Wanted: Tycoon Read online

  Harrison reached out and touched the fabric, rubbing it between his thumb and fingers. “Not only do you have an eye for detail and design, but the fabric you picked is exquisite.”

  “I’ve always loved dresses since I was a little girl. I spent hours sketching in my room, so when my papa arranged for me to go learn from my aunt, to take my mind off the loss of my…” Willa couldn’t finish the sentence. She could feel tears forming in the corner of her eyes, and she had to blink to keep them from falling.

  Willa hadn’t planned on divulging details about her past tonight. She knew Harrison had researched her family’s farm, and most likely knew what happened, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to talk about her loss.

  “Are you all right, Willa?” Harrison inquired with concern.

  She nodded, swallowing several times to remove the lump in her throat before speaking. “He thought the time away might help me deal with the loss of my older brother. I was getting ready to go when my mama passed away along with the baby she was carrying. After that, I decided I couldn’t leave, but my papa insisted I shouldn’t put my future on hold.” Willa shook her head, the anger she had towards herself came rising up inside her, and without being able to control it, the tears trickled down her cheeks. “The reason everything got so bad was because of me. If I hadn’t left, I would have been here to do something sooner. Instead, I was off distracting myself with something so frivolous.”

  She pushed the dress down in anger and shook her head. “I’m still doing it. I should have sold this dress, along with the rest I brought with me. The money could have helped the family, but instead I kept them because I didn’t want to part with them.”

  “Willa, don’t be so harsh with yourself,” Harrison said, reaching out and placing his hand on the side of her face. Gently, he wiped away the tears that were softly falling. “You did the best you could under the circumstances. I can see how much you care about your family, but you’re only one person. Don’t take on the blame for all their troubles.”

  Willa’s eyes drifted up to meet Harrison’s. She could see the sympathy in them, mixed with affection, and dare she hope, perhaps love. Her hands shook as a fluttering sensation took hold of her stomach.

  Before she knew what was happening, he was pulling her towards him. As he gathered her into his arms, the anticipation was making her go weak in the knees.

  His mouth came down and gently claimed her lips with his own. The kiss was soft and warm, meant more to convey comfort than desire, but both were present as she wrapped her hands in the front of his shirt. She clung to him like a life preserver in the middle of a storm, wanting him to be the anchor for anything she faced.

  After several seconds, Harrison pulled back and gave her a smile. He whispered in a raspy voice, “I’ve wanted to do that for days now. Actually, from the moment I saw you, I wondered what it would be like.”

  “Then what took you so long?” Willa asked, her own voice shaking from the effect of their kiss.

  “I’m not sure, but it won’t happen again,” he said, leaning down and kissing her a second time. The desire was clear with this kiss, and her shaking moved from her throat to her whole body. The world around them stopped, making the moment stand still. All Willa could do was focus on how perfect it felt to be held in Harrison’s arms.

  Slowly, he leaned back and stared at her. “I’m tempted to do this all night, but Braylon and Tonya are waiting for us. We don’t want to be rude.”

  Willa nodded, allowing Harrison to help her up into the carriage. A few minutes later, they arrived outside the Silverpines Inn. Once inside, they made their way into the restaurant, where their friends were waiting for them. Both Tonya and Braylon smiled, waving them over to join them.

  “We were wondering if you two would make it. Glad you did,” Braylon stated with a lopsided grin.

  “Please, forgive our tardiness,” Harrison apologized. “We didn’t mean to delay dinner.”

  Tonya tilted her head, then gave Willa a knowing smile. “I think we can forgive you. Sometimes there are other things more important than being on time.”

  Willa glanced from her friend over to Harrison, realizing Tonya must have had some clue as to what just happened between Willa and Harrison. Self-consciously, Willa patted her hair and dress, wanting to make sure everything was in place.

  As soon as Willa and Harrison took their seats across from their friends, the waiter appeared at the side of the table, ready to take everyone’s order.

  The meal passed by pleasantly, the friends falling into a natural rhythm of talking about the reconstruction of the town, Harrison’s plans for his Silverpines brickyard, and the happenings at church.

  Once they were finished, Tonya stood up and looked over at Willa. “Why don’t you come with me? We can freshen up in the privy before heading over to the town social.”

  Willa nodded, then rose to join her friend. They made their way out of the restaurant and down the hall beside the lobby. Before Tonya went inside, she stopped her friend and inquired, “So, I didn’t want to ask in front of the men, but has your relationship progressed beyond friendship? I noticed when you both came in earlier this evening—late I might remind you—that you had a glow about you. The type of glow from being kissed and kissed well.”

  “I’m surprised you noticed. I thought I was better at being discreet.”

  “Oh, it wasn’t your doing that made it obvious. It was the way Harrison was looking at you all night.”

  “How was he looking at me?” Willa probed, wanting to hear what her friend saw that Willa missed.

  “Like you were the only woman in the room,” Tonya gushed. “He couldn’t take his eyes off of you.”

  “We kissed for the first time tonight,” Willa confessed, feeling another blush of embarrassment spread across her body. “I guess it was more obvious than I knew.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re in love, that’s something to be happy about.”

  “Thank you for the encouragement. This is all new territory for me. I’m not even sure if we are in love, but it helps to hear you think he cares.”

  “Willa, anyone with eyes can see he does. You just need to trust in what’s happening between the two of you,” Tonya encouraged. “I need to use the privy. I’ll be right back out.”

  As Willa waited for Tonya, she contemplated what was going on between Harrison and herself. Even though Willa was a romantic at heart, she had a hard time accepting she could end up with a man who loved her. It was all she ever wanted, but when she proposed marriage to Harrison as a business arrangement, she thought she had to bury her dreams of a love match. Was it possible she would be able to save her family and find love at the same time? It would be more than she could have ever hoped for.

  Tonya returned, and they made their way back into the lobby where the men were waiting.

  “Are you ladies ready to head over to the town social?” Braylon asked.

  Both women nodded as the men took each of their sweethearts’ hands and placed them through their arms. As they made their way over to the makeshift stage across the street from the inn, contentment filled Willa’s heart. The night had already proven to be wonderful. She couldn’t imagine it getting any better until she looked up at Harrison and wondered what it would feel like to dance with the man she was falling in love with.

  “Are you ready to dance?” Harrison inquired, looking down at Willa expectantly. The anticipation of holding her in his arms again made Harrison’s heart race with excitement.

  She nodded her head, then allowed him to guide her in front of the stage. The band was playing a moderately fast paced song which had the townspeople pleasantly dancing the two-step.

  Willa and Harrison joined in, both of them falling into a natural rhythm together as they moved around the area.

  “You’re quite good at this,” Willa observed. “Much better than I am.”

  “Dancing was a large part of my family’s social set. My mothe
r made sure I had the best dance instructor growing up.” Leaning towards her, he added, “But you’re wrong about your own abilities. You’re just as good as I am.”

  She let out a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re sweet to say so, but it’s all I can do to keep up with you.”

  The song ended, causing the crowd to disperse. Several couples went to have a glass of punch or take a seat at one of the surrounding tables.

  “You want to dance again or take a break?” Harrison asked.

  “I’m already winded from just that first dance. You spun me around and made me dizzy in less than a couple of minutes.”

  They made their way over to a table where Harrison deposited Willa. “I’ll go grab us two glasses of punch. Do you want a piece of cake?”

  “I would love one. Mrs. Edith and her sister, Mrs. Ethel, make the best cakes. I heard they were each bringing one tonight.”

  “Do you prefer a flavor?”

  “I’m partial to chocolate,” she said with a smile that made Harrison’s stomach somersault. It was amazing the effect Willa had on him. In just a couple of short weeks, she had captivated his thoughts and taken his heart hostage. All he wanted to do was keep a smile on her face and have her look at him with those adoring eyes.

  “One piece of chocolate cake, coming right up.”

  Harrison made his way over to the refreshment table where Posey Jones was leaning against the edge. She was dressed up in one of her elaborate costumes—Harrison thought it reminded him of a golden orb—she was smiling and making jokes as townspeople passed by.

  As Posey’s attention focused on Harrison, she snapped her fingers and shouted, “Mr. Holt, correct?”

  He nodded. “Good evening, Miss Jones.”

  “I see you’re still spending time with the farmer’s daughter,” she said gesturing over to where Willa was sitting, watching them. “Tell me, would she be opposed to you investing in my theater? I could use a man of means as a backer.”

  “Willa doesn’t factor into my business decisions,” Harrison said with narrowed eyes. “I’m my own man.”

  Posey raised her hands, letting out a laugh. “Never would have thought otherwise, Mr. Holt. I just know when a man gets seriously involved with a woman, many things change.” Pushing away from the edge of the table, she added, “Keep in mind the idea of investing in my theater. I promise it’ll be a huge success.”

  Harrison gathered up the drinks and cake before making his way back over to Willa. He placed the treats on the table, then took a seat beside her.

  “What was that all about?” Willa asked with a note of apprehension in her voice. “Miss Jones seemed to garner your undivided attention. She’s awfully good at batting her eyelashes to get what she wants.”

  Was that a hint of jealousy he heard in Willa’s voice? He hadn’t expected her to react that way, but the idea of it made his heart warm with affection. It meant she cared enough not to like seeing other women show interest in him.

  “She wanted me to invest in her theater,” Harrison explained, wanting Willa to understand it wasn’t what she thought.

  “And what was your answer?” Willa probed.

  “I didn’t give her one. I would have to look into it and decide if I want to venture into the entertainment business.”

  Willa shrugged, taking a sip of her punch. “And whether you would want to work with a woman like that. She’s quite forward if you ask me.”

  “I find her rather amusing, though I suspect most of what she does is an act. If you don’t like the idea of it, however, I will safely dismiss the prospect of investing in her theater.”

  Even as the promise left his lips, it surprised Harrison. Just a few moments ago he was telling Miss Jones Willa didn’t factor into his decisions, but here he was guaranteeing her he wouldn’t do anything that would upset her. Willa was constantly muddling the way he would normally handle things.

  Willa pressed her lips together, then after a moment’s hesitation, she shook her head. “I would never interfere with how you run your business affairs. It isn’t my place.”

  “As my future wife, I would want your input,” Harrison corrected. “I value what you think, Willa.”

  “Thank you, Harrison.”

  After they finished their cake, Harrison escorted Willa back to the dancing area just in time for a waltz. He pulled her into a close embrace as the soft, slow music played. The sound cascaded around them, enveloping them in what felt like a private cocoon.

  “I love dancing with you. I could do this all night,” Willa confessed.

  “Me too,” he whispered, leaning towards her. “You feel perfect in my arms.”

  Willa let her head drift down and rest on Harrison’s shoulder. As they swayed to the romantic music, Harrison could feel her heart beat against his own chest.

  The song ended, causing Willa to lean back and smile. She looked as if she was about to say something, but before she did, a man’s voice boomed, “There you are Willa. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  Both Willa’s and Harrison’s heads darted to the direction of the voice. Standing at the edge of the dance area, was a thickly built man of average height with sandy-blond hair staring at them. Willa recognized him because she had stiffened in his arms and paled considerably. As the other man waved them over, Harrison asked, “Who is that?”

  “That’s Georgie Caldwell. He’s the brother of my best friend, Lydia, in Rockwood Springs.”

  “Why on earth is he here?” Harrison asked with confusion as they made their way over to where Mr. Caldwell was standing.

  “I’m not sure,” Willa whispered.

  Now that they were close, Harrison could see Mr. Caldwell was staring at Willa with a look in his brown eyes that made Harrison uneasy. It wasn’t the look of friendship, but of longing. Was there something between them?

  “What are you doing here, Georgie?” Willa asked in an accusing tone.

  The young man shrugged. “It’s not that hard to figure out where you were. I thought Rockwood Springs was small until I came here. I asked around and found out about the social.”

  “All right, that explains how you found me, but I mean what are you doing in Silverpines at all?” she inquired further.

  “Who’s this?” Georgie asked as he narrowed his eyes and folded his arms across his chest.

  Harrison wondered why he wasn’t answering the question. Willa had inquired twice why he was in town and both times he didn’t give her a straight answer. Though to Harrison, it was obvious he had come to Silverpines for Willa.

  “Georgie Caldwell, may I introduce you to Harrison Holt,” Willa said gesturing between the two men.

  Reluctantly, Harrison extended his hand, etiquette overpowering his desire to keep his distance from the other man.

  Mr. Caldwell looked down at the man’s hand, paused for a moment, then took it. “It’s George Caldwell, actually. Only my close friends call me Georgie.”

  Willa’s eyes grew round with embarrassment as she countered. “Everyone calls you Georgie back in Rockwood Springs.”

  “You never answered Willa’s question. What are you doing in Silverpines, Mr. Caldwell?” Harrison asked.

  “Isn’t it obvious? I came here for Willa.”

  This time, Willa gasped. “What are you talking about, Georgie? Why would you do such an impulsive thing?”

  “Because, I love you, Willa. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since you left. If you had stayed in Rockwood Springs, we would have ended up together. I figured if it was just distance separating us why not come out here and fix it?”

  Harrison glanced down at Willa. Her face was bright red and her eyes were on the ground.

  “You shouldn’t have come here, Georgie,” Willa squeaked out.

  “Why not? Is it because of him?” Mr. Caldwell spat out, glaring at Harrison.

  “Yes, he’s courting me.”

  “So, there’s nothing official then?” Georgie asked. “That means I’m not
too late.”

  Willa’s head snapped up. “No, it’s just the opposite. You are too late. There’s no point in you being here.”

  “I refuse to believe that. The spark between us was special, Willa. I’m not just giving up on that—on us,” Mr. Caldwell declared.

  “I don’t know how to make this clearer, but you should go home to Rockwood Springs, Georgie. I’m with Harrison now.” Willa swayed as she whispered, “Can you take me home, Harrison. I’m not feeling well.”

  Harrison supported her frame as he answered, “Of course, Willa. Whatever you need.”

  As they made their way over to the livery where Harrison’s rented carriage was waiting, he asked, “Is there anything I can do?”

  Willa shook her head. “There’s nothing to do. Georgie has always been impulsive and reckless, but I would have never thought he would have come out here like this. He’s just going to have to accept that I’m with you now.”

  “Are you Willa? With me, I mean?” he asked as he helped her into the carriage, then settled into a seat beside her.

  Her eyes met his and he could tell she was wrestling with something. After a brief hesitation, she said, “Of course I am, Harrison. We had a deal and I plan to stick to it.”

  Harrison wasn’t sure if he liked her answer, but he also knew pushing her for clarification right now wouldn’t do either of them any good. He was a shrewd man when he needed to be, and he could out maneuver Mr. Caldwell to win not only the hand, but heart, of Willa Brown.

  Chapter Nine

  Willa had pondered canceling her plans with Penelope. After going back and forth, she decided she could use the distraction from her muddled feelings for Harrison and Georgie. Try as she might though, preparing for her friend’s arrival didn’t do the trick. Even as she cooked their meal, got the table ready, and found something to keep Arthur amused, both men remained at the center of her thoughts.

  Georgie’s arrival in Silverpines had thrown her completely off kilter. She had firmly placed Georgie out of her mind, thinking there was no chance for them ever to be together now, but when he showed up, old stirrings resurfaced. Had she been too hasty to dismiss Georgie?