Page 83 of My Three Hometown Hard Hats

“Thanks,” she whispers, running her hand down my stubbled cheek.

Fuck me. This is going to hurt.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Hadley

Clickingthe leash into Cash’s collar, I lead him out of the shelter. I’m technically done for the day, but I just need some air and some time with my favorite dog.

I need anything that will keep my mind from spiraling where it has been trying to go all day.

Austin has been pretty hands-off and quiet since Sunday. He’s usually the quietest out of all my guys, but the last few days, he hasn’t just been quiet.

He’s been distant. It isn’t that he’s outright ignoring me, but something feels off.

When I woke up on Sunday morning, the look he gave me from across the room sure felt like we were quickly falling for each other. But when the twins drove me home, he acted like he didn’t know how to touch me or what to say.

I have no idea what changed in that short time, but something shifted for him.

My mind started reeling through all the possibilities. The only thing that really makes any sense is that he’s seen enough of what a relationship with all of us would look like, and he can’t do it anymore.

Despite how much he cares about me, because I don’t question that for a second, maybe sharing me is just not something he can do for the long haul.

I look around, realizing how far Cash and I have walked while I’ve been lost in my thoughts. He has dutifully been at my side this whole time, giving me silent comfort.

I really wish I could take him home with me. Maybe if I get my own place in town, I could adopt him then.

Could I be in the same town as Austin, though, seeing him all the time but never being allowed to kiss or touch him? Fuck.

I groan, feeling wetness building in my eyes. Stepping off the walking trail, I slide down the trunk of a large tree until my ass hits the grass. Cash snuggles into my side with his head resting in my lap.

My fingers slide through his thick fur as I try to calm my emotions.I don’t want to cry. I don’t want to cry. I haven’t lost him. Any of them.

Then why does it feel like I have?

The twins have been completely normal this week, but as happy as I am that they’re still in this all the way with me, I know it would never work without Austin.

He’s a huge piece of this puzzle, and without him or Evelyn, the resulting picture isn’t remotely the same.

The thought of Evelyn growing up and me not being there for any of the important times in her life makes something deep inside of me ache. I’ve fallen for her just as much as the three men in my life.

I can try to deny it as much as I want to protect myself, but it’s the truth. I’m in love with them.

And now I’m more than likely going to have my heart shattered because of the same love that has healed me over the last few months.

A single tear tracks down my cheek. I sweep it away, dragging in a deep breath.Don’t go there yet. You have no idea what’s going on.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling it out, I see a few messages in the group chat with the four of us.

Conrad:I miss you, sweetheart.

Brooks:I miss your sweet ass.

Brooks:I miss the rest of you, too, Trouble.

I miss them, too. Sienna asked me to work more this week, and the guys have been busy finishing up the project they started when they were working at Mom’s house, so we’ve had very little time to see each other this week.

Maybe that’s why it feels like this. Maybe I’m not going to get my heart ripped from my chest.