Chapter Ten
Sorting through books and beginning the shelving process with Honey had been a lot of fun. She was intelligent and had a great sense of humor. She was a bit over the top with her praise for him donating books rather than throwing them away, but he could live with that. He did wonder, at times, if her joyful attitude was a put on. Could anyone really be as happy as Honey seemed? It didn’t seem likely.
He pulled his Jeep up beside Carl’s garage and shut it off. The place was hopping. Both gas pumps were running, the parking lot was almost full and the area designated for vehicles waiting for repair was jammed. Cars were two deep in a couple places.
Business must be good.
He stepped out of his vehicle and nearly ran right into his half-brother Jason. His mind instantly told him this was the brother who ran the butcher shop beside the bakery Ira used to live over.
“Hey, Jason. How’s things?”
“Good enough.” He shrugged. “Stop by the shop sometime and I’ll give you some beef. I just butchered for the ranch. There’s plenty to go around.”
“I’ll buy my own beef, but thanks.” Did Jason think him not capable of feeding himself?
“No need. Everyone in the family gets free beef. One of the perks of being a Flint and working on the ranch. Of course, you don’t only get the prime cuts.” He laughed. “You get a mixed box, same as the rest of the family.”
Ira’s gaze darted around the parking area. Jason needed to be careful not to reveal their relationship before Robert made it public. He told Jason as much.
“Dude, chill. It won’t be a secret for more than two days, tops. Once people start seeing you with us all the time, and discover you’re working on the ranch, they’ll put two and two together. I’m surprised Mrs. Adelson hasn’t realized it already.” He chuckled.
“She does have a nose for gossip.”
Carl stepped out of an open garage bay, wiping his hands on a rag. “Give me five minutes to wash up and shed these coveralls and I’ll be ready for lunch. Where are we going? Tammy’s?”
“Sounds good to me,” Ira responded.
“It would, wouldn’t it?” Jason clapped Ira on the back. “Everyone knows you’re dating Honey. Quite an achievement actually. She doesn’t date much.”
“We’re not dating, we’re friends.” Ira stated, hoping they’d let the subject drop.
Both men laughed at him. “Then you won’t mind if I ask her out?” Jason teased.
Before Ira could say “go ahead” Carl burst into laughter. “Bro, you won’t date anyone. You’re too hooked on Nicole, even though she’s long since married that jackass.”
“Maybe I just haven’t found anyone who interests me yet.”
“Bull crap on toast,” Carl said. “Honey’s been in town for years and you’ve barely spoken to her. You don’t date, all you do is hang around the bakery hoping Nicole’s grandmother will give you details on Nicole’s life.”
Jason’s hands bunched into fists for a moment before he huffed out a heavy sigh. “Okay, I admit it. I still love her. And I swear to God, someday I’m going to find out for sure if he’s hurting her. If he is, I’ll kill the bastard to keep her safe. You mark my words.”
Jason’s vehemence shocked Ira. Wow! He must be crazy in love with someone else’s woman. Not a good plan.
“And I’ll help you do it,” Carl responded. He turned to Ira. “Don’t look so shocked. Jason’s had a thing for Nicole since they were kids, only he never acted on it because she was younger than him. About the time she was old enough, she was snatched up by Caleb Van Wick, local hotshot and rich prick.”
Jason growled.
Oddly, it made Ira think of what he’d do if someone else was dating Honey. The idea made his hackles rise and he barely knew her. To have fallen for someone and have them snatched out from under you? He’d be pissed, disappointed, and depressed.
“Let’s not talk about it!” Jason snapped. “We gonna eat or am I going back to work?”
“Five minutes.” Carl turned and walked away.
Jason was grumbling under his breath.
“It must be tough to care for someone and watch her with another man,” Ira offered, hoping to calm his newfound brother.
“It’s not that.” Jason swept his butcher shop logo ball cap off and smacked it against his thigh before slamming it back on his head. “If she were happy, I’d be fine with it. Nothing matters more than Nicole’s happiness. Even if it isn’t with me.” His teeth ground together audibly. “But I don’t think she is and I’m pretty damn sure the bastard she’s with hurts her. At least emotionally, if not physically. If I had my way, he’d be gone and she’d be back in Coyote Creek where she belongs.”
