Lucas scrubbed a table with more force than necessary, drawing eyes from all over the saloon to him. He let out a breath and made himself look composed. He nodded coolly to the people at the table next to his, giving them his charming smile. "These tables can get so dirty, can't they?"
They smiled back and then resumed eating their meal. Lucas made his way behind the bar, out of sight of prying eyes. He needed time to think.
His pride was stung. He thought after everything he had done for Elizabeth, the grand gestures, the romantic moments, that she would perhaps start to reciprocate his feelings. Running a hand through his hair, he remembered thinking after last night's date at the library that she would finally be open to him asking her out for real. He hated to admit that she had never actually accepted a date from him, that he had gotten her on those dates under the guise of friendship or celebration. But she hadn't seemed opposed to what he had done. She'd even said last night that she thought his gestures were "sweet."
He raised his brows as he remembered that word. Now that he thought about it, that wasn't exactly what a love-struck woman would say on a romantic date. She probably called her son sweet all the time. And her students. She would think a child bringing her wildflowers from a field was sweet.
"Sweet" did not indicate interest.
Lucas knew now where her interest lay. The entire town knew. He'd come hurrying out of the saloon when he heard someone cry, "I think it's Nathan! He's been shot!" Though he didn't much care for Constable Grant, his stomach had dropped at the thought of Nathan being hurt. He wouldn't wish pain on anyone, not even his competition. Not that he'd thought of Nathan as actual competition. He knew Nathan couldn't show his interest in Elizabeth the way Lucas could. He figured it was only a matter of time before Elizabeth politely told Nathan they would only be friends.
As he'd come out of the saloon and buttoned his coat, he felt a mix of confusion and relief to see Nathan walking slowly into town, leading his horse. He looked like a tortured man, but he was very much alive and unharmed. He certainly wasn't shot.
A blur of purple flew past Lucas, and he watched in shock as Elizabeth ran to Nathan, throwing herself into his arms and holding him tightly. Confusion filled Lucas, along with a shot of pain. What was going on? He knew how Nathan felt about Elizabeth, but he hadn't known where Elizabeth's feelings for the constable stood.
Now he knew. As he watched their embrace lengthen, he knew where her heart was. And it wasn't with him. She was not hugging Nathan out of sheer relief. There was something more between them, something that clearly ran deeper than whatever she might have felt for Lucas. Unable to watch any longer, he'd turned and gone back into the saloon.
He hated to admit defeat, but he was also a realist. Elizabeth had never given him any indication that she wanted more than friendship. She had told him flat-out that she wouldn't go with him to Union City to see Virginia Woolf if he meant it as a date. He'd accepted her condition, but even then had tried everything he could to show her just what a date between them could look like. He'd done the same thing with their dinner in the library. He hadn't meant to overstep any boundaries, but he had wanted to show her the life she could have if they were ever anything more than friends. After last night, he thought perhaps she was coming around. He had intended to give her some time to absorb everything that had happened between them, and then he planned to ask her out on a formal date.
Now, with the image of Nathan and Elizabeth locked in that embrace still fresh in his mind, he knew the jig was up. Her heart was taken.
Disappointed though he was, above all else he wanted Elizabeth to be happy. And he had no intention of getting in the way of her happiness.
Elizabeth paused outside the saloon, knowing this wasn't going to be an easy conversation. She took a fortifying breath and opened the door. Her eyes roamed the room, looking for Lucas. He was standing at a table chatting with Florence and Molly. All three of them wore serious expressions. Elizabeth had a feeling they were talking about the events of the day.
She was standing next to the table before any of them realized she was there. "Oh, Elizabeth!" Florence exclaimed, a hand going to her heart. "We didn't see you there!"
Lucas was watching her with a guarded expression.
"How is Nathan, dear?" Molly asked, looking concerned.
"He's shaken," Elizabeth answered. "He has a lot to process."
"I'm sure he does," Florence said, her tone grave. "It's never easy to lose a colleague, especially in circumstances like these."
Elizabeth nodded, then looked at Lucas. "Can I talk to you?"
He bowed his head, smiling at Florence and Molly. "Please excuse us, ladies." He led Elizabeth to the same spot they'd spoken at yesterday about Gowen. He waited for her to sit before taking the seat next to her. "What can I do for you?" he asked, his tone businesslike.
He was hurt. Elizabeth could see it in his eyes, and she hated that she had been the one to put it there. She'd never wanted to hurt either Nathan or Lucas. Yet without intending to, she had. She sighed. "Lucas, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you."
He didn't have to ask what she meant. Looking down, he took a deep breath and let it out, clearly composing himself. He looked back up at her, the guarded expression gone. In its place was a sincerity and vulnerability she hadn't seen from him before. "I'm the one who should be apologizing to you, Elizabeth."
She blinked. "What? What could you possibly have to apologize for? You've been nothing but kind and generous with me…"
He held up a hand, stopping her. "Perhaps, but I had ulterior motives. I wanted to win your heart." He shrugged, spreading his hands apart. "You were honest with me, Elizabeth. You told me you wanted friendship, but I pushed the boundaries you set, hoping I could win you over."
She smiled. "You've always been very sweet to me, Lucas."
He chuckled in a self-deprecating manner. "You say that to little Jack and your students, don't you?"
She tilted her head, wondering why he asked that. "Of course I do."
"I thought so." He smiled, shaking his head. "I was trying too hard, wasn't I?"
Wanting to be honest but not wanting to hurt him further, Elizabeth wondered how to reply. "Maybe a little, Lucas." She leaned forward, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "When you meet the right woman, you won't have to try so hard. It will be natural because you'll both be connected to each other."
He nodded. "This has been rather one-sided on my part, hasn't it?" His eyes became reflective. "I told you I'd be patient for the right woman, and then proceeded to act in a very impatient manner. I pushed dates on you when you weren't ready. I'm sorry, Elizabeth." He raised a brow. "I think the one who was truly patient with you is the man you clearly have feelings for."
Elizabeth blushed. "Nathan told me you saw that hug."
Lucas's brows shot up his forehead. "Elizabeth, the entire town saw that hug. Your secret is out."
A pang went through her as she thought of the bumpy road ahead. Nathan needed time to sort through his feelings, and she had a sense it was going to take him longer than she liked. Pushing the thought away for now, she brought her attention back to Lucas. "I want to be your friend, Lucas. Is that still possible?"
He looked thoughtful. "I hope so, Elizabeth. But I'm going to need some time."
She sighed inwardly, though she had been expecting that answer. She had hurt him, however unintentionally, and he would need to process that. She stood, looking down at him. "Take all the time you need." She started for the door, then stopped and looked back at him. "I sincerely hope you find the woman who will truly spark your heart, Lucas." She smiled. "She will be a lucky woman."
Lucas smiled back, acknowledging her words with a bow of his head. "Thanks, Elizabeth." He raised one eyebrow. "I don't suppose you have any suggestions? Maybe I should travel to Union City or Cape Fullerton for a short time?"
She laughed at his joke, thankful his playfulness hadn't disappeared in his disappointment. "Your heart will tell you when she comes along." She winked. "And I get the feeling she might be closer than you think."