Over the Moon

Over the MoonA Men of Styre Cove NovelTess WattersLockett Publishing Copyright © 2023 Tess WattersAll rights reserved. This book or any portion thereofmay not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real persons, places, or events are entirely coincidental. This title is for adults only. It contains explicit sexual acts, adult scenes, and topics that some might find offensive. Please read the content warnings and keep out of reach of minors. First Printing, 2023 Lochett Publishing Contents Title PageCopyrightBefore You ReadChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25Chapter 26Chapter 27Chapter 28Chapter 29Chapter 30Chapter 31EpilogueAbout The Author Before You ReadPlease note that some events and scenarios outlined in this novel may not align with your values or tastes. The most important thing to me is that you enjoy this story and one way to do that is to be informed about what you might be getting yourself into. Please see the below content warnings and take care.ProfanityRough Consensual SexStalking or harassmentSexual Assault (on-page)Infidelity (off-page/not main love interest)Fatphobia Chapter 1WolfI swing into the last parking spot and put the truck in park, grateful that there was room, and I didn’t have to walk in from the main road. The drive here was silent, but I can almost hear what he is thinking: that meeting was a complete waste of fucking time. “Sorry, that ran later than I expected,” I say as I get out and shut the door.Nate hops out of the passenger side. “You said that dealing with the Styre Cove Garden Society was going to be tedious, but Jesus, Wolf. How many times do we have to go over the same terms we signed off on last week?” he says with a snort as he rounds the front of my truck and meets me at the edge of the parking lot. I hope that was the final meeting before we break ground next week, I can be patient but it’s starting to wear thin.“At least they didn’t try to change the floor plans for the lodge again,” I say as I watch Nate pull his phone from his back pocket and start scrolling through his texts. “And they had those little egg sandwiches you like,” I add with a smirk.Normally I wouldn’t conduct business on the weekends, but the build for the SCGS is important. Their members consist of influential residents from the surrounding townships. Since I am new to the area, making these connections is invaluable. Therefore, if we need to meet on a Sunday, that’s what we will do.The starting pistol went off two hours ago when we were still in the middle of discussions. Even though Nate, the chronically punctual man he is, has been on edge ever since he handled himself professionally. Nate was the first person I hired six months ago. He is career driven and family-focused, just like I am. The similarities between us are uncanny, really. Everything else on top of that confirms it was the right decision to hire him as my lead engineer and he is becoming a really good friend.He raises his head. “Dad texted.” He gestures to his phone before he quickly puts it in his back pocket. “Aubrey is at the last checkpoint. Thanks for the drive, boss. Did you want to come say hi to Dad?” He points with his thumb toward the other side of the park.What else was I going to do today? Nothing. “Sure.” Nate’s brother started running this half-marathon years ago, and from what Nate tells me, he and his dad always come to support.Nate and I make our way toward the crowd of spectators on the other side of the wide-open picnic area of the park. It’s only a little after ten o’clock and already too hot for me. This park would be unbearable if it wasn’t for the breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean. I roll up the sleeves of my white dress shirt and take a deep breath of the salty air, allowing the smell of familiarity to calm my soul. We reach the other side of the park, breach the crowd, and begin weaving our way to the reception area just beyond the finish line. This section is set up so friends and family can gather to watch their runners crest the hill for the last 500 feet of the race. Now in front of us, I can see the finish line where staff and volunteers are busy handing out medals, water, and providing any medical attention that might be needed.Nate is quiet but I can feel his excitement as I watch a smile plaster across his face. “There’s Aubrey.” His connection with his brother makes me miss my brother and sister. It’s hard when they live across the country and that is something else Nate and I have in common since Aubrey doesn’t live in Maine either. I feel kind of excited as well. I am not sure if it’s the excitement of the crowd infecting me or that I get to meet his brother for the first time. As if he knew I was lost in thought, he gives me a slight elbow jab and then tilts his head to point toward the cluster of runners coming in.I direct my focus to the approaching runners and see a man of average height with blond hair and a light complexion. That’s strange, Aubrey must take after Nate’s mother’s side of the family because I see no resemblance. Nate is built like a brick shithouse, with dark brown hair and an olive complexion. Aubrey is downright pasty in comparison. Maybe their parents ran out of toner? I chuckle at my lame-ass joke.As if by force, my attention is pulled to the person