Page 19 of January's Bad Boy: Shane

I feel like he's getting one last dig in.

Apparently, so does Bex because she elbows him. He flinches, but doesn't say anything.

"While I think Bex is wonderful, I never thought you'd be with someone like her, either. Or that you would have kidnapped her."

When I roll my eyes, we laugh, and the tension is finally broken.

"Why are you really here in Mustang Mountain and taking a break between jobs?" Atlas asks.

"What did Shane say?" I don't think Shane would break my confidence, but why is he bringing it up?

"He asked me if I knew the reason you weren't rushing back. When I said no, Shane said I should talk to you about it."

"I had a client get handsy. Someone walked in, so it didn't go very far. But when I told my boss, he brushed it off, saying to keep my mouth shut because the client was a big one. So I left for your wedding and decided not to book any jobs. Though, next month I do have one client. Now, you will stay out of it and let me deal with it?” I give him a pointed look.

After staring at each other for minutes like we used to do when we were younger, he finally speaks.

"Fine, but I’m going to say one more thing. You can’t be with Shane and still live in New York City. That isn't fair to him with everything he's been through. You both deserve more from a relationship than trying to do it long distance."

His words hit me hard. It's from a place of love, and in my heart, I know he's right.

"I have a lot to think about. Right now, I'm going to head back to my cabin," I say.

Bex jumps up and gives me a hug.

"Come over anytime you need us, no notice required," she says in my ear.

Then Atlas wraps me in one of his huge bear hugs.

"I love you and I'm always on your side," he says gruffly.

His words move me, and I almost tear up. I know he always has my back, but it's nice to be reminded of it from time to time, too.

Driving home, I have so much on my mind. I need to talk to Shane, but I decide to do that tomorrow after everything settles and I have some time to think.

CHAPTER 11

SHANE

Since Atlas left yesterday,I've tried to stay busy. I threw myself into working in the bunkhouse even though everything about it reminded me of Caitlin. Right now, it’s as close to her as I can get.

One day ago, I watched both Caitlin and Atlas walk out my door, and I have no idea where I stand with either of them. That’s the worst part. Atlas and I talked, but he made it very clear he was pissed when he left. Then I haven't heard a word from either of them.

Even with all of this, I'm not sorry for my night with Caitlin. I don’t regret telling her how I feel or opening myself up to her. Because I know without a shadow of a doubt, she is it for me. No matter where life takes me, it will be me by her side.

That could mean packing up my stuff yet again and following her to New York. I've never been a fan of the city. If she's there, I can learn to love it. Plus, there is no way I'm letting her face that handsy client and asshole boss again without me there to protect her.

Leaving Mustang Mountain would mean leaving Atlas. The ranch would be fine. I could lease out the land to neighboring farmers and then rent out the house. I'd cover my expenseswhile making a little money. That's all I have here in Mustang Mountain. I try to pretend I don't see how everyone looks at me, but I doubt there is anyone outside, maybe Ruby, who would be sad to see me leave.

But Atlas isn't enough to keep me here. I can make new friends in New York City. Plus, I can start over there. No one needs to know my history. What I'd do on a day-to-day basis, I have no idea. But I'd figure it out. I need Caitlin to breathe, and I can't live without her.

I'm so lost in my thoughts that when something brushes up against my leg, I jump back and nearly fall over a large animal. As I scramble to stand up and move away, I finally see it’s Hades.

"Dammit Hades, you scared the shit out of me!" My heart is racing, and I’m trying to catch my breath.

Watching me intently, he cocks his head to the side questioningly. How a wolf can look at me like that, I don’t know.

When I'm working in the bunkhouse, I tend to leave the door open. Even though I enjoy the fresh air, it's easier when I’m carrying things outside if I don't have to mess with the door each time. So, I guess Hades saw it and just walked on in while I was lost in thought.

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