Chasing Trouble (In Ashwood Book 3)

by Kinney Scott

  Linnea nodded and listened politely as her aunt continued, “My book club will start a new title, and it’s my weekend to volunteer at the food bank.”

  “Thanks, but I think I’ll wait until after the holidays to add anything new to my schedule,” Linnea said with a weak smile.

  These family meals were tolerable when Seth and Natalie visited. She could count on Owen and Traci to liven up the place with their kids for Sunday dinners. Yet, with Amanda gone, Linnea desperately needed a change.

  ***

  The following evening Seth sat on a stool in the taproom with his head tipped watching the game on the screen behind the bar. Natalie had kicked Seth out of Whitewater’s office to wrap up her tasks. Following Amanda’s sudden departure, the office work took extra time.

  “Do you want another Buzz at Dusk?” Linnea asked after he finished off his first pint of the porter.

  “Sure. Looks like I’ll be here a while,” he said with a nod.

  Another string of commercials began, and Linnea decided now was as good a time as any to fire off her question, “Seth, did I see a tiny home recently come back from a customer?”

  “Yeah. It’s a few years old. I worked out a deal with the couple who wanted a larger place. They’re having a baby and need a larger house without a loft.”

  “Do you have anyone lined up to buy the smaller home?” she asked, hoping.

  “Not yet, I wanted to replace some of the finishes and freshen it up a bit. Why do you ask?” Seth asked as she slid his beer across the counter.

  “I talked to Amanda and it sounds like she’s doing great in Hood River. She’s already signed up for photography classes at the college,” Linnea began.

  Seth nodded, “Neil helped her find a great job at a local online magazine. Right now it’s part-time, but she can submit her freelance photography and work with local writers on articles.”

  Linn sensed Seth’s optimism for his youngest sibling, hoping Amanda would take root in the larger nearby community. He watched as his cousin gathered her thoughts and waited for her to continue, still confused about the connection between Amanda’s new job and the tiny home parked next door.

  Placing her palms on the bar, she steadied herself. “I’d like to buy that home,” she said abruptly.

  He tipped back slightly on the stool, surprised.

  Linnea continued, “It’s not that I don’t appreciate everything your parents are doing for me…”

  Seth interrupted, now understanding her intent, “Hey, I get it. You’re ready for your own space.”

  She nodded, relieved. She wouldn’t need to argue with this particular Michaels’ man to plead her case. Wade might not cooperate as easily.

  Seth offered another alternative, “Why don’t you rent the tiny home from me for a few months? After you’ve lived in the space for a while you can decide if this home is the best fit for you.”

  “Oh, that sounds terrific,” Linnea agreed, enthusiasm brightening her face, she needed this change…soon.

  SIX

  Wade glanced at his phone concerned to see his sister’s name on the screen. Looking at the time, he figured Linnea probably just finished her shift. Calls this late often pointed to a problem at Mosquito. He took a breath, wondering if he’d need to drive back from Klamath Falls and leave Ravenna for a few days on her own at her brewery.

  Silver Raven and Mosquito Creek consumed massive energy, creativity, and time. However, sharing the effort with a woman he loved made up for the work and six-hour commute. The couple switched locations weekly, staying in her loft above Silver Raven when in Klamath Falls. And when in Ashwood, they lived at his recently purchased property on the White Salmon River. Fortunately, they both had solid people in place to keep both operations humming.

  “Linn hi, what’s going on? Did something happen at Mosquito today?” he asked immediately.

  “No, that’s not why I called. I wanted to run an idea by you and Ravenna. Could you put her on speaker?”

  “Sure just a second,” Linnea waited. She heard a muffled conversation between them before Ravenna said hello.

  “Hi, Linnea - we miss you. What’s going on in Ashwood?” Ravenna asked, her voice echoing over speakerphone. The previous week the women talked a bit about Linnea’s options, and Ravenna knew what to expect from this conversation.

  Linnea took a breath and plowed ahead, “If you haven’t heard, Amanda’s made plans for next quarter. She’s signed-up for photography and marketing classes. Now that she’s gone, I’ve been thinking about moving out of Uncle Bill and Aunt Sandy’s.”

  Wade looked at Ravenna, wondering if she had been expecting this news. She reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. “Okay, I can understand that. Are you thinking of moving in with one of your friends in Ashwood?” he asked, not knowing enough about how she spent her free time. His jaw clenched as he wondered if she planned to move in with Rick.

  “Not exactly. I’ve talked to Seth. He has a tiny house that recently came back from a customer. I guess the couple traded it for a larger model,” Wade waited, recalling his experience living in one of Seth’s homes.

  “Wade, I was hoping to park it near your place on the river property you bought in town.” On the other end of the line, Linnea heard nothing for a few seconds and began to regret the request. Maybe it was too much.

  Wade nodded at Ravenna, hoping she would approve of Linnea’s idea. Ravenna smiled, gave him two thumbs up and shook her head with an enthusiastic yes.

  Her brother answered, “Sure, Linnea. I think that’s a great idea. Unless you want to move into our place. That’s always an option. We’re only there every other week.”

  “No, I do appreciate the offer. I’d like to settle into my own space, even if it’s small.”

  Ravenna leaned toward the phone, “If you think about it and change your mind, Linn, let us know. We would both be thrilled to have you at our place.”

  Wade finished the thought, “The offer stands.”

  “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll visit but would like to live on my own.”

  “Have you looked at the little house?” Ravenna asked

  “Only through the windows. I just talked to Seth today - I haven’t had time.”

  Ravenna sensed Linnea’s hesitation and encouraged her decision, “All of Seth’s builds are great…and if you need to make a few changes, Rick will be happy to help.”

  She heard her brother moving away from the phone, and the sound of a refrigerator opening. Then his voice resonated through their industrial loft, as he hollered, “We’ll be back in Ashwood on Monday.”

  “I can’t wait to welcome you to our place by the river,” Ravenna said, looking forward to building on their close sisterly-relationship.

  “I promise not to be a pest,” Linnea laughed before ending the call. “See you soon - love you both.”

  “Love you too,” their voices echoed together.

  Linnea leaned back in her chair, and laughed, “I can’t believe I wasted time stressing over that call,” she said to herself as she shut down her computer for the night. With plans in place, she looked forward to revealing the exciting news to Rick.

  Flicking off the lights, she spotted Dillon in the brewery, “Hey, are you almost finished for the night? Do you need my help before I take off?” she asked, pulling the office door shut.

  He hollered as he walked toward the tanks, “No, I’m good. Annie finished cleanup in the taproom and it’s ready for tomorrow. I’ve got a few things to wrap up.” She liked Wade’s friend from high school, but could scarcely remember meeting him before he and Wade left Yakima.

  “See you tomorrow,” Dillon waved, as she left. He watched her leave and regretted losing touch with the Michaels family. When he followed Wade to Ashwood, Linnea was too young to notice. And during her first summer in Ashwood, he’d been trapped at the old location north of town. Rick wasted no time where Linnea was concerned, lucky man.

  Linnea sat in her car reveling in her buoya
nt mood. Freedom - a buzz of excitement pulsed through her. She’d have her own place. Yes, it would be on her brother’s property, but with her own front door and her own key.

  Walking into Northside grill Linnea spotted Rick at the bar waiting for her to arrive. His friends were shooting pool, but he could tell from her recent call she had something on her mind. The spot he chose at the bar gave a view of the door as customers came and went.

  A friend from the fire department, Grant, held the door open as Linnea walked inside. Grant’s eyes lingered on the sway of her ass as she moved past him into Northside Grill. Rick didn’t like it, but also couldn’t blame the guy. Linn’s round butt was a thing of pure beauty.

  An unusually bright smile beamed from Linn, she must have terrific news. Moving swiftly toward him, Rick spotted men glancing as she passed, a few ducked their heads when he shot them a look. He stood and slid a firm hand around her waist. The possessive kiss melted her knees and sent a message to anyone still drinking in her curves - Mine.

  “Babe, do you want to sit at the bar or grab a table?” Rick asked looking forward to their evening.

  “A table, if that’s okay,” she nodded.

  “Choose a spot, and I’ll meet you with your drink. Wine?” he asked knowing she liked something different after spending the day surrounded by beer.

  Linnea nodded, stood on tiptoe and kissed him again, “Yes.” she said quietly past her excited smile. The way she whispered that addictive word shot need south.

  Iris, the owner of Northside Grill, nodded to Linnea from across the bar. She missed spending time with Wade’s sister, but after breaking things off with Wade, her relationship with his family wasn’t quite the same. Iris had created this regrettable distance herself. She knew she was the origin of the tension and planned to repair the damage soon.

  “Chardonnay?” Iris asked Rick, anticipating the order.

  He nodded, “And another IPA.”

  “Have a seat Rick I’ll bring it over with a menu,” Iris said filling Linnea’s glass.

  He found Linnea in a private corner, took a seat next to her, and slid his hand onto her thigh beneath the table.

  “I didn’t see you much today, were you on site at Whitewater?” she asked.

  Rick shook his head, “No, there was a propane leak at a farm on the edge of town. It wasn’t a big deal but I took the call and waited around for the gas company to arrive.”

  Iris walked over with menus tucked under her arm, Ricks Double Deet, and Linnea’s wine.

  “Hi Iris, we need to get together next week. I miss you,” Linnea’s warmth pulled her in. Iris put down the drinks and wrapped her friend in a quick hug.

  “I miss you too. Coffee or lunch?” Iris asked, craving time with her friend.

  “Lunch, maybe at the new pizza place in town?”

  “Perfect. Text me,” she added turning to investigate a crash of glass behind the bar. Heads turned and a few younger guys near the pool tables applauded the sound.

  “Gotta go,” Iris dashed to help with the mess, while Linnea laughed in sympathy. She’d dealt with similar messes at the taproom at least twice last week.

  Turning back to Rick she found an expectant man, waiting to listen. His intense gaze struck her speechless. That, and the rugged stubble that grew in each evening, giving his face a sexy shadow.

  “I’ve missed you,” she whispered with quiet passion.

  “Missed you too, babe,” his hand slid a few inches higher on her thigh, spreading warmth to her core. His gaze heated and he waited, wondering what had Linnea so keyed up tonight.

  “I have news,” she finally said.

  “Mm, hmm. I’d like to hear it,” he smiled.

  “I found a place. I’m moving out of Bill and Sandy’s,” her leg bounced with excitement beneath his grasp.

  Rick’s smile shifted from steamy to sizzling. “Where? Did you talk to Kelsey?” he asked when she didn’t volunteer the information.

  “No, even better. I talked to Seth. You know the compact home that came back?”

  He nodded, “yeah.”

  “Seth’s going to let me rent it, and if I like the place I’ll buy it!” Her voice lifted with unleashed excitement.

  Rick masked his concern, unable to think of any spot in town where he’d be comfortable leaving Linnea on her own. The north end of the shop had room for tiny homes, but there wasn’t any way he’d abandon Linnea at the industrial complex each night. Hell, he hated it when she worked late.

  She explained her plan, “Wade and Ravenna agreed to let me park it on their river property.”

  That spot was marginally better, but still, it was remote. “That’s great Linnea. Congratulations,” he said, smiling past his concern.

  Ideas volleyed as she detailed her plans. She hoped to move the home within the week. Her quick decisions might accelerate his timeline. He wanted her in his cabin, not a tiny home across town.

  SEVEN

  Seth carefully watched Linnea’s reaction as he opened the door to the tiny space, but he couldn’t ignore the strange tension coming off Rick.

  When she didn’t say anything Seth offered, “If you’re not convinced about this Linn, that’s okay. This small model might not be right for you.”

  Linnea inhaled, and spoke unsteadily, “Oh, it’s perfect. I’m already picturing myself in the home.”

  Rick spotted the tears in her eyes before she could fight them back, and slung his arm around her, pulling his sensitive woman close to his side. She tucked into his strength, taking what he offered. This moment could only be better if she was sharing a home with Rick, but their relationship wasn’t there…yet. He approached each step carefully and his patience worked for both of them. Linnea appreciated his dependable foundation.

  Her cousin nodded, “We still want to give the home a quick once-over. Rick, could you take the lead on this and see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced?”

  Seth turned and studied his employee - his friend, attempting to pinpoint what bothered Rick. Linnea disappeared inside, exploring the home, opening cupboards and checking storage spaces hidden under the stairs to the loft.

  “I’d be glad to, whatever Linn needs,” Rick nodded carefully.

  The loft was compact, with just enough room for a queen size mattress between the built-in side tables. A few inches of extra height made-up for the small square footage. As she climbed the narrow stairs, she laughed at the thought of Rick wedging his large frame into the snug space. When he spent the night they would make it work, but the quarters would be cozy. Rick and Seth circled the outside, checking the exterior for needed repairs.

  Peering out the window from her lofted elevation, Linnea caught a new look on Ricks face as he listened to Seth. She’d committed many of his expression to memory. His tightened lips when contemplating work, or the way he laughed with his whole body at something hilarious. She loved how his eyes wrinkled with concern when a friend was hurting. Yet, her favorite was his uninhibited smile that met her each day with tenderness and heat. Oh, that look made her squirm.

  Now he looked different, serious, and thoughtful. It reminded Linnea of her Dad when he was worried. Rick glanced up and his face transformed. He tamped down that concern when he spotted her in the window.

  Linnea slid the window open, “I love it, Seth. When can I take it to Wade’s property?”

  Seth looked at Rick, surprised. “Guess she’s ready to commit,” he chuckled.

  Those three words, ready to commit, stuck in Rick’s head, increased in volume and bounced around recklessly - ready to commit.

  ***

  Arriving at eight in the morning, Rick spotted her walking toward him from her tiny home in snug faded jeans. A flannel shirt hung open over a low cut ribbed tank top. Damn, she looks sexy as hell. Today will kill me.

  Linnea took the day off from the taproom to work alongside Rick. She’d grown impatient and wanted to speed the process along. A spot on the far side of Wade and Ravenna’s shop h
ad been leveled. From their front porch, her tiny house wouldn’t be visible, giving both places plenty of privacy. Rick would have preferred a more conspicuous spot but kept his mouth shut. If he had his way, Linnea wouldn’t be staying in her rented home too long.

  She hurried to him, excited to begin the work. Sliding her arms around his hard contours, she pressed her body to his and asked with a wicked grin, “can I wear a tool belt?”

  “Babe, we won’t get one thing finished here today if you look at me like that,” he pulled her tight to his body and she felt the evidence of his arousal against her belly. A moan escaped her lips.

  She’d planned to save this news for later, but it slipped out when his lips tasted her neck, “I told Bill and Sandy I’d be staying here tonight, to test out the space.”

  He pulled back, heat in his steely gaze, “Nope. You’re coming home with me.”

  “But…”

  He covered her mouth with two calloused fingers, “We can start out here, and leave your car here…but I want you in my bed tonight.”

  She nodded, unable to argue.

  “Good,” he growled, “Now that we’ve settled our plans, want to get to work?”

  Her head nodded and her body stayed put, firm against his. Rick kissed her thoroughly, and then he peeled his heat away. The lingering taste of his lips stalled her in place.

  Giving the lush curve of her butt a light whack, Rick grinned, “I’ll grab coffee for us in the office, and be right back.” He wandered away leaving her dazed. She figured the information about tonight would leave him distracted but had miscalculated and she was the one unable to form a coherent thought.

  Working close all morning heightened her senses. When the small space they worked in grew warm Linnea slipped out of her flannel, revealing the snug fit of the tank top. Hearing Rick’s moan she turned. His eyes held an unspoken challenge. Reaching behind his head, he snagged the back of his t-shirt pulling it off.

  Linnea’s lips dropped open a fraction, and her mouth watered. Good God, he was nothing short of beautiful. Ricks solid muscles still tan from summer stretched tight across his arms, chest, and stomach, begging to be touched.