by Jennae Vale
Chapter 5
“This is it,” Cassie announced as they rode up to her store.
The sleepy little village of Delight was slowly coming alive. As Cassie unlocked the door, her shop neighbor, Mrs. Santos, came running out of the bakery, waving frantically.
“Cassie! Are you alright? I heard all about your accident.”
“I told you they know everything,” Cassie whispered to Ross. “I’m fine, Mrs. Santos. The car is a goner, but I’m fine.”
“I’ll bring you and your friend some hot coffee and muffins.” She gave the tall Scotsman the once over, then smiled and winked at Cassie before turning back to her bakery.
“Oh, no. You’re going to be the talk of the town now,” Cassie told Ross.
He chuckled and placed an arm around Cassie’s shoulders as they walked inside.
“This is it. My little bookshop. The place where I make all my money and spend all my money.” She extended her arms and spun in place.
Ross didn’t seem to understand what she meant.
“This is my only source of income. Unfortunately it’s not enough to pay the bills for the cabin. I’d like to make improvements, maybe have an online presence, but again, there just isn’t enough to go around.”
A bell jangled as Mrs. Santos opened the door. She was carrying a tray with coffee and muffins. Cassie’s mouth was salivating. The smell of the goodies being presented reminded her she had only eaten half of her dinner last night and was quite hungry. Mrs. Santos set the tray down on the counter and then turned to examine her.
“So, who have we here?” she asked, eyeing Ross.
“Oh, this is Ross.” Cassie sidled up to him and put an arm around his waist. He returned the gesture, pulling her close.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Ross. It’s been a while since our Cassie has had a male companion.” She winked at Cassie letting her know that she approved.
“Thanks so much for the breakfast. I’m so hungry,” Cassie said.
“I imagined you would be.” Mrs. Santos gazed out the store windows. “The storm yesterday will keep people from heading into town for a few days, but the ski slopes are open and once they get up here, we should see a good crowd.”
“I hope so. I could sure use the business.”
“Me, too.” Mrs. Santos nodded as she stared out the window, then turned back to them abruptly, “Well, I’ll let you two eat. You can bring the tray back later. Oh, and Walt says your truck won’t be ready for a few days. He had to order parts. How are you getting around?”
“We rode into town on Ronan. That’s Ross’s horse.”
Mrs. Santos stuck her head out the door to take a peek. “I thought I was seeing things at first, but you’re right, there’s a horse out there.” She put her finger to her lips, her eyes focused on the ceiling. “Hey, I think I saw you yesterday. That is, unless, there were two men riding a horse up and down the street.”
Ross chuckled, “Guilty as charged.”
Mrs. Santos beamed triumphantly. “Won’t he be cold out there?” she asked, pointing towards Ronan who stood on a nearby patch of snow nosing his way through in search of grass to munch on. Sammy was trying to engage him in play, bowing down and barking, his tail wagging as he moved from one side of Ronan to the other.
“He’s used to such weather,” Ross said, laughing as Ronan picked up a nose full of snow and flung it in Sammy’s direction.
“I could bring him around the back and let him hang out in the stock room. I’ve got to clear a few boxes first,” Cassie said.
“Well, that will be interesting,” Mrs. Santos chuckled.
“It’s definitely going to be a first,” Cassie joined in her laughter.
“Well, I’d better get back to the bakery. I’ve got some cookies in the oven,” she said, heading for the door.
“Thanks again, Mrs. Santos,” Cassie gave her a quick hug, feeling overwhelmed by the kindness of her neighbor.
“It was lovely to meet ye,” Ross said.
Just as her hand reached for the door knob, she turned back to them. “Is that an accent I hear?”
“He’s from Scotland,” Cassie announced.
“Even better than I thought.” She pretended to swoon, fanning herself. “A hero from one of your Scottish romance novels come to life. Lucky girl.” She twirled out the door, closing it behind her.
Ross chuckled and gave Cassie a small squeeze. She yelped in pain and he quickly released her. “I’m sorry, lass. I didnae mean to hurt ye.”
“It’s okay. Just one of the bumps and bruises from yesterday.” She leaned heavily on the shop counter.
He caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand and she practically melted right there on the spot.
“Ye should sit. I’ll do whatever needs to be done,” he said in a very take-charge way.
“Would you? That would be so great.” She gingerly sat on the stool behind the counter. “I got a shipment of books in just before I closed yesterday. If you could bring the boxes out from the backroom and unpack them, I’d be forever grateful. Once we get them moved there should be room for Ronan back there.” She smiled to herself as her very own Scottish hero headed into the back. He returned moments later carrying three large cartons stacked one on top of the other. “Bring them over here.” She indicated a clear spot next to her.
He opened the first box and started unloading the books, stopping to look at the covers. “Why are there bare chested men on the covers of all these books?” he asked gazing up at her.
“They’re romance novels,” she explained. “You know stories about love that always have a happy ending. They’re my biggest sellers.”
Ross pulled out a stack of Scottish Highlander romances and harrumphed as he looked them over.
“Those are the Scottish heroes Mrs. Santos was talking about,” Cassie explained.
She gave him direction on where to put the books and in no time he was a pro at displaying them throughout the store. The door opened and in walked Mrs. Winters from the inn across the street.
“Rose next door said I should come see how you were doing,” she said, her eyes wandering the store in search of Ross.
“Word travels even faster than I thought it would,” Cassie chuckled.
“Well, where is he?” Mrs. Winters asked.
“He’s in back.” Cassie said. “Ross, there’s someone here who’s dying to meet you.”
Mrs. Winters began to protest, but the minute she spotted the real life Scottish hero, her mouth stopped moving. She seemed to lose the power to speak.
“I’m here,” Ross said approaching the counter. “Who’s this?” he asked, smiling warmly at the woman.
“This is Mrs. Winters from the inn across the street. Mrs. Santos is spreading the word.”
Mrs. Winters seemed to regain her voice. “I’m so happy to meet you. Rose wasn’t exaggerating.”
“About what?” he asked.
“Oh… nothing,” she answered, turning bright pink, which complimented her white hair. She turned her attention to Cassie. “I’ve got a group of ladies staying at the inn. They got in last night during the storm. It was too treacherous to drive further, so they stopped here. I think I’ll send them over. They’re looking for something to do.” She snuck another look at Ross before turning and hurrying out of the shop.
“You’re good for business,” Cassie said as the door opened again. This time Sue, Amy, and Kirsten who owned the ski shop in town made their way into the store.
“Hi,” Amy said. “Not much doing today, so we thought we’d stop in to see what’s new.” All three women picked up book, which they pretended interest in while trying to see over the tops of the bookshelves.
Cassie couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s over there. Go introduce yourselves.”
She picked up her cell phone and texted Jason to come get the ring. He said he’d be by shortly.
The sound of giggling women in the far aisle told her that Ross was a hit. If only he could stay
. He’d probably single handedly save her shop from disaster. Heck, he might save the whole village.
The door opened again and this time a large group of women that she didn’t recognize came in.
"Good morning,” Cassie greeted them. She hadn’t had this many people in her shop in… well, not ever.
The ladies spotted Ross and immediately headed in his direction. It turned out that he was a great salesman. After speaking with the women, he directed them to the new books she’d gotten in that morning. He seemed to relish their reactions to the kilted men on the Scottish historical romances. Cell phones appeared out of nowhere and before Cassie knew what was happening, they were posing for photos with Ross. He took it all in stride and looked incredibly handsome whether he was smiling or scowling for the cameras.
The women all left the store with armloads of books
“That was fun,” Cassie said, beaming as she placed her copies of the receipts in the cash register.
“Aye.” Ross came around the counter to stand by her side.
Having him there sent a rush of heat from her head to her toes as she reminded herself to breathe. “Hey, I wonder if you’d mind doing me a favor.”
“Anything,” he answered.
She liked that. “Well, Jason is coming over to get the ring and I was wondering if you’d mind pretending to be my boyfriend.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, “I’m nae a boy, lass.”
“I know.” And did she ever. He was all man and she was hoping he’d go along with what she wanted to do.
Jason walked into the shop at that moment. Cassie got up from the stool to greet him and to get closer to Ross.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” she replied.
“You’ve got the ring?” Jason didn’t waste any time.
“Yeah. Ross was able to get it out of the car. I’m really sorry, Jason. It’s totaled.” She surprised herself by actually meaning what she said. She was sorry.
“No worries. I’m glad you’re ok. I’ve got insurance.”
Cassie was relieved that Jason didn’t seem angry with her about the car. This was turning out much better than their usual conversations-turned-arguments.
“I’m Jason,” he held out his hand to Ross.
“Ross Seton,” Ross gripped his hand, shaking it.
“That’s quite the grip you’ve got there,” Jason said, flexing and shaking his hand.
Cassie got as close to Ross as she could.
“This your new guy?” Jason asked, he cocked an eyebrow, pointing at Ross with a tip of his nose.
“Yes. We’re very happy.” To prove it, she threw her arms around Ross’s neck. “Aren’t we baby?” Before Ross could answer she planted a big kiss on his lips and was shocked when he returned it with the most passionate kiss she’d ever had. She felt it all the way down to her tippy toes. He released her and she almost fell, but his strong arm saved her once again. “Wow!” she said unable to take her eyes off of him.
“How come you never mentioned you were seeing someone?” Jason asked, a suspicious look in his eyes.
“Why would I? I’m only telling people on a need to know basis and you didn’t need to know.” There, that should take care of that.
Jason didn’t say anything, he just stood by appearing awkward. Cassie gazed up at Ross, who had his eyes on her. A sultry smile crossed her lips as she thought about their kiss. What the heck, she was going to kiss him again. The thought barely crossed her mind when Ross took her face in his hands, his lips searing hers. Cassie’s hands went to his chest, exploring every hard muscle. She’d certainly felt the last kiss, but this one was curling her toes.
“Ahem,” Jason interrupted, “I can go if you two want to be alone.” He turned to head for the door.
“Um… Oh… Wait! I have something to tell you.” She tore herself away from Ross.
He stopped and turned back to her, a look of question on his face.
“I’ve decided you’re right. We should sell the house. I can’t afford the upkeep and we could both use the money.” There, she’d said it and it wasn’t that hard after all.
“Really? Is this a joke?” Jason seemed to think he was on a hidden camera show as he looked all around the store.
“No. I mean it. Ross made me realize that I don’t need it anymore. It’s time to let it go.” Every time she said it, she had a sense of relief. She really was going to be free.
“Wow! Thanks, Ross.” Jason grabbed Ross’s hand to shake it.
“Dinnae thank me. It was her choice.” Ross’s steely gaze met Jason’s sheepish eyes. “Ye’ll never hurt her again, do ye understand?” Ross held onto his hand an extra-long time.
Jason nervously shook his head and once he’d extricated his hand, began backing towards the door.
“Goodbye, Jason,” Cassie smiled and as the door closed behind him, “Good riddance.” She made herself more comfortable in Ross’s arms. “That wasn’t so bad. Thanks for the back up.”
“May I kiss ye again?” Ross asked.
“Please.”
These kisses were way too good to stop. Cassie had obviously been missing out on one of life’s great pleasures. She’d kissed guys before, but never like this. Ross really knew how to knock her socks off. She did need to breathe though and so every now and then she reluctantly removed her lips just long enough to take in a gulp of air. They might have continued on like this for the rest of the day, but the jingling of the door bell forced them apart. Cassie peeked over her shoulder to see Jason standing there.
The amused expression left his face as soon as Ross put Cassie behind him.
“You don’t have to protect me from him,” she said, placing herself in front of him again and facing Jason. “What’s up?”
“I called the real estate agent. I’m going to take them out to look at the place. I was wondering if you wanted to come.”
“No. You can handle it.” She really didn’t want any part of it. It had been hard for her to come to the decision to sell it and now that she had, the sooner it was gone the better.
“Where are you going to go?” he asked. “I mean after we sell the house.”
“Why do you care?” she snapped and then realized how it sounded. “Sorry, I’m trying to let go of my anger.”
“Cassie, I know that our marriage didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t care about you.”
“Hmmm… You have a funny way of showing it.”
“I know. I was a horrible excuse for a husband. I’ve been wanting to tell you for a long time how sorry I am.” He snuck a peek at Ross, who was scowling at him.
Cassie was almost at a loss for words. “Who are you and what have you done with Jason?”
Jason laughed nervously. “It’s really me. I just wanted to leave things between us on a better note. I don’t hate you, Cassie and I don’t want you to hate me.”
Ross gave her a little poke in the back. She looked up at him and he nodded. “I’ll admit I have hated you for a long time, but I don’t anymore. I’m letting it all go. I wish you all the best in your new marriage and in life.”
“Thanks. Once the house sells, we’ll both be able to move on. We’re planning to leave Delight, maybe move towards the coast, get a new start. I’ll let you know how things go with the realtor.” He walked out the door and she immediately sat down, the physical pain she was feeling obvious on her face.
“Are ye well, Cassie?” Ross asked. She could see the concern in his eyes. Here was a great guy, one that was kind and considerate. Even her dog liked him. She was finally ready to move on but it wouldn’t be with him. Why did Ross have to leave? He was the best thing that had happened to her in a very long time and he’d become her inspiration for starting over.
“I’ll be okay. Come sit with me.” She held out a hand to him and he took it.
Ross sat next to her behind the counter and she rested her head on his shoulder. She had been through so m
uch in the past year, and now it felt like a weight was finally off her shoulders. She thought about the wonderful support she had gotten from her neighbors. They had done so many good deeds for her, it was time she did a good deed of her own.
“I have some ideas.” She grabbed a pen and some paper and started making a list. Everyone in this small village was suffering, but somehow they all managed to keep the lights on while she locked herself away in a cabin she didn't want and felt sorry for herself. This wonderful group of people who supported her with food and constant kindness were losing business to the larger ski resorts in the area. People had no reason to visit or stay here unless they were stuck in a snow storm. Somehow over the past few years things had gone terribly wrong. That had to change and Cassie was going to be the one to do it. “Everyone has been so kind to me, it’s my turn to help them. I’ve been busy feeling sorry for myself, but that stops right now.”
Ross placed a supportive arm around her shoulder as she began writing her thoughts down on paper. She drew a rough map of Delight. Small as it was, it didn’t take her very long. A list of all the shops came next. She was quickly running out of room. “I’ve got an easel in the back and some large poster board. I think I need it if this is going to be legible for everyone who sees it.”
“Tell me where it is and I’ll get it for ye,” Ross stood and awaited her instructions. He then retrieved exactly what she needed, placing the easel in an open space with the poster board on it. Cassie grabbed her markers and started over, plotting out her big plans for her bookshop and for Delight. A giddy feeling overcame her as she worked. Ross stood by her side, silently nodding his head as she explained what she was doing. If her plan worked, this could be exactly what this little village needed in order to survive and maybe even outshine some of the big ski resorts that to this point had been drawing business away. When she was finished, Cassie stood back, releasing a satisfied sigh. She wrapped an arm around Ross’s waist and he held her close.
“This is it, Ross. My plan to save Delight. What it lacks in size, it is certainly going to make up for with charm.”