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x Shane

I can picture him smirking as he wrote this. I can hear him saying those words. It brings out my smile, and not only because he’s joking around with me after what I put him through last night, but because he’s offering his truck to me when he knows I rode here on the back of his bike and don’t have any other way to get to town.

He didn’t just forget about me being stuck at Ironside Ridge; he thought of what I might need when I woke up.

I quickly get ready, unraveling my braid and leaving my hair wavy. Throwing on a tank top and a pair of cutoff shorts, I make my way through the empty bunkhouse.

The garage is open, and all the bikes are gone. Given East was awake when Shane and I got here, I assumed he’d be sleeping in, but apparently, I’m the only one.

Shane’s truck is parked in the same spot it was the morning I borrowed it. It’s early morning, but the muggy heat has my legs sticking to the seats the moment I climb in. The air conditioner doesn’t work, so my hair is a mess from the wind by the time I pull to a stop outside the bar.

I’ve been holding my breath the entire drive into town, dreading facing what happened last night.

It’s so much worse in the light of day. The front door is completely charred, with dark lines where the flames climbed the side of the building. The fire has been out for hours, but I swear I can smell the smoke lingering in the air.

The sidewalk out front is packed with cars and bikes filling the curb. Up and down the street, shop owners stand outside talking, sipping their coffees. It’s not unusual to wake up to pranks pulled around town—the most popular being spray-painted genitals on storefront windows.

But an act of arson is a bold statement. Which is saying something when this is ranching country, and while locals rarely talk about it, it’s not uncommon for someone causing the community too much trouble to go missing.

My teeth grit as I take in the scene.

Glad my near-death experience can provide them with some midmorning entertainment.

I climb out of the truck, and Shane steps through the crowd, making his way over to me. He’s smiling, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, which tells me I’m probably not going to like whatever he has to say.

When he reaches me, I swear the entire town pauses to look at us.

Maybe not. But it damn well feels like it when the street quiets.

He leans closer, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. A gentle, featherlight touch that has my belly doing somersaults.

It’s just a show.

We’re pretending, like we agreed last night.

Calm down, Harloe.

How long has it been since I’ve gotten laid? Better yet, how long since I’ve been with anyone halfway decent in bed? I can’t remember. It’s not Shane I’m reacting to; it’s that I’m burning up at attention from any man at this point.

“You got my note.” He smiles, and good God, it’s beautiful.

My stomach flips as I pull the keys from my pocket. “I did. Thanks for the truck.”

People mill around outside their businesses, watching and whispering. Shane must notice as well because his hand slips down, lacing our fingers together. He steps closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. It’s innocent, and so incredibly hot.

How is every touch from him a complete shock to my system? A snakebite, spreading through my veins as quick as poison.

“I’m surprised you’re up so early.” I pull back, clearing my throat. “I figured with the late-night heroics you’d be exhausted.”

“I don’t sleep in. Doesn’t matter how late the night. The second the sun comes up, it’s like my body has been summoned. Did you get any rest?”

“I did.” I worry my lower lip between my teeth. “How bad are things here? Do I even want to know the extent of the damage?”

“There’s not much to know yet.” Shane drags his hair back with his free hand, continuing to hold mine with the other as we cross the street. “The fire department and the building inspector were here this morning. We aren’t allowed inside until they’re both done with their assessments, and that could take a week or more. They need to assess the structural integrity and test for toxins in the air. But they said they’ll have a better idea by the end of the week. Utilities are off for now.”

I frown, glancing at the charred exterior, and Shane squeezes my hand. “We’ll figure it out, okay?”

“Maybe this is the universe trying to tell me something.”