Page 30 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
“That sounds like a little piece of Whiskey Ranch heaven.” She rolled to her side, tucking her back against his chest, and closed her eyes. For the first time since she arrived home, the tears didn’t come.
7
The weekend flew by in a haze of happiness. Cinnamon couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this free and light. Austin hadn’t left her side for two days. He’d taken her horseback riding. He’d cooked her dinner and served her breakfast in bed. They spent Sunday with the rest of the family at JD and Annette’s house. It felt good to be home.
While she continued sleeping in Austin’s bed, he didn’t push sex. He respected her wishes in wanting to take things slow. They had a few make-out sessions and she wanted to cave sometimes, but she had other concerns about making love.
Like the fact she hadn’t liked it anymore. Sex with Pete hadn’t been enjoyable the last few times they had it and if Austin knew there had been occasions when it wasn’t consensual, he’d go ballistic.
Another truth she needed to tell him, but that would have to wait for another day.
There was still so much that hung over her head.
Pete might still be in jail, but he had a hearing to determine if the judge would make him stay there until his trial. Thatthought terrified her because she did not doubt that he’d return to Whiskey Ranch if given his freedom.
“Hey, babe. Is there any more coffee left?” Austin strolled from the master bedroom into the kitchen, smelling of fresh pine. His hair was damp from his shower and his face was free of stubble. He wore a pair of faded jeans and a black T-shirt. He set his Stetson on the counter.
“I already put some in your travel mug.” She handed it to him. “There are a few strips of bacon left too.”
“Mmm. Yum.” He kissed her cheek.
A knock at the door startled her and she jumped. “Sorry. I’m so nervous about today.”
“You tossed and turned half the night. I know you’re worried, but the DA’s office said they’d call us as soon as anything has been decided.” He patted her bottom as he moved toward the front of the house.
“I know. I know.” She pulled out one of the stools in front of the counter and plopped her ass on it. Lifting her mug, she sipped her coffee.
“Luke. Georgia Moon. What brings the two of you out here this morning?” Austin said.
“I need your help with an injured bull,” Luke said. “He got tangled up in some barbed wire and the vet’s not around for a couple of hours.”
“Bulls are not what I’m known for, but I’m happy to go take a look,” Austin said. “Why don’t we call Gage to give me a hand. He’s always been good at assisting me with stuff like this.”
“Gage asked for some time off. Something about wanting to go visit relatives,” Georgia Moon said. “I thought it strange because he’s never once asked for vacation time.”
“Not to mention he hasn’t talked to his siblings since the fire that took his family,” Luke said. “He hasn’t spoken to them in years.”
“Maybe this is a good thing,” Austin said.
“I don’t know about that.” Cinnamon had spent many hours listening to Gage discuss how his siblings blamed him and refused to attend the funeral. “He told me it would be a cold day in hell before he ever forgave them. What exactly did he say?”
“He sent us a text message,” Georgia Moon said. “All it said was that he was going to see his family and that he needed a week or so to deal with some personal things. We told him not to worry and take as long as he needed. That if we could do anything for him, not to hesitate to reach out. He’s always been such a loyal employee that we felt it was the least we could do.”
“That doesn’t sound like Gage,” Austin said. “However, he is getting older and I can see how he might want to reconcile with his siblings.” He nodded. “We should get going. I don’t want that bull to suffer.”
“Me neither,” Luke said.
“I’m going to stay here and visit with Cinnamon for a bit.” Georgia Moon scurried into the kitchen. “I hear you’re going to start working in the infant room today.”
“I am.” Cinnamon smiled. “I’m so excited.”
“Did you fill out the application for school yet?” Austin snagged his Stetson.
Cinnamon shook her head.
Austin scowled. “The deadline is approaching.” He waggled his finger. “Don’t start with me about the money. It will get figured out.”
She rolled her eyes.
