by Ciana Stone
Without preamble, she climbed on top of him. “Honey, slow down,” he whispered as she started to guide him inside her. “We aren’t protected. And besides there’s no need to rush. We’ve got all the time in the world.”
Roxie went stone-cold still. His tone was that of a real lover, someone with an emotional investment, someone who was making a promise. Yeah, he’d said he thought he loved her, but his voice now said it without using the words.
It embarrassed her that tears filled her eyes. A small lump lodged in her throat making her breath hitch. Then it thrilled her when he cupped her face in both hands and searched her eyes, looking inside her to places she’d grown accustomed to keeping private.
“It’s okay, Roxie,” he whispered. “You’re safe. I promise.”
When his lips met hers, it was a kiss of promise and caring. Passion was there, strong enough to have her eager to feel him strong and hard inside her, but the passion was colored with emotion.
He took his time, exploring and tasting, the kiss tender and slow. It enflamed her, excited and thrilled her. And it frightened her. Not so much what she felt and sensed from him but what it inspired in herself.
God, she was so in love with this man. The fear housed within that realization flared bright and hot, then faded like a shooting star. In its place was wonder and excitement. It’d been so long since she’d felt love controlling her heart, making her weak in one breath and filled with energy in the next.
She gave herself to the kiss letting go of everything else but that moment. She reached for him, but before she could so much as touch his erection, he covered her hand with his. “Before we go any further, I have to say this. We’re not having sex or fucking.”
Nothing could have shocked her more. “We’re not?”
“No. We’re making love, honey.”
She nearly cried it choked her up so much. He smiled and laid her back on the bed. He sat beside her, letting his fingers trace down her body from face to thigh, then back up. “You are the most incredibly sexy woman I’ve ever seen in my life, Roxie Ellis. I’ve dreamed about this moment ever since I first laid eyes on you.”
She smiled up at him. “My friends just call me Roxie. Or Rox.”
“What do your lovers call you?”
Her smile faded. “I’ve only really had one—well, one that counted and…and… well, you know how that ended.”
“That’s the past, baby. This is the right now. And right now I’m asking if you’re ready for me. For love.”
“I don’t know. I think so. But you… you said you thought…I love you, Cade, but I’m scared.”
The moment the words were out of her mouth, she knew they were not the right ones. It was clear in the expression on his face.
“Then what do you want, Roxie?”
She couldn’t articulate the feelings churning inside her and didn’t try. Instead, she sat up, slid her arms around his neck, and pulled his head down into a kiss. For her, the kiss was one of offering and surrender. She loosed the restraints on everything inside her, opening herself so that she was emotionally bare for him.
Would he understand what the kiss implied? She didn’t know, but hoped he would recognize what she offered. Maybe he did. His arms wrapped around her to pull her close as he deepened the kiss.
And she knew her entire world changed in that moment, in that kiss. The past receded to its proper place and the now blossomed. She knew beyond all doubt that she’d beaten the odds. She’d found her man.
“Divorce Danny,” he whispered against her lips.
Roxie couldn’t believe what she’d heard. “Divorce? Why?”
“For me. For us. I love you, Roxie.”
“But I thought—”
“I was scared to admit it. But I know it’s true. This is real, Roxie, and we can’t let it go. If we do, we’ll regret it the rest of our lives. Divorce him, honey. Please. Divorce him and be mine.”
She’d never have believed it possible but there was no need for hesitation. She knew what she wanted and what she had to do. “On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Go with me to see him. I have to tell him.”
“He won’t know what you’re saying, honey.”
“But I will.”
“I’ll make the arrangements today.”
She nodded and sank willingly into his arms. Life was just full of surprises and for the first in a long time, she’d gotten a good one.
*****
“Was that the door?” Netta’s neck stretched taut and her head swiveled like a bird.
Nellie Mae pushed herself up from her chair at the kitchen table to go to the door and look down the hall. One look and she hurried back to the table, whispering, “It’s them, they’re coming. They’re coming.”
Netta’s eyes were glued to the door. When Roxie and Cade passed, they didn’t so much as cut a look into the kitchen. Netta and Nellie Mae, however, certainly jumped up to dash to the front of the house and watch them get into Cade’s car and drive away.
“Well, what do you think about that?” Nellie Mae slammed her hands on her hips. “Having that man here all night.”
“I thought we were going to search her room?” Netta jerked her head to the side and motioned toward Roxie’s room.
“Oh, oh yes.”
Half an hour later they admitted defeat. They’d gone through every drawer, the closet and the bathroom and hadn’t found one thing that would lend weight to what Nellie Mae had heard Roxie say. Namely that she was a murderer. Nellie Mae was not happy about it, but she wasn’t about to let a little thing like failing to find a murder weapon keep her from sharing the word with friends.
“Let’s have breakfast at the diner. My treat,” she offered.
“Why thank you hon. I’ll drive,” Netta agreed.
By the time they arrived at the diner, it was packed. Only one table had vacancies. Cody Sweet’s table. Nellie Mae took hold of Netta’s arm and pulled her along.
“Well Cody Sweet, how are you?” Nellie Mae greeted loudly as they reached the table. “Are you alone honey? Do you mind if we join? Netta shove those dirty plates to one side.” Nellie took a look around and waved at a waitress. “Delynn, honey, could you clear this away? Thank you sugar.”
With that, she took a seat and looked at Cody. “So, I hear tell that your little sister is spending the weekend gallivanting in San Antonio.”
“You hear that, do you?”
“I do. Her and Pursell’s niece. What’s her name? Pricilla?”
“Pressley,” Netta corrected.
“Oh yes, Pressley.”
“And that oil man, Quinlan,” Netta added. “I hear he headed up to San Antonio as well. And everyone knows him and Hannah have been setting off sparks all over town.”
Cody put down her knife and fork, pushed the plate away from her and wiped her mouth with her napkin before placing it on the table. “Well, lucky us that we have a fire department, eh?”
Nellie Mae cackled. “Oh my, you always did have that quick wit, didn’t you? I imagine you need it, though don’t you, sugar? With all that carrying on your cousin is doing with that new waitress. Why I bet your sweet mama is about to have a fit at the way he’s carrying on with that…” She paused, looked around and then whispered loudly. “That murderer.”
“What?” Cody looked from Nellie Mae to Netta and back to Nellie Mae. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Heard it from her own lips, I did.” Nellie Mae made the motion of a cross over her chest. “God as my witness. She tore in last night like a bull in a china shop with your cousin on her heels and I heard it clear as day, her telling him she was a murderer.”
Cody crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “Right. You heard it clear as day because you were right here with them.”
“Well…well no I didn’t say—”
“And you better not, Mrs. Nellie Mae.” Cody stood. “I mean it. You and Mrs. Netta have got to stop spreading lies about people. I used to defend yo
u because I know you’re both bored and need something to occupy yourself with, but this business about making up lies about people just has to stop.”
Nellie Mae looked around, seeing the curious eyes that watched. “Child, lower your voice, there’s no need—”
“Oh, there’s need. There’s been need a long time but no one wanted to hurt your feelings. I didn’t either, but it’s gone too far. Roxie isn’t a murderer and you can’t go around spreading lies like that. It’s mean spirited and spiteful and it has to stop.”
Cody snatched up her ticket and marched to the cash register. Nellie Mae watched her and then looked around. People looked away and she felt tears well.
Netta reached over and took her hand. “Let’s go, hon.”
“No. I’ll not be shamed into leaving. I said I’d buy you breakfast and that’s what I’m doing. Don’t you move, Netta.”
“I won’t Nellie Mae. I’m here with you hon.”
Nellie Mae nodded and cut her eyes to see Cody leaving the diner. She could feel people watching her and was humiliated over the way Cody had behaved. Now everyone would think she and Netta were nothing but town gossips when the truth was all they were trying to do was to keep this town safe.
Cody purely hated having anger bubbling in her belly at Mrs. Nellie Mae and Mrs. Netta. Part of her regretted the way she’d spoken in the diner. The other part thought it was long past time that someone called those women out on all the rumors they spread.
It went way past gossip and into straight-up lies. Like them claiming that Roxie was a murderer. That was a load of bunk. Cade had her checked out and he’d have told Cody if there was something on Roxie’s record like that.
Besides, she’d gotten to know Roxie pretty well and she’d never believe that Roxie was a murderer. As Cody fished her truck keys out of her pocket, Dini Merrill hurried up. Dini was busy cramming something into her oversized purse and nearly collided with Cody. Cody sidestepped and Dini looked up.
“Oh! Sorry.”
“You headed in to work or eat?”
“Hoping to eat before I start my shift.”
“Place is packed right now.” Cody had an idea. “How about I treat you to a fresh pastry and coffee at the bakery?”
Dini put her hand to her stomach. “Oh, that sounds good. I’ve been trying to cut back on the sweets but…” She looked at the diner and then across the street. “What the heck. Thanks, Cody.”
“My pleasure.” Cody gestured and Dini fell in step beside her. They hurried across the road and into the bakery.
“Oh my god, this smells like heaven.” Dini closed her eyes and breathed when she stepped inside. She opened her eyes and grinned at Cody. “How did you and Hannah keep from being big as barns, growing up around this?”
“Don’t think we did anything special, to be honest,” Cody said, then smiled at her mother. “Morning, Mama. Have you met Dini Merrill?”
“Not formally,” Stella said and held out her hand with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you Dini. I’m Stella Sweet.”
“It’s such a pleasure.” Dini shook Stella’s hand, then looked around. “This is the prettiest place, and oh my god, does it smell good.”
“Well, let’s hope it tastes as good. I just took a fresh batch of bear claws and apple fritters out of the over. What say I dish you up some?”
“Sounds good. Thanks Mama,” Cody said.
“Sounds divine,” Dini agreed.
“Then you girls get something to drink and find a seat. I’ll bring them right out.”
Dini followed Cody to the coffee station. Once they had their cups, they took a seat at a small, two-person table by a window. Dini sipped the coffee and sighed in appreciation. “Oh god, if I’d known there was coffee like this in Cotton Creek I’d have been camped out here every morning.”
Cody smiled. “Mama’s pretty picky about her coffee. But hey, how are things going with you, girl? You still seeing Jasper?”
Dini sighed happily and smiled. “He’s just the dreamiest, isn’t he? I mean, he’s really hot, smart and hardworking and he loves his family so much. I don’t think I’ve ever met people any nicer than him and his family.”
“The Weathers are definitely good folks and Jasper’s a stand-up guy for sure. It’s nice seeing him finally fall for someone.”
“Finally?” Dini’s brows drew together into a momentary frown. “Oh, I bet he’s had dozens of girlfriends, as sexy as he is.”
“Yeah, probably so, but he’s never fallen for one of them. You’re the first.”
“I am?” Those delicate eyebrows of hers rose. “Are you serious?”
“I am.”
A blind person could have read the happiness on Dini’s face. “I’m just crazy about him, Cody, and I know it hasn’t been that long and I just broke up with someone but I’m really falling hard for him.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Cody said and looked up as Stella approached with two plates of pastries.
“Here you go, girls. Eat up while they’re hot.”
“Oh my goodness, this looks scrumptuous.” Dini eyed her plate. “My mouth is going to love it and my thighs will be cursing me.”
“You’ll burn it off at work,” Cody said, then added, “Which reminds me, I wanted to ask if you’re happy at the diner.”
“Sure, I guess. I mean, the pay isn’t all that great but the people are so nice and I get to meet a lot of nice folks so I can’t really complain. Why?”
“Just asking. If you decide you want to make a change, or just pick up extra cash, let me know. We could really use more help at the bar, and the tips there sure beat what you make at the diner.”
“Seriously? I mean, I like working at the diner, but I’d love to work for you. The Honky Tonk is such a fun place and I’m way more of a night owl than an early bird. Are you sure?”
“One hundred perfect. I need people every night of the week so you can pull as many shifts as you want.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful. But I’d like to keep working the lunch shift at the diner at least three days a week.”
“That’s up to you girl. Just give me a holler when you decide and we’ll work it you.”
“Thanks, Cody.”
“Hey, thank you. We’re scrambling to hire enough staff.”
“Roxie really likes it. She said you and Hannah are really great.”
“We like her. She’s a hard worker and a good friend.”
“Amen to that. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had and I’ve never met a more caring person.”
“Sounds like you and she have a real solid friendship.”
“We do and I’m grateful for that every day.”
“I hear ya, girl. Well, I best get a move on. Hannah is in San Antonio with Pressley Pursell shopping for furniture so I’m pulling double duty until she gets back. You let me know when and if you want to get started at the bar, okay?”
“I will, Cody and thank you.”
“You bet. See you soon.”
Cody stopped and paid for the pastries and coffee, despite her mama’s protests and headed outside. She crossed the street and got into her truck. Just as she was starting the engine, she saw Dini come out of the bakery. At almost the same moment, Jasper Weathers parked his truck at the curb.
Cody watched as Jasper got out of his truck and made a beeline for Dini. He picked her up and gently spun around, lowering her as he turned. Dini’s laugh floated in the air, her smile as bright as the sun as she sank into Jasper’s arms and accepted his kiss.
A smile took hold on Cody’s face. Love was definitely in the air in Cotton Creek. Dini and Jasper, Hannah and Cooper, and if she wasn’t mistaken, Roxie and Cade. Seemed like Cupid had decided to take up residence here because there was a whole lot of falling in love going on.
Except for her.
Jaxon Riggs’ face flashed through her mind and her smile faded. She’d been so sure when she saw him, felt it clear down to her toes that he was the one.
&nbs
p; And yet, she hadn’t seen hide nor hair of him since that first night she met him. Apparently she’d been wrong. He wasn’t the one. Or didn’t want to be. Either way the result was the same. As always, she was alone.
Chapter Nine
“This has been the best weekend ever.” Hannah flopped down on the sofa in their suite and kicked off her shoes.
She and Pressley had enjoyed two days of non-stop shopping that had not been limited to furniture. Hannah had found linens and towels, things for the kitchen and bathrooms, along with new clothes and shoes.
Earlier in the day, she’d experienced a mild stab of panic over the amount of money she was spending but had told herself there was nothing wrong with her spending what she’d earned. She was getting things for her first home. And the clothing? Well, that was a special treat and she wasn’t going to feel guilty about it.
“It has been good but I’m pooped.” Pressley took a seat on the other end of the sofa. “And girl, if we buy anything else, we won’t get it in the truck.”
“God, I know.” They had rented a truck on Friday morning, which was now downstairs in the parking lot packed to the brim. “Are you sure you don’t mind driving it back?”
“Not at all,” Pressley answered. “But I wanted to run something by you. I was thinking I’d drive back today and see if I can get some people to help me unload either this evening or in the morning. That way, I can take the truck to the drop-off point in Rock Ridge tomorrow and arrange to take it at a time so you can pick me up on your way in.”
“Oh no. You can’t do that all alone. And I need to be there to help.”
“Sure I can,” Pressley argued, then continued, “Look, I know you’re the one with the head for decorating and I’m not about to do anything other than get the stuff in the house. I’ll set up my room but the rest of it is up to you. But I need to get back to work on Monday, so I really need to at least get my bedroom set up. Besides, you’re supposed to go out with Cooper tonight so it might work out for the best.”
“Pressley, I can cancel with Cooper.”
“No. No, I don’t want you to do that. I’m really ready to get back and it wouldn’t hurt for you to have the suite to yourself tonight. Just in case.”
