Page 5 of January's Bad Boy: Shane

"I'm an interior designer for a company that works with some big shit clients in the city. We have done both residential and office space design. I was really good at what I did." She says the last part quietly while looking at her plate and not meeting my eyes.

I frown. It’s as if her confidence seemed to deplete like a balloon. And I don’t like it.

"What happened?" I ask gently.

"My last job..." She pauses, and I can tell she's trying to decide how much to tell me.

While I want to know it all, protect her from it, and take the burden of it from her, she doesn't know me that well. After what I just told her about myself, I can't expect her to trust me like a close friend.

"The stress of it all became too much, so the wedding came at a perfect time. I had just finished up with a client and don’t have another client lined up until early February, so I decidedto come home and de-stress," she says looking up at me with a forced smile.

Even though I know there is more to it, I'm not going to push right now.Maybe, over time, she will be more comfortable and open up. I can only hope we get there someday.

"You know,”--she changes the subject—“I'd be happy to come out and take a look at the ranch. See if I can offer any tips. I'm good with design, know how to keep within a budget, and I've worked with contractors. It's up to interior designers to think of things you won’t consider. Things like making sure you have electric plugs where you need them or moving the door so you can actually get in your closet."

It’s as if my dreams have come true. I want nothing more than to have her at the ranch. To show her around and see what she has to say about it. I love the idea of her putting her stamp on it. Fuck, I'm in deep.

"Wow! I really appreciate it. I'm flying a bit blind on this, and I'm trying to do what I can myself with the help of Atlas and some of his guys," I tell her.

"Okay, then I will come over on my next day off. Now, what do we think about this burger?" she asks, taking a bite.

We both take a few bites, savoring it before we talk again.

"I like it. It's not too sweet, and the tangy mixes well with it," I say.

"I agree. I was expecting huckleberry jam on it. I hadn't realized the huckleberry was in the BBQ sauce." She takes another bite.

"Same, but I am surprised how much I like it," I tell her.

When I glance around the diner, it seems people are no longer paying attention to us. Thank God. I can handle it, but Caitlin shouldn't have to just because she is hanging out with me.

The couple next to us is loud and starts talking again about the card Atlas got in the mail.

Looking around the diner curiously, she asks me what they are talking about.

Shit, I guess her brother hasn't told her. While I wish it was something she’d never even have to deal with, it’s best she knows. I'm also not going to start this... whatever this is, with a lie.

"Your brother got a Christmas card in the mail saying thanks for getting rid of Savage Bones, and enjoy your last Christmas in Mustang Mountain," I tell her.

"What? Who sent it?" she asks, agitated.

"That's the thing. We have no idea. It wasn't signed and had no return address. Everyone is speculating on it. It could be anything from a prank from a teenager, to a member of Savage Bones, or another dirty cop. Even something crazy like a new gang is moving in, or the some communist county trying to take over," I say.

"Lord, the minds of Mustang Mountain really do run wild, don't they?" she chuckles.

"Yes, they do."

"I'm glad some things never change," she says, smiling.

And here I am hoping that other things will change to make a world where this amazing woman would be mine.

CHAPTER 4

CAITLIN

I'm excitedto be heading out to Shane's ranch. At dinner the other night, I had a great time with him. My stomach is awash with butterflies as I think about seeing him again. Well, if I’m being honest, I’m always fluttery around him.

I'm happy he opened up to me about his time in jail. Even though I wanted to know more, I also knew that wasn't the time or place to ask. To be honest, it did give me pause for a moment. But I know and trust my brother, and he wouldn't be around someone if they weren't a good person or if they would be dangerous to anyone in Mustang Mountain.

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