Forbidden Paths by P. J. Belden Read Free Book Online

that it would hurt her more than help her.
    Whatever was going on over there, she wants me no part of.
    The hardest part was reminding myself that I don’t have the right to protect her. She wasn’t mine any longer. It didn’t matter if she held my heart or not, she wasn’t mine.
    “James!”
    I turn my head to see the second shift supervisor walking on site. “Hey, Lee. How’s things going?”
    Joey Lee has been one of my top men since I really took over this construction company. Nothing that has been handed our way has not been conquered between the two of us. He was older than me, but didn’t have that attitude that most of the men here seem to have about working for a younger guy.
    “Just checking in before you leave.”
    “The shipment has been delayed on the timber, but the company is promising it by tomorrow with extras. It’ll work out fine because some of the guys noticed some inconsistencies in the walls on levels B and C. That will need to be addressed immediately.”
    “I’ll make sure that we at least have a projection sheet of what we can do to fix it by the end of my shift. I’ve got the electrician coming today, correct?”
    “Yes, and the plumbing, but because of the issues we are having they are going to find it hard to complete their jobs. At least get them to do the assessment for now.”
    “Sounds good boss. Go on and get home. You look exhausted. All these extra shifts and hours you’ve been pulling is catching up to you,” he says, concerned.
    “Thanks. I’ve got to get my brothers to their practices, but eventually I’ll do that thing you call sleep,” I joke.
    “I think it’s amazing what you’ve done for your brothers.”
    Feeling uncomfortable as I always do when people praise me on raising my brothers, I brush it off. “It’s no big thing. If I didn’t step up, who would?”
    Quickly gathering up some plans and my briefcase, I start walking toward the door.
    “It may be no big deal to you, but it could be a huge thing for them. Either way, I’m sure your dad would be real proud of you.”
    Oh yeah, did I mention that the company I’ve now taken over is the same company that my father was working for. Joey here, was very close with my dad. My dad was his supervisor and taught him everything he knows. He was still pretty young himself, but not as young as me (which I remind him of often). Dad talked about him a lot. So hearing him say that, made my heart swell with pride.
    “I hope so,” I mumble.
    “He is. Now go get some sleep. If you need anything…”
    “I know man. Thanks.”
    Heading out the door, I climb into my car. Right there on the visor was a picture of the only woman I’ll ever love. She was lying down in my arms asleep after we made love for the first time. Her hair was messed up in a sexy way. Shaking my head, I start the car and head home.
    “Landon!” I yell the minute I open the door. “Come on buddy, we’ve got to get you to wrestling practice. Lucas! Are you ready for basketball practice?”
    Hurrying up to my room, I throw my stuff on my bed and head into the bathroom. A quick shower, I slip on some regular clothes. Running back down the stairs, I quickly slip my shoes on and grab a snack from the cupboard.
    The guys are waiting on me at the door. Soon we are on our way.
    “Are you mad at us for something?” Landon asks from the backseat.
    “What?” I glance at him in the rearview mirror. “Why would you think I was mad at you?”
    “You’ve been working a lot. We never see you anymore,” he says sadly.
    My heart is breaking for my little brother. Landon is the only one out of all of them that can rip me to shreds in a single statement.
    “Buddy, I’m just trying to keep us in the black is all. Everything that we do costs money and I want to make sure we have the money to do all that.”
    “Well, I’ll quit wrestling if you want,” he meets my eyes in the mirror.
    “No, buddy. You love wrestling. I’m not letting you quit.