Page 111 of The Finding Series: Vol. 2

“Why don’t you come inside and lie down for a while?” Dane said. I hadn’t noticed until now that he’d put all the stuff back on the counter.

I shook my head. “I’m fine, really. I need to get back…the new girl is stopping by tonight and I wanted to be there to show her around and help her get her stuff moved in.”

“Beck,” Jax began.

“I promise,” I interjected. “I feel better already. I’ll grab some water when I gas up my car and I’ll be good as new. I’m sorry I scared you.” I settled my eyes on Dane. “I’d be happy to babysit Friday.”

My acting was once again up to par because both men finally stepped back, the tension easing out of their bodies.

“You’re sure?” Dane asked.

I nodded. “I can text you to let you know I made it safely back to the resort,” I offered.

“We’d appreciate that, Beck,” Jax said. His voice sounded even and calm, but I could see the lingering suspicion in his gaze.

“Let me get this for you,” Dane began, but I quickly grabbed the supplies off the counter before he could reach for them.

“It’s okay, I’ve got it,” I said brightly. “Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it.”

Dane nodded, but didn’t say anything. He clearly wasn’t one hundred percent convinced about the situation either.

I squeezed past them and hurried towards the door, my arms full. Harley darted ahead of me and was waiting by the door before I reached it.

“Beck.”

I stiffened, but forced myself to stop and turn around. It took everything in my being to make my eyes meet Jax’s.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked.

“Definitely,” I said, nodding for good measure. I could see the lingering doubt so I scrambled for a distraction. “Oh, did Quinn call you about coming to the resort on Sunday for a group trail ride?”

Quinn had told me a couple days ago, that he wanted to put the horses through a dress rehearsal of sorts which meant we needed more people to join us on a large group trail ride. He’d arranged for Callan and his husbands and Luke, Gray and their young son to join us as well as Dane and Jax and their kids. I already knew Dane and Jax had agreed because Quinn had told me they had, but I kept that to myself.

My question did the trick and right after the men confirmed they were coming on Sunday, I got out of there and hurried to my car. Harley beat me to the driver’s side door and she automatically took her spot on the passenger seat when I opened it. I saw Dane and Jax exit the building and I quickly waved at them as I put my car in reverse and got it turned around. It took everything I had not to squeal the tires in an effort to get out of there faster.

Please don’t let them call my fathers.

While Dane and Jax didn’t seem to know about my past as a prostitute, or they hadn’t yet made that connection between Dane’s comment and my over-the-top reaction to it, if they spoke to my fathers, chances were they’d all figure it out.

It was another humiliation I just couldn’t bear.

Not to mention the fact that my fathers were under the impression I’d left that part of my life behind me. Well, as much as one could, anyway.

The drive back to the resort calmed me, as did the sight of Quinn and Brody’s trucks parked next to each other. It was nearing the end of the work day, so I suspected both men would be in the barn finishing up. My need to see them was intense and I completely missed the fact that another car was parked next to the trucks. It wasn’t until I was halfway down the aisle, Harley at my side, that I realized Gabriella, the resort’s director, was there. I barely noticed the young woman standing next to her because my eyes were on Gabriella whose eyes were on Harley.

Fuck.

My gaze flashed to Quinn and Brody, but I forced myself to return my attention to Gabriella. I wanted nothing more than to feel Quinn and Brody’s arms around me, but I didn’t have that luxury.

“Gabriella, I’m sorry,” I stammered. “She showed up a couple weeks ago, and I was trying to befriend her so I could try to find her a new home-”

I stuttered to a stop when Gabriella stooped down, her attention on Harley. “Hi sweetie, aren’t you a cutie?” she cooed. She put her hand out, but Harley stayed by my side. Luckily, the young woman didn’t seem to be fazed because she merely smiled and rose.

“I’m so glad you were able to make friends with her, Beck. If you need anything for her, just let me know, okay?”

What?

That was it?

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