by Vicki Green
“Who loves you and would do anything for you?”
I let out a sigh. “You.”
“Who learned from her mistakes, found her a great man, got married, had twins, and is the happiest she’s ever been in her life?” Her smile grows with each word. I can almost feel the love from here.
“You did.” I grin. I turn around and start on the sandwiches again. “That doesn’t mean you know everything though.” I feel her play smack my arm and smile harder. “But you are right about one thing.” I sneak a look her way and see one of her eyebrows is raised. Her arms crossed over her chest. “Nash is a good man. I almost feel like I’m falling in love with him already, and we haven’t even been out on a date, yet,” I say as fast as I can.
“I knew it!” She jumps up and down, clapping her hands.
These sandwiches are never gonna get finished. I grab her shoulders, turning her toward the doorway. “Go home. Be with your man and babies.” I start pushing her. We reach the doorway, and she starts to turn around to face me.
“Uh! A little help out here!” Loren’s voice filters around me like fingernails on a chalkboard. I cringe.
“Give her a chance, Tina.” I glare at her, trying not to roll my eyes. “She seems like a hard worker even though she’s a little too – bubbly.” A little? I give her a look. “Okay, she’s a little hard to take but this morning, she was really good with the customers. They seemed to like her.” Ugh, I find that hard to believe. “Give her a chance, please.” I sigh and nod. “Good. I’m going home but I’ll be back later tonight. I have another interview for more help. I’ll get you some time off so you can go on a date....” I raise my brows. “Or just to be able to have some time off.” She winks and turns around. I stand in the doorway and watch her walk through the crowd of customers, say goodbye to Loren, and walk out the front door.
“Uh, Tina? Some help here.”
I look at Loren, put a smile on my face, reluctantly, turn around and grab a tray full of plated sandwiches and walk out into the shop. This is gonna be the longest day ever!
Chapter Five
Nash
I can’t believe the night and mornin’ I’ve had. Such a scare with Manuel and then findin’ Tina asleep in the waitin’ room gave me such a rush of somethin’ I’d never felt before. Relief. Excitement. Love? Whatever it was, I couldn’t believe she stayed here all night. For me. It just confirms my feelin’s for her. I’ve never had that great of a love life before. The only girl I ever fell for ended up not wantin’ me for any feelin’s of love or anythin’ else. I was young and it took me a while to realize it. Call me stupid or just blinded by lust. Pa had tried to warn me but with everythin’ goin’ on with him, I didn’t listen. Then Manuel stepped in, once we’d taken care of buryin’ Pa and goin’ through everythin’ with his lawyers. But the real moment I knew, was when I caught her cheatin’ on me. Walked right into that one. Literally. Found her in our bed with another man – in our apartment. That really opened my eyes. She begged and pleaded with me but it made me sick. I couldn’t even look at her. Who does that to someone after just losin’ their pa? Who does that to anyone, anytime? Since then, I’ve been so leery of women. But then, I was so busy straightenin’ out our ranch in Texas and then movin’ here, I didn’t have time to think much of anythin’ else.
“Mr. Harris. Mr. Gonzales.”
I look up from my chair next to Manuel’s bed when the doctor walks in. I hadn’t realized that Manuel was awake until the doctor said his name and I looked over at him. We both watch the doctor walk toward the foot of the bed and pick up the electronic chart.
“Your lab work is looking very good.” He reads some more and then looks at Manuel. “If you keep improving and we can get some solid food in you, I might be able to send you home in a couple of days. Of course, once your cast comes off in about six weeks, you’ll need some physical therapy. We can also arrange to have a therapist come to your home, if that would be preferred.” He smiles. “We have some time to talk about that.”
“Um....” I look at Manuel and give him a wink then look back at the doctor. “I’d prefer to have the therapist at my house, when the time comes.” I grow serious. “Not that I’m not anxious to get Manuel home but are you sure that’s not too soon?” It would kill me if he was released too early and had complications at home or even.... I stop myself. I refuse to think about that.
The doctor smiles. “I assure you, Mr. Harris, I will never release a patient prior to any tests telling me the contrary. I’m sure Mr. Gonzales will have much better rest at home than what he’s likely to get here.” He gives me a wink. “Now....” He sets the chart back on the foot board and looks at Manuel. “A more solid lunch has been ordered for you. I’ll check on you a little later today. By tonight, I’ll have more tests ordered and then check on you in the morning with the outcome. Have a good day.”
We watch him walk out of the room, and I look back over at Manuel. “Mijo.” He smiles. “Where you been all mornin’? Woke up several times and you weren’t here, not that I expected you to stay.” I give him a smile. He knows I’d never be anywhere else.
“I went down to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee while you were bein’ checked out.”
He smiles again. “Good. I don’t want you worryin’ ‘bout me. Did you get yourself somethin’ to eat?” I shake my head.
“Nah, I was too busy talkin’ with Tina.”
His brows raise, that all knowin’ smile lingerin’ on his face. “Tina from the coffee shop, eh?” He knows good and well who Tina is, but I’m grateful he’s able to be playful.
Leanin’ my arms down on my legs, I get comfortable. “Yeah, the very same.”
The door opens and someone walks in carryin’ a tray with his lunch. He struggles to sit up so I stand and raise the back of his bed until he nods. He gets settled and starts eatin’ and I sit back down. “She sounds like a nice girl, from what you’ve told me.” I haven’t told him much. Much like a pa, he knows how to guilt trip me when I need it the most.
I look down and shake my head, puttin’ my arms back down on my legs and gettin’ comfortable again. “Yeah, she’s somethin’.” I look back up at him, and he raises his fork for me to continue. I point at his lunch, tellin’ him I will if he keeps eatin’. He smiles and stabs somethin’ that’s tryin’ to resemble a hamburger patty. I don’t think it quite made the grade. “Anyway. She’s half owner of the coffee shop in town and boy, howdy, can she cook.” His brows raise, and I nod. “Yeah, I know. My cookin’ is very limited but she even creates her own dishes.” He nods lookin’ very pleased. He starts eatin’ again. I look up toward the ceilin’ as I picture her. “She’s gotta be the most beautiful gal I’ve ever seen. She has these eyes that are a pretty green, but they change to a blue dependin’ on what she’s wearin’. Her hair is brown with some lighter streaks in it, curly, but when straightened, it hangs down to her lower back. I love it though when it’s curly – natural, ya know? Her figure is....” I shift my eyes over to him and let out a cough. “Well, I think you get the general idea.”
“Sounds like she’s quite the woman, Mijo.” He wipes his mouth and leans back into the mattress.
“Yes, she is. Thing is, she’s a strong woman, no doubt ‘bout that, but around me, she gets all kinds of shy, flustered. She’s adorable when she stammers and the most beautiful blush spreads across her cheeks.” I remember holdin’ her hand, soft, and warm. It was so small in mine. Made me feel like I wanted to protect her.
“Maybe she can give you some cookin’ lessons,” he says through a yawn. I look at him and laugh. “You should go over to her shop. Have a coffee and get somethin’ to eat. I’m sure it’s better than the food here and looks like I’m not goin’ anywhere, at least for a while.” He gives me a wink. Hmm, maybe he’s got somethin’ there.
“You sure ya don’t mind?” I’m feelin’
a bit strange and self-absorbed in leavin’ him, even though he’s the one who suggested it. I am hungry. Not sure I’ve eaten anythin’ since before lunch yesterday. At that moment, my stomach decides to growl. Loudly.
He lets out a laugh and winces. “Go eat. Be with your woman. There isn’t a better place that I could be right now but here, bein’ well looked after. Then, go home and get some rest. You’re lookin’ a little haggard.” He yawns again. His eyes close as I slowly get up. I lean down and pat his shoulder.
“I won’t be gone long. Might just run home and take a shower and change my clothes.” He nods but then lets out some soft snores. I smile. Still feelin’ weird about leavin’ but I guess he’s right. He is in the best place where he’ll be taken care of. Much better than I could.
I leave, makin’ my way through the maze of halls again but remember how to get to the parkin’ lot as soon as I find the cafeteria. While I drive home, I feel all kinds of guilt eatin’ at me but once there, I take a much needed shower and put on some clean clothes, makin’ me feel a bit better. The guys are all out doin’ chores so I make my way out to my truck, anxious to get somethin’ to eat, and hopefully see Tina again. I hadn’t realized just how lonely I’ve been for female companionship. But it’s not just that, really. There’s just somethin’ special about Tina, so much that I want to get to know her better. So much better.
“Yo! Boss!”
I turn my head as I step up on the runnin’ board of my truck and see Bart walkin’ towards me. I texted him with the updates on Manuel earlier today. “Hey, Bart. How is everythin’?” I step down and hold onto the door as he gets nearer.
“Things are good. That’s good news about Manuel, huh? It could have been so much worse.” I give him a nod. “You headed back to the hospital?” He crosses his beefy arms over his chest and smiles.
“Actually, I’m headin’ into town to grab a bite to eat. Haven’t eaten since yesterday. Then, I’m gonna stop by and stay with Manuel for a bit. Anythin’ we need from town while I’m there?” I’m probably ‘bout due to make a grocery run.
He winks. “Nah. We’re good. If ya want, I can make a list and do a grocery run tomorrow. You’ve been pretty busy. Oh! Wanted to tell you that Tom Mills stopped by today. Says Comet should be deliverin’ pretty soon.” He’s from Pilates, the next town over. I’ve found him to be a very good vet, really cares about what he does – the animals and their owners, and it shows. Memphis told me about Doc Winn, the local vet. He’s good and all but Doc Mills specializes in breedin’ and delivery and I haven’t been disappointed in his abilities.
“Good. Good. Any other news?”
He scrunches his face in thought. “Oh, yeah. A package came late yesterday for you. I put it on the breakfast bar in the kitchen.” That’s odd. Who would be sendin’ me somethin’?
“Good. Thanks. Well, I’m gonna get now but I won’t be gone too late.” God knows I need a decent night sleep. He gives me another wink and turns around, walkin’ back around the side of the house. Climbin’ into my truck, exhaustion hits me hard, but the thought of seein’ Tina perks me right up. Sometimes I hate the long drive into town, yet I love livin’ far enough out that it feels like a different world, filled with my neighbors who are my friends. Family. It’s like our own private road, one that connects all our lands. Drivin’ this far does give me time to think. I’d love to have Tina over to the house. Lord knows I’m not much of a cook but hell, I’d have somethin’ catered, if I need to. Just spendin’ the small amount of time with her makes me want to spend even more. I’m still in awe that she slept in the hospital waitin’ room, worried because I was facin’ the accident alone. Just tells me even more what kind of a good woman she is.
It’s early evenin’ when I reach town and pull into a parkin’ spot in front of the grocery store. Figured I can get a few things after I leave the coffee shop, even though at this point I don’t remember what all we need. There’s a slight cool breeze blowin’ as I step out of my truck but the palms of my hands are damp with sweat as I walk toward the shop. Why am I nervous? Because you’ve only had one true relationship with a girl and that turned out poorly. Maybe because you want to know Tina so badly, take her out, treat her right, and hopefully find out that you’re made for each other. Maybe it’s because she’s the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen, inside and out, with a great sense of humor, and those fucking gorgeous eyes and pouty mouth. Man, I’m so fuckin’ horny. The thought of truly bein’ with her, feelin’ her soft skin, and watchin’ her come undone beneath me is overwhelmin’. Rubbin’ my hands on my jeans, I open the door, hearin’ the familiar sound of the bell overhead. I know it hasn’t been that long since I last saw her but the anticipation of seein’ her again is almost too much.
There’s only a few people in line so I step behind them, waitin’ my turn. I can’t wait to see the look on her face, my excitement growin’ by the time I’m the next in line. By the time the man in front of me begins to step outta the way, my palms are sweatin’, again. “Evenin’.” I smile as she begins to come in view.
“Evenin’, sugar.” My brows lower when a young gal appears from below the counter. She’s pretty, I’ll give her that, but she’s definitely not Tina. “What can I get ya?”
I open my mouth to speak when I hear my name.
“Nash?”
Turnin’ my head quickly and noticin’ the gal turnin’ hers too, I see Tina standin’ in the doorway of the back room, her smile makin’ everythin’ right. I can’t help my smile, seein’ her covered in flour, her long curly hair hangin’ in back in a high ponytail. “Nice to see you,” she says, wipin’ her hands with a cloth. She tilts her head into the room behind her. “Come on back.” My feet start movin’ on their own as she stares into my eyes. “I’ve got this one, Loren.” Walkin’ past her and removin’ my hat, I turn around as she walks into the room. I watch her walk over to a coffee pot, takin’ a cup from the stack sittin’ on a tray on the table beside it and pourin’ a cup. She sets it down on a small table, winks at me, and tilts her head to a chair there.
Still smilin’, I sit down and take a drink, the amazin’ taste hittin’ my throat immediately. I look up in time to see her sit down across from me with her own cup. “Thanks for invitin’ me back here.” I look around the room, noticin’ flour all over the large stainless steel table in the middle, the big sheets of metal layin’ there waitin’ for food to be placed to cook, a rollin’ pin covered in white powder, and the delicious smell of food cookin’ in the huge ovens behind the table. “I’m feelin’ mighty honored you allowed me back here.” I smile. I’m startin’ to feel like I’m smilin’ a little too much but I can’t seem to help it.
As she takes a sip of her own coffee, her hand raises, wavin’ me off. “It’s the least I can do.”
I take another drink and watch as her lips encase her cup, havin’ to reach under the table and adjust myself. “Well, I think you’ve already done a lot, considerin’ you spent the night in a very uncomfortable chair.” She looks around as she sets her cup down. Reachin’ over, I cover her hand with mine. “I know we don’t know much ‘bout each other but I’d like to change that. How ‘bout you come over for supper?” Okay, this might be a stupid move. I mean she’s clearly shy and nervous. “Maybe Prie and Trevor could come too? It would be like a double date, of sorts.” Her brows raise, and I can tell she’s thinkin’ on it. “I mean, would you be able to leave the store early one night?” I watch as she looks at the doorway then back at me.
“I might be able to get away a few hours early, one night.” She smiles, and my entire insides swell.
“So.” I take a drink. “Tell me what all goes on back here.” I look around at the disarray and smile. By the time she’s done givin’ me a very animated and excited full description, I’m impressed by two things.
One – she sure knows how to cook. I mean, she creates stuff that just
comes up in her head, and it turns out amazin’. I can man a grill but when it comes to other things I just get store bought. Now, I’m not puttin’ down some men and their ability to cook, or nothin’ like that. I was just raised by a man who could cook ‘bout like I can and well, Manuel? He could catch some fish, gut ‘em and fry ‘em, but that was ‘bout all in the cookin’ department.
Two – she’s more beautiful than I’d realized. Not only that but smart, funny, excitin’, and her overzealousness and shyness makes her even more beautiful in my eyes. She’s got a knockout body – just ask my cock that hardens every damn time I see her – but she’s more than that. Sweet, innocent, and beautiful inside.
“I love how creative you are.” I smile, taking another drink and finishin’ off my coffee.
“Another?” she asks. I nod and watch her fine body get up as she picks up my cup. I could sit here the rest of the day and just watch her. She turns and sets a full cup down in front of me then I watch her open the large refrigerator, grab somethin’ and put it on a plate. She sets down one of her famous sandwiches in front of me. I must look as hungry as I feel.
Suddenly, I want to know everythin’ about her. Other than the hospital, this is one of the few times we’ve actually gotten to talk more than a few words. “Much obliged. So, tell me ‘bout yourself. What was your childhood like?”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, what a boring story.” She sighs. I give her a minute and then a look that I’m not lettin’ her get by without tellin’ me. “Well.” She lets out a deep breath. “I grew up in your abnormal type environment. Mom’s socialite status made it hard for me to be what she wanted me to be, always trying to set me up with “Mr. Perfect high-class douchebag” and forever scolded about how I disappoint her in every way.” She shrugs. “The only thing that bothered me was the fact that I wanted to do something with my cooking while she wanted me to be “Miss Pristine”, get married to “Mr. Prestigious-snobby-douchecanoe”, have babies, and be the belle of the ball.” My heart breaks for her, thinkin’ all her childhood consisted of bein’ tormented by the one person who should have loved her unconditionally. What kind of mother does that to their child? She takes a drink of her coffee and the strangest noise comes from her. Was that a snort? Too adorable. She lets out a deep breath. “That’s enough about me. What about you?” She smiles, takin’ another drink and makin’ me feel as if she really wants to know.
