Page 64

MONTANA

There’s a big smile on my face. Truthfully, it hasn’t left since the second Tanner and I shook hands.

We talked, he told me what was expected of me at Hart Construction firmly yet sweetly, in the older brother way, then it came down to money.

I was making a really good salary at Harrison’s, but what I was offered today, let’s just say my nest egg will be doubled after my first year with the Harts.

“Son of a bitch, Deke. I told you I want no part of that Alabama project. What aren’t you understanding?

” I hear Asa raised voice through the trailer door I’m standing on the other side of.

Tanner knew I’d be stopping here to look at the plans this side of town needs for the homes they’ll be working on.

Having an in-house architect with a minor in engineering will help when they fumble upon a few things, but it also gives me mega freedom in the creativity department when it comes to new builds in the housing and commercial departments. I am so freaking excited about that.

“Give me one good reason why.” I’m on the outside steps, hand at the ready to knock before announcing my presence. Instead, I take a step back, figuring they need to duke this out.

“I’m settled, my house is here, my work is here.

Fuck, you of all people should get that, our family is here.

I don’t want to live out of a suitcase Monday through Friday, be tired as fuck driving home on the weekends and not want to do shit.

We’ve all done it. You know how it feels.

Why would anyone ever want to put themselves in that boat again?

” God, my heart aches for Asa. This is probably the most he’s gotten off his chest around his family.

“Well, good for you, but I want what’s best for Hart Construction, and diversifying is what will help it.” I don’t understand why Deke is so hell bent on this, but I guess the more I’m around him, the clearer it’ll be to see.

“Fine, since you want to sit here and argue over whose dick is bigger, be a man.” I can imagine Asa right now with that little joke, a smirk playing on his lips while still getting his point across.

“We all know that’s you. It gets around enough,” Deke admonishes. My stomach drops to my toes. His family really has no idea, none whatsoever, about their brother, and it’s a damn shame.

“Whatever, put a fucking plan together, build a crew, go down the lists of pros and cons, then set up a meeting where the whole family can see if it’ll benefit us, but I’m telling you now, you’ll be handling all of it.

I want no fucking part of the traveling life.

” I barely have enough sense to move out of the way before the trailer door flies open and Deke comes storming out.

My hands clutch the railing behind me to hold on for dear life.

“Shit, are you okay, Montana?” Deke finally realizes I’m managing to stand back.

“Yeah, Tanner asked me to come and take a look at the few projects that are going on and for me to get familiar with the plans.”

“It’s about time you come work for us. Sorry about that.” He gives me a hug. “Have fun in there.” Deke points over his shoulder. “Asa, Montana’s here. Don’t be a bigger dick than you already are.”

“You guys, some things never change,” I attempt a joke.

“Nope, not likely to change either.” He shrugs his shoulders. “I’m heading out.”

“Hey, Montana.” Asa appears in the open doorway, a calmness in his voice that wasn’t there moments ago.

“Hiya, Asa, I’m reporting for duty.” Deke is looking at me, so he doesn’t see the bright smile and wink Asa gives me.

“About damn time.” He moves back so I can move away from the support holding the small staircase up.

“Stop flirting with Montana, fucking man whore.” I’m taken aback. This is not the Deke I know.

“Get out. Now. Don’t you come back until your head is screwed on tight and you can apologize to Montana.” The anger Asa is exuding, it’s a good thing Deke walks away without another word.

“Asa, look at me.” His head is tipped back to the sky, he’s breathing deeply, and I know he’s upset.

“I know the truth, you know the truth. Let them think what they want. Deke probably thought he was doing a good deed in his twisted way of thinking. But, Asa, you are everything to me, and that’s all that matters. ”

“I’m good. Still pissed as hell he mouthed off.” His eyes look out at the makeshift parking lot. My small SUV is parked next to his ridiculously big truck he needs for work, and he smiles. God, does my man smile. “You’re everything to me, Montana, fucking everything.”