Page 97 of Somewhere We Belong

“I think if I had to work with my boyfriend, I’d end up single real fast,” he chuckled.

I smiled not understanding what he meant but I didn’t want to be rude.

“I need to move the herd west, you up for the task?” I asked.

“Yeah I’m up for it,” he grinned and I knew he had the job already.

Sable’s bark had me turning around to see my brother Jude trotting towards us.

“Sorry, I’m late,” he said a little out of breath, looking at Forest.

Shit I forgot I asked him for help.

“Perfect timing,” I said. “Jude this is Forest, he might be our Ranch Hand.”

“Damn are you actually hiring someone?” he asked, glancing at Forest who was still looking out at the herd. “Seems like Nova’s been good for you?”

I shrugged feeling like my face got red.

“Come on let’s get these cows moved,” I shook my head.

Forest worked with us easily, he acted like support watching Jude and I and by the time we came back to the barn I knew he was going to work well here.

“When can you start?” I asked, getting off Maleficent.

“Tomorrow?” He grinned, glancing at Jude.

“Perfect,” I said, having a great feeling about Forest.

28

nova

Now that Solknew about the guys and I, she was completely different. I don’t know why I never noticed that she was mad about my dates because she thought they were with different guys, but now it was glaringly obvious. The last few months with them had been amazing with more sleepovers than I could count. They helped me with Sol so much that it felt like I could finally breathe for once.

How was I able to live before them?

It was the end of February, and an awful storm was about to hit us. I had just finished with my last client when the snow started to fall. If I wanted to get to the new cabin in time, I needed to leave now. Colt picked up Sol in the truck earlier, offering to wait for me, but Sol would not be patient, so I told them to go home.

“Hey, Nova,” Michelle said before I left. “Your chariot awaits.”

“What?” I was confused.

“Atlas is here to pick you up,” she grinned. “I wish I had three hot men to indulge my every whim.”

“I know, I’m so jealous,” Lou Ann said, popping her gum.

I tried not to mind these nosey-ass women. I was ok with some people knowing who I was dating, but if I could save myself and Sol from being hot gossip, that's what I was going to do. Lord knew people just loved to give their two cents.

“Thanks, Michelle,” I said, going out the door with her.

Atlas stood by the entrance bundled up in a peacoat, scarf and gloves. His slacks did not look warm enough, but he looked damn good.

“Hey, you didn’t have to come pick me up,” I smiled, putting my bags down so I could put on my jacket.

“Colt picked me up and we might as well pick you up too.” He grinned and damn these men for being so thoughtful. “The snow is really coming down and he didn’t feel comfortable letting us drive.”

I rolled my eyes, acting annoyed, but dammit, I did love when they were so thoughtful.

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