Free Linda Ford by Dreams Of Hannah Williams

in.”
    He pushed his face closer. “Don’t be so stubborn. This is not a safe place. The work is too much, the risks too great, the—” He forgot his third reason as he breathed in the scent of wallpaper paste from her hair and a whisper of something so sweet he thought of fields of wildflowers so full of nectar a thousand bees danced in joy. His gaze dropped to her mouth. His thoughts skittered so wildly he couldn’t begin to capture them.
    Hannah pulled back. “You are gravely mistaken, Jake Sperling, if you think I can’t do this. I can and I will.”
    He reined in his thoughts. He had never before in his life felt the desire to shake a woman until her teeth rattled. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “When you find you can’t, I’ll help you pick up the pieces.”
    She snorted. “I suggest you don’t hold your breath waiting.”
    He smacked the bat onto the desk and stalked up the stairs.
    ❧
    Hannah waited until she heard his door shut. Only then did she sag against the desk. The drunk had frightened her. But it wouldn’t happen again. In the future she’d be sure the door was locked or Mort was at his job as night clerk.
    She went to her room and sank to her bed. Shivers ran up and down her spine. She opened her Bible and read for a few minutes. Finally, admitting the words weren’t making any sense, she closed her eyes and prayed. Thank You, God, for keeping me safe. She just wished it hadn’t been at Jake’s hands. Why was he so determined to see her fail? Didn’t he have enough to worry about with his own family and his ranch to run?
    She went to the chiffonier again and pulled out the case containing her father’s pocket watch. She pressed it to her chest, forcing her thoughts away from the drunk, and with a little more effort, away from Jake. She focused on what her father would have said. “My independent little girl, you know your mind. I like that. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it.”
    He’d encouraged her independence. He admired the quality in her. It had become her defining characteristic.
    She returned the case to its place and prepared for bed. Under the covers, she whispered another prayer. “God, please help me not fail.”
    ❧
    Hannah woke the next morning, her determination solidly in place. She quickly went to work on the hotel.
    Mrs. Sperling and the boys came down as Hannah mopped the lobby floor.
    “Do you have our cookies?” Luke yelled.
    Hannah was beginning to wonder if one of their parents had difficulty hearing. That would explain why they felt the need to talk at the top of their voices. “I promised them cookies yesterday for being so good,” she told Mrs. Sperling.
    “Why don’t we go find breakfast then come back for tea and cookies?” their grandmother asked.
    The boys screamed their delight at the idea.
    “Do you mind?” Mrs. Sperling asked Hannah.
    “That would be fine.” She glanced up the stairs.
    “Jake left to see if the buyers had come on the early train. He’s worried about the cows.” The older woman shook her head. “I can’t understand why the buyers haven’t come. I’m sure Seth could have persuaded them.”
    Hannah wanted to protest. Jake had surely done his best. But it wasn’t any of her business, and she turned back to her work as Mrs. Sperling left with the boys.
    The lobby cleaned, she headed upstairs to tidy the rooms the Sperling family used. She finished that task and returned to the main floor.
    The door opened and three men in suits entered.
    “I’m closed,” she called.
    “We’re not wanting rooms,” one said, “but we are here on business. Are you Miss Williams?”
    “I am.” She hurried over to the desk, feeling the need to look official. “How can I help you?”
    “Allow me to introduce myself.” The first man stepped forward. “Mayor Stokes.” He bowed slightly, his bowler hat pressed to his chest. “These two gentlemen are Mr. Wass and Mr. Bertch, members of the town council. Mr. Bertch