Page 2 of The Flame of Carson
Stacey turned and spotted one of the instructors.“Hey Jessie.”
“Wow, you look ready to kill something.Or someone.”Jessie remarked.
“No kidding.Figured I'd come here and try to burn it off.”Stacey said, moving to her locker.
“Well, if you're in that kind of mood, Carlos is here.I could see if he's up for a good sparring match.”
“That would be great.Carlos can take the punishment I'm looking to get out of my system.”
Jessie gave her a nod and hurried off.Stacey grabbed a water bottle and towel from her bag before heading out to the main room.‘Maybe I should call Kris when I get home and give her a heads up.She may know of some houses up for sale.’she thought, walking toward the center mat where Carlos was waiting.
“Jess said you're in a killing mood Chica.”Carlos winked.
“Oh yeah.Think you can handle that papi?”Stacey countered.
“Let's go.”Carlos grinned.
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Stacey and Carlos droppedonto the mats panting as the crowd, which had surrounded the mat to watch, dispersed.“Thanks...Carlos.Feel much better now.”
“Anytime,” Carlos chuckled then groaned.“¡Maldita sea!Hijo de puta!My ribs hurt.I think you were trying to break them Chica.”
“Sorry 'bout that.I was picturing someone else.”Stacey apologized, sitting up slowly.
“That bastardo that's been harassing you?”he asked, sitting up as well.When she nodded, he spit out a colorful stream of Spanish that would make a seasoned sailor blush.“What are you going to do?”
“I've already done it.A few weeks ago, Walt offered me the position of Editorial Head at the branch in Austin again.I'm taking it.Plus, one of my best friends and my first client is there.Krista Jamison Blackstone.”Stacey answered.
Carlos stood gingerly before offering her a hand and pulling her up.“We'll miss you around here, but you need to do what makes you feel safe.Just promise to stay in touch.”
Stacey smiled brightly and hugged him.“I will, I promise.”
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Stacey walked intoher apartment feeling much better than she had nearly four hours ago after seeing those roses on her desk.She dropped her bags just inside the living room on her way to her office.A good strong workout with Carlos, a mani/pedi, lunch and a few hours of retail therapy was just what she needed.Entering her home office, a soft smile graced her face.
The room had once been a second bedroom but was now a haven.One wall was nothing but bookshelves.Three to be exact.They had belonged to her great-grandmother and now they were Stacey's, and nearly overflowing with books, magazines and other knick knacks.The two large French windows that looked out onto a small park rested behind her desk.A sleek Mac sat in the center of the steel and wood desk her parents had bought for her as a graduation present.
Stacey dropped into her chair, fired up her Mac then reached for the phone.“Hey lady.”
“Hey Stace.How's it going?”Krista's voice bubbled through the other end.
“I'm doing okay.So, the reason for my call is this.Do you or that delicious husband of yours know of any houses for sale in Austin?”
Krista was silent.For all five seconds.“Seriously?You mean you're moving here!”
Stacey laughed.“Yep.Walt offered me the Romance Fiction Editor position at the branch office there and I figured I'd take it.Besides, New York just isn't the same since Jerry...died.All I do now is work and hit the gym.I need a change.”
“Oh honey, why didn't you tell me?”Krista asked.
“Kris, I'm fine really.It's just lately I've been feeling, I don't know, lonely.Mom and dad retired last year and are now living in Tarrytown.Guess it’s time I leave the nest too, you know.Walt had offered me the job last year after all that mess with Ingram and Jerry's death, but I put it off.Then a few weeks ago he brought it up again.I told him I'd think about it.I accepted it just this morning.”Stacey explained.
“Well, all I can say is, you're going to love Austin!There's music, shopping, food.It's fast paced, yet not at the same time, but you already knew that from your past visits.They also just opened a Krav Maga gym not far from Blackout.Plus, I think Gage would be thrilled to have you here.”Krista said, and Stacey could all but hear the grin in her voice.
