Chapter 20 #2
“Ms. Bennett, what I believe Councilman Cox was about to say, had you let him finish, is that now that you have a pack behind you, it simply reaffirmed our decision that your impressive education and references—including Rose Callahan, Hudson Ford, and Luke Cartwright, your current boss who unequivocally stated you were the only one qualified and trusted to keep the saloon running—offer sufficient evidence in regards to your ability to maintain and run the Slick & Saddle Saloon. The council is extremely satisfied that there isn’t another person around who could be entrusted with one of our longest-standing legacies.
We would like to approve your bid to purchase the Slick & Saddle Saloon and look forward to a long and profitable working relationship in the future.
” He chuckles. “Assuming we stick around this Earth just a little longer, that is.”
“I… I’m…”
“Shay,” Councilman Winters stands, a grin tugging at his lips, “if I may be so informal… Your grit and fire, coupled with your determination, played key roles in our decision as well. While I take slight offense to being referred to as old, you did it so scathingly well that I applaud you. So will my wife, who is a fan of yours. Best of luck to you.”
“Thank you. I…” Peeking over my shoulder, the guys are staring back at me with a combination of pride and lust, I feel my shoulders go back and excitement flood through me.
Turning back to the council, I begin again.
“We look forward to working with the council and appreciate your commitment to Darling.”
They all nod with varying degrees of amusement, and I decide I’ve made enough of an ass of myself for one day. Heading back down the aisle, Memphis is waiting for me with his arm held out. Not even questioning it, I slip my hand through and let him once again lead us back out to the town square.
We step out the doors, and I’m lifted into strong arms and spun around.
Before I can even react, I’m passed from one warm body to another—congratulatory words filling me up until I’m close to bursting with their support.
When I’m finally back in Memphis’ embrace, his eyes connect with mine, and I’m pulled under his spell.
“I’m so fucking proud of you, darlin’,” he murmurs, his palm cupping my cheek.
“I just insulted the council. The very men who turned around and gave their approval despite that.”
I would’ve received a tongue lashing from Miles, followed by the cold shoulder until I apologized for my behavior.
So, this is what real adult relationships should look like. Who knew?
August laughs. “You didn’t just insult them, firecracker. You demolished them. I’m so damn proud.”
“You claimed us back there,” Memphis says reverently.
The emotions from the day start to catch up to me, and I’m instantly overwhelmed, but in the best way possible. “How could I not?”
Twin growls fill the air, and I glance between the Alphas who look seconds away from dragging me to a dark corner and sinking their teeth into me.
I hold up my hand, ignoring the way my body reacts to that thought. “But right now, I have to get back to the bar. Luke has an appointment this afternoon.”
August drops a kiss on my hair. “Proud of you, firecracker. See you at home tonight.”
The way he casually says home, like it’s truly mine as well, sends a new flood of emotions rushing through me.
“Lyon and I are heading over to Horses for Healing to give the guys a hand with updating the pens. We’ll probably be back late.” Ridge kisses my cheek.
“Be good,” Lyon commands softly, pulling me out of Memphis’ arms and into the best bear hug I’ve ever had.
The three of them share a look with Memphis then start to walk away, leaving me with the Alpha I haven’t gotten to spend time with yet.
We stand there for a minute, our eyes locked, and neither of us moves.
“I should probably—”
“I guess I’ll—”
He lifts his hat and runs a hand through his hair. “Sorry. Let me walk you back to the bar?”
“Sure. I’d like that.”
As we turn to head down the steps, his fingers weave through mine.
Holding this man’s hand, as silly as it sounds, grounds me in a way I’ve never experienced.
The whole time, we chat about my ideas for the saloon, what my priorities will be when I officially take over, and what I see when I think of the saloon’s future.
He listens, offers suggestions, and genuinely seems to care about my thoughts and opinions.
This Alpha, with a successful ranch, a pack he’s known for years, and his pick of the female residents of Darling, is walking beside me, holding my hand and using his actions to prove that I’m important.
I’m not sure there’s a bigger flex on this planet than that.
Instead of rushing off to do something he deemed necessary, he’s content to walk alongside me.
His priority is claiming these few minutes by my side, and that makes my heart do some crazy tumbling in my chest which doesn’t help my instincts’ lack of impulse control.
The second I agreed to be courted, this little voice in my head started whispering bond, and I’m ready to tape its metaphorical mouth shut.
Time. I just need a little more time. This is all moving too fast.
Right?
He stops by the door, and after a moment of indecision, he slides his hand along my jaw and into my hair. Tipping my head back, he leans in until the tips of our noses are touching.
“Have dinner with me tonight?” he asks softly.
I can’t turn away from the look on his face. “Okay.”
That dimple appears again. “I’ll pick you up when you get off, darlin’.”
He kisses me before I can respond, and it’s like an out-of-body experience. He’s everywhere. His scent has flooded my nose, his skin is warm on my cheek, and his lips are perfection. Pulling back before I’ve had my fill, he turns me toward the door and swats my ass.
“Go on in before I change my mind and haul you off over my shoulder so I can finally have some time alone with you.”
Looking back at him, I hesitate. “That doesn’t sound like such a bad idea to me right about now.”
His gruff chuckle sends tingles to all my girly bits. “Except Luke should hear the news from you and not the town gossip tree. Not to mention, the anticipation won’t kill us. I’ve waited six years after all.”
My brain stalls as my eyes go wide. “Memphis…”
“See you tonight, darlin’. I’m looking forward to it.” He winks, then stalks off.
I stand there watching his thick ass move in his jeans until he rounds the corner and is out of sight.
I got my saloon. I got my guys. Life is falling into place, and for some reason, none of that is anywhere near as terrifying as it once would’ve been. Can it really be this easy?
My mind is a mess. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to function for the remainder of the day, but at least I have something to look forward to.