Southern Secrets (Southern #7) - Natasha Madison Page 0,38
there are more than a couple to choose from."
I look back at Jacob, who shares a look with Casey as Ethan walks out of the room. "You were right," Casey says, shaking his head. "You lost me a thousand dollars." He walks over to me and slaps my shoulder. "Glad I lost this one."
"What are you talking about?" I ask, and he smiles. "I’ll let Jacob talk to you. I’m going to go and help my father."
I watch Casey walk out of the room and then turn to Jacob. "What am I missing?"
He stands there tapping his finger on the middle of table. "Have you ever thought about what you want to do in life?" I just look at him.
"To be honest, I don’t even know if I’m staying," I say, admitting it finally, and he just looks at me. "My whole life I went from place to place. I figured if I was supposed to be in one place, the universe would let me know." I fold my arms over my chest. "The fire burning everything I have was a sign I should be moving along."
"Or it could be a sign that you were wasting away at working on a farm when you should be following what you’re good at."
"And what is that?" I ask.
"Seeing you at the fire and then again last night. And here this morning proves to me what I’ve thought all along. You were made for this," he says. "Let's just look at what we just saw. Hell, I didn’t even see the guy in the corner."
"That doesn’t mean anything," I say. "I’m observant."
"You are more than that. You have good instincts," he says. "You had the scene of the crime closed off even before I got there last night. You are protective, you have problem-solving skills, and you have the heart for it. That’s not something that you learn. That’s something instilled in you."
"I never had anyone in my whole life care about what I did," I say, and I know I should stop. "Never had a father figure guide me toward the right path. Never had anyone give a shit at what I was good at. It’s a lot to take in and think about."
He comes to me. "That’s all I can ask you," he says. "It’s time to set some roots. Maybe you were led here for a reason." He slaps my shoulder. "I want you to think about it, and I want you to know that I’m here for you regardless of what you decide. You’re one of the good ones, Asher."
He walks out and leaves me alone, my eyes looking up at the black screen. "Would he ask you to stay if he knew the truth?" I ask myself.
Chapter 16
Amelia
"What the fuck are you doing here?" I hear growled and look up to see Quinn standing in my office at the barn.
"It’s been three days. I’m fine," I say, and he shakes his head. "And I’m bored," I admit. "The last three days have been going at a snail’s pace. I can’t watch television; I can’t get on my phone. I can’t go to the bar because my father has guys stationed outside, and people are constantly hovering all over me." I throw my hands up in frustration.
"Who are these people?" He leans against the door, crossing his arms and his legs. He tries to hide the smile fighting to come out.
"Well, for one, Mother." I put my finger up. "She is there every single morning to make sure I wake up okay."
"That’s her job," he reminds me, making me glare at him.
"Then there is Asher." I put my second finger up, and I can see his eyes are going just a touch lighter as he listens to me. "Guy sleeps on the couch every night, and he wakes me up every fucking two hours."
"He’s making sure you are okay." He shrugs.
"I’m fine!" I shout out. "I don’t have headaches. I don’t have dizziness. I’m fine. One hundred percent fine."
"Hey, what are you doing here?" I look over and see Ethan standing there.
"This is where I work," I say. "That is my name on the door." I point at the door I added my name to last year when I got into a fight with Quinn.
Ethan looks at Quinn. "I know you work here, smart-ass. What I’m asking is why are you here? Chelsea said you have to be off work for seven days."