January’s Bad Boy: Shane (Bad Boys of Mustang Mountain #1)

4. Caitlin

CHAPTER 4

CAITLIN

I'm excited to 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.

So if my brother trusts and has faith in him, then that's good enough for me. Not all the guys in his club are squeaky clean. I know more than he thinks... like what Bear does. And that Atlas was the one to kill Bex’s father. So, he isn't completely innocent here either.

Pulling into the long driveway that I remember growing up, I get excited. I love the start of a new project. There is always so much potential and so many options. I can't wait to see how I can help Shane with the ranch. I know it's important to him, and I know my brother is set on helping him get up and going despite the town’s opinions. Once they get to know Shane and see he is sticking around and staying out of trouble, they will be more open to him.

I park next to Shane's truck and take my time walking up to the front of the farmhouse that I swear looks much bigger than when I was little.

Knocking on the door, I wonder if Shane is here or if I might have to go look for him in one of the other buildings. But a moment later the door opens, and Shane is standing there looking every bit the grown-up, handsome version of the boy I knew growing up. Only now is he older, and much sexier.

It’s obvious from the look on his face that he’s surprised I’m here.

"Is this a good time?" I ask. He did say come over any time, but he might be busy and want me to come back.

"No, this is fine. I'm just shocked you even came after..." his eyes drop, and I get it. He didn't think I'd want to spend time with him after he admitted he was an ex-con.

"You’re Atlas's best friend, and he wouldn't be your friend if you weren't a good guy. That's all I need to know," I say.

A big grin splits his face and those gorgeous eyes of his twinkle.

"Well, let me give you the grand tour. How about we start at the bunkhouse where I've been putting in all my time." He leads me around the porch, and together we walk to the barn and the other buildings where the bunkhouse is.

Though I've never had a rancher as a client, I have so many ideas running through my head. I can't wait to see how I can help Shane out. Even if it's just pointing him in the right direction.

When he opens the door to the bunkhouse and turns on the lights, it's like stepping into a time capsule from the seventies. Wood plank walls, Formica table and chairs, and wood ceiling. They all are going to need to be updated. Thankfully, the shag carpet was lost long ago, and the beautiful wood floor just needs a little love. The kitchen looks slightly newer than the rest of the place, but is still over twenty years old.

As I walk around the space, Shane talks about his plans and ideas.

"I know the bunks need to be replaced, and so does the heater. When I checked the roof, it looks like my dad must have had it replaced not too long before he died, so that’s taken care of," he says.

I peek into the bathroom. It's clean and well maintained but still has a matching tub, sink, and toilet in vintage avocado green. When I hear the toilet tank refilling, I can tell there is a small leak which should be fixed soon.

"You will want to check the pipes and the wiring,” I say. “If it's still the old copper pipes, you will want to think of switching to PEX, so you don't have to worry about bursting pipes. I'm betting the wiring will need updating because the light fixtures look original.”

He gives me a half smile and shakes his head before turning his back to me to look over the kitchen.

"What else?" he asks.

"I think the layout is good. Yes, it needs updating, but I think you can get this place up and running with minimal overhaul. Your big expenses will be heat, wiring, and pipes, if they need to be replaced. The kitchen and bathrooms will need to be redone, too. Those toilets alone are probably costing you a ton of wasted water because they’re leaking. If you aren't using them, shut the water off." I stop because I realize I'm rambling as stuff pops into my head.

I clamp my lips shut. But when I look over at Shane, he isn't annoyed. He has a look on his face that if I had to guess is amazement. And maybe surprise, too.

"I'm happy to draw up some sketches of how to redo this main room to make it more efficient and actually hold more bunks while taking up less space," I tell him.

When he looks hesitant, I think maybe I've overstepped and I start to apologize before he smiles.

"If you have time. I know you're on vacation, but if you can work it into your schedule, that would be great."

We lock up the bunkhouse and make our way up to the main house while Shane tells me what he's already been thinking with the bunkhouse. That is, until my brother rounds the house and walks toward us.

"What are you doing here?" Atlas asks as we go over to him.

"Shane mentioned he's going to redo the bunkhouse, and I offered to take a look and give him some pointers. I'm going to draw up some sketches to maximize space. Also, I will give some pointers on how he can get some updates done on the cheap."

"I'm glad you’re able to help him. That bunkhouse hasn't been touched since before we were kids," Atlas laughs.

"At least the seventies from the looks of it," I agree.

We walk to the front porch, and for a moment, we stand there awkwardly.

"Well, I should go and let you two hang out," I say.

"I'll walk you to your car. I want to talk for a minute," my brother says.

"Thank you for everything," Shane says.

"Come on in when you're done," Shane says to Atlas. Then, he walks into the house.

As we walk to my car, Atlas begins grilling me.

"I heard you had dinner with Shane at the café the other night. What was that about?"

While his tone is gentle and not accusatory, I know there is a motive behind him asking. There always is.

"He’s been coming into the outdoor store to get things for the bunkhouse. We talked about the new burger at the café and decided to try it. He stayed while I locked up and we walked down together. Over dinner we talked about his ranch and that's when I offered to come check it out on my next day off. And here we are," I say.

"And that's all, right?" he asks.

That's when it clicks.He was wondering if it was a date. Atlas tends to be super protective of me. If there was something going on with me and his best friend who just came back into town, he’d want to know. Especially since he's just now getting to spend time with me again.

"Yes, Dad, that was all," I say in an annoyed tone. "I'm only here for a few more weeks, anyway."

"Listen, if there is anything else there, I would suggest you don't proceed. Shane isn't the right guy for you. Especially not you. Even if it’s just a simple fling or a friendship. Don’t go there," Atlas orders.

Standing there, I’m shocked and speechless.

Then he leans in and hugs me before walking off. I should say something, but he's stunned me and I don’t even know what to say. By the time I recover, he's already heading inside Shane's house.

So, I get in my car and go back to the cabin I rented from Ruby. Atlas offered to let time stay with him, but he's newly married and I didn't want to be in the way. This cabin gives both them and me our space. Right now, I'm grateful for it because my brother has my mind racing. Something isn't adding up. Atlas has always been super strict with the people he lets in his life. He's protective, and I don't think he'd be friends with someone that I can't have as a friend.

I know about Bex's dad, Malice. He was arrested for the same thing as Shane, from what I can tell. But Atlas turned his back on Malice, though he's still friends with Shane. I trust my gut. It's never been wrong, and my gut says Shane is a good guy. So why is Atlas pushing me away from him so adamantly? And behind Shane's back at that.

What am I missing?