Page 23 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
“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.
