Making an offer

[Lovely]

January 26 Year 2


Life could get so blaise at times.. out here the days stretched on sometimes endlessly.. while the city was interesting it did not hold the same bustle and thrum of the cities back east. The nights were more wild and she did enjoy the broad array of things she could do.. but there was something missing.. and she didn't know how to fill the space. Colena Harris had found a way to attempt to keep herself occupied and the deal was almost done, she was about to become the new owner of a hotel in Atasco Creek.

During a social luncheon one of her associates in the higher circles happened to mention that a young man was being expelled from the school nearby.. by the name of palm.. something -the twit couldn't remember his name. But it was enough for Colena to suspect and wonder.. if it was Nate.. what if he left? What if he went home to wherever or off to make his way and she never saw him again? What was happening to her.. she actually cared, more than a passing interest? Yes.. he'd become a friend.. someone who understood and appreciated her wild spirit, unlike the twittering larks who gossiped at the table now.

Colena excused herself, saying she had more packing and errands to see to before she departed. She did indeed.. that is how she found herself near the gate.. looking up at the building and wondering, waiting.. hoping and at the same time not hoping to see him.

If they didn't know the boy and the wildfire in his veins, they'd see a quiet and shy shrug of a young man slowly tapping a trunk down the steps behind himself. Nate paused to light up a cigar. He slid on his coat and rested his hat on his head, reaching behind himself to hoist the trunk onto his back and take the steps a little faster. The sooner he put the place behind him, the quicker his temper would settle, or so he hoped. Whatever had happened at home had wound its way through the circles to land here and point a finger at him, flicking him off the roster and closing the door to his education, at least for now. On the plus side, he'd be closer to home and able to help Ciara more directly than he had and from the sounds of it, she was going to need a lot more help than that. He came down the walk, not looking up past his feet until setting his hand to the gate to raise that latch one last time. It creaked like the gears in his mind as he raised his gaze and saw her peeking through the iron bars. "Dying to get in that bad? Apparently, there's a spot open," he hissed, though he offered her a welcoming grin.

"Looking for someone." She smiled, though wary as she could see the flare of temper in his eyes. "Handsome fellow.. about this tall.. charming.. quite the devil.. Know anyone like that?" Her eyes moved slowly from his feet up and over him to meet his gaze, she stood blocking his way.

"Carries a trunk and a reputation? Yeah I know him. Worthless trash if you ask me. What'd a nice thing like you want with a bumpkin like that?"

"Oh.. I'm just a little bit crazy... I like him.. and anyone who calls him worthless will have to deal with me.. Could you tell him I'm looking for him?"

He set his cigar to his lips and moved his hat to her head. "I'll let him know," he snickered, obviously curbing his anger as he looked away to the walk again and started stepping away from the gate. "Should I tell him why you're lookin' or are you just lookin' to look?"

[Lovely]

"As nice as he is to look at.. I do have a reason." She smiled brighter, adjusting his hat down on her head. "I was.. hoping to make him an offer he couldn't refuse..."

"Great, sounds like he's in more trouble than he thought. What's in it for me to tell him all this? Hungry at all? Looks like he... and I.. don't have to worry about missing class."

"Trouble? From little ole me?" She tipped his hat down on her forhead and batted her lashes at him as she peeked from under it. "You want to put that trunk in my carriage?"

He chuckled. "You, Miss Harris, are 'trouble' personified. That's why I talk to you," he teased. His mind twisted her words and his mouth opened to almost make an offer she might not refuse, but he was hardly in a mood to go through with such an offer at the moment. He turned the wordless thought into an acceptance of the offer, putting the trunk in the carriage she indicated. He nodded to the driver and patted the horse before letting her lead on. He wasn't interested in riding anywhere.. the walk would help his anger. "If you'd be so kind. Then I can find out what other cross I'm to bear instead.... an offer you say? Better not mean any money on my part. Not until they send my tuition back."

She bit her lip and shook her head. "No money from you.. though.. you could earn some.." She baited him a little, walking backwards. "And I'm glad you like me.. maybe enough to take me up on my offer... You mentioned eating, will you join me at the hotel? Food and perhaps I can convince you to accept my offer."

"Not good at too much other than tending bar, singing and ... the stuff you already know, miss. Don't know any trade much, but I can fish. And have a half-dozen books I know cover to cover if that makes me smart enough to say I know something. What kind of money would that earn?"

"Actually.. I'm interested in all your talents.. I'm.. leaving.. just so happens. I'm already packed.. I had planned to come and say goodbye tomorrow..." She paused and shook her head. "I'm lying.. I'm terrible with goodbyes and I avoid them at all costs.. I would have simply left.. maybe written you a letter or something, once I got where I was.. but.. I heard this rumor, and being impulsive, I came to ask you to come with me.. You could be my partner.. I don't know much about running a hotel, but with your talents.. You'd actually be much better at it than I would.." She rambled a little glancing to and away from him, she hadn't really planned any of this out.

"My talents? Smokin' cigars and charming people out of their poker chets?" He laughed. "You sure you're not a Carlisle in there? Who's your cousin? I'd say that's pretty impulsive, Miss Harris... Colena... and thank you for the offer, but ... why me?"

"Because you talk to me..Truly talk to me and listen, not the polite conversation at dinner parties or the tittering gossips.. you and I have actual conversations about.. anything we feel like.. and you're not all proper and rigid.. my ways.. you and I both know, I am much too wild for the likes of most folks.. asking anyone else would be senseless." She stopped and put her hand on his arm. "You play wonderfully and your singing pleases me, if no one else. you tend to share your cigars with me.. I was planning to go on alone, but I would very much like you to come with me.." She cleared her throat and laughed softly. "And impulsive? Yes..I bought a hotel in a town I've never been to. Atasco Creek, I believe is the name of the town."

He stopped dead in his tracks and almost lost the cigar from his mouth as his jaw dropped. He reached for it, looked at it and handed it to her. "You earned yourself a lunch and a chat, Miss Harris. Atasco Creek, you say? Tell me more," he smiled.

[Lovely]

She could have kissed him and almost did, but instead she beamed a smile at him and accepted the cigar. "I'll tell you all you want to know." She slipped her hand to his arm and remained quiet until they reached her hotel, where they could enjoy a finely prepared lunch. "Do you prefer the dining room?" She motioned to the busy room full of gossipers and chattering social climbers. "Or something more quiet and private?" She nodded towards the stairs and her room.

"Private ventures," he started, taking his cigar and hat back for 'appearances' as they entered. "Require private discussion, wouldn't you say, Miss Harris?" He winked and extinguished the cigar.

She was pouting as he took the cigar back and gave his arm a slight pinch as the hat was lifted from her head. "I do agree.. and we may find there is much to work out.. details and the like." She stopped at the front desk to make her request for their lunch for two to be sent to her room and then rejoined him to go up.

He waited at the end of the stairs and offered his arm to step up slowly with her. 'Much to work out' was the least on his mind. He suddenly wanted to know more about her and in a hurry now that she was going to be right next door it seemed... or that he might be begging a room off of her if his father kept him from the house as he'd threatened.

Once they were up the stairs and the door to her room closed, Colena slipped off her wrap and undid the top buttons on the collar of her dress. She breathed a sigh of 'release' and turned to him with a soft smile as she draped the wrap over a chair. "Please, make yourself comfortable.. lunch will be up shortly.. would you like a drink?" She moved to the table which held a few assorted liquors as well as a still warm pot of tea.

He watched her and smiled. She was wild and free to do as she pleased, not caring to be buttoned or unbuttoned in front of him. "A drink would suit me fine," he nodded to the bar, letting her fix whatever she fancied.

"Tea or something stronger?" She glanced up at him as she poured herself a bit of whiskey.

"Don't have much use for tea except when I'm running a fever," he grinned, feeling a little warm at the moment and slipping his coat off. "Whiskey, rye, gin if you have it. I ain't too particular."

"What would you like?" She smiled, a slight wave of her hand over the table, which seemed to include her in its circle. "I have a bit of variety."

Like her, he undid his collar to cool down a little and shifted his sleeves as well, rolling up the cuff above his elbows. He watched her all the while and grinned, stepping up beside her to take her drink. "I'll have what you're having," he whispered, taking a sip then leaning to share it with her from his lips.

Her eyes moved over his face and she leaned up to meet his lips and accept the offer to share. Moments later she smiled softly and whispered. "Can I have you?"

"Well, you did request my talents, I believe, Miss Harris," he said, setting down the drink and snuggling up to her closely, toying with the next button on her collar. "How about you tell me more about this Atasco Creek of yours while I tell you my story, hm?"

[Lovely]

Her arms slid around him, her hands rubbing gently over his lower back. "I told you.. I've never been there.. It was pure impulse. I heard through some associates that the owners of a hotel there were looking to sell it and move on.. I was bored.. I met with my lawyer and he arranged for me to purchase said hotel.. "

"Well, it just so happens... that's where I was headed. Now, before you think I'm teasing, I'll tell you, the original owners of the hotel were the Mitchells and old Mister Mitchell was sick and couldn't take care of the place any more. And the general store... is handled by my folks... well, mostly my sister. So, mind if I come along since you seem to be going my way, Miss Harris?" In addition to going his way home, she seemed to be aiming the direction he wished to go in the next few hours in getting to know her a little better.

"You are serious? This Atasco Creek is where you are from?" She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I don't suppose I could have planned that to work out any better... Does this mean.. you wish to consider my offer.. of helping me run the place? I'd be willing to make you a partner... if you wouldn't mind terribly.. mixing business with pleasure?"

"Can't say as I mind much," he grinned, rocking up against her skirts and dancing with her away from the small bar. "What kind of partner do you want me to be?"

"The kind I can trust." She gave a simple and honest reply. "What sort of arrangement would you like to keep with me?" She opened the discussion to further details.

"An honest one, Miss Harris. I don't much like secrets except the ones I'm required to keep," he grinned. It was those types of secrets that had gotten him expelled in the first place. "In the name of business, mind you... those secrets between partners are fine and well, Colena, but beyond that... honesty."

"Agreed.. I respect and appreciate honesty.. I promise you.. you will get honesty from me. I don't care for lies or secrets. Even if something is ugly.. it's better than hurting someone with lies and falsehoods. I do understand under some circumstances such things are required, but in most cases they are not."

"Nothing ugly here, ever," he said, watching her eyes. "I think you have a partner, Miss Harris. Now... what would you like me to do first?"

She swallowed, her eyes remaining on his as her first thought was of something entirely improper. "It would be very forward and bold of me to answer that question honestly." Her voice was soft, sounding for once almost shy.

"Then don't answer," he shrugged lightly, popping open the next button on her frock and leaning to kiss her cool neck.

Her hands worked up his arms to embrace him more as she leaned into him and the kiss to her neck. Her fingers curling at the back of his neck as she sighed softly. She wanted to be with him, even though she'd been raised, being taught that giving in to and acting out such desires was wrong.

He didn't do much more than entice, moving his kiss back to her lips then pulling away gently. He moved to sit down, intent on not leaving for a while yet, pulling his boots off.

[Lovely]

Colena smiled a bit, catching her breath a moment as she watched him take off his boots. She didn't comment on it, pleased that he seemed to want to stay, for now. She was a wild child, often acting with reckless abandon.. but she was by no means a woman of loose morals or a wh*re. Though she did not judge people in such a manner, society did.. Colena's ways may have earned her a place amoung the tales the gossips told, but that did not mean she actually did everything people thought she did. Moving to the table she poured more whiskey into her glass and took a good drink of it, then shifted to offer more of it to Nate.

Once his boots were off, he stood again to set them by the door and then reached for the offered drink, returning to the bed to lay on his stomach, pulling one of the feather pillows under his chin to prop upon. "Tell me what you can tell me honestly instead," he smiled.

She chuckled and crossed to sit on the end of the bed. "I could tell you.. honestly.. but it wouldn't be proper and it would be.. bold, even for me." Her fingers fiddled absently with the opened front of her dress.

He looked around the room and back at her. "Who here is going to judge you by your boldness, Miss Harris? Me?" He shook his head and took a drink, adjusting his propped pillow under his chest. "I don't mind 'bold'. 'Bold' looks mighty fine with your big eyes." He winked and chuckled, breathing in over his teeth as he looked away and took another sip.

"I did promise honesty, didn't I?" She leaned back against the footboard of the bed and took a breath. "I am often considered bold and I know many times my actions might seem to contradict what I am saying now, but I have not cast off all morals." She glanced to him with a smile and then sighed before continuing. "I find myself wanting.. very much, to go beyond these limitations. While I desire more freedom, to cast off the ideas that hold me back, I do not wish to be a fool.. Does that make any sense?"

"It does and I think you need another drink," he said directly, looking at his glass before finishing it off. "At least I do. Won't be makin' a fool of anybody, Colena. I'm not one to go makin' pacts and promises in the first place 'less I fully intend on ridin' 'em out to the end. What other things get in the way, I can't always help, though... like school."

She nodded to the drink and to his words, reaching to take the glass to refill it. "I hope you don't think that I meant you would.." She returned with the full glass and the bottle, taking a drink before handing him the glass. The bottle she set to the floor within reach for both of them. This time she moved to sit at the head of the bed, undoing her laces and taking off her boots, she propped a pillow behind her and curled her legs up so they rested on the bed, to his side but out of his way.

He curled to look up at her as she undid the lacings and slid her legs alongside him. His gaze moved down her waist and thigh, to the length of leg that ended in a tiny pair of feet that wiggled playfully, and back. He rolled back to set the glass on the side table and adjusted himself to prop up beside her, his now-freed fingers helping her with her upper laces.

She eased against the pillows behind her as he slowly started to undo her dress again. With the buttons undone the top of her dress was parted by the rise and fall of her chest with each breath.

Nate only undid a little more of the top so she could move and breathe comfortably. He wasn't leaving any time soon and the partnership already looked favorable for more opportunities to explore as time went on. He leaned closer to kiss her again with the sweet whiskey tint on his lips, following the line of her collar down to the shadows where she breathed carefully under his touch.

[Lovely]

***************************

The next morning...

"mmm speakin' o shiny..." gives Col a kiss.

"ooo!"

"mornin'.." He winks.

"morning? already?" She smiles and stretches.

"so how bad were we last night?" He looks at the empty bottle laying on its side. "Did we drink it or spill it?"

"Drank alot.. spilled some.." She puts her hand over her eyes to shade from the sun coming through the window.

Moving the sheet away to stand, Nate felt the chill and realized how bad they might have been. Covering himself with the pillow modestly, he stepped only far enough to reach the cord on the drape to let it flow closed and shield Colena's eyes. "Better, Miss Harris?"

"Miss Harris..?" She gave him a look, he was naked and calling her miss Harris.. That made her feel awkward and embarrassed, biting her lip she turned her head to the side.

"Colena," he smiled, waiting for her to turn back before tossing the pillow aside. He wasn't ashamed, just a little lack-lustre at the moment, but seeing her there, bright eyed and beautiful was doing a great deal to change that already. He crawled back to her and kissed her cheek.

She turned to look at him and her eyes remained on his face as he crawled up beide her. "Yes..?" She asked softly, her fingers brushing over his cheek and lips.

"Good morning," he smiled, kissing her fingertips. "Do you mind the company a little longer? It's a little chilly." He indicated sliding back beneath the sheet alongside her to warm back up.

"Good morning." She murmured, shifting a little to give him more of the covers as he slid beneath them again. "I don't mind.. glad for it, actually."

"Are you now, mi-...mmm ... right," he chuckled, snuggling closely. "Glad for it? This is a mighty nice way to wake up, if I do say."

"I can't say, I'd mind waking up like this again." She smiled and tilted to kiss his shoulder.

"Well you could roll right back to sleep now and I'll still be here," he smiled, liking the feel of her cool breath on his skin. He wasn't going anywhere except home and not going there in any hurry. "Today... tomorrow, even next week. Can't think of a place I'd rather be."

"Don't want to sleep right now.. but I'd like for you to be here when I do and wake up again.. " She chuckled softly, her breath tickling over his skin. "I think I slept better last night, than I have in years.. you're quite cuddly and warm."

"Kinda funny, I don't feel much like sleepin' any more either," he sighed. "Slept well, havin'... well, havin' you there, too. Soft and sweet."

"thank you." Her eyes sparkled and she brushed her lips over his. "I believe you may have yourself an open invitation to sleep beside me.."