obvious he hadn’t recognized her voice. “No. That is well above asking price.”
He clucked his tongue. “You are undervaluing your talent, Miss…?”
Hannah’s stomach flipped. She knew she couldn’t hide her identity from him, but part of her wanted to. She’d fallen so far from where she’d been, and she had no desire to be mocked.
But she was proud of what she’d done here, of the business she’d created. She’d never thought she’d come across someone from her past here in Promise Creek, but she shouldn’t have been surprised. The town was growing and business was thriving. More and more people from the east would be drawn here.
With a deep breath, she swiveled on her stool. “Miss Pierce. It’s wonderful to see you again, Mr. Branson.”
He sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes widening slightly as he slowly looked at her from head to toe, lingering on her cheek where she’d smeared paint. She held still under his inspection, refusing to cower or scrunch away. This was who she was now, and she was proud of what she’d accomplished.
Let him mock her. Let him belittle her now that he knew who was behind the painting he coveted.
After another moment, his eyes met hers. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Miss Pierce. I had no idea you possessed such talent.”
She had been prepared for a put-down—not a compliment. “Thank you. I’ve only just started utilizing them.”
He nodded, looking around her studio. “I can see that. I didn’t realize you’d started a business.”
She frowned, unease flowing through her. He made it sound like he’d known she was there this whole time. But how could he? The only person who knew her whereabouts was her brother. She’d felt that at least he should know where she was—even if he couldn’t care less about her.
Had Alexander told Nathan where she was? And if so, why was he here?
“I’m sure it’ll be a surprise to everyone back home. No doubt they’ll all laugh over how far I’ve fallen.” Her voice was even, but the thought pierced her heart, and she was frustrated by it. Wasn’t she stronger than that?
He rocked back on his heels. “Some might cheer at your misfortune, but I’d bet they’d change their tune rather quickly once your paintings become so popular they’re fighting for the next commission.”
Her brows wrinkled as she looked at him. Did he truly mean that or was he mocking her?
She took in his carefully styled dirty-blonde hair, the way his brandy-colored eyes sparked with intelligence. His body was fit and athletic, attesting to how hard he exercised it. But his lips looked as soft and kissable as ever.
She’d always found him insanely attractive, but he’d been one of her brother’s friends. Always in their home, always off doing whatever they did—and she’d refused to ever consider any of them.
If they could be friends with her brother, then they weren’t someone she wanted in her life.
She just wished he wasn’t still so attractive.
She forced the feeling away and looked back at her painting. “I hadn’t planned on selling it, but for that price, how could I refuse?”
She could always paint herself another one. Turning down that kind of money would be a mistake.
When he didn’t respond, she looked back at him, raising a brow. “Or perhaps you’ve changed your mind after learning who the artist is?”
His lips twitched. “Not at all, Miss Pierce. In fact, now that I know, I’m even more determined to purchase it. I’ll pay double my original offer.”
She sucked in a breath, her chest rising with the action, and his eyes were immediately drawn to the movement. But he didn’t linger. He looked at her as if he were studying her every move, and then adjusting his strategy.
But as annoying as it was, she also found it desirable. Nathan was one of the smartest people she’d ever met, and when he spoke, others listened. There was great power in that, more so than how fast a man could ride his horse or how many guests had attended his party.
The craving she’d had for him for so long was returning, but she squashed it like a bug. Nathan wasn’t for her. He was her brother’s friend.
Finally, she shook her head. “No. I’ll take the original offer. I much prefer it because it was based off my work and not who I am.”
He nodded. “All right. I’ll have the money wired immediately.”
“The painting will need to set for at least a week. If you won’t be in town that long, I can have it sent to you.”
“That will be fine. I’ll be here for at least two weeks.”
She raised her brow, but he only elaborated with, “I’m here on business.”
“I see.” What business could he possibly have in Promise Creek? But it was none of her concern, so she smoothed her features and stood. “It was lovely to see you again, Mr. Branson. I hope you have a wonderful time here in town.” She laced her hands in front of her.
He reached out, and she automatically offered her hand. Instead of kissing the back as she was used to, he only held it, looking at the paint smeared there as well.
She tried to pull it away, but he held it firm, tracing his thumb over the errant brush strokes. “You’ve changed, Miss Pierce.”
She stopped tugging, refusing to show him how much his touch unnerved her. Had he ever held her hand before? Kissed it? She couldn’t recall.
The sparks shooting up her arm made her believe he hadn’t. “I have. I’m not the same person I was when you knew me.”
“I see that.” But when he looked at her, there wasn’t disapproval in his features. Only interest.
Her stomach flipped.
He looked at her intently. “Have dinner with me tonight.”
She sucked in a breath. “No.” He laughed at her abrupt refusal, and she closed her eyes for a moment. “I meant no, thank you. I’m very busy, and I’m afraid I don’t have the time.”
There. She’d sounded mature and important. She might not actually have any plans, but he didn’t need to know that.
But instead of accepting her rejection, he countered. “Tomorrow night, then?”
Before he’d even said when, she was shaking her head. “I’m sorry.”
But he didn’t look put off. He only looked as though he enjoyed their interaction more. “The next night? Or even
the next?” As if sensing her refusal, he added, “Lunch, breakfast, tea? Surely you can’t be busy for each and every meal.”
He’d backed her into a corner, and by his amused look, he knew it.
“You aren’t going to let this go, are you?”
He shook his head slowly, and his silky hair gleamed in the light. “No.”
She could fight him, flatly refuse his invitation, but what would that accomplish? She didn’t know Nathan that well, but she knew he wouldn’t give up. It was better to concede, get it over with, and move on.
She lifted her chin. “All right. Dinner tomorrow. I’ll meet you at the hotel.”
Like the cat that got the cream, his smile was slow and devastating. Instead of vocalizing his agreement, he watched her as he lifted her hand to his lips, brushing it with a soft kiss that shot through her body.
As hard as she tried to conceal her reaction, he could clearly see how it affected her. His eyes heated, and the air around them seemed to thicken.
He finally released her hand. “Tomorrow, then.”
And before she could say anything more, he was out the door, leaving Hannah in his wake, wondering what had just happened.
Chapter 4
Hannah had known agreeing to a meal with Nathan was a mistake the moment he’d left her shop yesterday. She’d contemplated sending a note, thanking him for his recent purchase and declining the invitation.
But she knew he would never accept that. He would only stop by again and wrangle an acceptance for another time. She couldn’t handle that.
After he’d left her studio yesterday, she hadn’t been able to focus. She’d felt out of control, anxious, on edge, and a million other things she hadn’t experienced since coming to town. He reminded her too much of her past, of what she’d lost. Of the pain and sadness she’d experienced.
She didn’t want to feel that way. Those things were in the past, and that’s where they needed to remain. Nathan stirred her like no one ever had, but it didn’t matter. It couldn’t matter. She could never trust him, and if things between them progressed, she’d regret it.
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