Her Three Wilde Champion Men (Wilde, Nevada 2)

“This is my brother.” Justin motioned to Alex.

He offered her his hand. “Alex Champion, Mrs. Harris.”

As Norma had done with Justin, she took Alex’s hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you, young man.” Then she turned back to Shelby. “About that favor.”

“What do you need? I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

“We need a place to stay, Shelby,” Lily blurted out.

“Don’t be so brazen, Lily,” Norma said. Then she reached across the table and grabbed Shelby’s hand. “You’ve always been like a daughter to me. It pains me to ask this of you.”

Shelby felt heartache for the woman she’d looked up to since she was a young girl. “Norma, it’s okay. You can stay with me.”

Norma closed her eyes. “Just a couple of weeks, sweetheart. I promise.”

“Stay as long as you want. It will be my pleasure,” she said, hoping to take away the shame she saw on Norma’s face.

Lily smiled. “I told her you wouldn’t let us down. We’re low on funds and with the fallout Mom and Emma had, we needed to come back to Wilde. I suggested we stay with you until we can get back on our feet.”

“I’d love to have you stay with me.”

Norma was like a second mother to her. She wanted to ask about what happened between Norma and her other daughter Emma but knew there’d be time for that later. Shelby hated hearing the troubles Norma and Lily were having.

“You are such a sweet girl,” Norma said. “At least Samantha was right in picking you as her friend.”

“I wish I could’ve been a better friend to her.” Shelby’s gut twisted into a knot, remembering Sam.

“Sweetie, you were a wonderful friend. She was just so troubled.” Norma closed her eyes and shook her head.

“My place has two bedrooms. Lily, you might have to sleep with your mom or me. Will that work?”

“I’ll sleep with Mom, Shelby, if that’s okay. I don’t want to put you out any more than we have to.”

“It’s fine.” She turned to Justin and Alex, who were glaring at each other. “I thought you

two were supposed to be close. Doesn’t look like it from where I’m sitting.”

“To me either,” Lily added.

“Lily, don’t be rude,” Norma scolded.

“Perhaps these Elko boys deserve it though.” Lily looked at her. “Do they, Shel?”

Shel? That was what Sam had called her. God, it was so hard to believe the darkness that had resided in her old friend’s heart. How had she missed it all those years? Samantha was an unbelievably good actress. Or I was the biggest sucker that ever lived. Still, she owed it to Norma to help her and Lily.

“Let’s go get your things and get you moved in right away,” she said.

“I’ll help,” Justin stated. “You have boxes that need carrying, ladies?”

“Your Elko cowboy is quite charming,” Lily said with a smile.

“He’s not mine.”

Justin placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “Maybe I could be.”

“I can help, too,” Alex said. “I want to keep an eye on my brother.”

“Are you two really fighting over our Shelby?” Lily tilted her head slightly.