Ask Me to Stay (Honky Tonk Angels #4) by Ciana Stone Read Free Book Online Page B

than he’d anticipated with the new company. In fact, he was on his way to the new offices, which were conveniently located across the street. He and his partners had purchased a storefront two doors down from Sweet’s Sweets. The store between them had been his first choice but had sold to a woman from Dallas who owned a string of high-end boutiques. Cooper wasn’t convinced that Cotton Creek was the right location for such a store. At least not right now.
    However, as Jayce had pointed out, things were already starting to change since Cotton Creek Oil and Energy had set up shop.
    There were people in the world who smelled opportunity, and a strike the size of what he anticipated meant great change for this sleepy Texas town. Already the town council was meeting a few times a week. He’d tried to help by offering information he had on places in his home state that had undergone exponential growth in a short amount of time.
    He hoped Cotton Creek would not suffer some of the problems he’d seen happen elsewhere, and he’d pledged his support in their efforts to prevent such occurrences. Cooper hoped the town council wouldn’t call heavily upon him. He had a lot on his plate at the moment.
    Between permits, surveys, setting up the office and trying to fill key positions, he felt stretched a bit thin. Not that he’d complain. He was more excited than he’d been in a long time. The potential for what they were doing was staggering and he felt lucky to be at the helm. It was not just a career builder – it was historic.
    “Well, I’ll let you get to it, Cooper. Have a good one.”
    “You too, Jayce. See you.” Cooper watched Jayce head across the street toward the bakery.
    “Mr. Quinlan?” A voice to his right had him stopping.
    Eldon Ross, a local, walked up to him. At present, Eldon was the only realtor in town. Cooper had asked Eldon about helping him find house. He had privacy in the Creek House on Kyle’s ranch, but wanted a place of his own.
    “Mr. Ross. Good morning.” Cooper shook Eldon’s hand.
    “I have a couple of places for you to take a look at if you have time this week.”
    “Do you have any literature or photos?” Cooper wasn’t sure about fitting in more appointments.
    “Actually, I went over and took some photos and pulled all the information available from the county tax office.” Eldon offered Cooper a folder.
    “That was very kind. Thank you. If you don’t mind, I’ll look these over this morning and get back to you before midday to let you know if there are any I’d like to view.”
    “Sounds good. Have a good day, Mr. Quinlan.”
    “The same to you.”
    Cooper tucked the folder under his arm and proceeded across the street.
    That was when he noticed her. Hannah Sweet. She was standing in front of the window of the new boutique. A moment later, the new lady in town – Callie Williams – parked along the sidewalk and got out of her car. Hannah hurried over, lifted Callie’s little girl from the car seat and chatted for a minute with Callie.  When Callie took the child and walked to the bakery, Hannah’s gaze went back to the store display.
    Cooper hurried across the street and walked up behind her. “Good morning, Hannah.”
    She turned her head. “Good morning, Cooper. You must be headed for your new office.”
    “I am. What finds you in town this early? Working at the bakery?”
    “Yes. I just finished and was headed to the bar to meet the beer distributor.”
    “So, just taking a moment to peruse the offers?” He gestured toward the window display.
    “Hmmm, yes.” She smiled and looked at the dresses in the window.
    Cooper noticed how her eyes went to a sleeveless, black lace dress. He could imagine her in it. “That black dress looks like you.”
    “It does?” Surprise was evident on her face. “Well, that’s a very sweet thing to say, but I doubt I’d ever have occasion to wear it. Even if I could afford it.”
    Cooper chuckled. “I don’t suppose it is