Page 107 of Just Let Go

“I love it. Love how you’ve put your own spin on it. The place has never looked better.”

Quinn smiled. “Never?”

Judge’s eyebrow winched up slightly. “Never.”

The compliment made her feel better than it probably should’ve. “Did you just stop by to say hi?”

“And to check up on our favorite Olympian.” Judge’s deep baritone had only ever been warm and inviting to Quinn, but she could see how the man might be intimidating if he were sitting on the other side of the bench. “Where is Mr. Benson?”

Quinn was surprised she couldn’t pinpoint his exact location—she’d known it practically all day—but when she scanned her little shop, she couldn’t find Grady.

“He was just here,” she said.

Judge looked around, then half shrugged. “Don’t see him now.”

“Is he in trouble?”

He eyed her. “Depends. Is he keeping up with his community service?”

“Yes, Judge,” Quinn said. “He’s actually been an exceptional worker.”

“That so?”

“I haven’t seen the boy take a single break today,” Beverly chimedin. “He must really like our girl.” She slid an arm around Quinn, who suddenly felt claustrophobic.

The last thing she needed was their matchmaking. She shrugged herself out of Beverly’s grasp. “Let me see if he’s in the back.”

Judge nodded, then turned toward one of the displays. Outdoor garden decorations. That wouldn’t keep him occupied for long—Judge wasn’t exactly the gardening type.

She slipped into the back room, checking the bathroom and her office, but Grady wasn’t back there.

Why had Judge chosen that exact moment to come in? Why couldn’t he have stopped by earlier when the man was hauling old shelves and bookcases up from her filthy basement?

More importantly, why did she care? If Grady had skipped out early, he’d pay the consequences. That wasn’t her fault.

And yet, despite everything, it wasn’t what she wanted.

She pulled out her phone. She’d text him quick, see if she could find him. But before she could get a word typed, she spotted him in the alley out back, behind the shop, phone to his ear, pacing back and forth.

She made her way through the back door, pulse racing because she knew she couldn’t avoid him for another minute, not if she wanted to keep him from making things worse for himself.

As soon as she opened the door, she heard him, though his back was to her.

“I can’t even believe you’d bring that up, Pete,” he said. “I’m telling you what I want. What I need. If you can’t get on board with that, then I’ll find someone who can. It’s not like you’re doing a whole lot for my career right now anyway.”

There was a pause.

“That was true, when I was on top. Now that I have to fight my way back, you’ve all but disappeared. You’ve already quit on me.” Another pause. “I don’t care what the reporters are saying—listen to what I’m saying. I’m not done yet. And I’m getting back on that team.” He spun around and saw her standing there.

Why hadn’t she slammed the door or cleared her throat or something? Now she looked like she was eavesdropping.

“I gotta go.” Grady held her gaze as he pulled the phone away from his ear.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to...”

He looked angry. Or maybe something else—hurt?

“Everything okay?”

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