Page 32 of Recklessly in Love

“I’m just not sure why you’d care about any of this,” I say, not technically asking while asking.

The corner of her mouth lifts in a half-smile. “I guess I just wanted to know more about this town. Because it’s important to people I care about. Including you.”

I reach over and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I care about you too, Joanie,” I say, my voice thick with more emotion than I’ve felt in a long time.

We stare into each other’s eyes, a thread of understanding weaving between us. Her eyes soften, and she leans in to kiss me deeply.

When she pulls back, there’s a glint in her eye that I’m coming to recognize. “Take me home, mountain man. I’m not done with you yet.”

I grin and start packing up. “Yes, ma’am.”

Later, as Joanie sleeps curled against my chest, I think about what she said to me. She’s right — Alpine Ridge is important to me. And the idea that Joanie might be warming to it makes me feel even more protective of it. And of her.

My last thought before drifting off is that maybe, just maybe, I’ve finally found a place worth fighting for ... and someone worth fighting for.

CHAPTER TWELVE

JOANIE

I’ve been in Alpine Ridge for about three weeks now, and the more I learn about this town with its character and unique beauty, the more I realize how much potential it has and how much the people here, especially my beautiful best friend, are missing out on because the town has not been incorporated.

With only a few thousand residents, there isn’t enough traffic to sustain her business long-term, even alongside the folks ambling through from Ellensburg looking to head to Wenatchee or Leavenworth. Or any of the businesses. And then there’s the other thing my research turned up: Alpine Ridge’s population is aging and dwindling. In short, the town needs fresh blood if it’s even going to survive, much less thrive.

So, given my new mission to breathe official township life into this place, armed with more knowledge thanks to Mia and Greg, I do what any good lawyer would do and spend the day researching. And what I find is pretty damn shocking.

It turns out, by definition, that there shouldn’t even be a town council in an unincorporated town. Which means this supposed “council” that denied Greg and Mia’s requests to incorporate? They had no right.

Since Mia isn’t around to hold my earrings while I make to throw down, I do the only logical thing I can: I go find her. Greg took off way too fucking early this morning, so that leaves me to drive in my car, which Mia thoughtfully drove down the hill yesterday while Greg and I were hiking. Thankfully, my Subaru has all-wheel drive, and it’s not that far.

Still, with ice and an uneven road, it takes way longer than I expected to get here, with a good heap more sliding around and nearly losing control of the car than I was prepared for. By the time I arrive, it feels like it’s been ages since I made myself a light lunch, so I’m less ready to fight some old farts and more ready for a hot cup of coffee and some pastries.

“Jo,” Mia greets me with surprise. “I wasn’t expecting to see you emerge from the sex cocoon anytime soon.”

I shoot her a mock dirty look, and she smirks.

“Coffee,” I grunt jokingly, collapsing into a chair across from the pastry display case. “Sugar,” I add. Mia crosses her arms over her chest and gives me an expectant look. “Please?”

She grins. “You got it. And you’re lucky because Rae just pulled a fresh huckleberry pie out of the oven a few minutes ago.”

“Ooh, I haven’t tried the famous huckleberry pie yet,” I say excitedly. To hear Nate and Mia talk it’s life-changing, but Mia and Rae have been so focused on holiday treats lately.

A couple of minutes later, Mia sets a large, steaming cup of Joe down on the table in front of me, then a delicate round plate decorated with pink flowers and topped with a huge slice of gooey purple-blue filled pie crust covered in an artfully swirled pile of whipped cream. And my whole mouth fills with saliva.

As Mia sits across from me, I don’t even pretend to have manners; I grab the fork and shovel a scoop of the warm, fragrant sugary goodness into my mouth. The sweet, tart taste of the filling spreads over my tongue, and I’m a goner.

“Ohmygawd,” I mumble around the pie. “Dish is uhmashing.”

Mia shakes her head and laughs. “Oh, I know. But geez, Jo, for the love of God, swallow before you speak.”

I shrug, then down another huge bite, causing Mia to chuckle as she sips her coffee. After that bite, I take a drink from my cup and sigh contentedly.

“Rae, you’re fucking awesome,” I call to the back of the bakery.

“Glad you like the pie,” she calls back.

I smile at Mia. “You’re never going to believe what I just figured out.” I take another bite of pie as I watch her eyes light up with curiosity.

“Well?” she demands after I don’t cough up the info immediately.

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