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

11. Shane

CHAPTER 11

SHANE

Since Atlas left yesterday, I've tried to stay busy. I threw myself into working in the bunkhouse even though everything about it reminded me of Caitlin. Right now, it’s as close to her as I can get.

One day ago, I watched both Caitlin and Atlas walk out my door, and I have no idea where I stand with either of them. That’s the worst part. Atlas and I talked, but he made it very clear he was pissed when he left. Then I haven't heard a word from either of them.

Even with all of this, I'm not sorry for my night with Caitlin. I don’t regret telling her how I feel or opening myself up to her. Because I know without a shadow of a doubt, she is it for me. No matter where life takes me, it will be me by her side.

That could mean packing up my stuff yet again and following her to New York. I've never been a fan of the city. If she's there, I can learn to love it. Plus, there is no way I'm letting her face that handsy client and asshole boss again without me there to protect her.

Leaving Mustang Mountain would mean leaving Atlas. The ranch would be fine. I could lease out the land to neighboring farmers and then rent out the house. I'd cover my expenses while making a little money. That's all I have here in Mustang Mountain. I try to pretend I don't see how everyone looks at me, but I doubt there is anyone outside, maybe Ruby, who would be sad to see me leave.

But Atlas isn't enough to keep me here. I can make new friends in New York City. Plus, I can start over there. No one needs to know my history. What I'd do on a day-to-day basis, I have no idea. But I'd figure it out. I need Caitlin to breathe, and I can't live without her.

I'm so lost in my thoughts that when something brushes up against my leg, I jump back and nearly fall over a large animal. As I scramble to stand up and move away, I finally see it’s Hades.

"Dammit Hades, you scared the shit out of me!" My heart is racing, and I’m trying to catch my breath.

Watching me intently, he cocks his head to the side questioningly. How a wolf can look at me like that, I don’t know.

When I'm working in the bunkhouse, I tend to leave the door open. Even though I enjoy the fresh air, it's easier when I’m carrying things outside if I don't have to mess with the door each time. So, I guess Hades saw it and just walked on in while I was lost in thought.

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.

"If you don't want me to kill you, it does," Atlas butts in.

Caitlin just laughs him off.

"Of course I plan to marry you. When and if you properly propose, that is," she says with a serious look.

Ideas begin running through my head of how I can ask her with flair.

I look over at Atlas, and he's just watching us.

"I'm going to head out. Bex told me to tell you two family dinner at our house every Monday night. No excuses."

I smile. "We will be there.”

I know we will be working out all the details, though it might take time. Things might be awkward for him for a while, but we are going to be just fine.

"Time to get you home." I pick her up off the couch and carry her right out to my truck.

She squeals, giggling happily.

That is the sound that has been missing from my life. I plan to fill the house with that giggle every damn day.