An uneasy feeling settled inside Emma. Between his poster advertising for a bride, and the way the women in Hartville responded to him, she was certain he was not the kind of man she should spend time with—even if his offer to show her Texas had sounded appealing.
“The bachelor auction is but one piece we need to plan,” Emma said, bringing the conversation back around. “I would like to hold the bazaar and dance on Saturday, February seventh. That will give us about a month to plan. Everyone will work on a subcommittee, and we’ll meet back here each Monday after school until the event.” If they raised enough money she would have one month after the fund-raiser to oversee the building of the schoolhouse before she returned to Minnesota. “Who would like to help me with the bazaar?”
“I will,” Connie said. “I know several people who would volunteer to host booths and sell baked goods.”
“Wonderful.” Emma wrote Connie’s name on the list. “Now, who would like to be in charge of the street dance?”
“I would,” Ruby said. “My uncle is the conductor of the town band, and I’m sure they’d be happy to play.”
“I play the fiddle,” Hays offered.
“I know.” Ruby batted her eyelashes. “But you won’t have time to play your fiddle when you’re dancing with me.”
“Thank you, Ruby,” Emma said quickly.
“I’ll help with the dance, too,” Julia said. “I’m sure our pa would be happy to build the stage and dance floor.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Emma looked at her list. “That leaves advertising—” She stopped. “I have a feeling you’d be good at that, Mr. Hart.”
Hays spread his hands wide. “I’ll do anything you ask, Miss Longley.”
“Anything?”
He gave her a disarming smile—the one he used to flirt with her. Was that why he had come? She refused to be another conquest in his long line of blushing admirers. The three in the room were more than enough—and there was no telling how many more lived in Hartville.
“I’d like you to be in charge of the bachelor auction.” Emma looked down at her paper. “Please find at least a dozen bachelors willing to go up for auction.”
“Only a dozen?” he teased.
“Feel free to get as many as you’d like.” Emma stood, suddenly feeling more confined within the church than she had all day. “I think that’s all for now. Everyone work on their projects, and let’s meet back here after school next Monday. Come by anytime if you have questions.”
Conversation filled the room as the ladies also stood—but Hays remained in his seat. “Do I have to wait a whole week before I see you again?”
Warmth filled Emma’s cheeks, and she didn’t miss the looks Ruby and Julia sent her way.
Emma walked to the door, hoping he would take the hint. The three ladies gathered their things and filed out one by one—and still, Hays stayed at the desk.
Connie said good-bye and closed the door behind her. Emma stood for a moment, unsure what to do. Finally, she walked to her desk and began to organize her things for the next day, as if he were not there.
He didn’t say a thing.
Emma’s heartbeat picked up speed and her hands began to sweat. She lifted an arithmetic book, but it slipped from her grasp, dropping to the floor with a thud.
“Mr. Hart.” She spun to face him, her hands clasped at her waist. “Why are you still here?”
Hays sat with his arm draped over the seatback next to him, relaxed and carefree. “I’m not ready to leave.”
She crossed her arms. “Why not?”
He leaned forward. “Isn’t it obvious?”
Emma swallowed. In all her life, she had never met a man like him. She couldn’t decide whether she liked him—or detested him. Did he take pleasure in making her uncomfortable? If he did, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
She straightened her back and dropped her arms to her sides. “I’m not sure why you decided to volunteer for this fund-raiser, but if you did it in hopes of turning my head, you’ll be disappointed. I have no romantic interest in you or—or anyone else.”
Hays grinned. Again.
She lifted her chin. “I don’t know why you think this is funny. You seem to disregard anything serious.”
He left the desk and lifted his Stetson into his hands. He walked toward her, his spurs ringing in the small space. “Forgive me, Emma.” He set his hat on his head and tipped the brim at her. “I’ve never been more serious about someone in my life.”
Emma’s breath stilled.
“I like to joke about some things, but I’d never joke about my intentions toward you.” Hays turned and walked to the door. He opened it but then paused. “I look forward to seeing you at church on Sunday. In the meantime, I’ll go find you those bachelors.”
He stepped out and closed the door softly behind him.
She stood for several moments, staring at the door, and then rushed over to the window to watch him ride out of town.
Just before he disappeared from sight, he glanced back, but she didn’t bother to hide.