Hidden in a Whisper by Tracie Peterson Page B

all that far, but Braeden slowed his approach to the two-story hotel when his thoughts rested on Rachel. She’d been avoiding him as if he were the Grim Reaper. Many times he’d seen her in the dining room and had thought to approach her, only to have her duck out through the kitchen and into the private parlor for the Harvey Girls. Men were simply not allowed in that portion of the hotel, and infringing upon this rule would mean instantaneous dismissal. Braeden had little desire to be fired, but he had an overwhelming need to set the record clear with the only woman he’d ever really cared for.
    He smiled, thinking of the months to come and how closely they would be expected to work together. Already there were a number of staff meetings scheduled, and he would have the opportunity to cohead the meetings with Rachel at his side. It promised to be entertaining, if not advantageous to his situation—if he played his cards right.
    He paused on the bridge that spanned Morita Falls. Fed by the abundant hot springs and two other streams, the falls cascaded in a series of steps, dancing over rocky passages and splaying out in a churning pool some twenty feet below. Someone had thoughtfully placed park benches in the grassy area at the bottom of the falls for scenic enjoyment. No doubt it would also make for a lovely romantic interlude.
    The picturesque scene drew him to reflect on how he might woo Rachel into agreeing to give their love a second chance. Moonlight, waterfalls, and the flowery gardens just might create the needed atmosphere. The hardest part would be setting the stage that would put them together in such a place. If Rachel had her way, she would never again be alone in his company.
    Sighing, he turned away from the enchanting little falls and made his way up the drive and past the white marble fountain to Casa Grande. On his desk he had a stack of original inventory sheets to compare to the inventory recently taken by his housekeeper, and there was no telling how long it would actually take to reconcile the two. With this business in mind, he raced up the steps and plowed through the doorway just as Rachel was exiting the hotel.
    He had to take hold of her arms to keep from knocking her to the ground, but the look on her face was his reason for maintaining his hold. She was surprised, to say the least, but there was a longing in her eyes that matched the emotion in his heart. She trembled at his touch, and Braeden felt encouraged by the fact that he was the reason for her reaction. She must have feelings for me; otherwise this wouldn’t affect her at all .
    â€œRachel,” he whispered, refusing to call her anything else.
    For a moment, neither one of them moved. Braeden was afraid to move for fear of what might happen afterward. No doubt she would rush off and hide herself away from him, and that was the last thing he wanted.
    â€œI have to …” she tried to speak, then stopped.
    She appeared to be battling within herself, and Braeden was even more certain her feelings for him hadn’t died. What could he do to help her realize that they could overlook the past and move forward?
    â€œI’ve tried several times to talk to you,” Braeden finally offered.
    â€œI’ve been busy,” she replied.
    Gently, he rubbed her upper arms with his thumbs. “Too busy for a simple conversation?”
    Rachel’s resistance returned and she stiffened. “With you, there is never a simple conversation. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to at the depot.”
    Braeden dropped his hold, seeing the hostility return to her expression. “You’ll have to talk to me sooner or later.”
    Rachel smiled rather snidely. “I think you underestimate me, Mr. Parker.”
    â€œYou can’t avoid me forever.”
    â€œWatch me,” she replied and hurried past him and down the steps.
    Braeden said nothing more. It was hard to let her go, but