by Peyton Banks
Soft country music played. Stan yawned, guiding his truck out of his driveway. The mornings were coming quicker every day.
The ranch had been extremely busy. By the time he got home it was late, he was sore all over, and he wouldn’t have been good company if he had gone over to Nasia’s house.
So, he went home, ate, showered, and crashed.
Now he was back up, having to do it all over again. Today, he got up earlier to he could get to the Blazing Eagle early to help with repairs on one of the barns. It was an overhaul job and would take pretty much all day.
Stan was never one to back away from hard labor. He couldn’t remember the last time he took some time off from work.
It had to be about three years ago when he and Victoria had gone to Jamaica. She had fussed and said she wanted them to go somewhere far away from ranches and small towns. She demanded to go somewhere warm and near an ocean. He had her book the trip to make her happy, and they left Colorado for a full ten days.
It had been nice and relaxing.
What he wouldn’t give right now to be somewhere with Nasia. Just the two of them alone, a beach, and Nasia dressed in a little two-piece for his eyes only.
A beach, his woman, and a cold beer.
That would be the perfect vacation.
He wondered if he could talk Nasia into going away for a bit. She worked so hard and was stubborn as a mule.
Glancing down at the time on the truck’s display monitor, he saw that it was her usual leaving time. He turned the truck in the direction of her house and pressed down harder on the gas.
He’d go over and meet her at her house and follow her to the café. He really enjoyed their short time together in the morning before work. It was something that helped him get through the grueling work hours.
Arriving at her street, he slowed down to not put his truck on two wheels while turning on the corner.
A grin teased his lips at the thought of seeing her. This weekend she was going up to Denver with her sister for a concert, and he was going to miss her something fierce. It was amazing in such a quick time they had fallen in sync with each other.
The light on Nasia’s garage was on.
That’s strange.
A car was parked at the edge of the driveway. A tall man was leaning against the vehicle with a small woman trapped against it.
Stan coasted to a halt, pulling the car over to the awning. He cut the light and couldn’t help but stare at the couple.
His pulse pounded in his ears.
It couldn’t be.
Not Nasia.
Stan ran a trembling hand along his face, watching the couple in a deep, passionate embrace. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from them.
If it was any other person being molested by a man, Stan would turn away, embarrassed.
But no.
Bile threatened to erupt from him. He swallowed hard, unable to believe his eyes, but then again, he was looking dead at her.
You’re always working. When do you have time for me?
Victoria’s voice echoed in his mind. Stan rested back on the headrest and closed his eyes. His chest tightened, a deep pain spreading through his body.
He didn’t want to believe Nasia would cheat on him.
Opening his eyes, he watched her lead the guy up to her house. She inserted the key and tugged him inside.
The door shut, leaving Stan to stare at it in disbelief.
But why wouldn’t Nasia go seek out someone else?
It was almost the same situation as when he’d caught Victoria in bed with Connor. Only this time, he wouldn’t see another man worshipping the body of the woman he had come to love.
Someone else had taken his place.
Again.
He should have learned the first time, but apparently, he was just too hard-headed.
Blowing out a deep breath, he sat up straight and put the truck back in drive. He flipped the lights and hit the gas. The screeching of the wheels pierced the air. He ignored it, driving away, leaving his heart behind.
“Not anymore,” he muttered. His hands hurt from how hard he gripped the steering wheel.
He’d throw himself into the one thing that had never let him down.
Work.
This was it for him.
No more attempts at relationships.
The hope, love, and desire to have a future with a beautiful brown-skinned woman died inside him.
Turning onto the highway, he focused on the road ahead of him. He’d have to push down all the emotions in him and lock them away for good.
11
Nasia yawned for what seemed like the millionth time. Aleka was as stubborn as they come. Nasia couldn’t talk her sister into just letting her drive up and meet her at her house. They could have then driven over to Denver from Aurora.
But no.
Of course she had another reason for coming to Shady Springs. She just should have said so from the get-go.
When Nasia had woken up to get ready to come to the café there was no sign of her twin. As the elder sister, Nasia had been worried about Aleka. Before she’d climbed in her car, she had sent off a text to Aleka to make sure she was alive.
She knew her sister would be fine, but it was late—early—and there was still no sign of her.
Aleka immediately responded that she would be coming home soon.
Nasia had an office that doubled as a spare room, which was used by her sister whenever she came to visit.
Satisfied her sister was okay, she’d left for work.
Coming in earlier than normal had been a great idea. She had gotten so much prep done.
Anxiety filled her at the thought of being away from the Shady Bean for a few days. Tarik and Sara swore they would be fine. They would rotate who opened and closed, along with the part-timers. She had a great staff who she had grown close with.
Nasia had submitted for the assistant manager position online and in the paper, and she had a few responses with a couple interviews lined up next week.
Nasia poured the perfect amount of dry ingredients into the large mixer. She flipped it on to mix them gently, but her fingers slipped and switched it to high.
Flour flew everywhere.
Nasia screeched, flipping the switch to off.
Glancing down at herself, she giggled. Flour was all over her shirt, apron, and pants. She was sure it was on her face as well.
Too tired to even brush it off, she turned around, needing more caffeine. She apparently wasn’t awake enough. She’d been at work for hours now and had only one cup of coffee.
That would not do.
She passed a mirror on the wall in the hall and paused.
“Shit,” she breathed. She looked like Casper the Ghost. She brushed as much of the flour from her hair as she could. Using the edge of her apron, she wiped her face clean. “A little better.”
Continuing on, she went out into the main part of the café and went behind the counter.
Stan hadn’t stopped by for their early morning chat.
That was strange, but Nasia wasn’t worried. He said they were extremely busy at the ranch, and she figured he went straight in to get work done.
“Ugh,” Nasia groaned. There were quite a few people in line. The café was buzzing. Upbeat music played, streaming from the speakers around the shop.
“Who won the fight, you or the flour?” Tarik joked. He handed the woman at the counter her change and turned to Nasia.
“Flour can’t take me,” she grinned. She snagged a cup and poured herself a hefty amount of coffee. Inhaling the delicious aroma, she doctored it to her liking.
“Need any help out here?” Nasia placed a plastic top on her cup.
“Nope, we’re good.” Lark smiled, making the drink orders.
She was a part-timer who Nasia hoped she could hire on full time. After she got the assistant manager position filled, she should be able to offer Lark more hours. The Shady Bean was doing extremely well and growing.<
br />
“I could restock for you—”
“I just did it,” Tarik said.
“Well, you two have everything worked out.” Nasia laughed. She took a sip of her coffee and walked from behind the counter. When she had the chance, she liked to greet the patrons. She wanted everyone to feel comfortable coming into her café, and this allowed her to get to know the townsfolk.
“Morning,” Nasia greeted an older man sitting at a table drinking his coffee and reading the paper.
He looked up at her and gave her a toothy grin. “Nasia, how the hell are you?”
Now that she was looking him in the eyes, she remembered him. Mr. Waite, her high school history teacher.
“Mr. Waite, I’m well. How are you?” She smiled widely at him.
“Swell, darling. This is a mighty fine place you got here.” He tipped his cup to her.
“Thanks. It’s always been a dream of mine,” she admitted.
“I knew you would do well in life, young lady. You always had ambition.” He took a sip of his drink and let out a sigh. “And you have the best coffee in town.”
“Thanks. Are you still teaching?” she asked.
“I retired just last year. Me and the missus have bought an RV, and we go out for months at a time traveling the country.” He sat back, proud of his accomplishment.
Nasia couldn’t wait for the day she could retire and spend her days doing whatever she chose.
Her and Stan—
She froze.
Yeah, she could see herself with Stan together in the future. She was in love with him and she would continue to work on him until they had solidified their future together.
There was no other man for her.
“Well, that sounds amazing. Be sure to bring her by. We have pastries I’m sure she would love.”
“Oh, I’ve purchased and took them home to her. She loves your baking.” He chuckled.
She glanced around, and her gaze landed on a certain figure sitting at a table near the door.
Victoria.
“Have a nice day, Mr. Waite. I need to make my rounds.”
“Go ahead, young lady. I don’t mean to tie you up.” He gave her a nod and turned back to his paper.
Nasia stood up straighter and headed over to Victoria. She didn’t know what the woman was doing here, but Nasia was about to find out.
The blonde had a coffee and pastry sitting on the table, and she wrote in what appeared to be a journal.
“Morning.” Nasia stood next to the table.
Victoria looked up at her with the phoniest smile Nasia had ever seen. The woman was up to something.
“Nasia, you have a unique little shop.” Victoria put her pen down and picked up her coffee.
“I’m going to take that as a compliment.” Nasia held her coffee cup with both hands to ward off any temptations to scratch Victoria’s eyes out.
This woman had done a number on Stan.
That poor handsome man was filled with so many doubts because of her.
“Oh, it was.” Victoria grinned. “Stan told me the coffee here was the best he’s ever had.”
“Oh?” That was news to Nasia. When would Stan recommend her coffee to his ex-wife?
“Yes. We’ve spoken several times, and he suggested I try you out.”
Nasia narrowed her eyes on the woman.
The woman may not want to ‘try’ Nasia out.
“I hope you don’t mind if I sit down.” Nasia motioned to the chair across from Victoria.
“By all means, you own the restaurant.” Victoria shrugged.
“You’ve spoken several times with my man? About what?”
“Oh, you mean my husband—”
“Ex-husband,” Nasia corrected.
Victoria rolled her eyes and waved her hand. “Listen, Stan and I were together a long time. Mistakes were made, and when adults come together to sit down, leaving all emotions at the door, things can get worked out.”
“Is that so?” Nasia took a sip of her coffee to busy herself.
“Yes. Stan is a forgiving man, and now that time has passed, we were able to talk about the issues in our marriage.”
“You mean how you jumped on his friend’s dick?”
Victoria froze in place, staring at Nasia. She visibly swallowed hard and glanced down at her cup, then met Nasia’s eyes. “Yes, Stan and I discussed everything, and we are talking about getting back together.”
“Cut the bullshit,” Nasia snapped. She lowered her voice, not wanting to draw attention to them. “I know Stan, and he would never get back with you.”
There was nothing this woman could say that would make Nasia believe her. She would have to hear it from Stan before she accepted what she’d heard.
“Look, Nasia.” Victoria leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table.
Nasia wanted to slap the fake smile off her lips.
“You may think you know Stan, but you don’t. You’re just a passing fancy for him. A rebound as he waited for me to come back to him.”
Did this bitch just call me the rebound?
Nasia set her cup down on the table.
“Is that so?” Nasia murmured. She prayed for restraint, and to keep her from reaching across the table and putting her hands on the woman.
“Yes, so I’m going to ask you kindly to stay away from my husband.”
“You’re funny.” Nasia snorted. She eased back and met Victoria’s gaze. “Stan’s my man, and you’re a little bit deranged if you think he’s coming back to you. And as for me knowing Stan, I know him very well, in every sense a man and woman can know each other.”
Victoria’s face grew flushed. Her smile disappeared as she fidgeted in her seat.
“And I can tell you when he’s with me, you’re the last thing on his mind while he’s fucking me. Which is quite often.” Nasia stood from her seat and gave Victoria a curt smile. “Can I get you a refill?”
Stan ignored the vibration in his back pocket. He was sure it was Nasia. He didn’t want to speak with her at the moment. Eventually he would have to, but now, he couldn’t. He couldn’t get the sight of her leading another man into her home from his mind.
For some reason, her betrayal cut deeper than finding Victoria’s body entwined with Conner’s.
He had thought they had something special between them. She had ensured she’d ‘claimed him’ as she had said. Everything between them had to be genuine.
At least he had thought it was.
Maybe it was being hurt from Victoria that he’d latched on to the first woman who’d showed him attention in ways he was not used to.
Nasia was new. Fresh. With curves in all the right places. Stan would have to admit, he always did appreciate a curvy womanly frame. Victoria was slender and may weigh a buck twenty when wet.
Stan entered the barn and headed to the bunkers. He was too tired to go home and he didn’t want to chance running into Victoria or Nasia.
So instead of going home, he was going to hide out on the ranch.
“Not going home?” Rashad called out as he walked out of the stall where his horse, Brandy, resided.
“Nope. We got too much work to do in the morning.” He hefted his duffle bag strap higher on his shoulder.
“Ain’t that the truth. But I prefer the arms of my woman than those hard-ass bunks.” Rashad chuckled.
Stan forced a smile and gave his friend a salute. He continued on and disappeared down the hall where the sleeping rooms were. There were five rooms with twin bunks in each. Stan entered the last room and shut the door behind him.
He leaned back against the door, trying to push down the feeling of anxiety in his chest. Taking his Stetson off, he pushed off the door. He dropped his hat down on the table next to the bed and tossed his bag on the top bunk.
His phone rang again. He picked it up and glanced at the display.
Nasia.
He tossed it onto the bed and allowed the call to go to voicemail.
Stan s
tripped down to his boxer briefs and headed to the shower room.
He just wanted to be left alone.
12
“Stan, baby, It’s me. Where are you?” Nasia sighed. She closed her eyes and tucked a wayward strand of her hair behind her ear. “Call me when you get this.”
She set her phone down on her desk and rested her head in her hands. Her office was quiet, but the sounds of the café were muffled by her door. Dread filled her, and she couldn’t shake the feeling.
Stan hadn’t accepted any of her phone calls since last week. The last time she’d had any communication with him was their text messages where she had told him to stay home.
After her confrontation with Victoria, she had tried calling him. He hadn’t answered, but she attributed it to him being busy at work and he couldn’t answer.
So she finished her day up at the café and went home. She and Aleka had driven up to Denver for one hell of a concert. Nina Hunt was one amazing performer and was worth every penny.
As much fun as she had with her sister, she couldn’t shake that something was wrong.
She returned to Shady Springs and no word from him.
Was Victoria telling her the truth? Were they getting back together, and this was his way of distancing himself from her?
Nasia refused to believe that. Stan was a man who believed in honesty. He would have told her himself if he was getting back with his ex-wife.
Nasia lifted her head at the knock sounding at the door.
“Come in,” she called out. She straightened up and wiggled the computer mouse to wake up her computer screen which had gone dark.
“Everything okay, boss?” Sara popped her head in. Her eyes were wide and filled with curiosity.
“Yeah, just tired,” Nasia lied. She offered up a smile, but it was obvious Sara didn’t believe her.
“The woman you were supposed to interview, Ellie, just called and said she needed to cancel. Her babysitter didn’t show. She wanted to know if she could come same time tomorrow.”
Well, that wasn’t a good sign for an interviewee. Nasia opened up her calendar on her computer to pull up tomorrow’s schedule.
