by L. A. Fiore
Dinner was at the Brass Bull, Bobby’s take on a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and a spicy mustard sauce. And now Abel and I were at one of the pool tables. I’d never played the game. Abel was teaching me and I had to say he was a fantastic teacher. I hadn’t heard a damn word he said because his instructions included bending me over the pool table so his front molded to my back. His whiskered jaw brushed my neck and cheek and his hand covered mine as he explained the shots. He wasn’t immune, the hard length of him pressed against my ass, which only further aided in me completely tuning him out.
He gained my attention when he nipped my earlobe, his tongue running over the spot he bit. “You’re not listening, Doc.”
“I am not listening, Abel.”
The cocky bastard pressed his hips into me, his voice a soft purr. “Why’s that?”
Why’s that? Tease. “Because…” Tilting my head, my eyes found his as I breathlessly stated, “I forgot to balance my checkbook.”
It took him a second before his face split into a grin. “Is that what the kids are calling it? Got to tell ya, Doc, I’d balance your fucking checkbook anytime.”
I physically felt those words as my clit spasmed and my nipples turned rock hard. I muttered to myself. “That backfired.”
He chuckled, his beard tickling my collarbone as he pressed a kiss on my throat. “Are you hot for me?”
“You know that I am.”
“You ready to leave?”
I was so ready to leave, would have run right out of the bar and all the way back to his cabin, but our names were shouted from the door as Jayce, Rylee and the Thompson brothers stepped through.
“You okay if we stay a bit longer?” Abel asked as he eased away from me and immediately I wanted to protest the loss of his warm, strong body, but I needed to pull myself together and wouldn’t be able to do so having him so close.
“Yeah. What about you?”
“Just storing it away for later,” he said, winking at me. God, I couldn’t wait for later.
“I heard you bought that place on Gould Street,” Jayce said as he and the others joined us at the pool table.
“Yeah.”
“So you’re really doing it? That’s fucking awesome.”
“Doing what?” Rylee asked.
“Opening a Pipes here,” Jayce said.
Rylee’s eyes went wide right before she smiled so big it took up her whole face. “Really? You’re moving back?”
Abel dropped his arm round my shoulders and pulled me tight against his side. “Got a reason to.”
“Hot damn! First round is on me,” Rylee screamed and hurried off to the bar.
“I’ll help her,” Ichabod said then added, “Good to hear you’re coming home.”
A chin nod was Abel’s reply.
Jeshaiah moved behind us to the table. “Twenty-five bucks says I kick your ass and since you’re liquid enough to expand, you can afford that.”
“You’re on.” Abel touched his lips to mine before he turned to Jeshaiah. “Make it fifty.”
“Oh yeah.”
Neither Abel nor Jeshaiah came out ahead since they were evenly matched, both winning two games and losing two. Rylee and I were sitting at a table, drinking beer, watching the crowd around the electric bull. Jayce and Abel were leaning up against the wall, long necks hanging from their fingers, laughing at Ichabod being thrown here and there on the bull. Wobbling after climbing off, he joined them. Abel handed him his beer so he could have a go on the bull. Someone had hit the jukebox as the first few cymbal clashes of Halestorm’s ‘American Boys’ pumped through the place. Fitting song for what we were watching, especially when Abel strutted up to the bull and saddled it so his faded jeans hugged his ass and thighs; I took a long drink from my beer to cool off. It didn’t work though as my focus moved to his flexed right arm, the muscles stretching the sleeve of his tee; his broad shoulders and back on display as the cotton begged for mercy. Combined with his hair pulled back in a bun and that beard, he was hot and he was mine.
“I think you need to pinch me.”
Rylee laughed, her eyes warming when she looked over at me. “I told you.”
Reluctantly I turned my gaze from all that was Abel to Rylee. “Told me what?”
“That there was someone else out there that you’d never see coming.”
“You were right. I never saw him coming and you never saw Jayce coming.”
Her hand settled over mine. “I’m so happy we moved here.”
“Me too. Abel asked me to move in with him.”
“He did?”
“Yeah, so you and Jayce will get our place all to yourselves.”
“I’m not going to lie. I love the idea of that, but I’ll miss you.”
“You’ll see me every day.”
“True.” We both turned back to Abel and unlike Ichabod, he was riding that bull like no one’s business. “Wouldn’t have thought a biker could ride a bull like that.”
With the way he handled that horse when he came riding to my rescue, I wasn’t surprised. “I’m beginning to understand there is very little the man can’t do. God, he’s hot.”
“Amen to that, sister.”
My head jerked to hers before we both burst out into laughter.
That night, I rode Abel like no one’s business and after, he curled his big, muscled body around me as we drifted off to sleep. Yep, I never saw him coming and I was never letting him go.
I had so much shit to do; Remy was coming soon to help me plan out the floor plan for Pipes II before he got started on the work. He cost a mint but he knew his shit. I had to finish packing, get D.J. up to speed on his new role as manager since now he’d have the added responsibility of payroll, but my mind never strayed far from thoughts of my father. The prick was up to something and until I knew what, I couldn’t really focus. The fact that he had stopped to see me meant there was a fucking good chance he was heading to Sheridan or was already there. Thinking about Sidney being easy pickings, I should have fucking showed her a picture of the bastard. I’d been so caught up in her, I hadn’t even thought of it. I reached for my phone.
“Sheriff Lenin.”
“Sheriff, it’s Abel Madden.”
“Hey, son. I hear you’re coming home.”
“In two weeks.”
“Good to hear, so what can I do for ya?”
“My father is on his way to Sheridan.”
I completely understood the hiss that came over the line. “What for this time?”
“He’s learned about my relationship with Sidney, more specifically that her in-laws are very well off.”
“He’s making a play.”
“Yeah. I’m not there and I don’t like that he will be.”
“You want me to keep an eye on her.”
“Yeah.”
“We’re stretched thin with investigating Belinda’s murder, but I’ll get the boys to drive by the house and clinic periodically. Might help if you get the Hellar boys help too, especially since Jayce is seeing the best friend.”
“How do you know that?”
“I’m the sheriff, I know all.”
That didn’t surprise me. “I’ll call Jayce now. Thanks, Sheriff.”
“You bet.”
My phone buzzed as soon as I disconnected with the sheriff.
“Abel, it’s Jasper Stephens.”
“Mr. Stephens.”
“Call me Jasper. Is this a bad time?”
“No, what’s up?”
“I’ve some news on Owen Madden.”
I stood and started to pace because I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what I heard. “Okay.”
“He’s on his way to Sheridan.”
“Yeah, I just talked to the sheriff, made him aware.”
“Good. I’ll be calling him next. Owen Madden has a bank account in Sheridan, one that receives monthly deposits in cash, seven to be exact. The exact same sum every month.”
“Shit. Hush money.”
“Goddamn it.”
“Another interesting fact, the woman, Belinda Kramer, he knew her.”
My fingers tightened on my phone. “Come again?”
“He knew her, they met outside of town every couple of months. After these visits, the deposits being made into that account increased by one. It’s not likely your sheriff has found that connection because he hasn’t a reason, until now, to focus on Owen but it’s information he’ll want.”
“She was feeding Owen the dirt.”
“That’s what my investigators think. Another interesting fact, he was in the area during the time of her death.”
“Why would he kill the person who was feeding him the information?”
“He likely didn’t, but it is a connection I think warrants further investigation, which is why I’ll be turning over what I know to Sheriff Lenin. My concern is Sidney. She’s unaware of all of this.”
“The sheriff and some boys I know are looking out for Sidney. She’ll be covered and I’ll be back in Sheridan for good in two weeks.”
“Owen seems to favor blackmail, but there isn’t anything in my past or Lauren’s that would gain him what he seeks and that makes me nervous. We’re building a case on him and with luck we’ll get to him before he tries for us, but I don’t like the ambiguity.”
“I don’t either.”
“If I learn more, I’ll call.”
“Thank you, Jasper.”
“You can thank me by getting your affairs in order and getting back to Sidney.”
“Fair enough.”
Abel was back in Cheyenne, but watching him pull away hadn’t been as hard this time since in two weeks he would be back for good. I had lots to do in that time. He’d given me his key, his words better than any flowery prose out there. Do whatever shit you have to, babe, to make it feel like home. I was ready to move my bedroom furniture over and Ichabod had a truck to help me with that. I also wanted to buy towels and dishes, maybe some throw pillows—little accents to turn his bachelor pad into a home. Plus Christmas was coming, so we needed a tree and garland, ornaments and poinsettias.
I had no appointments at the farms so my plan was to spend the day inputting the rest of our patient records into the computer. Rylee had a pretty full schedule, I only had a few clients scheduled, so if needed I could stop and lend a hand.
Rylee popped out from one of the examination rooms. “Sidney, would you mind getting me a donut? I’ve been thinking about Stella’s Boston creams all morning.”
“Sure.” I moved from around my desk because honestly I wouldn’t mind one of her sticky buns. “You want coffee too?”
“Yeah, please.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Stepping outside, it was definitely cold but nothing like New Jersey in December. Pulling my coat closed, I headed for the bakery pondering what Stella’s offerings were for the day when I noticed Sammie Chase across the street. He really was a little weasel. He wasn’t alone; an older man was with him, someone I had never seen before. Whatever they were discussing, it didn’t look pleasant. Sammie actually looked scared, piquing my curiosity about the man. Specifically what it was he had to say that had the power to rattle a creep like Sammie. They didn’t talk for long. The man leaned in, and even from my distance, it was clear the gesture was threatening before he turned and walked away. Sammie didn’t move. He just stood staring after the man, his hands twisting nervously in front of him. After a few minutes, he headed in the opposite direction. What had that been about? But the scent of chocolate wafting from the bakery turned me from that thought as I hurried to Stella’s to get whatever caused that sinful smell before they were all gone.
Later in the day, the door to the clinic opened and Carly stepped in. The transformation was so astounding, even just from Thanksgiving; I almost didn’t recognize her.
“Carly, hey.” I moved from around my desk to join her.
“Hi. Sorry to just drop by, but I wanted to thank you for helping when I’d hit rock bottom.”
Even as my gut twisted hearing the words I had always hoped to hear from Connor, I was thrilled that she’d found her way to the other side. “I’m just glad you’re doing so well.”
Her fingers twisted together, she was nervous, but before I could ask her about it she said, “Duncan asked me if there was something specific that triggered my decline. There wasn’t. I was lonely and a bit unhappy, but most people experience that. It just happened I had a drink one day and that led to two drinks and then three drinks. Then I took a hit from a joint, started dropping ecstasy and before I knew it I was trying heroin. That scared the shit out of me. That was when I finally realized I had a problem and was ready to accept the help being offered, but before that I didn’t think I needed it.” She paused for a second, her voice stronger when she continued. “I’m telling you this because if your brother didn’t believe he had a problem, if he craved the high, nothing you could have said or done would have mattered. Even if he had a team of people like I was lucky enough to have, it wouldn’t have made a difference.”
Her words were hard to hear, but the weight I’d carried since Connor lost himself so completely lifted from my shoulders. I had always believed I could have done more for him, that I had failed him. Getting this insight into what Connor was likely thinking was closure I never believed I’d find. My voice broke a bit. “Thank you. You don’t know what that means to me.”
“I think I do.”
A tear rolled down my cheek because along with the weight lifting, the anger and resentment I still felt at times when thinking of Connor slipped away too, allowing for forgiveness to settle in their place. I tried for a smile, wiped the tear away and asked, “So what’s next for you?”
“I was just at Mimi’s Floral Shop. I’m starting work there in a few weeks. I always wanted to work with flowers and her assistant just had a baby and decided not to come back.”
“That’s wonderful. And you’ll be close so maybe we could grab lunch sometime.”
“I’d like that. I heard Abel is moving back.”
“In two weeks and I can’t wait.”
A slight hesitation followed before she added, “I’m glad he found you.”
Warmth settled in my belly at her words. “Me too.”
“He’s a good guy.”
“The best. And Duncan?”
The blush that moved up her face was a surprise to see. “We’re making up for lost time.” Her hands twisted in front of her again. “I ran from here when I was so young. It was stupid; I never should have gone. Back then I just felt lost, alone and afraid but I had what I needed around me and I just didn’t see it.”
“Love, especially when we’re younger, can hurt.”
“That’s true. Hey, I heard you were there when Belinda was found. That had to be horrible.”
“It was.”
I didn’t get the sense her asking was merely conversational; I had a feeling she had more on her mind, which was confirmed when she asked, “Not to be morbid, but is it true that Sammie Chase was there?”
“Taking pictures, if you can believe that.” Her face went pale, but it was the worry that swept her expression that had me asking, “Carly, what’s wrong?”
“I was so out of it when they found Belinda, not seeing anything but where I was getting my next hit, but Sammie Chase isn’t right. I know people think he’s harmless, but I think he’s disturbed. I had hoped he wasn’t there, but I think I need to talk to the sheriff.”
Fear unfurled in my gut because I agreed with her, and he didn’t like me. Not even a little. “Why do you say that?”
“I saw him when I was younger, carving up an animal in the woods by Hellar Farm. It was disgusting and after I caught him, he was always watching m
e.”
“Oh my God. I thought he wasn’t right, but that’s serial killer behavior.”
“I agree. Freaked me out enough that even though I’d been planning on leaving town to get away from Duncan, Sammie’s unwanted attention sped that up. The sheriff makes excuses for him and I get it because Sammie was awkward and kids teased him growing up, but I think he was awkward because he isn’t right.”
“I think you’re right about both Sammie being disturbed and that you need to tell the sheriff. I’ve been to see him about Sammie because he’s gotten up in my face twice all because I reported him to the cops when he was taking pictures of Belinda. He can seriously hold a grudge. If you want, I can come with you to see the sheriff.”
“Thanks, but I’m meeting up with Duncan shortly, he can come with me. I didn’t mean to dampen the mood.”
“I’m glad you told me. The three encounters I’ve had with Sammie, including the day they found Belinda, I let him get to me enough that I provoked him back. I won’t be doing that again, but enough about him. Congratulations on the job. When you start work, Rylee and I would like to take you out for a celebratory lunch.”
“I’d really like that.”
“Welcome home, Carly.”
Sitting on my bed, I should be packing, Abel was coming home in a week. Instead I sat there, Cain on one side and Sandbar on the other, staring at my wedding picture. I traced Jake’s face and the full smile that showed teeth, a sight that was so rare for him. Looking into his face it all came back—every memory, every laugh, and every tear. How it felt when I was in his arms, his soft breath on my cheek, those beautiful dark eyes staring into mine as he moved over me, in me.
“Thank you for pulling up next to me that first day and offering me a ride. One of the smartest things I’ve ever done was accepting it. I’m okay. I’m happy. I’m in love, so I’m ready to say goodbye but know that a part of me will always belong to you.”
I pressed a kiss on his face, wrapped my wedding picture in bubble wrap and laid it on top of Jake’s sweater and jersey before sealing up the box that wouldn’t be going with me to Abel’s, but home to the Stephenses.
