Page 2 of January's Bad Boy: Shane

I know I should stay away. My best friend's little sister is completely off-limits. But when I saw her for the first time in years at Atlas's wedding last month, something inside me clicked. Since then, I haven't been able to leave her alone.

Trying to get my fill of her, I stop by the store for a few minutes here and there. Just listening to her talk and hearing her laugh is enough to get me through until the next time I can come up with a reason to visit the store.

Parking by the Merc, I walk in to get some coffee. It’s much busier than I was expecting. There is a big sign advertising a new burger down at the café, so I assume that’s why everyone is here to talk about it. But when I get to the counter, I realize they are here for the gossip, not the burger.

Listening to them talk, I find out something unexpected. Apparently, the Mustang Mountain Riders got a postcard from the developer that just bought the hot springs outside of town. It thanked them for getting rid of the Savage Bones last year, but also told them to enjoy their last Christmas in town.

Even though I have seen and talked to Atlas a few times since then, I wonder why he never mentioned it. When I get back, I need to call him and find out. Maybe he’s unaware that the whole town knows.

Taking my coffee, I walk down the street to the outdoor store. I feel guilty about visiting Caitlin, but I really do need that water bottle. Sure, I could get it from Ruby at the Merc, but I grew up with Jensen and Jonas, too, and I want to support them.

As I get closer to the store, I remind myself how important my relationship with Atlas is and that his sister is completely off limits. Nothing but talking. I'd never do anything to jeopardize that friendship.

Famous last words.

CHAPTER 2

CAITLIN

When I agreedto help out at the outdoor store while Jonas and Jensen were gone, I figured it would be a good way to get out and talk to the townspeople. I didn't realize how much I'd like it.

As word got out about me filling in while the twins were on a family vacation, people came in just to talk. It made the days pass by faster and made me realize how much I really missed Mustang Mountain.

Everyone has been so nice coming in to chat and catch up, asking if I've heard from Jensen and Jonas and how their trip is going, and what my plans are moving forward. Then when I have downtime, I'm able to read because other than straightening things up and doing some small restocks, there isn't much else for me to do while they are gone.

Since we close in less than an hour, and I've already organized the shelves, I'm sitting at the desk reading when the door chime goes off, letting me know a customer is here.

Placing my bookmark in my book, I set it on the counter by the register and then look up to greet them.

"Welcome in," I say, smiling as Shane steps towards me.

"Hey." He returns my smile.

Since I've been here, this isn't the first time he’s popped in. He's been buying little things. The first time he bought work boots and stayed and chatted with me and Sage. The next time, he got a pair of work gloves and helped me bring some boxes from the back to restock the jerky that sells like crazy.

The last time he was here, he got sunscreen that he totally could have gotten at Ruby's mercantile a block down on Main Street. This makes me think that my brother has asked him to keep an eye on me while he spends time with his new bride.

I love my new sister-in-law, and she makes him happy. And it makes me happy when I don't have to see the two of them making goo-goo eyes at each other. So I'll take the eye candy that Shane is over my brother any day.

"Slow day?" he asks, since there is no one else in the store.

"Yeah. There have been a few people in and out, but it's left me plenty of time to read. I'm almost done with my book."

"My guess is it's because they are all down at the café trying the new burger they have on the menu. I just passed by there, and it seems like that’s where most of the town is," he says.

"Oh my gosh, a burger sounds so good," I say out loud because I didn't realize how hungry I was until he started talking about them.

"I was thinking of grabbing one myself. Want to join me when the shop closes?"

If it was anyone other than Shane, my brother's best friend, I'd think he was asking me on a date and I'd decline. But knowing my brother has probably asked him to check up on me and that includes making sure I eat, then I don't see why we can't enjoy a meal together.

"That sounds great," I say, smiling.

His face lights up, and those deep brown eyes draw me in.

When he smiles at me, my stomach jumps and does this weird flutter, and my heart races. Why am I reacting like this?Idon’t have time to ponder it because Shane is asking me a question.

"Now, in the meantime, is there any recommendation for a good water bottle to keep my water cold while I'm working on the ranch?" he asks.

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