by Skye McNeil
Spilling her coffee in surprise, Jessie cursed at how distracted she was with Asher on her mind. “Of course, we’ll come. Asher will love it.”
“Great. I know the new trails will thrill everyone. They made a trail which comes close to our cabins. I’m dying to try it.” Bobbi clasped her hands together.
The act made Jessie remember her sister doing the same thing as a child. Bobbs is getting married. How weird, she thought, plopping into the seat beside her mom. The day was inevitable, but she always thought she would be a participant instead of an observer. The deterioration of their sister bond, all but destroyed over a man, pained her, but Jessie wouldn’t extend herself there. Not when she’d accepted the wedding invitation, as involuntary as it had been.
Bobbi began talking about the rehearsal scheduled to take place the next day. Following a rough ride aboard horses, they would run through the ceremony at St. Elmo and then enjoy a catered meal. The ghost town brought back happy memories for the whole family. They would feed the chubby chipmunks until the critters fell asleep on them.
Jessie’s lips curled up at the thought of St. Elmo. The ghost town had always been fun to explore as kids. Many a time, they played hide-and-seek in the old buildings until one of the adults crashed their fun. Visiting the abandoned mining town sounded like something Asher would enjoy without the pomp of the wedding.
“How very rustic,” Jessie pointed out when her sister asked what she thought of the day’s events. Neither the bride nor groom was very outdoorsy, so the schedule shocked her.
“I’m glad you think so because you will ride on a horse the day of the wedding too.”
“Whoa, excuse me?” Jessie interrupted, now engaged in the debaucheries of the wedding.
“The wedding party is riding horseback down the aisle. I thought it was a cute idea,” Bobbi told her with a girlish grin.
Jessie couldn’t decide what was more outrageous, her being a part of the wedding party or riding a horse in a dress. “Gucci and horses don’t mix,” she stated with precision.
“Oh, you’re wearing these adorable cowgirl bubble dresses.” Bobbi held up a photo. “They’re perfect for riding.”
Laughing in a mocking tone, Jessie shook her head. “Nowhere on my invitation did it say I was in the wedding party and I would be forced to wear some gaudy thing Tommy’s mom made.” She turned to her own mother. “I assume you left those tidbits out on purpose.” Her blood boiled at the deception.
“We hadn’t seen you in years, Jess. We weren’t even sure you would respond at all. I couldn’t tell you. You wouldn’t have come,” explained Dawn with a guilty face.
“Damn right I wouldn’t.” She stood and pointed to her sister. “I will be a spectator at your wedding not the spectacle. I already went through that once.”
Escaping the shrinking room, Jessie added, “Take it or leave it.” Bobbi’s morose face sent regret through her body, but she had to stand up for herself. She didn’t want to be a part of this wedding. She was already the cause behind it. One reason was enough for her.
Marching outside at a brisk rate, Jessie found herself wondering how Asher faired with her dad and Tommy. “I bet he’s doing better than me.” The thought of the Army Ranger covered in fish guts settled the turbulence in her soul, but she still needed to get away from her relatives. They would drive her off a cliff if she didn’t put distance between them. It was no wonder she moved to Chicago to get away from them in the first place. The distance New York offered was not even given a second thought.
Resting on a fallen log, she closed her eyes and let the bright rays of the sun soak into her pores. If she stayed out too long she’d burn, but there was something tranquil about sitting in the wilderness with the sun shining on her face. It made life slow from a blur. Her senses picked up the scent of wild roses and the familiar buzzing of bees collecting nectar. If she could stay there for the remainder of the day, she would. It was then she realized why her grandmother loved to escape to Mount Princeton. It was a safe haven away from the horrors of the world. It also offered the most picturesque views for miles.
Without cause, her mind turned to Asher. She didn’t mean to pull him into the drama of her past, but it happened without her knowledge. The way he reacted was the most surprising part thus far. He took her family in stride. Either he was a freaking saint or he was genuine in his care for her. Her blood quickened at the latter.
His insinuation the day before echoed in her subconscious. Could she entertain a relationship with him? His barista status filtered through her checklist for a mate and failed to tick one item off. In her corporate mind, Asher didn’t fill any of the requirements she’d made on the flight to New York all those years ago. Not many men succeeded in fulfilling her bird-brained list. It was redundant and ridiculous, but it kept her from settling. “More like kept me single,” she mourned to the silent woods.
Frustrated with her soul searching turned Asher fest, Jessie opened her eyes and studied a line of ants carrying a fallen comrade. “Fitting they’re cannibals as well,” she muttered, moving her toes out of their way.
“I can’t like him,” she reiterated with finality. Saying the words didn’t make it any more valid than when she thought them. “Can I?”
Staring up at the aspens mixed between the pine and evergreen trees, Jessie marveled at how well the different types of trees coexisted. Maybe that’s all we’re doing. Coexisting for the time being. She felt her heart reject the defective notion. It was more than mere coincidence she ran into Asher, quite literally, in New York City. As he told her family, they were meant to meet each other. Try as she might, she couldn’t decipher whether the universe meant their run in as friendship or another avenue. Either way, Jessie knew guarding her heart from the sweet-talking, no nonsense veteran was much harder than any other task mandated her.
»»•««
Reeling in his line, Asher’s face broke into a broad smile at the catch.
“Looks like another ten-inch wonder,” congratulated Dennis, scooping the fish up with a net.
The trout flailed in the netting until Asher grabbed its slippery body and unlatched the hook in its mouth. “I’d say an inch or two shy, but fish stories are for those kinds of things,” he said, releasing the rainbow trout into the creek once more.
“I told you he would teach us the ways of the trout,” Dennis joked as he nudged Tom’s arm.
Tom adjusted his sunglasses. “Yeah. The man can work miracles,” he muttered under his breath.
Asher puffed up at the obvious disdain Tom held for him. It occurred often, but this instance made him feel a few inches taller. “Nah, just plenty of luck,” he shot back and tipped his Stetson out of his eyes.
Their outing this morning started at sunup and included a mandatory trip to the nearby town of Buena Vista. It was there Asher picked up the hat, resembling a cowboy’s ideal accessory. The town was also where his cell phone picked up a signal for the first time in days. The thing buzzed nonstop for a full minute before he received all the messages, most of which were from his publicist.
Casting out again, Asher did his best to focus on the so-called guy’s outing, consisting of Tom, Dennis, and a cousin whose name escaped him, fishing until they had their fill. So far, Asher and the nameless cousin were the ones to catch a handful of fish. Dennis didn’t seem to mind as he joked the entire adventure, but Tom sulked in his corner. The two of them scared the fish to the other side of the creek where Asher made camp. If he was the solitary one casting, it would make the experience more satisfying.
Short bursts of vibrations shot through Asher’s back pocket in his jeans. It was surprising he had any signal at their location, but they weren’t as deep in the mountains as the cabins. Reviewing the message from Mike, Asher’s gut clenched. Closing his eyes beneath his shades, he stood on the creek bank as he digested the news.
Jessamine Davis didn’t just work for a publishing house. She worked for Brecon Books. After listening to twelve voicema
ils from his agent, Asher called Mike back and learned the truth. If the man wasn’t on his payroll, Asher would be worried he had a stalker.
Following his agent’s digging, the remaining information tumbled out of the man like confetti. Me. Jessie was on her way to meet with A.J. Whit that fateful day. She was hurrying to meet with him the exact time he was rushing to meet with an editor from Brecon. Thinking over the day again, Asher realized the small information his publicist gave him about the meeting included Brecon making reservations under his name. He never knew the name or even gender of the person he was supposed to discuss a contract with. Now he knew for certain, thanks to Mike.
Asher wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. The tepid 80-degree temperature wasn’t causing his sweat. The woman who somehow never read one of his books was the root of his sudden despair. He struggled when his line caught on a rock and cursed to himself. It made sense now why she hadn’t recognized his story about his uncle Asher. Of course the novel was more in depth than his tale, but she would’ve caught the coincidences. Especially since she edits romance books. He understood now why she didn’t want him to learn her job title. Other than her disregard for anything including romance, any blood-thirsty artist would want to bend her ear.
His smart phone buzzed again and he fished it out of his pocket. Mike was being nosy now. It was a rare occurrence when he wasn’t, but now more than ever it annoyed Asher. Powering down the phone, he decided against any more updates. All the information Mike found paled in comparison to the skeletons in his closet. What he wanted to do was talk to Jessie. He needed to somehow get ahead of the inevitable miscommunication.
No doubt, Mike the Predictable already sent out the bat signal to his author pages about his vacation in Colorado. All it took was one person to recognize the photo on the back of each of his books. It wasn’t a direct photo of him, but the side angles didn’t hide the detail that he was indeed the same person. One Twitter follower retweeting the post would set his charade on fire. One celebrity sighting in a nearby town and poof! He was as good as crispy.
All at once feeling queasy, Asher lowered his body to sit on the bank. He had feelings for the barbed Mina, ones that scared him. They had known each other for less than a week. She thinks I’m a barista. He ran his free hand over his face. A barista with a sole goal of making a damn good cup of coffee. His mind spun out of control with the possibility of Jessie not wanting to have anything to do with him when she discovered the truth. The dull ache in his heart sent quakes throughout his body. Losing Jessie wasn’t what he wanted. Not now when he cared for her more than he expected.
“You’re slowing down over there,” pointed out Dennis from upstream. “Are you bored of winning?”
Pasting on a smile, he shook his head. “Not at all. The fish aren’t biting right now.” He glanced at Tom. If it weren’t for him, Jessie wouldn’t feel the need to show off. Tom dented her ribcage so a fraction of her heart was viable for another man. Clenching his jaw, Asher’s blood raced at the concept that without Tom’s betrayal, Jessie would have never needed him. The thought disgusted him, but not as much as the man who sucked at fishing. “I think it’s because the groom is making too much noise.”
Tom halted his stomping around the creek bed and shot him a glower. “You would know. You like hearing yourself talk enough.”
Asher let the childish jab roll off his back. Getting into a fight with Jessie’s ex would bring unwanted attention. He took in Tom’s face twisted in an arrogant glimmer of hate. Even if it would be worth breaking Tom’s nose, he would refrain. “At least Mina knows what I’m up to at all times.” A fish swam by his bait, but he didn’t care. “Unlike some guys who decide to cheat on her with her sister on her couch while she’s in another state.” His words, laced with poison, prodded. He didn’t have to wait long to see the last barb struck deep.
Tom threw down his fishing pole with an accompanying splash and stomped over to him. The businessman looked ready for a throw down and Asher was more than happy to supply it. “Screw you! You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.” Tom sputtered. “Why don’t you go back to whatever catalogue she bought you out of?” He looked down his nose at him, making Asher’s fingers itch for a fight. “There’s no way you’re not a gigolo. You’re too put together to be real and to be with Jessie. She doesn’t get guys like you on her own.”
Years of military training and combat flashed across Asher’s eyes at the strewn insults. He could think of five ways to snap the asshole using his hands alone. Good thing for him, the calluses the Army created were equally useful for the situation. Resting his pole on the bank with ease, Asher stood to his full height, glowering over the petite Tom.
With a steady voice, he addressed the stockbroker. “You know, you’re right. I’m not as great as you’ve heard.”
“Aha! I knew it.” Tom preened with a haughty grin.
Pulling his sunglasses off, Asher tucked them into his breast pocket of the red flannel shirt. A knowing smile played his lips as he held back from pummeling the imp. “I’m better,” he remarked before his fist connected with Tom’s jaw with pristine accuracy.
Tom sprawled backward and landed on his ass in the frigid water. Standing with fists at his hips, Asher’s face darkened as clouds broke free overhead. “I don’t ever want you talking shit about Jessie again. She deserves more than that from the guy who sent her into a downward spiral.”
His vision blurred at the thought of Tom anywhere near Jessie. Fake girlfriend or real, it didn’t matter. She was worth more than the indentation now engrained in Tom’s jaw. Every fiber of his being told him to jump down and pulverize the man, but Asher wouldn’t give up his control. Tom would fear him above all else and it would trickle down to Jessie.
Retrieving his hand, Asher glanced over to see Jessie’s father and cousin staring at him as though he was an alien. “Sorry,” he mumbled, retrieving his pole. This was it. He might as well pack up now. Her family wouldn’t condone violence. Not when it involved the groom.
Hauling his body up the grassy knoll, Asher was stunned when Dennis ran after him, calling his name.
“Hold up, Asher,” he shouted, panting as he ran.
Asher paused at the road where a couple was walking their golden retriever. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have punched him. It was immature and uncalled for.”
Dennis waved aside his explanation. “Don’t apologize for what happened.” He checked over his shoulder and chuckled. “It was the best thing I’ve seen in years.”
Glancing back, Asher saw Tom fishing himself out of the water, a large red welt on his jaw. He should’ve broken it, but he’d held back for God knows why. “I understand if you don’t want me at the wedding. I’ll call a cab.”
“You won’t get a cab way out here,” Dennis counseled, still staring at the spectacle as he wiped sweat from his brow with his shirt.
“Okay, then I’ll hitchhike until I get to a spot where they do.”
Dennis’s laughter caught him in his place. “Oh, stop, you’re not going anywhere.”
“But I—”
“Tom deserved what you dished out and much more.” The father of the bride gave a grim smile. “I had hoped Jess would knock him on his ass this week, but that,” he jerked his thumb backward, “was satisfying enough.”
“I don’t understand.” Asher studied the man. Until this point, Tom and Dennis seemed to get along without trouble. One was always trailing the other.
Dennis nodded to the dirt road and lowered his voice. “I put up with Tommy because Bobbi is in love with him. I don’t know why, but he treats her right.” His eyes grew serious. “In no way, do I condone what he did to Jessamine. Tommy never even apologized to her or us about what happened. I can accept him as my son-in-law, but I’ll never trust him all the way.”
He slapped Asher’s back. “But you. You are the real deal. I see why she fell in love with you. You are someone she can trust with her heart.”
&n
bsp; Asher felt like a truckload of bricks toppled over him at those high words. He was anything but trustworthy when it came to Jessie. “Sir, Jess and I have an odd relationship,” he started but couldn’t finish. How could he tell her father he was as much of a liar as Tommy? His stomach told him to spill his sins, but he couldn’t. The single thread holding him to Jessie hinged on caring for her too much to tell the truth. It was a messed-up spider web.
“I can imagine. Not many women fall for the infamous A.J. Whit and live to tell the tale,” Dennis proclaimed, walking ahead of him.
Asher froze at the sound of his pseudonym in the open. “How did you know?”
“I’m not an avid reader, but my wife is. After we met you, she swore up and down a Bible she’d seen you before.” Dennis paused his jaunt and smiled as Asher caught up. “As it turned out, she had your latest book on the nightstand when I put it together.”
Guilt gnawed at Asher. “Sir, I can explain.”
“Hush. I know my daughter, and I’m sure you have your reasons. She will understand,” he settled with a single jerk of his head.
Asher didn’t bother catching up with Dennis after he finished. He did, however, wish the man’s voice didn’t carry so much. If her dad knew his identity, then at least one other person did too. The voice carried on the wind like a song and no doubt drifted to the creek bed.
Checking over his shoulder, Asher groaned when he spotted the devious smirk on Tom’s face as he jumped onto the four-wheeler. His ruse was up. By the time he walked to the cabin, Jessie would know his secret and would hate him for it.
»»•««
Hearing the familiar sound of the four-wheeler, Jessie popped her head out the window expecting to see Asher. Instead, she found Tommy. Her eyes narrowed in confusion when she noticed his clothes were drenched and his face red. “Aw, looks like Tommy fell in,” she joked, but no one was around to hear her pun. Her cousins, grandmother, mother and sister drove into Salida earlier. Her cousins needed makeup before the wedding and Buena Vista didn’t have a store big enough to warrant a visit.