Chapter 5
5
T he next couple of days flew by in a haze. Cinnamon spent her days at the educational center working at the front desk while she waited for the background check to come back and her nights were filled with dinners with her family. She enjoyed catching up with all her cousins, spouses, and kids.
By the time she returned to Austin’s cabin, she was bone-tired.
Austin had returned to his role on the ranch, working with the horses. Watching how some people treated him because of the rumors about his ex-fiancée broke her heart. The fact anyone believed he could have killed her was beyond Cinnamon’s comprehension. She understood Austin had a temper and could be the jealous type. She’d seen it firsthand. But murder? Never.
Austin opened the door to Boone’s Bar and Grill. “You’re going to love this place. The owner is married to Paget.”
“She’s so sweet,” Cinnamon said. “I can’t believe how much has changed at the ranch, and yet so much is exactly the same.”
“I felt the same way when I got back.”
“Austin. So good to see you.” Boone, the owner of the bar and Paget’s husband, raced to greet them. “You must be Cinnamon. I’ve heard a lot about you from your cousins.”
“I hope it’s all been good.” Reluctantly, Cinnamon removed her sunglasses. The swelling on her face had gone down and the bruises didn’t look half as bad, but they were still noticeable.
“Irish might have told a funny story or two.” Boone smiled.
“How’s little Henry?” Austin asked.
Boone tapped his chest. “I didn’t think I could love anyone as much as I love that little boy. Even when he’s being a little stinker.” Boone smiled. “Why don’t you follow me to the back patio? I’ve got one of our best tables out there.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“I’ll take care of you personally,” Boone said. “Can I start you off with a drink?”
“I’ll take a scotch on the rocks.”
“And what about for the lady?” Boone snagged a couple of menus and headed toward the back of the restaurant.
“Can you make a Cinnamon Cider Whiskey Sour?” Cinnamon asked.
Austin burst out laughing.
Cinnamon elbowed him in the side. “Don’t make fun of the drink or the name.”
Boone chuckled. “My wife lives for a good whiskey sour, which always makes me laugh considering her maiden name is Sour.”
“Try going through life with the name Cinnamon Cider Whiskey and actually enjoying the drink.” Cinnamon first tried the beverage when she’d been seventeen, making her lips pucker. But the older she got, the more she liked it.
“You’ll be happy to know that I make a mean one.” Boone set the menus on one of the tables. “I’ll bring those right out along with a teaser of some of our best appetizers.”
“Thanks, Boone.” Austin pulled out a chair for Cinnamon.
He’d always been such a gentleman and while she never needed that kind of treatment, she always appreciated that about Austin.
“This place is nice. Thanks for taking me out tonight.” Ever since she’d been back, after spending time with family, she always cried in Austin’s arms half the night. She didn’t know why the tears came every time she laid her head on the pillow. She was glad to be away from Pete. It was a relief to be starting over. But not knowing where Pete was had started to grate on her nerves. While she hadn’t reached out to anyone she knew in Boise, Brad’s contacts had told him that no one had seen him since he’d been bailed out. The closer it got to his first appearance in court, the more she felt on edge.
“I thought you might like getting out of the house for a change. And it is Friday night.”
“I’ve honestly been afraid to leave the ranch.”
“Why?” Austin asked.
“Afraid of what people are saying about me.”
Austin nodded. “I get that.” He glanced around. “To be honest, sometimes when I come into town, there are people who walk on the other side of the street when they see me.”
She reached across the table and took his hand. “That’s terrible. I would think that people would have realized you’re innocent after a year.”
“The problem is that about once a month either a federal agent comes to town or a story hits some news channel, stirring it all up again.”
“Why don’t you fight back? Make your own statement. Isn’t that what Tom or whatever his name does?”
“That’s what he used to do. Now when he speaks out, it’s asking for help. He doesn’t attack me anymore. And it’s not that I haven’t thought about it, but the one lawyer that JW had me talk to recommended that my silence is golden. That anything I say could end up being used against me in any courtroom or the court of public opinion if and when they do find Charity. Besides, at this point, I only care about what my friends and family think of me.”
Boone returned with their drinks and tray of what smelled like a little piece of heaven. “The apps are on the house.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Austin said.
“If I didn’t, my wife would have my head, and you know that.”
Austin smiled. “Thank her for me.”
Boone nodded. “Do you know what you want?”
“I haven’t had a chance to look at the menu,” Cinnamon said. “Do you have a recommendation?”
“Of course, it’s my restaurant.” Boone tucked his long hair behind his ears. “You can’t go wrong with the steak, burger, or pulled pork. But our Cobb salad is to die for if you want something lighter.”
“Oh, I want the steak, medium rare. Does that come with a baked potato?” Cinnamon asked.
“I can make that happen. And our vegetable today is asparagus.” Boone took her menu.
“Sounds great,” she said.
“I’ll have the same. Medium for me.” Austin lifted his drink and sipped.
“He doesn’t know how to eat meat.” She shook her head. “He thinks if it’s red and bloody, it’s going to kill him.”
“I just don’t want it mooing at me.” Austin laughed.
“I’ll put your order right in.” Boone turned but paused as the hostess brought a group of four to the patio.
One of the women pointed at Austin and whispered something to the hostess before turning and scurrying back inside.
Boone let out an exasperated sigh.
“I’m sorry,” Austin said.
“Don’t be.” Boone tucked the menus under his arm. “I can’t stand that woman anyway. If she never returned to this restaurant, it would be too soon.”
“Why?” Cinnamon asked.
“Because she’s a stuck-up bitch who likes to insert herself in other people’s business,” Boone said. “She actually had the nerve once to tell me that my son shouldn’t be in my own place of business. I mean really. Paget and Henry stopped in right before the dinner rush one day and I was short-staffed, so I would have to stay that night. Kind of like tonight. Henry wanted to say good night to Daddy. No big deal. He was in and out. That freaking lady went off on me like I gave my kid a cigar and three fingers of scotch.”
“She’s coming back,” Austin said.
“Since I seated you, the main dining room might have filled up with the exception of the few reserved tables. She might not have a choice.” Boone cringed.
“I wish I had a cigar to light up and blow in her face,” Cinnamon said.
“I have one in my office, but unfortunately even the patio is nonsmoking. Otherwise, I’d give you one.” Boone leaned closer. “But if Paget knows I’m still sneaking them, she’ll have my head.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” Cinnamon smiled.
Boone strolled back into the restaurant.
“He’s adorable.” Cinnamon winked.
“My jealous streak is coming out.” Austin tilted his head.
“Come on, are you telling me you’d kick him out of bed?”
“I don’t think anyone in their right mind would.” Austin raised his glass. “To Boone.”
She clanked her glass against his and then brought it to her lips. “Oh my God. We’re taking him home.”
“I don’t think his wife would like that.”
“She’s cute. She can come too.”
“I do have a thing for younger women.”
Cinnamon kicked him under the table.
“Ouch.” He winced. “You started it.”
“And I’m finishing it.” She plucked an onion ring from the plate. It had been months. No, years since she’d had this much fun. She only wished that Austin would stop glancing at the table where that woman had been seated.
Or that she could stop worrying about Pete.
She glanced over her shoulder.
The woman glared.
“What’s your problem?” Cinnamon asked, staring back, wondering where she’d gathered the courage to confront anyone about anything.
“Don’t,” Austin whispered. “It’s not worth it.”
The woman scoffed and lowered her gaze.
She’d lost her voice the day she married Pete. They’d go out in public and she’d never dare speak unless spoken to and only if Pete allowed it.
Never again would someone else tell her what to do or how to do it.
“No. I’m not going to sit here and let her judge you. Or me for that matter.”
Austin arched a brow. “This coming from the woman who’s been worried about what people think.”
“Yeah, seeing how she just looked at you made me realize that I shouldn’t care.” She pushed back her chair.
Austin jumped to his feet. “Cinnamon. Please, don’t cause a… do what you need to.” To his credit, he sat back down.
She marched herself over to the woman’s table. “Excuse me, ma’am. Do you have a problem with me or my date?”
“How dare you come over here and interrupt me and my family,” the woman said. “And do you know who you’re having dinner with?” The woman leaned closer. “Did he do that to your face?” she whispered.
Cinnamon gasped. “You have some nerve to make that assumption. While it’s none of your business, no. He didn’t. Actually, he’s saving me from the man who did. My soon-to-be ex-husband. And for the record, that man over there is the kindest, sweetest, most gentle human being you could ever meet. You shouldn’t go listening to gossip or rumors.” She stared at the woman. “Oh my God. You’re Mrs. Ledderman. Holy shit. Didn’t your husband get arrested for fondling one of his students?”
Mrs. Ledderman’s mouth dropped open like a brick. She cleared her throat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. My name is Ms. Welch.”
“Nope. I remember clear as day. I was in first grade. Your husband was the orchestra teacher at my friend’s private school two towns over. You of all people should be kinder. I certainly wouldn’t judge you by your ex-husband’s actions. You shouldn’t judge Austin or me, especially when he didn’t do anything wrong. Now stop staring at us while we enjoy our fucking dinner.” She turned on her heel and marched back to the table.
Austin covered his mouth.
“You find that amusing?”
“I didn’t recognize her,” Austin said. “You have one wicked memory.”
“It hit me like a ton of bricks when I looked at her. I felt so sorry for what she went through. But not anymore. She can suck dick for all I care.”
“Well, it looks like the Cinnamon that I remember is back.” Austin chuckled. “You still have a mouth like a truck driver.”
“I thought you always liked that about me.”
“Never said I didn’t.” He raised his glass to his lips. “Listening to you in the stands when I was playing football was always amusing. One of the coaches took me aside once and told me he never heard a girl with a more colorful mouth before.”
“I take that as a compliment.”
A server came out and placed their food on the table.
“Not that I haven’t appreciated all my cousins’ hospitality or their cooking, but this is a real treat.” She dug into her steak.
“It’s nice to see you relax and have a good time.”
“I have to admit I was worried about coming out, but I’m glad we did.”
“Me too.” He smiled. “Maybe after this we can go grab some ice cream at that shop around the corner.”
“I’d like that.” She raised her glass. “But I’m having another one of these first.”
“Uh-oh. Are you still a lightweight?”
She nodded. “I promise to keep it at two.”
“Why not three?” He winked. “Last time you did that I got lucky.”
“You’re mixing up our nights.” She waved her fork. “If I have three, you’ll be holding up my hair while I make love to the porcelain god.”
“We don’t want that.”
She held his gaze for a long moment. She could get used to this and she wasn’t sure if it was fleeting or real. They had so much history filled with a ton of baggage, both together and separate. Not to mention there was still so much of his life she didn’t know.
“You’re looking at me like you want to ask me something.” He stuffed his face with some steak.
“I do.”
“Go ahead.”
“How did you meet Charity?”
“That’s a question I didn’t expect.” He wiped his lips with his napkin and leaned back.
“You don’t have to talk about her if you don’t want to.”
“It’s fine.” He sipped his drink. “I was working at a ranch in Montana.”
“That’s where you went after you graduated from college?”
He nodded. “I’d been there for about twelve years when Charity and her girlfriends came to the ranch on a girls’ trip. They did not fit in at all and I found it insanely amusing. They were truly a bunch of fish out of water. Charity and I hit it off, but she was a guest and I kept her at a safe distance. However, she kept coming at me and I figured she’d be gone in a few days. Only she came back a month later.”
“Why?”
He lowered his chin. “I can be charming when I want to be.”
Cinnamon rolled her eyes. “I guess I asked, so go on.”
“For the next seven or eight months, she’d visit me every couple of weeks. I kept telling her that I didn’t do relationships. She took that as a challenge. I didn’t think much about it.”
Cinnamon held up her hand. “Did you have any girlfriends after we broke up?”
“Not really. I mean I dated, but nothing that lasted more than a year.”
“I don’t know if that makes me sad or if I’m flattered as hell.”
He chuckled. “The first few years it was because I hadn’t gotten over you, but as time passed, I just got used to being alone. I decided I liked sleeping in the middle of the bed.”
“I’ve noticed. And you steal the covers.”
“Well, you snore.”
“I do not,” she said, pushing her empty plate aside. “Go on. I’m sitting on the edge of my seat.”
“Charity kept asking me to come visit her in Boise. I would tell her absolutely not. I told her that I had no intention of ever returning to Idaho. But after about a year, I decided that I liked her and she’d been coming to me, so I owed her at least one visit. It turned into two and then three. Finally, she begged me to move. She even found me a job at a ranch. Although, she absolutely hated me working there and after I moved, that became a thing.”
“How long did you live there?”
“A little over a year, but I only worked at the ranch for three months.”
“What the hell did you do if you didn’t work on a ranch?” Cinnamon finished her drink and rested her elbows on the table. This answer should be interesting.
“I sold cars.” He cringed. “It was the worst fucking job on the planet.”
“Holy fuck. I can’t believe you did that.”
He shrugged. “I thought I was in love with her. Anyway, when JW offered me the job at Whiskey Ranch, I told Charity how miserable I was, which she already knew, and I said it was her turn to move for me. I honestly believed she would tell me to fuck off and we’d be done.”
“Were you engaged by this time?”
He nodded.
“You actually proposed to this woman?”
“No. She brought up marriage and then wanted to go shopping for a ring, but I always wanted my wife to wear my mother’s ring.”
“God, I hope she gave it back.”
“She did.” He let out a long breath. “Telling this story makes me feel a bit like a fool.”
“Those are your words, not mine.”
“Gee, thanks,” Austin said.
“What did she know about me?”
“Everything and truth be told, she hated you, especially after you called, and then I became a bit obsessed with discovering more about what was going on with you.”
“So, you thought moving her to my cousin’s ranch would be a good idea.” Cinnamon smacked her forehead. “I can’t imagine that was easy for her.”
“She hated every second of it, but I was happier than a pig in shit. But let’s not forget, she was cheating on me, for months.”
Cinnamon cocked her head.
“Let’s not go down that road again. We’ve moved past all that when it comes to us,” he said.
“Us. That’s an odd thing to say.”
“Why?”
“There is no us as in present. Only us as in the past,” she said.
“You sleep in my bed every night.” He lifted his drink and downed the last few drops. “You wake up in my arms every morning. That’s something.”
“I’m not divorced.”
“I’m aware,” he said. “But you will be.”
“I’m going to have to testify in Pete’s trial.”
“You’re not telling me anything I don’t know.” Austin reached across the table and took her hand. “I was half kidding about the sleeping arrangements. I understand why I’m holding you all night. I don’t pretend to believe there’s anything but a lot of history between us. But are you going to tell me you don’t have any feelings for me at all?”
“No,” she admitted. “But it’s too soon.”
“I know. Part of me is just trying to make things light and keep you smiling. But you have to know that I’ve carried a piece of you around in my heart all these years and I can’t just shut that off.”
“I’ve done the same thing but for me, I can’t simply turn it back on.” She took his hand and squeezed. “The feelings are there. I care about you and am grateful for all you’ve done. But I need a little time before I jump into anything other than this friendship we’ve formed.”
“I hear you loud and clear,” he said. “Why don’t we get the check, go get that ice cream, and then go home and watch a movie.”
“That sounds like a great idea.” A huge weight lifted from her shoulders. As much as she wanted to fall into his arms and make love to him again, it wasn’t the right time. There was still so much confusion that swirled around in her mind. Too much unfinished business to deal with. However, when things with Pete settled, at least she knew there was hope for her and Austin and that made her soul sing.
Austin tossed the receipt with a nice tip on the table. He knew he didn’t need to do that since the owner had waited on them. But Boone would do what he always did and share that tip with his staff. Austin glanced up and his face immediately tensed. His blood turned to fire. He stood, knocking over the chair.
“What’s going on?” Cinnamon asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“Get behind me, now,” Austin said behind a tight jaw.
Thankfully, she did exactly what he asked without hesitation.
“Mrs. Ledderman. Could you please get Boone and tell him to call Brad Logan at the sheriff’s department?”
“It’s Ms. Welch,” she said with a testy tone.
“Sorry. Ms. Welch.” Austin held up his arm, protecting Cinnamon. “Have Boone tell Sheriff Logan that I need assistance with Miss Whiskey’s husband.”
“That’s who did that to her face?” Ms. Welch stood.
“Please. Just do it,” Austin whispered.
Ms. Welch snagged one of the gentleman’s hands that she came in with and scurried around a couple of tables and right past Pete, who was inching closer.
“Stay behind me, unless I tell you otherwise,” Austin said. “And if something happens, I’m apologizing ahead of time.”
“Step away from my wife.” Pete stood eight feet away.
Everyone on the patio went silent.
“That’s not going to happen,” Austin said. “You’re not welcome here, so if I were you, I’d leave.”
“Not without my wife.” Pete inched closer.
Cinnamon gripped Austin’s shoulders, digging her nails into his skin. He could feel her body shake with the intensity of an earthquake.
He hated that Pete frightened her, taking away all her power. Men like him didn’t deserve shit.
“She’s not going anywhere with you. Ever. Now leave before I do something I’ll regret.”
“Are you threatening me? Please tell me you’re threatening me so I can defend myself.”
“Nope,” Austin said. “I’m stating a fact.” He had no idea if Brad was at home, on patrol, or at the station. Depending on where he was, it could take him five to fifteen minutes to get to Boone’s Bar and Grill. If he was too far out, he’d send one of his men. Either way, Austin needed to buy some time. The last thing he wanted to do was toss a few punches around.
But he wasn’t opposed to giving Pete a couple of black eyes.
However, he knew Cinnamon wouldn’t approve and he didn’t want to cause a bigger scene in his friend’s restaurant.
Pete took two more steps closer.
Austin inched back. “Seriously, Pete. She doesn’t want to go with you and I don’t want any trouble.”
“Trouble has a way of finding you wherever you go.” Pete smiled. “And let my wife tell me she doesn’t want to come home with me.”
Cinnamon stepped to Austin’s side. “I will never go anywhere with you again.” She inched back behind Austin.
Thank God.
“You don’t mean that,” Pete said. “Now come on, honey. I’ve let you have your little temper tantrum. It’s time to come home and put an end to this mess you’ve created for me.” He stepped closer, reaching his arm out.
Austin puffed out his chest. “Back off. Besides, you weren’t supposed to leave Idaho Falls. The cops find you here, they will arrest you.”
“No, they won’t because my little wife back there will make sure all these stupid little charges are dropped.” Pete narrowed his eyes. “Isn’t that right, sweetie?”
“Like hell I am. You’ve bashed in my face for the last time,” Cinnamon said with a shaky voice.
At least she had one now.
“I’m done playing games, Cinny.” Pete’s nostrils flared.
“Don’t call me that. I hate it.” Cinnamon wrapped her arms around Austin’s middle, pressing her head to his back. “I’m staying right here.”
“With him?” Pete made a tsk tsk noise. “You think I’m going to stand here and take this? You think I will let my wife be brainwashed and manipulated by this man? That’s not going to happen. Not anymore. Let’s go, Cinnamon.”
Boone stepped out into the patio. “Excuse me. Is there a problem here?”
Pete turned. “Yeah. I’m trying to collect my wife and leave, but this asshole is holding her hostage.”
“I doubt that,” Boone said. “I don’t believe the young lady wishes to go with you, sir. So, I’m going to have to ask you to leave. You’re disturbing my patrons.”
“I’ll be happy to.” Pete smiled. “With my wife.”
Austin glared at Boone. While he wanted Pete gone, he much preferred it to be in handcuffs.
“Well, it appears she’s not leaving with you, so please, don’t make me physically remove you or call the police.” Boone shifted his eyes.
Austin glanced in the same direction.
A cop car was parked outside on the side street.
Well, all right then. Austin would roll with it.
“I’m giving you one minute.” Boone raised his cell. “Leave on your own accord or the police will be here in five. Your call.”
“This isn’t over.” Pete turned.
Boone stopped him. “I’d prefer you go out the back. You’ve made my customers nervous.”
“Fine,” Pete said.
Austin stepped to the side, making sure Cinnamon stayed directly behind him.
Pete hissed as he passed. “I’ll make sure you both pay for this,” he whispered.
“Stay with Boone.” Austin kissed her temple before following Pete out the back door where Brad and one of his deputies met him.
“What the fuck?” Pete stopped dead in his tracks. He turned, but Austin was there to prevent him from returning to the patio.
“Pete Thompson,” Brad said. “You’re under arrest for harassment, breaking a restraining order, and failure to remain in Idaho Falls.”
“This is bullshit,” Pete protested. “You can’t arrest me. I did nothing wrong.”
“We’ll be taking you back to Idaho Falls where you could end up remaining in lockup until your trial.” Brad slapped the cuffs onto Pete. “You shouldn’t have left Idaho Falls and you sure as shit shouldn’t have sent harassing texts to your wife. Those will be given to the prosecutor handling your case. Deputy Markus, read this guy his rights.” Brad strolled toward Austin. “I’m so glad you didn’t hit him.”
Austin wiggled his fingers. “I wanted to.”
“I’m sure you did.” Brad curled his fingers around Austin’s biceps. “How’s Cinnamon?”
“Shaken, but okay.”
“Well, you better get back to her. I’ll be in touch when he’s back in Idaho Falls.”
“Thank you.”
“Anytime.” Brad nodded.
Austin strolled back into the restaurant. No sooner did he step foot on the patio than Cinnamon flung her arms around him and hugged him tight.
“I was so scared,” she said.
“It’s all right.” He held her close. “He can’t hurt you now.”
She tilted her head, staring into his eyes with her big blue orbs. Tears dribbled down her cheeks. “No. I was afraid you were going to deck him and you’d end up in jail.”
He chuckled. “I will admit that the thought did cross my mind.” He brushed his lips across her mouth. “But I know you would have been mad if I had, so I chose not to.”
“Can we skip the ice cream and just go home?”
“Your wish is my command.” He laced his fingers through her hand and tugged. “Boone, I’m so sorry about all that.”
“Hey, no worries. I’m just glad Brad got here in time before anything bad happened and they were actually able to arrest him.”
“You and me both.” Austin nodded.
“Excuse me,” Ms. Welch said. “I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I shouldn’t have been so quick to judge based on rumors. What you just did for this young woman took courage. I can see she’s been through a lot.”
“Everyone has a story, Ms. Welch,” Austin said. “Don’t think twice about it and thank you for going to get Boone. It is greatly appreciated.”
“You’re a kind man.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I would have hit the bastard.”
He smiled. “You have a lovely night.”
“You as well.” For the first time in a long while, Austin felt as though he not only could hold his head high, but that he had a future and it was looking pretty bright for a change.