by Jody Holford
Owen’s eyebrows scrunched together. “What date, honey?”
Excitement fluttered in Shay’s chest. This was exactly what she wanted to be doing—taking part in pulling together special moments for special people. “I did. Do you want to tell him?”
Gabby threw her arms around Owen’s neck, making him laugh. She kissed him noisily and said against his lips, “How does March twelfth sound for our engagement party?”
Owen’s brows drew together right before his eyes softened, and even though he was the more reserved of the two of them, everything he felt for Gabriella showed in his expression. “That sounds perfect, since it’s the day we met.”
Shay looked away, caught Wyatt’s eye. He winked at her, and she felt some of her unease about his retreat settle. But he didn’t reach out or pull her close. Which was fine. Absolutely fine.
“If everyone could move in a little closer, take a seat if there’s one available, we want to get started,” Brady said above the din of people chatting.
People did as he asked. Owen leaned against the wall near Wyatt and pulled Gabby in front of him, locking his arms around her waist. Shay stood still, trying not to read into Wyatt’s behavior.
As the crowd quieted, Brady gestured toward the woman on his left. “This is Mia Kendrick. Her family owns our building, and she’ll be taking over all responsibilities. Including the ones I’ve graciously assumed in Jake’s departure.”
Mia frowned at Brady and Owen laughed. “Uh-oh.”
“What?” Shay asked, looking at Gabby and Owen.
“Owen thinks Brady wants to strangle Mia just a little bit.” Gabby grinned.
Owen nodded, looking over at Shay. “And it looks like the feeling might be mutual.”
Wyatt shook his head and as if belatedly realizing Shay stood alone, he reached out, ran a hand down her arm until his fingers linked with hers. He mouthed, “Come here.”
She hesitated a moment, and he tugged until she was standing closer. It was easier to go than protest, at least for the moment.
“Hello, everyone. As Mr. Larson has said, my family owns Kendrick Place.” Mia put the clipboard down on a side table and turned back to face the group. “My great-great grandfather bought this building a long time ago and turned it into a beautiful place for people to live. I’m very proud of our heritage and our history, but I owe all of you an apology.”
Brady watched Mia speak, and Shay didn’t think it was only frustration in his gaze. Mia clasped her hands together and looked out at all of them. She had a strong voice, steady and sure.
“Kendrick Place hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves and because of that, several…situations have arisen that none of you should have to deal with. It’s been difficult to address everything that’s been happening from overseas, which is where I’ve been. My brother was originally in charge of this property, but recent events have made it difficult for him to attend to it. But I’m here now, and I plan to stay.”
Shay saw Brady’s eyes widen as Mia continued. “I thank Mr. Larson very much for his time and hard work. He’s done a great job keeping things going. I apologize to all of you that I didn’t leave you in better hands with Jake. I’m prepared to take several measures to make you feel safe and content like you have in the past.”
She went on to discuss security plans, her commitment to making Kendrick Place the community it once was, and shared a few stories of the first people who inhabited the building in the early 1900s. Shay laughed and enjoyed listening to the stories. A few people grumbled about getting on with things, but their complaints were quickly quelled when Mia informed them that, as a thank-you for their patience and what they’d all dealt with, she’d hired painters, and anyone who wanted their apartment done would be able to choose colors and incur no costs.
Several people clapped and a few excited voices rose, peppering her with questions, others lowering as people turned to talk to the person beside them. Wyatt pulled his hand from hers, and Shay started to protest but he held up a finger and pointed toward Mia.
His voice stopped all the chatter when he addressed the owner. “I spoke to Brady about several security measures that need to be implemented, and I hope you’ll take those into account. But I have a request for all of the tenants.”
All eyes turned to Wyatt and Mia stepped closer. “And you are?”
“Wyatt Daniels.”
“Right. The police officer,” Mia said after picking up her clipboard and consulting it.
“Detective.”
Mia looked up again. “Detective. What is your request?”
Wyatt looked around the room, standing straighter, as if it was necessary to establish his presence. Shay knew he did that just by walking into a room.
“I’d like everyone to go through anything they took out from the storage room between December first and now. Any box, bag, or whatever. Even if you put it back—though it’d be better if no one was using the storage room right now. But I need you all to dig through your stuff, even if you don’t think there’s reason to. There’s an ongoing investigation into Jake, and I believe what he…misplaced may have accidentally been mixed up in someone’s belongings.”
People murmured in the crowd but Wyatt held their attention. Gabby nudged Shay’s shoulder and whispered, “Honey, you’re looking at him like he’s water, and you’re dying of thirst. Rein it in a little. Make him work for it.”
Shay started to bristle but then realized Gabby was teasing her.
“Like you did with me, Gabs?” Owen whispered, squeezing his fiancée’s hand.
Gabby grinned and her cheeks turned pink, making Shay smile.
Wyatt shot them all a quieting glance. “I will say that if you have found this box and haven’t returned it for your own reasons, you don’t want it. If any of you think that maybe what you found could be used to turn a profit or benefit you somehow, I promise you, it will not turn out the way you hope. For one thing, I plan to find it. Two, for your own safety and that of your families, you do not want to be caught up in anything Jake Parson was tied to.”
The veiled insinuation didn’t sit well with the tenants and several of them started to talk. Wyatt let them, stepping back to lean against the wall while Mia worked to quiet everyone. Wyatt looked at Shay, then Gabby and Owen. “You three are like high schoolers.”
Gabby laughed too loudly. “Sorry, Wyatt.”
Owen’s eyes twinkled, and he arched an eyebrow at Wyatt. “Yeah. Sorry, Detective Daniels.”
Wyatt’s lips curved but not all the way into a smile. He stared at Shay. She shrugged. “I’m not sorry.”
This made him smile. Brady whistled and got everyone’s attention again.
“Let Mia finish, please.”
Mia stared at Brady a moment, then addressed the group. “Thank you…Brady. Okay, as Detective Daniels requested, please take the time to go through your things. If you find something…” she said, then looked at Wyatt.
With his hand on Shay’s waist, warming it, he answered the unasked question. “A square cardboard box. Unmarked. About half the size of a shoebox. If it hasn’t been opened, it should have clear packing tape along the seams.”
Mia nodded. “Okay. If you find such a box, please take it immediately to Mr. Daniels. We want to get things back to normal here as soon as possible. I’ll be popping by to say hello to each of you and asking whether or not you’d like your space painted. I know we all have our own lives but by sharing this space, as neighbors, they do intersect. The decisions we make have a ripple effect, and I’m sorry that the decisions my family have made recently have had a negative impact on all of you.”
Brady gave a brisk nod when Mia finished speaking. People milled about, several of them going up to say hello to Mia. Brady wove his way through the crowd. He clapped Owen on the back, gave Gabby a hug, and started to lean toward Shay but stopped when he looked at Wyatt. “Hey, New Girl. Detective Daniels.”
Wyatt rolled his eyes, which made Shay laugh. “
You kind of asked for that,” she said.
“Anyone want to grab some food?” Brady looked at them hopefully. “I’m starving.”
“We’re in,” Gabby said after looking at Owen.
Shay looked at Wyatt, who shook his head. “I’m going to go in to work for a few hours. You have time before your event to join, though.” He looked at them, specifically Brady and Owen. “Keep an eye on her. Actually, maybe one of you could give her a ride to the library?” He looked back at Shay. “If not, I’ll come back and drive you.”
Shay’s mouth opened and then closed. She put her hands on her hips and glared up at him. “Do you want to offer them babysitting money?”
Wyatt’s lips firmed, and she could see him fighting back the laughter that Owen, Gabby, and Brady didn’t even try to hide. “No, honey. Your company is quite pleasant enough. I’m sure they’re happy to hang out with you for free.”
“I can drive you,” Brady offered.
Wyatt scowled at this and then gave a mumbled, “Thanks.”
He kissed her quickly on the lips, then cupped a hand around her neck, kissing her a little bit longer. In her ear he whispered, “I’ll see you later.”
She watched him go, torn between being pissed at him and wanting to go after him and kiss him again.
“So. Let’s hit Milly’s Diner, and Shay can tell us about how much she loves the former crime boss turned detective,” Brady said, slinging an arm around her shoulder.
Torn between amusement and guilt, she shrugged off his arm. He was acting fine with everything, but Shay felt…unsettled with how they’d left things.
She spoke quietly so, hopefully, only he could hear. “Are we okay?”
He gave her a one-sided smile. “We’re fine. Except that one of us is really hungry.”
She frowned at him. “I’m serious. I feel like maybe I led—”
He put a hand up, stopping her from saying anything else. “Don’t worry about it. Seriously. We’re fine. I really like you, Shay, but I have a thing about dating women who live in the building. Too close to home, you know?”
That was great. No guilt. Except, what had they been doing? “Oh. Well, excellent.”
He must have read her confusion because he bent his knees a bit to be eye level. “It didn’t seem necessary to have that conversation. I wanted—want—to be friends with you. And after the dinner at your place, I thought maybe I’d have to tell you about my rule, but it became pretty clear after you got hurt that you only wanted friendship. With me.”
What he said was true. Shay still thought she could have handled it better. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Just be careful.”
Too late for that. At least where her heart was concerned.
“We going, you two?” Gabby called from where she stood snuggled into Owen’s arms.
Shay wasn’t all that hungry. “You guys go ahead. I’m going to head home. I have a few more things to organize.”
“No. Come. Please. Brady’s just teasing and nursing a wounded ego because Mia hates him.”
“Hey!” Brady stopped and whirled on Gabby.
Owen laughed and tugged on the back of Gabby’s shirt. “Let’s grab some jackets. Come on, Shay. It’s our treat. We won’t let Brady bug you.”
She hesitated for only a second more and decided that she could use the time to talk about ideas for the party with them as well. “Okay. I’ll grab my jacket.”
Mia was at the front desk when she came back down. The others were waiting outside the glass doors and Gabby waved to her. Mia smiled and Shay went to introduce herself.
“I’m Shay. I live in 302. I guess it’s weird to say welcome to the building…” Shay started, then broke off with a laugh.
Mia’s laugh relaxed her features, made her look more approachable. “No. It’s not, I guess. I am new here. Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”
They shook hands, and Mia tipped her head to the side. “Shay? You have the flyer up about Shine, right? Event Planner?”
Shay pulled her coat tighter and nodded. “Yes. Is it okay that I put the information on the board?”
Mia shuffled some papers, looked down at them, and then back up. “Yes. It’s completely fine.” She grabbed a paper from her pile and pushed it toward Shay. “It’s coming up on the one hundredth anniversary of when my family bought Kendrick Place and I was thinking of putting together a party. I haven’t worked out any details yet, but I’ve spoken to my grandmother, and we thought perhaps a costume or theme party depicting the era it was purchased in could be quite fun. The courtyard is such a lovely feature and would be great for hosting. What do you think?”
Shay’s brain spun. “You’d have to wait for better weather.” Mentally smacking herself for pointing out something so obvious, she continued, “But I think it could be beautiful. Very elegant and certainly, it would be easy to work with that theme with the building and courtyard as the backdrop.”
She had to remind herself that she couldn’t jump up and down at the prospect of another job offer, even if this one sounded more high-end than the others she’d been working on. Stay cool. She smiled then stood straighter, as though her height was directly relevant to her professionalism.
“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Would you be interested? Perhaps we could meet and talk? I was thinking closer to spring. Maybe the end of April? Hopefully things will have calmed down here and everyone will feel settled.”
Shay smiled so wide her cheeks ached. “I am absolutely interested and would love to sit down with you. I know you’re busy, so I’ll just play with some ideas for now, based on what you’ve told me, and you can tell me when your schedule is free. You know where to find me,” she said. She laughed a bit too loudly and figured retreat was her best strategy. Before she wrecked it for herself with her unchecked excitement.
Mia shook her hand again, smiling warmly. “Perfect. Thanks, Shay. It was nice to meet you.”
“You, too.”
Shay waved once more and joined the group outside. Brady was scowling, which didn’t seem to suit him. “What’d Diva want?”
They walked on the salted sidewalk, side by side, with Owen and Gabby holding hands on her left. “She wanted to hire me to put on this huge gala to celebrate her family’s one hundredth anniversary in the community.”
“That’s fantastic,” Gabby said, with a somewhat ear-piercing shriek. “Everything happens for a reason.”
“Congratulations, Shay. That’s big,” Owen said.
Shay nodded, completely overwhelmed and thrilled all at the same time. “It is. Thank you.”
Brady was quiet. She nudged him with her shoulder. “She’s nice.”
“Yeah. If vipers can be nice. Just watch out. She’s first and foremost a spoiled princess. Then a business woman. I’m not sure which is worse, but I’m pretty sure her bark and her bite are equally lethal.”
“Aw, come on, Brady. Cut her some slack. She’s dealing with a lot, too,” Gabby said.
Shay glanced at Gabby, waiting for her to say more. Gabby cheerily obliged. “You see stuff about their family online sometimes. I heard her dad is retiring, and the brother is supposed to take over but won’t for some reason.”
Owen looked down at her with a mixture of amusement and affection. “I see you’re keeping up on the important news,” he teased.
Gabby laughed, and Shay enjoyed seeing the easy back and forth between them. They stopped in front of a small diner about four blocks from their building. A pink sign over the door read Milly’s. It was packed inside.
Owen held the door, gesturing for the ladies to go first. “Besides, aren’t you a business man? What’s wrong with that?”
They huddled at the door while they waited for someone to seat them. Brady huffed, his hands in his pockets. “I’m not so stuffy about it. Or completely unappreciative of my staff. You didn’t endure endless conversations about every dime I’ve spent in the last three weeks or argue with her about the list of shit th
at needs to be done around the place.”
“No. And I’m glad it was you, not me,” Owen said as a woman with very high hair approached them.
“Hi there. Four? Give me a few minutes and I’ll clear that back table for you.”
They nodded, and Shay felt her pocket buzz. Taking out her phone, she saw a text from Wyatt that read Looking forward to tonight. Good luck with your event. It’ll be great. Shay smiled and Brady poked her in the shoulder.
“What happened to staying away from him, New Girl?”
Shay stuck her tongue out at him, making Owen and Gabby laugh. “That was your suggestion. Besides,” she said, thinking she needed to call her brothers—Brady made her miss them more—and glanced at Gabby, “everything happens for a reason.”
Both the men groaned and Gabby high-fived her. They were still laughing when the waitress showed them to their booth.
Chapter Fifteen
“Yes, Mom,” Wyatt said, trying not to sigh. One hand gripped the phone, holding it to his ear while he used the other to rub the tension from his neck. “No. Abigail was the one who asked to reschedule this time. Yes, I’ll be there next week. ”
While he listened to his mom talk about how great that would be and how long it had been since he’d come for a proper visit, Shay’s arms slid around him from behind. Her skin was still warm from her shower. A shower he’d missed out on because she told him to answer his mother’s call. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled at her. His heart clenched, just from the sight of her, but at least he was getting used to the fact that he was crazy about her. There was no way around it. Everything about her got to him, made him want things he’d given up even thinking about.
She was still in a towel, and it rubbed against his bare back. Her fingers danced over his abs, and he had to flatten his hand across them so he could focus on what his mom was saying. When he felt her towel slip away and her naked body press up against him, he inhaled sharply.
“Yeah. Mom? I gotta go. Sorry. Listen…I’m bringing someone with me… What? Yes, a girl. Jesus, Ma… Okay. Sorry. Yes. Love you, too. Bye.”
