Lost, Found, and Forever

by Victoria Schade

  “I’m, uh . . .” Griffin paused then settled his body against hers, his naked hardness the only explanation she needed.

  “Commando,” she said with her lips pressed against his neck. “Brave choice, McCabe.”

  She realized no boxers meant everything south was fair game, and she traced her hands down his back until she reached his perfect round ass. After daydreaming about it since the first time she’d accidentally seen it, she couldn’t resist giving it a squeeze.

  He laughed and winced at the same time.

  Then she let her hand wander between their bodies and wrapped her fingers tightly around him. He groaned and went still for a few seconds, then continued exploring her body.

  “And how do you explain this . . . situation.” Griffin breathed into her ear as his hand darted beneath the waistband of her weird leggings. She shimmied closer, hoping he’d let his hands dip lower.

  She caught herself panting with want. “I . . . I needed them when we were outside, but I don’t anymore.”

  He let his hand slip all the way beneath the leggings again to find her warmth. “No, you don’t.”

  Griffin caressed her through her underwear for a few seconds, and even that was enough to make her shiver.

  They found each other’s mouths again and kissed greedily, their hands and fingers teasing each other, and for a little while it was all they needed. But they both knew there was more to come.

  Justine finally pulled away from his mouth like it was painful. “Did you bring anything . . .” Her voice was ragged.

  He nodded.

  “Cocky,” she said, crashing into his mouth again.

  Griffin pulled away. “Hopeful. Desperately hopeful.”

  They kissed again, knowing that they had the whole night to explore.

  chapter thirty-three

  Justine studied Griffin’s profile as he focused on the road ahead.

  “You’re talking to yourself.”

  “What? I’m not.”

  “You were. It was a full-on conversation, and it looked intense.”

  He shot a glance at her. “Lots on my mind. It’s tough to turn it off.”

  Justine tried to guess what had him muttering and furrowing as they headed back to Brooklyn. The new job. The trajectory. And maybe how their night together might be impacted by both. She wondered if it kept invading his thoughts the way it did hers. She woke up wanting him again, her body pressed against his, and based on the way the sheet tented up over his midsection it was obvious he did too, but Spencer had other ideas. The first hint of light through the too-short curtains on the picture window had him pacing, and when other guests started stomping by he barked out a warning at them. It wasn’t like they wanted to hang out in the depressing room any longer than necessary if they weren’t draped all over each other, so they hit the road early.

  “Do you want to talk about last night?” he asked without taking his eyes off the road.

  Her heart sped up. “Do you?”

  “Yeah, I think we should. Obviously, last night . . . changes things.”

  “Um-hm.” She wanted Griffin to take the lead on the conversation, so she’d have some idea about what he was feeling. Because what she was feeling was that her hiatus had finally come to an end. But she wasn’t going to be the first one to admit that it wasn’t just sex for her. Something real had happened between them.

  The silence stretched on, punctuated by Spencer’s heavy breathing and occasional snorts, which undoubtedly left Griffin’s window dotted with dog snot.

  “Remember the skateboard artist you met that night at the Yard Bar? Danny?”

  “How could I forget? He used the word architected.”

  “Exactly. You could probably tell that I wasn’t the biggest Danny fan, but it wasn’t just the fact that he’s a superdouche.”

  Justine wondered how Danny played a role in their first sexual encounter but didn’t say anything.

  “A few years back I was dating a girl named Clementine. We’d been together about two months. It wasn’t super serious, but I was into her.”

  She shifted in her seat. The last thing she wanted to hear about was another woman he was into the morning after they’d had sex for the first time, but she was also insanely curious about his dating history. His social media black hole and lack of photos around his apartment made that part of his life feel off-limits to her.

  “My travel was starting to pick up, so we weren’t able to hang out as much as I would’ve liked, but we made it work.” He exhaled hard and shook his head. “Or so I thought. Turns out she liked the Yard Bar too and started going there when I wasn’t around, and she and Danny got to know each other. And Danny decided that Clementine fit with his vibe—she was super pretty—and he basically swept her off her feet. He doesn’t work a real job, so they started traveling together with Danny paying for everything. And Clem ate it up. I had no clue. It was partly my fault because I was working and I wasn’t around. I found out they were together when Wendall told me.”

  Justine quickly replayed the evening with Danny. “Okay, now I understand the bad blood. Why did you let him sit with us?”

  Griffin shrugged. “When he figured out what had happened he sat me down, bought me a few rounds, and apologized. Claims he had no clue we were together.” He shook his head. “I have my doubts about that, but whatever. What I’m trying to explain isn’t about him, or Clem. The point is, when everything went to shit with her I realized that I had a choice to make. Did I want to try to commit to a relationship, or work? Clearly, I chose work.”

  She knew it wasn’t the only reason for his work obsession. He’d said as much to her. A family history of not having enough can do that to a person, but she wasn’t about to point out his money obsession to him now that it felt like he was letting her down easy by invoking his stupid trajectory.

  “I’m not sure what you’re getting at,” she replied haltingly. She felt a furnace kick on in her chest, sending an angry heat to her face.

  He finally reached over and put his hand over hers again, but she didn’t respond. “I’m not great at relationships, Justine. People get lost in the shuffle. I tried dating after Clem, but things always fizzle out because my schedule is so weird. You’ve seen it firsthand. So I’ve kept things simple. Nothing serious because I don’t have the bandwidth for it.”

  She let her hand lie limply in his. He was breaking it to her gently.

  The morning after.

  She suddenly felt nauseous, like she’d had too much to drink the night before. She pulled her hand away in disgust and crossed her arms.

  “Wait, wait, wait. I didn’t explain that right,” Griffin said as worry bloomed across his face. “Justine, I told you that because I want you to know about my history, about why I’m gun-shy with relationships. But if you’re okay with . . . me . . . and my schedule . . . I’d like to try. With you. With us.”

  Spencer made a noise that sounded like a combination of a cough and a bark in the back seat.

  “How do you mean?” She managed to keep her voice even. She still needed him to spell out what he wanted before she could acknowledge the tiny flicker of hope.

  He shrugged. “To be honest, I’m not sure. I don’t think I know how to do this kind of stuff anymore. I’m rusty.” He paused. “But what I do know is that I’m always happier when I’m with you. Even my damn apartment feels happier when you’ve been in it. I used to dread walking in the door after a trip, but now I love coming home. You left flowers for me. No one’s ever given me flowers! And it always still smells like you, even after you’re gone. I don’t know if it’s the candles you burn or just you, but the second I walk in the door I get a wave of . . . Justine. It’s like walking into the kitchen when someone’s baking bread. And then there’s the treasure hunt I do. I try to find little things you accidentally left behind.” He smiled. “I have
your pink cloth headband thing, three of those black hair pins, and a gray sock.”

  The corner of her mouth quirked up as hope fizzed inside her. “That’s where it is. I’ve been missing that damn sock.”

  “But, Justine, I need you to know that I can’t guarantee anything at this point. Especially now, with this new position on the horizon. Everything could change. But all I know is this feels right to me.” He paused. “And now I’d like you to say something because I feel like I totally unloaded on you.”

  Justine leaned into the doubt and fear she felt mixing in with the bubbliness. He’d said everything she needed to hear, but it was her turn.

  “I know all about your trajectory, but you haven’t heard about my hiatus,” she said, studying his profile while he drove. “I don’t want to get too deep into it, especially after everything we talked about yesterday.” She swallowed against the lump that formed in her throat. “I haven’t dated in a while either. Haven’t wanted to. Nick fucked me up royally after the trail thing, and I just needed time to figure myself out. One of the things I realized was that I’d much rather be alone than in a bad relationship. And I haven’t met anyone I wanted to take a chance on.” She paused. “Until you.”

  Justine took a deep breath. “Suddenly, I do not want to be on hiatus.”

  He smiled and flicked his eyes to her.

  “Does that mean we’re giving this a shot?”

  “I think we are. I think we have to.” She reached over, grabbed his hand, and gave it a squeeze. “And in order to celebrate, we need a naked stopover at your place before I head back to Rexford.”

  Griffin didn’t say a word but punched the gas so hard that Spencer fell over in his seat.

  chapter thirty-four

  What happened to you?” Sienna asked, her eyes wide as she watched Justine shelving a dog food order.

  “What do you mean?” Justine hoisted a thirty-pound bag of wild river salmon kibble onto the shelf.

  “You seem different. You look different. Your whole vibe is different.” Spencer stood nearby eagerly watching the unpacking, hoping that one of the bags had ripped and might spill fishy treasures onto the floor. “Spence, what’s gotten into your mom? She’s smiling more than usual.”

  Justine was still holding the secret of her time with Griffin close to her heart. It was something she wanted to savor on her own before she opened it up to Sienna’s gloating and Ruth’s questions about exactly what they were to each other and how they were going to navigate the future. The truth was, neither of them was sure. But whatever it was felt like the start of something good. Sienna was right: she couldn’t stop grinning.

  “The shoot is almost over, and I guess I’m feeling nervous about the future. Everyone thinks it’s going to get picked up for a full season, but we’re still not sure.”

  “And you’re hoping it does?”

  “With every bone in my body. I can’t believe that I get paid to do it. I love it more than anything.”

  Sienna’s mouth turned down for a split second. “What about T&B?”

  Justine threw another bag on the shelf and tried to play off that T&B never even occurred to her. “Of course I love it here. I just think maybe I’ve . . . I don’t know, outgrown it a little?”

  Sienna didn’t say anything for a few minutes as she arranged the five-pound bags of food on a separate shelf. “Can I talk to you about something?”

  “Sure.” The bag of food she was about to throw on the shelf instantly got heavier.

  “It feels like the right time to have this discussion. Can I throw the Back in Five Minutes sign on the door so we don’t have any interruptions?”

  Justine nodded and tried to read Sienna’s body language to prepare for whatever was about to come. Spencer escorted Sienna as she ran to the front of the shop, locked the door, and hung the sign they usually used when they ran out to grab lunch.

  “One more sec.” Sienna held up a finger and dashed to the office, then came out with a folder. “Okay. Ready?”

  “I think so.” Justine still had a hard time feeling okay about file folders thanks to Griffin’s ominous red one.

  Sienna took a deep breath. “Remember how I read cards recently?”

  Justine nodded.

  “This is what it was about. Because I’ve noticed you pulling away from Tricks & Biscuits for a while now. I know you still love parts of it, but not all of it. I, on the other hand, love everything about being here. Even dealing with the occasional mean customers! This is a really special little store with a ton of potential. And I think you know that I’ve worked hard to contribute to its success.”

  “You’re amazing, Sienna. I can’t thank you enough for all the stuff you do.”

  She bowed. “Now, that said, I’d like to make you an offer. I have two options for you.” She opened the file and handed Justine a spreadsheet. “May I first present option one, my moon shot. It’s a lease-to-own plan.”

  The numbers swam in front of Justine’s eyes. “A what?”

  Sienna cleared her throat and straightened her posture. “I want to buy Tricks & Biscuits from you. Eventually. It’s a lease-to-own scenario, so I’d give you a monthly payment.”

  Excitement tingled along Justine’s scalp. “You’re serious?” Sienna nodded. “But . . . our numbers aren’t . . . great. I’m sure you’ve seen it firsthand since you’ve been spending more time here.”

  “No, what I’ve seen is potential. I really believe that moving to more organic stock and opening an online store can turn things around. And adding a second store would increase the buying power with your suppliers. I’ve run the numbers a million different ways, and I’ve already taken a quick look at real estate in Valley Ridge for a second store.” She handed Justine a few more documents. “Now, once you check out these projections, you might decide that it looks so good that you don’t want to sell it to me, and that brings me to option two: hire me to take on this expansion. Bring me in as your partner.”

  Justine looked closer at the documents. Sienna’s research was impressive. Projections weren’t guarantees, but it was a feasible growth plan backed by her uncanny business sense. Justine imagined signing the lease and working with Sienna to update T&B, then watching the little shop’s fortunes turn around as a team.

  “No.”

  Sienna cocked her head. “Huh?”

  “No, I don’t want to partner with you.”

  A frown flickered briefly across her face. “Okay, I understand it’s hard to let go.”

  “Sienna, no. I mean I want option one. I want you to take over. Without me.”

  Her jaw dropped. “For real? You want to try the lease-to-own plan?”

  Justine nodded. “I think it’s time for me to step out from behind the counter. It makes sense for you to own T&B.” Her eyes welled up as she said it, partly because it was a fantastic future for the little shop, and partly because she would have to say good-bye to it.

  “Seriously?” Sienna ran to Justine and wrapped her in a hug, laughing and sniffling at the same time. “Oh my God, I’m so happy! I can’t believe it! Thank you for trusting me with your baby, Justine!”

  Spencer barked and jumped at them, offering his own version of a hug thanks to the bad habits he’d picked up with Griffin.

  “I’m in shock,” Sienna said as she dabbed her eyes. “I’m doing this!” She paused and looked at Justine with a confused expression. “But wait, what are you going to do if you leave?”

  A slow smile lit up her face. “I’m going to gamble, just like my momma taught me. Like I said, I have a feeling that The Eighteenth is going to get picked up.”

  “Oh my God, you’re going to be a momager for Spencer? Perfect! But, I hate to ask . . . you can make enough doing that?”

  “Nope.” She shook her head, her mouth in a tight line. “Not right away. But I’ve made some great connec
tions through the show and I’m hoping to keep expanding his work. Doing some commercials and stuff like that. I might even start teaching some tricks classes to people who want to do what we’re doing. Plus, there’s the gold mine of lease income I’ll be making from T&B!”

  “Oh my God, please don’t put that kind of pressure on me!” Sienna said, holding her hand to her chest.

  “Kidding. I’ll use what I make from you to buy my coffee every day.”

  Sienna ran to the front of the shop and unlocked the door, then came back ready to plan. “Our first step is drawing up paperwork and talking to Seth about the lease.”

  Justine continued loading dog food bags onto the shelves. “Yup. I think we can get it all signed over pretty quickly.”

  “We have to contact the vendors to let them know. Oh, speaking of! I have a stack of bills and mail you need to look at. Some of it is a few weeks old.” Sienna and Spencer ran to the office to grab it.

  “Here.” She handed Justine a perfectly organized stack of mail. “The parking ticket you got is on the top. They’re probably going to jack up the penalty if you don’t pay soon.”

  “Ugh, how much is a ticket in the city? We pay ten dollars in Rexford, so that means it’s probably . . .”

  “I paid one that was a hundred and fifteen dollars.”

  “I actually got two on the same day, so why is there only one envelope?” Justine looked closer at it. “And why is it from Kingsford, New York? Do they outsource their tickets or something?”

  Sienna shrugged.

  Justine ripped open the envelope and pulled out the document. She squinted at it. “Official court summons? Already?”

  “That’s weird,” Sienna replied as she broke down the cardboard shipping boxes.

  Justine quickly scanned the letter.

  “Wait, what? This says that Griffin is taking me to small-claims court. He’s suing me to get Spencer back?”

  chapter thirty-five

  The folded-up summons in the back pocket of Justine’s jeans felt like a pebble in her shoe, or a lash trapped on her eyeball. It was the only thing she could think of as she waited for Griffin to get back to the apartment.