by K. C. Crowne
Russo stared at Leah with a stone-cold look. “If she had owned the property, it wouldn’t have been a problem. Again, that’s a stability issue - not my fault.”
“Bullshit. You’re—”
Grant stood, and Piper followed them as he walked Leah out of the room, her yelling at Russo even as they slipped past me and out the door. I couldn’t hold back my grin. God, she was fierce, and I loved it. She was a fighter, always fighting for the people she cared about.
And even angry, she was sexy as hell.
Maybe even more so because of the anger.
She had a fire inside of her, a passion that exuded from her that was hot as hell.
Had I not been trying to keep my distance from her, I’d have followed the three of them out, taken her home, and fucked her pretty little brains out. The blood flowed down my body, and there was a tightness in my groin.
She drove me crazy, and as soon as this whole shitshow was over and everyone was safe, I’d take her back to my bed. There was no doubt about that.
Whether I wanted to admit it or not, us hooking up again was inevitable. What happened after that? Well, we’d just have to see. I didn’t want to get ahead of myself, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for anything too serious, but damn, Leah was everything I’d ever wanted in a woman.
It was going to be hard to stay away, especially in a town as small as Liberty.
Chapter 16
Leah
My blood was boiling. “How dare he act like he had nothing to do with the daycare having to close? He’s lying to everyone!”
“He’s an asshole, that’s why,” Grant soothed. “And no one believes the shit he’s spewing, don’t worry. Everyone knows Piper was good at what she does.”
Piper remained strangely quiet through our discussion. I expected her to be angry, but she looked more deflated than anything. Like someone had pulled the chair right out from under her.
“I need to go back in there and—”
“No,” Grant said, taking me by the shoulders. “It won’t do any good. Besides, Jeremiah won’t let developers come in and destroy our town. He’s just letting the guy talk because it’s the right thing to do. No one in there wants them working here, and Jeremiah wouldn’t go against the will of the people.”
Grant had known Jeremiah since high school. He was a few years older than us, graduated before I even made it into my first year of high school, but he and Grant had played sports together. I only knew of him as the mayor, but to Grant, he was an old friend. Well, not really a friend since Grant had few of those, but he knew the guy better than I did.
Besides, Jeremiah had never done us wrong before, which was why he kept getting re-elected. No one did a better job than him of running this place.
The doors opened, and Elle slipped out, camera in hand.
“Is the meeting over already?” I asked. “Please tell me that the crowd ran Russo off with pitchforks.”
Elle chuckled. “Oh, if only. He’d deserve that, wouldn’t he? No, I just came out here to make sure you’re okay.”
“We’re fine. Shouldn’t you be covering the meeting?”
“Yeah, I’ll go back inside. Just wanted to see if you’d be up for something afterward. Seems like we all need to relax a bit.”
“What do you have in mind?” I asked.
Elle smiled; she knew exactly what she wanted to do. She always did. “I was thinking some yoga would be nice.”
“I’m afraid we don’t have fancy yoga studios like they do in New York City.”
“Oh hush, I’m not talking about anything like that. I know Josie Parker offers some mountain yoga. I’ve already sent her a text and asked if we could book her later today.”
Josie Parker. Now that was a name I didn’t hear much. Once upon a time, we were friends, but over the years, we slipped apart. People rarely brought her name up to me anymore because they knew it would probably hurt me. I never knew what happened between us. Josie simply went her own way and left me behind.
I feigned a polite smile. “Oh yeah? I’m sure she’s too busy and can’t possibly fit us in today.”
“Oh no, she said she had a cancellation, so she’s free and would love to see us.”
I looked at Piper, who knew our history. She was dealing with a lot though, and a little spat between old friends was the least of our worries now.
Since I hesitated, Elle continued, “And I’m covering the cost, so don’t worry about that.” I cringed. I hated anyone paying for me. I started to argue, but Elle waved us off. “I need to get back in there, sorry. We’ll talk later, alright?” She hurried back into the meeting room.
Piper muttered, “It could be fun. I’ve not had much time for anything for myself. Maybe I’ll go. I don’t know.”
It would be good for Piper. She could go with Elle, alone, but that didn’t seem right. Especially since I all but abandoned her the night before. I still owed her big time for that. If she wanted to go, we were going.
But Grant had his own idea. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, with Wade getting out and all.”
“You could come with us,” Piper suggested, turning her sweet eyes toward him.
“Me? Yoga?” Grant’s chest rumbled with laughter.
“Come on, big brother,” I pleaded, nudging him gently. “It’ll be fun.”
I was hesitant myself, but I didn’t let it show. If Piper wanted to do this, we’d do it. And from the look on Grant’s face, he was willing to do whatever he needed to if it made Piper happy.
“Fine,” he grumbled. “But don’t expect me to act like a dog.”
Piper and I both giggled. “What do you mean act like a dog, bro?”
“That doggy-style pose, downward something or another where you stick your butt in the air,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m not going to do that.”
Piper and I were essentially howling with laughter. The image of my big brother on all fours with his butt sticking in the air was enough to make me forget about everything else going on. In fact, if we could get him to do that pose, it would be worth the awkwardness with Josie.
“Deal,” Piper said, seemingly pretty dang pleased that Grant was willing to come with us. Once things settled down, I’d have to ask about their feelings for one another and play matchmaker if they continued to deny the attraction. But for now, I’d let it go. Piper was vulnerable at the moment.
“I guess that settles it then,” I said. “Grant’s doing yoga.”
“No, I didn’t say I would. I might just watch.”
“Come on, you’re totally going to do it,” Piper teased. “There’s something called a warrior pose. Maybe you’ll just hold that one for a while.”
“Sounds fitting,” Grant said with a wink. “Since I’m the warrior protecting your butts from a dangerous criminal.”
I rolled my eyes. “I wouldn’t go that far. I hardly think Wade is dangerous. He’s a vandal, not an axe murderer.”
“Who says axe murderers can’t also indulge in a little vandalism on the side? Are they restricted to one type of crime or something?”
“Oh hush, you know what I mean.” I punched him in the arm.
The three of us walked from the building, feeling better. Even Piper was laughing and smiling again. Things would be okay. We’d figure out a way to get her daycare back up and running. In fact, I already had an idea.
“Hey, mind if we stop at the cafe for a second? I need to talk to Felicity about something.”
Grant shrugged. “I don’t see why not. I could use a bite to eat.”
“Me too,” Piper agreed.
We walked over to the cafe from the city hall building, and since most people were protesting, the cafe was essentially empty. Once the meeting was over, though, it would be packed.
Felicity was working the counter, but there was only one person there: Sadie. She had her coffee and slice of pie and was reading the paper. Felicity was leaning against the wall when we stepped inside.
“Meetin
g over already?” she asked.
“Nah, we had to leave before Leah assaulted the guy,” Grant said with a laugh.
“Probably a good idea.” Felicity motioned for us to sit anywhere we wanted, so we took the other end of the counter, leaving some space between Sadie and us but giving us a chance to talk to Felicity.
Grant and Piper ordered some food, but I wasn’t hungry. I ordered a coffee. My stomach was in knots from the meeting and everything else. I just didn’t have it in me to eat.
“Hey, can I talk to you for a second? Just the two of us?” I whispered to Felicity as Grant and Piper settled in with their meals.
“Sure, come to the back.”
I got up, excusing myself for a second, and followed Felicity to the back of the restaurant and into her tiny, cramped office.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“I hate to ask, since you’ve done so much for the children’s charity event already, but I’m thinking we need to do something for Piper. I was thinking of turning the old gym that no one uses into a daycare and letting her run her business from there, at no cost, but we need to renovate the room first and get everything up to code.”
Felicity’s eyes lit up. “That’s a fantastic idea, Leah. What do we need?”
“Well, money, for one thing,” I said with a laugh. “Lots of it. Grant is replacing the air conditioning unit on his own dime, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done. I’m working on the hotel, so there’s only so much I can do, but—”
“But we can host another fundraiser,” Felicity exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “After all, the town benefits from her daycare, and no one else could provide such top-notch service at those prices. And she’s a local - someone everyone trusts.”
“Exactly, but don’t you think we’ve already done too many fundraisers in a short amount of time?”
“But yours brought in people from out of town,” she reminded her. “This one is purely for the locals who want to support a local business.”
“I know, but we need to do something more. We need to offer them something.”
Felicity smiled. “Like private cooking classes and a romantic night out, including a private chef?”
“You’re so busy as it is, Felicity,” I mused. “How would you—”
“I’d manage. I’ve trained two new cooks, remember? We’ve had this discussion. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help Piper, and I’m sure other local businesses would be too. We’re in this together, Leah. If one of us falls to this shady ass developer, it’s going to make it easier for the rest of us to go under.”
She had a point. We couldn’t let Russo win.
“I can offer some free nights at the hotel,” I suggested. “It’s not fancy, but at least there’s a pool, right?”
“Of course. And your hotel is nice, Leah. It’s got some rustic charm to it. It needs a few repairs, sure, but it’s still a nice place to stay, especially when you get the breakfast station going - which I’m still happy to help you with.”
My heart swelled in my chest. When people asked me why I stayed in Liberty my whole life, this was why. Felicity was the same way. She could have worked at any number of fancy restaurants around the world but chose to come home.
I nodded, excited about the possibilities. “I’ll talk to more local business owners. Elle is taking us to yoga in the mountains with Josie. Maybe we could talk to her.”
I bit my lip, thinking about how awkward it would be to talk to her after all these years, and then for one of the first things I said to be a request for a donation.
“Yikes, you sure you’re up to that?” Felicity asked, familiar with our history.
I shrugged. “What choice do we have?”
“Talk to Elle. Maybe she could broach the subject. She’s been away for a few years, there’s less drama there.”
“No, I need to do it,” I said with a sigh. “I can’t delegate this to someone else. It’s not Elle’s responsibility.”
“Then I’ll do it.”
“No, I’ve got this, Felicity. Thank you, but I think it’s time Josie and I talk again, and if I’m going to ask her for a favor, it needs to come from me, not a third party.”
Felicity hesitated, but then nodded. “You’re right. And I’m sure she’ll be happy to help.”
The old Josie, sure. The new one? I wasn’t so sure about her. Honestly, no one knew much about the new Josie. She kept to herself, distancing herself from all of us. But deep down, she had to be the same woman she used to be, right? And she always had such a big heart. Even if she couldn’t help, what harm would it do to ask.
“I’d ask you to come for yoga, but this place is going to be packed soon.”
Felicity laughed. “Yeah, I’ll get plenty of exercise once that meeting is over. I’ve got my entire staff on their way. Let’s hope we need it.”
“Business been okay since the fire?”
Felicity’s smile faltered. “We’ve been slower than usual, which is why I’m really hoping the meeting turnout is good. People seem to be afraid of being downtown, but since they’re here anyway… hopefully they decide to get something to eat.”
“I’m sure they will. And before long, we’ll figure out what’s going on with the fires, and things will get back to normal.”
“I hope so, Leah,” she said softly. And for the first time, I saw worry etched across her face. Felicity hid her emotions well, usually, but this time, she didn’t. She was concerned about her business. Another reason we had to beat these developers and remain strong.
Ooo000ooo
Josephine Parker’s was based in Liberty, but it didn’t mean she spent all her time here. According to her Instagram, she traveled all over the country - even the world - always searching for the next big thrill. She also ran her business all over the state of Utah, offering hikes and mountain yoga excursions wherever the customers wanted to go. She even went to Peru, all paid by the clients, to hike Machu Pichu and do yoga there. I saw the photos. Yes, I was slightly jealous, but I was happy for her.
Her honey blonde hair was pulled back into a braided bun on top of her head. When we stepped into her small studio, she was in the middle of the room, on a yoga mat, with her eyes closed. She seemed so peaceful and relaxed, I hated to disturb her.
Or maybe I was just fearing the awkwardness of talking to her again.
She opened her eyes on her own, however, as the bell on her door rang gently. Her blue eyes were wide and full of life, as they always had been. Hopping up from the mat, she smiled at us as if she hadn’t cut us out of her life at all.
“Welcome to Free Spirit Outdoors,” she said. “I’m so glad you finally decided to come by!”
She practically squealed with excitement, and the way her face lit up, it almost made me think I’d imagined her cutting us off. She’d stopped returning calls and texts, stopped attending get-togethers. I’d never felt welcome in her place of business before, always assumed I’d done something wrong. But now I wasn’t so sure.
Josie was handing out the maps, said we were going to hike up the closest mountain. “It’s an easy hike, good for beginners,” she told us. “Not that I think any of you are beginners—” She eyed Elle.
“It’s alright, I know it’s been a few years since I’ve been hiking. Not too many mountains in Manhattan.”
Josie looked relieved and continued with her instructions. “So we’re going to hike to this beautiful place I know that overlooks the town of Liberty near a small stream. The sound of the rushing water revitalizes my soul.”
“Sounds very nice,” Elle said. “But first, Josie, how the hell have you been? It’s been years since I’ve heard from you.”
Josie’s smile wavered. “I’ve been busy, I’m sorry. And you’ve been busy with your own life. I didn’t want to bother you.”
“That’s fine!” Elle exclaimed, seemingly unaware of the distance we all felt with Josie. “I just want to catch up, that’s all. Are you seeing a
nyone? Please don’t tell me you got married and didn’t invite me—”
“No, I’m not,” Josie said, her voice colder than before. “Can we please not talk about that? I just went through an awful breakup.”
“Sure, of course,” Elle replied quietly. “We don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to talk about.”
I hadn’t heard anything about Josie’s breakup. Had no idea who she’d been dating in the first place. Since she wanted to drop it, I didn’t push the subject.
“Are we ready to head out?” Josie asked, giving us the once over.
I’d worn jean shorts and a crop top, while Piper went for yoga pants and a tank top. Elle, on the other hand, looked as if she’d stepped from a yoga ad with her yoga pants and sports bra top, both navy blue with a red band and matching perfectly with her yoga mat. She was the only one who’d brought her own mat too.
Josie frowned when she saw my attire, and I knew it wasn’t proper yoga attire - or even hiking attire - but I really didn’t think about it while getting dressed. If Josie had a problem with it, she didn’t say anything. She let it go. It seemed to be a common theme between us already - just letting things go, no matter how important they might be.
Josie turned to Grant. “Are you sure you’re going to be comfortable working out in that?”
Grant had worn his usual jeans and a t-shirt. “I’m not going to be participating. I’m only here to keep an eye on everyone.”
Josie raised an eyebrow at that but shrugged after a moment. “Alright then. I guess we can head out. I have several bottles of water, if you need one.”
She grabbed a backpack and some other supplies and handed out the yoga mats. For her, this was any other trek. The fact that we all used to be close didn’t seem to faze her one little bit, and for some reason, that irked me more than it should. I wanted her to care.
I kept quiet as we began our hike, letting Elle do most of the talking. Piper joined in now and then, but I stayed toward the back with Grant.
“Talk to her, Leah,” he pushed, reading my mind.