Page 83 of Ozzie

I wrap my arms around his waist. “You will never lose either of us.” That much I am certain of. And I did mean what I said. What I feel for Ozzie is more real than anything I’ve ever felt.

The pizza arrives and we spend the rest of the night hanging out like we used to do. By the time I get to my room to go to bed, I’ve missed a text and call from Ozzie.

Ozzie:How did things go with your cousin? Willow doesn’t want to talk about it and has been off and on crying.

Hopefully, she’s not asking for comfort. I sigh. She’s not. I’m just being jealous. But it’s hard not to be. The woman is staying at Ozzie’s, and I want to be there instead.

Piper:He didn’t say too much other than everything he believed was a lie. I think he’s softening on the idea of us dating.

Ozzie:Really? I hope so. I really care about you, Piper, and I want to see where this goes.

Piper:Me too.

Ozzie:Lunch tomorrow?

I smile at the idea of getting to see him tomorrow.

Piper:Yes, my pick.

Ozzie:Haha. I can handle that. Goodnight, Piper.

Piper:Goodnight.

I lie back and stare at the ceiling. While I hate that my cousin is hurting right now and Willow, too, I’m happy Ozzie found her. Because it looks like this is what Durango needed.

My phone buzzes, and I grab it, hoping for another text from Ozzie, but instead, I see I missed a call from Jerry, and he left a voicemail. I listen.

“Piper, I’ll be coming into the office in the morning to chat. My motion to dismiss today was denied, and John’s attorney has since filed another motion. I want to update you in person about what’s going on. Talk to you tomorrow.”

John. Damn you. Why won’t this case go away? So far, no one has come forward as a witness, and there has been no video footage found. John still insists I was the aggressor and caused him harm.

If he wants harm, I’m going to ask Jerry how we can insist John show up for one of these hearings. I’d like to see him sit long enough to fly or drive here. I hope his ass still hurts.

CHAPTER 25

Ozzie

The evening hadn’t been as awkwardas I was expecting it to be. Willow spent most of the time in Coff’s old room. Well, I guess it’s her room now. I heard her crying a couple of times, but at one point, she came out for a glass of water. I asked her if she wanted to talk. She said no and went back to the room.

This morning, she is still sleeping when I leave. I plan to ask Durango about their conversation, but I doubt he’ll tell me much. The tension is still thick between us.

“Who the hell did this?” Lightning yells from the kitchen.

I take a deep breath as I stand from my desk. I’m sure whatever it is, it’s Lightning’s fault.

As I round the corner into the kitchen, I have to bite back my laughter. Lightning is standing in front of therefrigerator, covered in glitter. I mean, seriously covered. It’s in his hair and stuck all over his face. Gold glitter everywhere.

Axel steps up next to me. “What the hell happened to you?”

Lightning glares at us both. “Which one of you did this?”

I can’t hold my laughter back. “I didn’t, but it’s sure funny as hell.” I pull my phone from my pocket and snap a few photos.

Axel laughs too. “Sorry, man, but you know I wouldn’t do anything like this.”

Lightning frowns. “Durango wouldn’t, either.”

Someone whistles as they walk down the hall. We all turn our gaze to the doorway as Thunder walks in. Without saying a word, he steps past Lightning, opens the fridge, and grabs a yogurt. Then he goes to the drawer to retrieve a spoon. He continues to whistle as he leaves the kitchen, not acknowledging or saying a word to his friend.

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