Page 18 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
Playfully, she slapped his shoulder. “I can’t tell if you’re pulling my leg or not.”
“I’m dead serious. I hate that you’re in so much emotional pain and that I can’t fix it.” He cupped the back of her neck and kissed her tenderly. “I’ve never stopped thinking or caring about you. I know the timing is all fucked up and your situation is difficult, but I want you to know I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere and you can count on me.”
“Please don’t make me cry.” She snuggled into his body. She was warm and soft and he didn’t want to ever let her go again.
“I don’t want to ever be the reason you shed a tear. However, I’m here to hold you if you need to let it out.”
Her hot lips landed on the center of his chest. She sighed. “Good night, Austin.”
“Sleep well,” he managed.
5
The 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.
