Even worried, she’s beautiful. That dark, curly hair glinting the morning light. Her gorgeous legs in those tiny denim shorts. The anger I’ve been carrying all morning softens at the sight of her. It’s like she has some kind of magic over me, the ability to take the sharp edges of my mood and smooth them into something bearable.
I want to go to her. Want to pull her into my arms and bury my face in her hair and breathe in that lemon-honey scent until the world makes sense again.
But she’s busy. And I have work to do.
So I turn toward the stables instead, stealing one last look over my shoulder.
How the fuck did I get so lucky?
An Omega like her, smart, fierce, beautiful, and she’s mine. Ours. The woman I’ve been waiting for without knowing I was waiting.
Whatever Holden is planning, whatever scheme he’s running, I’m going to uncover it. For the circuit. For my father. For this town.
But mostly for her.
Because June loves this place. And anyone who tries to hurt something she loves is going to have to go through me first.
22
JUNE
A Few Minutes Later
The phone buzzes in my pocket, and when I pull it out, my mother’s name flashes across the screen.
I hesitate. Part of me wants to let it go to voicemail, as I’m still raw from everything that’s happened, still processing the whirlwind my life has become. But guilt wins out over self-preservation.
“Hey, Mom.”
“June, sweetheart!” Her voice is warm, bright, achingly familiar. “How are you? I’ve missed you so much.”
Something in my chest loosens. Despite everything, I’ve missed her too. “I’m okay. Busy with the rodeo.”
“Oh, that’s right—the big event. How’s it going?”
“Good. Lots of stuff going on, but the good kind. How’s Dad?”
“He’s fine. Working too hard, as always.” A pause. “Actually, sweetie, that’s part of why I’m calling. We have some news.”
The tone of her voice shifts, just slightly, but I catch it. My stomach tightens.
“What kind?”
“Well, we found a potential buyer. Someone who’s ready to make a deal for Sweetwater Creek Realty.”
I knew this was coming, but hearing it stated so plainly still feels like a punch to the gut.
“Okay,” I manage.
“The thing is, June…” Another pause, longer this time. “They want the business and the house. It’s a package deal. And it’s such a good offer, better than we expected, honestly.”
The world tilts.
“Wait.” My voice comes out strangled. “The house too?”
“I know it’s a lot to take in?—”
“Mom, do I mean nothing to you?”
