Cupcake Cutie (Plus Size Romance 1) Read online

  IT WAS ONLY MID-MORNING, and The Little Cupcake Company was already booming with business. Ella didn’t mind waiting at a booth in the corner. It would give her a chance to taste-test the new double-Dutch chocolate cupcake with cream cheese icing while Adaira finished filling orders.

  Ella had dropped by here on her first day in town to ask for directions, and The Little Cupcake Company had been completely devoid of customers. After tasting one of Adaira’s cupcakes, Ella couldn’t understand why the place wasn’t crawling with patrons.

  Over a steaming cup of coffee and a vanilla cupcake with lemon chiffon icing, Ella had pinpointed the problem. Adaira was clueless when it came to marketing and advertising. Sure, she was lovely, warm and intelligent, and she could bake circles around Martha Stewart. But all that culinary talent was no good if nobody knew about it.

  The two women bonded immediately, becoming fast friends. The next day, Ella came up with a few slogan ideas. Shortly after implementing them, Adaira’s business picked up. Now, everyone was familiar with The Little Cupcake Company’s advertisement taglines: If cupcakes are wrong, we don’t wanna be right; Every day is a cupcake day; A little cupcake goes a long way; Life’s short—eat a cupcake; Keep calm and eat a cupcake.

  Initially, Adaira paid Ella in cupcakes, but now that business was booming, she was easily able to meet Ella’s fees. Ones that covered new brochures, business cards and window flyer designs. Ella had just finished arranging them on the table when Adaira came bounding over.

  Leaning into the booth, she gave Ella a hearty hug. “Hey, girl! Sorry to keep you waiting, but it’s your own fault for making my cupcakes so doggone popular.”

  Ella’s smile was wide and full of pride. A few months ago she wouldn’t have had the self-confidence to pitch her graphic designs to anyone. Living too many years under the critical thumb of her self-centered mother had nearly cost Ella what tiny bit of self-esteem she possessed. It took a close brush with death to turn things around for her.

  It was a sunny day in May. She had been traveling down the interstate, running more tedious errands for her domineering mother. Out of the blue, an eighteen-wheeler came barreling past Ella. The big rig must have been doing well over a hundred miles an hour. Recklessly, the driver of the truck swerved in front of her, clipping the front fender of her Toyota Camry. The impact sent Ella’s car spinning into oncoming traffic. After bouncing between several speeding cars, what was left of her Camry—the front seat and the steering wheel she had in a death grip—landed smack in the middle of the median.

  It was in that moment, Ella realized, that everyone only gets one life, and it was high time she started living hers. Her mother was not entitled to a life of her own and Ella’s as well. The next morning Ella packed her things and left home. She rented a car and purchased a map of South Carolina. Closing her eyes, she took a push pin and blindly stuck it into the crisscrossed grid. It landed right in the center of Pleasant View. The fact that it was nearly two hundred miles away from her mother’s house was an added bonus.

  Looking into her friend’s beaming face, Ella thanked God for that crazy truck driver, for her own courage and for the new life she was now living.

  “No apologies necessary, Adaira. I’m tickled that things are going so well. I have a feeling that these new designs are going to triple your business in no time. In fact, I threw in a help-wanted poster for free. Woman, you are definitely going to need some extra hands around here.”

  “Oh, I hope so. I’ve been wanting to expand. Maybe even add a delivery service. What do you think?”

  “I think you can do anything you set your mind to.”

  Adaira’s expression changed from bubbly elation to soft appreciation. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Ella. Seriously, if you hadn’t shown up when you did, I would have had to close this place down. But you came riding up in here like the cavalry, giving me invaluable marketing advice, taking me on as a client and allowing me to pay you with pastries. Most importantly, you gave me your friendship. If not for you, Ella Skye, me and The Little Cupcake Company would have folded.”

  “Well, I can’t take all the credit. What with your dynamic personality and delicious cupcakes, you made it easy.”

  “Okay, we’re both fabulous and sweeter than sugar. Oh, that reminds me. I wanted to ask you to be my date for the annual Spring Fling Barn Dance tomorrow night. I was hoping Craig could take me, but he won’t be back in town for a week.”

  “Oh, no, I couldn’t. I mean I’m super busy and it’s kind of short notice, and I don’t have anything to wear.”

  “Uh-huh. Now that sounds like a whole lot of hemming and hawing to me. We’ll only be gone for a few hours. You can set your work aside for that long. Connie’s country-and-western shop is right across the street. She’s open for three more hours and has any and everything you might need for a barn dance. Did I diffuse all your excuses?”

  Ella dabbed at the cupcake crumbs left on her plate. “Not quite.”

  “What other reason could you have for not wanting to go to the best shindig this town throws?”

  “I only know of one barn big enough to accommodate all the residents of Pleasant View. And there’s one particular Wyman I don’t fancy seeing again.”

  Grinning wickedly, Adaira tapped her finger on her chin. “Now which Wyman could you be talking about? I know it’s not sweet old Rowling. And it couldn’t be Rylan, seeing as how he’s practically halfway to the altar. So, it must be the ruggedly handsome, sexy as hell hunk of a man, Decker.”

  Ella blushed profusely. “What if it is?”

  “Look, I get it. He has a devastatingly swooning effect on the female population. You don’t have to be embarrassed for lusting after him. Hell, every woman in this town has fantasized about Decker. I’ve even entertained a torrid thought or two,” she said, winking. “Anyway, I doubt that he’ll be in attendance. To my knowledge he hasn’t been to a barn dance since his wife—”

  “I knew it!” Ella screamed, slamming her fists down on the table. “He said it was complicated. Complicated my ass! Either a man’s married or not. Sounds pretty damn simple to me.”

  Adaira soothingly patted Ella’s arm. “Calm down, honey. You’re going to give yourself an aneurysm. Tell me what happened.”

  Ella leaned back against the booth and crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s a long story. Let’s just say he led me to believe one thing, but now I know another.”

  Adaira offered her friend a reassuring smile. “That doesn’t sound like Decker. He’s well known for his honesty and integrity. I don’t know the circumstances of your interaction, but I can’t believe he would intentionally mislead you.”

  “Well, he did, during a private conversation we had.”

  Raising an eyebrow, Adaira said, “I’d like to have been a fly on the wall for that one.”

  Ella huffed. “Wouldn’t have done you any good; we were outside at the time.”

  “Now I’m really intrigued. I didn’t think graphic designing, techie, computer types spent much time outdoors.”

  “Forget I said anything. It was nothing.”

  “Okay, I won’t press you. But I still want you to come with me to the dance. It will be so much fun. I swear you’ll love it. Plus, I know for a fact that I am your only friend here in Pleasant View. You need to get out and meet some more of the townspeople. Nearly everyone attends this annual event. Where else could you mingle with the whole town in one place?”

  Ella rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Fine. I’ll go if you can promise me he won’t be there.”

  “Like I said, Decker hasn’t been to one of these dances in years. Cross my heart and hope to die, he won’t be there.”

  LEANING BACK IN A kitchen chair, Rowling Wyman took a long sip of his coffee and crossed his legs. “Decker, I’m damn glad that cattle sale was called off. It’s ‘bout time you made it to another one of my barn dances. It’ll be good havin’ both my sons in attendance this year.”

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nbsp; “I never said I was goin.’ I got some work to take care of down at the fire station.”

  Rowling scowled. “I’m sure it’s nothin’ that can’t wait a few hours.”

  Rylan sopped the last of the sawmill gravy off his plate with a buttermilk biscuit. “Don’t waste your breath, Dad. Decker’s been meaner than a bronc with a bur under its saddle since he came back from Caldwell’s place yesterday.”

  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.