Page 20 of January's Bad Boy: Shane

Hesitantly, I walk over to him. I've only interacted with him a few times, but I know he's friendly. Not only that, but he’s the reason everyone is okay. Thanks to him, when I was here for Thanksgiving, we got to the bomb in time. Everyone in town spoiled him after that.

Reaching out, I pet him behind his ears. When he closes his eyes and leans into me, I swear a huge smile forms on his face.

"What do you think, buddy? Do I go after Caitlin and follow her back to New York City? Or do I stay here and rebuild things with Atlas and the town?"

He opens his eyes, looking at me, and then turns and walks right out the door.

I follow him to see what he's doing, and he is a few steps from the bunkhouse facing not just the house but my truck. Then he looks back over his shoulder at me.

"You trying to tell me to go after Caitlin?" I ask.

He throws his head back and lets out a howl before running toward my truck.

Well, if Hades says so...

Locking up the bunkhouse, I grab my keys and go to my truck. By this point, Hades is nowhere in sight, but his message and my choice are clear.

Driving off, I go straight to the cabin Caitlin said she was renting. I know Ruby has a few of them on some property a few blocks off Main Street. When I arrive, there is a row of identical cabins, but thankfully, I recognize the rental car Caitlin has been using in front of the one at the end.

Parking, I walk up and knock on the door without hesitation. I'm anxious to see her again, but I hadn't counted on Atlas being the one to open the door. When I see him, I take a step back because he doesn't look happy.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"Trying to convince her to change her mind," he says, opening the door.

When I see Caitlin packing her bags, my heart sinks.She is packing her stuff to head back to New York already. Did she change her mind about us? About me? It doesn't matter. I will follow her to New York and convince her we are meant to be.

Going over to her, I pour out my heart. "I meant what I said yesterday. I love you and you are it for me. We aren't going to be apart. If your plans are to leave for New York, I need a little time to get things together with the ranch. If you wait for me, I can be ready to go to New York in a few days. But if that won’t work, I will come to you. Which airport should I fly into?" I ramble,pulling out my phone to book the tickets right here and now, but Atlas places his hand over my phone.

When I look up, I see Caitlin crying and something inside me shatters.

"What is it?" I rush toward her, pulling her into my arms.

"I was packing to join you on the ranch because I don't want to be away from you anymore. The last thing I want to do is go back to New York. I want to stay here with you because I love you too," she says.

My knees buckle, and all the air leaves my lungs. Thankfully, the couch is right there for me to collapse on. I am in shock. She's choosing me. Even with my past and the uphill battle ahead of me, she is choosing me.

Reaching out, I pull her onto my lap and kiss her. I don't give a damn that Atlas is right there. In fact, I don't care who watches us. This woman just said she loves me and wants to be with me. I couldn't be more honored.

"I love you too," I say against her lips. Then kiss her again.

She breaks the kiss, giggling.

"I'll take that as a yes. You want me to stay." She wraps her arms tight around my neck. Like she’s never going to let go.

"Hell, yes, I want you to stay. Only if you are sure." I look into her eyes for any seed of doubt. But all I see is her love shining back at me.

"I figure I can take on some clients here in Mustang Mountain. I've already booked my first job," she says, grinning big.

I’m floored. "Seriously? Who?" I ask.

She looks at Atlas, whose face turns red.

"I asked her to do the clubhouse," he says, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck.

"So, does this mean you are going to marry me, too?" I’m going to push my luck and find out her intentions.

Her eyes go wide, but so does her smile.

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