Page 25 of Talk About… Trouble

Since the tour was over it couldn’t hurt to dive in.

Despite all of my nerves, I realized I hadn’t been freaking out. This place felt like a true sanctuary. It was quiet and serene. The scent of animals was often replaced with bursts of fresh mountain air and sweet grass.

Like a slice of heaven.

And Shepherd truly did keep an impeccable barn. I’d spent my time in enough clinics, kennels, and even house calls to know that it was sadly not the same everywhere.

After opening up the first file, I quickly realized I’d need my laptop. Thank goodness I’d thought to bring it along.

Once I ran to my car, I started unloading my things, filling the desk with my various supplies and plugging in my laptop before cracking open the new notebook I’d found and grabbing a fresh pen. Just because some of this would require notes and office work, didn’t mean it couldn’t be cute. Everything was varying shades of pastel greens that all went together perfectly. Serene and pretty, that was the vibe I’d embraced.

I was so enthralled with my research and studying I didn't hear Shepherd come in. It wasn’t until he cleared his throat that I jumped, a squeak escaping me as I spun around, heart pounding and panic rising.

“Sorry,” I stuttered out, fingers itching to reach for my markers to calm my nerves.

“Didn’t mean to startle you. What’s all this?” His eyes took in the notes and folders spread across my desk. I had sticky notes and tabs poking out of files and research pulled up on the laptop.

“Going through the files with a fine-tooth comb. I don’t want to make mistakes and I want to be able to research if something is new to me. I do have a list of questions but that can wait until I finish.”

He grunted, but looked impressed again. I had a feeling he wasn’t easy to impress and since I’d done it twice, I took that as a win for today.

“It’s been hours. Take a lunch break. I’ll swing by at the end of the day to answer some of those questions.”

Wren

“What are you doing right now?” Avery asked the moment I answered her call. I’d missed two of them while at work but she caught me right as I started my car.

“Driving home from work. I’m doing a trial period out at Harding Farms,” I explained as I put my phone in its holder so I could drive.

“Great. I need you to go home, shower, and put on something comfy. Then grab those roommates of yours and drive out to Whitaker Ranch. My mom is dying for an omega night, so I’m throwing a last minute get together. You’ll love her!”

“Your mom?” I squeaked out, panic rising instantly.

“Girl. We talked about this. I’m not holding onto grudges, it was never your fault. No one is going to hold it against you,” shesaid, before letting out a sigh. “Except that random bitch but she doesn’t speak for me or know anything.”

Oh good, I guess news spread as fast as ever in a small town.

“Okay,” I relented, despite wanting nothing more than to refuse and go curl up in my nest.

“Good,” she replied excitedly. “I’m having my brothers bring in the snacks, so you guys just bring yourself!”

Then she hung up before bothering with goodbyes. My fingers gripped the steering wheel a bit tighter but I tried my best not to let myself sink into worries.

“Remember, you are your own worst enemy now. You are worthy of others’ time and friendship,” I muttered, another quote from one of the mantras my therapist assigned.

When I reached the stop sign at the end of the road I took a quick second to pull up the group message and hit a call. Devon popped in first, his adorable smile at full blast. A second later Grace was there.

“How was it?!”

My smile came easy this time. “It was amazing,” I admitted. “The fresh air and animals really helped. The guy who runs it is also not bad to look at even if he is a bit grumpy.”

“Oh, do tell,” Grace said, but I glanced over to catch a flash of something that looked a lot like jealousy on Devon’s face.

“I’ll tell you more later. Avery called and wants an omega night, are you guys in? I’m supposed to bring us over to Whitaker Ranch as soon as I shower and change,” I explained as I parked in my usual spot outside our building.

“Oh, yes! I love Mama Whitaker,” Grace said. “You have to come, Dev.”

I’d walked in at this point and we all tucked our phones away, my gaze bouncing from Grace to Devon, waiting for his answer.

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