Page 11 of Claim Me

I’m surprised by how he doesn’t know the answer. However, one glance at Tack tells me he understands how I’ve fucked up with Siobhan. Based on his expression, he doesn’t know the details.Did Siobhan feel such shame over our quickie that she’s hidden the truth from her friends?

“I want to stay here for a while. Bring the dogs.”

“No,” Tack mutters and settles into a chair. “They can stay at my place.”

“Your land is too small.”

“It’s ten acres.”

“You’re having work done. They’ll be in the way.”

“What is this?” Bear asks again.

Frowning at him, I choose to remain silent. When I stare for long enough, Tack decides to play on his phone. Bear doesn’t break my gaze. We’re having a contest he’s bound to lose. Yet, he doesn’t give in until Tack sighs deeply twice.

“What are you planning to do in the hills?” Bear asks when I refuse to answer his original question. “Will you wear their patch? Have you told Zoot you’re ditching his leadership for Caveman’s? Like, what exactly is the plan?”

“It’s only been, what, two days?” Tack answers before I can. “He won’t be here in a week.”

“Then, why not bring his dogs?” Bear grumbles.

“Because when people take vacations, they leave the kids at home.”

“Not me,” Bear insists. “When I take Natasha on our honeymoon, we’re bringing the kids.”

“How the fuck is that supposed to work?” Tack asks, frowning at our friend.

“We’ll bring a big staff. That way, Natasha and I can be alone.”

“Why not just leave the kids at home?”

“Because I want to see them in between my alone time with Natasha. Being away for a week or more is too long.”

Tack shrugs at Bear’s words. While the men eyeball each other, I get up and use the bathroom. I again hope to outlast the people looking to hound me, but they’re in the same spots when I exit.

“I don’t want to go back to the farm,” I explain while shoving on my boots.

“Why?” Tack asks.

Bear adds, “Is it Golden?”

“No.”

“Indigo has a crush on Siobhan,” Tack announces.

Bear immediately replies, “I figured.”

“You did not. You thought he was in love with Golden.”

“No, I thought he was in love withyou,” Bear mutters and flips off Tack. “You’re always together, whispering to each other like girlfriends. Yeah, I figured he wanted you, but you were in love with Hunter. That’s why he was sad all the time.” Bear pauses before adding, “I guess I was wrong. Siobhan’s a better choice anyway.”

“Did you finally ask her out?” Tack asks. “If she said no, I warned you not to take it personally. You’ve planted the seed in her head. Just let it grow into a full-fledged desire on her part. She’ll soon be ready for that date.”

Bear frowns at Tack. “Love has made you goofy.”

“Fuck off. I’ve been in love for a long time, and this is the first time you’ve ever called me goofy.”

“Fine. Fucking Hunter has made you goofy.”

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