Cupcake Cutie (Plus Size Romance 1) (3 page)

Furrowing his brow, Rowling turned his attention to Decker.  “That so, son? You gotta stop lettin’ that idiot get under your skin.  I’ve told you a hundred times over the years, his daddy’s death wasn’t your fault.  Hank was a stubborn fool who couldn’t be reasoned with.  And it looks like his boy has followed right close in his footsteps.  Now you stop blamin’ yourself, and put them Caldwells out of your mind, you hear?”

“My mood has nothin’ to do with that call.  Rylan needs to mind his own damn business, and stay out of mine.”

“Then what does it have to do with, son?”

Decker raked his fingers through his hair.  He wasn’t one to carry on about his feelings. But, he and his dad were close and had always been able to talk about everything.  “I met a woman yesterday before Hubert barbequed his damn lawn.  Meetin’ her rattled my bones.  When I left her, it wasn’t on good terms.”

Rylan perked up.  “Her name wouldn’t be Ella Skye, would it?”

The hair on Decker’s neck stood on end at the sound of her name.  “How the devil did you know?”

“One of the advantages to bein’ engaged to Olive is hearin’ all the town gossip.  And you know as well as I do, the fastest-waggin’ tongue in town belongs to Beatrice Abernathy.”

Decker’s jaw muscles tensed.  He jumped up from his seat and towered over his younger brother.   “And just what the hell have you heard about Ella?”

Rowling gave his sons a warning.  “Decker, simmer down.  Rylan, you can see your brother’s not in the mood to be teased.  Say what you know, and be done with it.”

Decker sat back down.

Rylan nodded.  “There’s not much to tell really.  She’s new in town.  Seems kinda shy and don’t have any friends other than Adaira.”  Grinning, he added, “She sure seems to like cupcakes.”

Decker was back on his feet, grabbing Rylan by the collar.  “What the fuck do you mean by that?”

“Let go of your brother, Decker!” Rowling shouted.

“Not until he tells me what he meant by that smartass remark.”

“I just meant she has a really big sweet tooth—among other things.”

Decker hissed, “That does it.  I’m gonna break your fuckin’ neck.”

Rowling pulled a pistol from his pocket and shot it into the ceiling. 

Startled, Decker dropped Rylan.  Both men stared wide-eyed at their dad.

“I haven’t had to pull you boys apart since you were teenagers.  I’m too old to kick your butts now, but I’m still a pretty fair shot. Understood?”

Both brothers answered at the same time, “Yes, sir.”

“Good.  Rylan, you get on out to the barn and start settin’ things up for tonight.  Decker, you and I need to talk.”

Decker followed his dad into the living room.  Rowling sat down in his well-worn leather recliner, and Decker took a seat opposite him on the sofa.

“Rylan was out of line, son.  But he’s not built like you.  I know for a fact he’s always been jealous of your brawn.  He wouldn’t be able to handle a full-figured gal.  He’s slight and a little on the scrawny side.  It’s only natural that his preference would lean toward smaller, skinnier women.  Did Ella’s size have anything to do with the reason you left her on bad terms?”

“Hell no! Ella’s beautiful, Dad.  She’s perfect—soft and curvy and sexy.  She has a womanly body that a man could lose himself in.”

Rowling nodded.  “Not just any man, but you? Is she involved with someone else? Is that what’s got you so riled?”

“No.  She’s single.  The problem lies with me.  Actually, it’s me still bein’ married to Sheridan.”

“I see,” Rowling said, rubbing his chin.  “Did you tell Ella what happened between you and your wife? That she was a witch?  That she ran off with a married man two weeks into your marriage? That she has refused to sign the divorce papers?”

“I tried, but Hubert set his fuckin’ yard on fire before I could go into any details.  All I managed to say was that things were complicated.  Ella made it clear she doesn’t want my kind of complication.”

Decker stood and began pacing. 

“I know you’re upset, son, but I’m glad this happened.  I’m not gettin’ any younger, and your situation with Sheridan has been weighin’ on me somethin’ terrible.  I haven’t wanted to push you, but it’s past time you get this mess straightened out.  I can’t bear the thoughts of that horrible woman gettin’ her hands on any part of the Wyman estate.  Hers is a clear-cut case of adultery.  You owe her nothin.’  I’ve sent our family lawyer, Edwin, to get her signature on the divorce papers.”

Decker’s eyes grew wide.  “He knows where she is?”

“He does now.  A few weeks ago, I hired a private investigator to track her down.  I want Sheridan out of your life for good, son.  You deserve some happiness.  Since she left, you’ve buried yourself neck deep in work. You never have any fun. If you’re not here laborin’ on the ranch, you’re off fightin’ fires.  It’s time to think about your future.  Now that you’ve met a woman who stirs you, it might be time to think about settlin’ down.”

“I can’t let myself think about a future with Ella.  She’s a good bit younger than me and deserves to be with a man who has a little less baggage.  And, honestly, I’m not ready to have my heart trampled on again.  But, you’re right about Sheridan.  It’s definitely time to be rid of that albatross. Thanks for sendin’ Edwin.”

“Don’t mention it, son.  I really would like it if you’d come to the dance tonight.  I’m goin’ to officially announce your brother’s engagement to Olive as well as invitin’ the whole town to their weddin.’  You don’t want to miss that, do you? Rylan may not say it, but havin’ his big brother’s support means a lot to him.  Will you come?”

“Okay.  You win, Dad.  I’ll be there.”

Rowling stood and embraced his boy.  “I love you, son.  It’s all gonna work out.  Don’t worry.”

Decker nodded and smiled.  “I guess I best go give Rylan a hand.”

ELLA STOOD IN FRONT of the full-length mirror in her bedroom.  She had been a little skeptical about wearing cowboy boots.  But, she had to admit that—when paired with dark denim Levis—the soft, black leather looked really classy.  The cut of the jeans were actually slimming.  The black, silky top with side ruching flattered her waistline, giving it the appearance of actually being narrow.  The stretchy material of the blouse held her in while enhancing the shape of her full, heavy breasts.

Adaira was right. Connie was a genius when it came to country-and-western fashion.  Ella felt pretty and ultra-feminine in this outfit.  She almost wished that Decker
would
show up at the dance tonight.  But to what end? This afternoon Adaira had confirmed that he was married.  Ella needed to put him out of her mind.  The last thing she wanted was a broken heart.

Her friend swore he wouldn’t be at the dance. So, there should be no problem, right? Out of sight out of mind.  Still, as the time to leave got closer, Ella grew more and more nervous.  Her hand shook as she applied a mauve-colored lipstick—the final touch to her makeup. Reminding herself that she didn’t feel comfortable in a crowd, she decided to call Adaira and back out.  As she was reaching for the phone, the doorbell rang.

Cutting off her bedroom light, she ran downstairs and opened the front door.

Adaira squealed, “You look gorgeous, girl! Didn’t I tell you Connie was fabulous? You ready to go?”

“What are you doing here? I thought we agreed to meet at the Wyman Ranch.”

“Yes, but I got to thinking it might be fun to ride together.  You know, like a real girls’ night out.”

“Are you sure that’s the reason, or were you afraid I’d bail on you?”

“Uh—well—that did cross my mind.  But I can see I was worried for nothing.  You look so pretty.  Every man there will want to dance with you.”

Ella rolled her eyes.  “I kind of doubt that.  The more I think about it, the more I believe we should take separate cars.  I’m not very good in these types of social situations.  It might be best if I have my own wheels.  That way, if I want to leave early, I won’t ruin your evening.”

“Don’t be silly.  I’ll drive us.  When you want to leave, just say the word, and we’ll go.  Okay?”

“Sure.”

“Good.  Let’s roll,” Adaira said, smiling.

WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT the ranch, the field was half-full with a wide assortment of vehicles—everything from the tiniest Volkswagens to the biggest SUV’s.  Adaira parked on the outer edge of the property to avoid getting blocked in.  Ella felt fluttery as she took in her surroundings.  Seeing the estate from the road was one thing, but it was overwhelming to walk across the grounds, taking all of it in up close and personal.  The barn was enormous and breathtaking.  The paint was bright red and glossy.  Unbelievably, there wasn’t a single scratch or speck of dirt on the structure.  The white mansard roof was spectacular and elegant.  Forget the horses; Ella could see herself living in this barn.

Adaira grabbed her arm.  “Quit standing here gawking, girl.  Let’s go in.  That’s where all the fun and food is.  I’m starving.”

Ella followed her inside.  Adaira wasn’t kidding: the interior of the barn was obviously where fun came to thrive. At the far end was a seven-piece band playing upbeat country music.  Beautiful Chinese lanterns with intricate patterns were hanging from the ceiling beams. 

The concrete floor was clean enough to eat off of.  The length of the left wall was lined with long tables draped in red and white-checkered table cloths.  Each was covered with a smorgasbord of culinary delights.  The mixture of sweet and savory smells was intoxicating.  There was one table entirely dedicated to Adaira’s cupcakes.  Ella had always been one to start with dessert.  So, she made a beeline to the tray of double-Dutch chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing, her new favorite flavor.

She had just taken a bite of the delectable treat when she heard a deep, masculine, honey-coated voice close to her ear.  “Now, this
is
a nice surprise.  I sure didn’t expect to find a little cupcake cutie in my barn tonight.”

Even without the familiar woodsy warmth of cologne emanating from his skin, she would have known Decker’s voice anywhere.  Slowly, she turned to face him, praying she wouldn’t faint.  She was going to kill Adaira! After all, her friend had crossed her heart and hoped to die. Well, she would get her wish soon enough.

When she looked into his deep blue eyes, her legs buckled.  Immediately, he reached out to steady her and gave her a heart-stopping smile.  She regained her balance and voice at the same time.  “I didn’t think you would be here.  Adaira said you stopped coming to the barn dances after—”

“After my wife left me,” he finished for her.

“What?”

He frowned.  “Wasn’t that what you were going to say?  Adaira filled you in on all the sordid details, didn’t she?”

“No, I was going to say after you got married.  Based on an earlier conversation with her, I got the impression you were
still
married.”

“I am. But, not for long.”

“Oh, my God! Are you kidding me? You’re one of
those
men.  The kind whose wife doesn’t understand him.  The kind who makes empty promises to unsuspecting, smitten women, saying you’re going to ask your wife for a divorce any day now.”

His sexy smile turned into a crooked, boyish grin that was obviously intended to diffuse her anger.  “Not even close, darlin.’  I’m nothin’ like that.  I tried to explain it to you before I was called away yesterday.  I’d still like to try and help you understand how things are for me.  How they’re about to change.  How much I’d like to kiss that little dab of cream cheese icing off your bottom lip.  Can we please just go for a ride and talk in private?  My truck’s parked up at the main house.”

Self-consciously, Ella licked the sugary concoction from her lip.  “Icings all gone now. I don’t need you to kiss me.  Plus, I’m here with Adaira, and it wouldn’t be polite for me to ditch her.”

His grin faded fast.  “If that’s how you feel, I’ll respect that.  But need I remind you that I saved your pretty little ass yesterday?  The least you can do is give me five minutes of your time. We can stay right here in the barn.  There’s a nice quiet tack room right past that first stall where we can talk privately.”

Little
ass
.
This man really needed to get himself a pair of glasses.  She nodded.  “Fine.  I’ll give you five minutes,” she said, blowing out an impatient breath.

He nodded and turned in the direction of the tack room.

Ella’s eyes quickly searched the barn’s interior until she spotted Adaira.  When she got her attention, Ella gave her friend the evil eye. Adaira shrugged her shoulders and mouthed,
I’m sorry
.

Not nearly as sorry as she was going to be.

Following Decker down a lengthy corridor past stacks of pungent hay bales, Ella couldn’t help but admire his backside.  Yesterday, when he had carried her down the ladder, she had been overwhelmed by his frontal beauty. But it was quickly becoming obvious to her that the man didn’t have a bad side.  She swallowed hard at the sight of his back muscles bulging and dancing beneath his denim shirt.  His every movement teased her senses.  Snug-fitting Wranglers showcased his hot, taut derriere.  Each stride stretched the dark blue material across his powerful, muscular thighs.