29. Hadley
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Hadley
“Shit,” I mutter, tripping over my own feet as I dig into my purse for my keys. Yes, my keys. My new car—well, new to me—is now parked in front of my mom’s house.
I decided it was time to get my own ride because I’m tired of borrowing Mom’s, and I want to be in Aspen Springs for the long haul. The guys and Evelyn are big reasons for that, but so is my brother and my mom, and just this town in general.
I found a small SUV for sale at a reasonable price in the next town over, so last night Grayson drove me over to pick it up. The guys don’t even know about it yet.
Finally, I find said keys and unlock my car. Setting my purse in the passenger seat, I turn to see Martha and Louise walking out to Louise’s car.
“Is that your new car, young lady?” Martha asks.
“It is.” I nod.
“So you’re sticking around, then?” Louise asks.
Martha elbows her in the side and whispers, “Why would she leave when she’s getting dick from those three gorgeous men?”
I think she believes she said it quiet enough that I wouldn’t hear, but I absolutely heard every word. She isn’t wrong, though. All three of my men are gorgeous.
And so are their dicks.
“Yup, I’m sticking around.”
They both smile. “Oh good, honey,” Louise adds. “Those boys deserve some happiness, and so do you.”
How do they know I’m with all of them? I barely know what’s happening in my heart or my mind half the time. These two gossips know everything that goes on in this town, though…
I kind of figured they might turn up their noses at the mention of a poly relationship, but maybe these old birds are more open-minded than I thought.
I move over, opening the driver’s side door. “Have a nice day.”
Just before I shut the door, I hear one of them shout, “Get it, girl.”
I laugh, waving as I drive toward the animal shelter.
Is that what I’m going to be like in a few decades? One can only hope I’ve lived enough by that age that I can smile regardless of what’s going on around me.
Parking in front of the shelter, I drag in a breath that’s hope filling my soul. I’m pretty sure I’ve found the three—no, four—things that will make my life complete.
Walking into the back room, I find Sienna in the open pen inside with four small white puppies climbing all over her.
“When did they come in?” I ask, climbing over the gate and joining her on the floor. A few of the puppies bound over and happily sniff me.
“Warren Ryder brought them in a few hours ago. I guess your brother found them outside the firehouse when he came in for shift change.”
I try to remember which one of the firefighters Warren is. “Is he the beast of a man with dark hair and a beard?” I ask her.
Her eyes get a dreamy look when she answers. “Yeah, that’s him.”
Okay then. “He seems kind of cold. I saw him at the guys’ softball game. He didn’t really talk to anyone.”
She shrugs. “He’s just quiet.”
Not wanting to pry too much into her business, at least not right now, I move the conversation back to the puppies. “So, someone just left them at the firehouse?”
“It seems so,” she says, picking one of the puppies up and cuddling it to her chest. “Warren said he knew they’d be safer here than at the firehouse.”
One of the other puppies paws at my shirt as I pet its small body.
“So, how was your weekend?” she asks with a knowing smirk.
My mind flashes through the weekend, which was perfect.
All the moments with Evelyn. All the moments with each of the men who are rapidly stealing my heart away. Every second of it just felt right.
I give Sienna a genuine smile. “It was great.”
Her eyes widen. “You’re actually falling for them, aren’t you? This isn’t just hot sex, is it?”
I mean, the sex is hot a fuck, but… “No, it isn’t just sex.”
“I’m happy for you, Hads.”
“Holy crap. They’re so tiny,” I hear a familiar voice say behind me.
I didn’t even hear anyone come into the building, but a glance over my shoulder shows Brooks standing there. He’s in his work clothes with his hair pulled away from his face.
He glances away from the puppies scurrying about and catches me staring at him. “Hey, Trouble.”
“Hey. Want to come play with the puppies?”
He looks torn for half a second but shakes his head.
“No, I only have a few minutes, and I need to ask you something.” He turns to Sienna. “Is it okay if she steps outside for a few minutes?”
She nods.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” I tell her, grabbing Brooks’ hand and stepping from the pen.
“Take your time,” she hollers as we walk around the front desk and to the entryway.
He guides me out to his truck that’s parked right by the front door and presses me against it. His firm body eases against me as his mouth lands on mine.
He keeps the kiss tender and soft, his thumbs tracing over my cheekbones.
He pulls back with a sigh. “I don’t like waking up when you aren’t there with us.”
Neither do I.
“I missed you, too,” I tell him, staring up into his blue eyes.
He groans. “I really don’t have very long before I need to meet Austin. You know the charity gala they do in town every year?”
“Yeah.”
“Would you go with us? All of us? Like, as our date?”
He sounds almost nervous, and it’s so cute I can’t help the smile that draws at the corners of my mouth. “Yes, of course. I’ll go with you.”
His shoulders relax.
“Wait, I need to wear a fancy dress, right?”
“You can wear whatever the hell you want, but yes, most of the women will be in fancy dresses.”
“Hmm… okay. I’ll have to go buy something.”
“I’m sure you’ll look stunning in whatever you pick out,” he says, kissing my forehead. “I wish I could stay, but I really do have to go.”
He steps back, glancing around the small parking lot. He obviously realizes my mom’s car isn’t here.
“Do you need a ride home after work? One of us can?—”
I cut him off, pointing to my car. “That’s mine.”
His eyes widen. “You bought a car?”
“I did…” is all I get out before he’s picked me up and is kissing me again.
He sets me back down but keeps me cradled against his body. “You’re really staying, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I really am.”