Page 64 of Liberation

God, I love her for trying to lighten things up.“Are you feeling crowded in my California King?”

“Not at the moment. But I’ve only stayed over once and that’s not enough time to form an opinion. I guess I could always sleep at my place if you two are bed hogs.”

Jace shoots upright, staring down at Becca with a pained expression. “You’re gonna keep your place? I was sorta thinking you’d move in with us.”

Becca’s cute little lips form a surprised ‘o.’ “It’s not too soon for that? I mean, we only just made things official.”

“Pretty sure in our circumstance there isn’t any particular roadmap to follow.” I link my fingers with hers. “We’d love to have you move in, but if you want to ease into things that works, too.”

Jace is still frowning, signaling he doesn’t like that idea, but I’m determined that she make the call on this. We owe her that.

“I mean, employee housing is convenient at all, but it’s not really home, you know?”

“This is home,” Jace insists.

“Yeah. I kind of think it is.” She gives him a shy smile before turning to look at me. “So, a bed for three? And do we each have an assigned spot, or do we rotate? Just because I’m the girl doesn’t mean I want to sleep bitch all the time.”

Wrapping a hand around her neck, I pull her to me and slap a lingering kiss on her lips. “I love you.” I grin. Then I lean up and do the same to Jace. I fall asleep knowing that while fate may have knocked me around a bit to get me to this place, it led me to the future I was meant to have, just like I always knew it would. And it was definitely worth the wait.

***

Ryder

“Ryder Vohrees,” The judge’s voice echoes through the high ceilings of the courtroom. “You’ve been charged with one count of driving under the influence. How do you plea?”

My lawyer’s face is expressionless as he gives me a curt nod, and I parrot the words he drilled into my head during our last meeting. “No contest, Your Honor.”

I’m guilty as fuck–we all know it, thanks to the breathalizer they gave me. Apparently, pleading no contest is like accepting punishment without admitting guilt. I think it’s supposed to look better on my record or something, as if I give a shit what my record says. If I gave a shit about anything these days, I wouldn't be in a court, awaiting the inevitable clink of handcuffs being locked around my wrists.

“Very well. I hereby sentence you to one hundred hours of community service. You will report…”

“If I may, Your Honor,” my attorney interrupts.

Based on the deep lines between the judge’s eyes, I get the impression hemaynot, but that doesn’t stop the guy on my left from plowing ahead.

“Carter Quinn would like to propose Ryder perform his community service at the Katah Vista resort.” My attorney waves a hand in Carter’s direction. “They have an adaptive program for disabled riders, and they are in need of instructors.”

What the fuck?This was not part of the plan. I did not plead no contest to get stuck back in the absolute last place I want to be.

I glance over my shoulder to the only other guy wearing a suit here, besides my lawyer. In a manner of speaking, Carter’s sort of my boss. His resort is my biggest sponsor, and without him I wouldn’t be able to compete on the snowboard circuit. But he already bailed me out of jail when my parents called him in a panic after my arrest, so it’d make more sense for him to drop me than to do it again with this community service gig.What is he playing at?

“Is that correct, Mr. Quinn?” The judge arches a thick brow in Carter’s direction.

“Yes, Your Honor. Our program is just getting off the ground, and I’m sure you’re aware of Ryder’s expertise on a snowboard. His experience would be invaluable.”

“What experience?” My attorney shoots me a warning glare–I’m not supposed to talk unless I’m asked a question or I risk being out of order or in contempt or something–but speaking up is the only way I can see to stop this train wreck, even if it gets me in more trouble. “I don’t know how to teach disabled riders.”

“You will once you complete the training program,” Carter replies without missing a beat.

I open my mouth again but can’t get any words out before my attorney clasps my forearm in his iron grip.He’s stronger than I expected for a suit.

“Your mission would seem to meet the requirements for community service, but as it’s not yet recognized by this court, I’m reluctant to grant this request, even in light of Mr. Vohrees’s reputation on the snow.” I breathe a sigh of relief as the judge puts an end to my nightmare.My celebrity isn’t going to get me any special favors. Good.It’s short lived.

“I could really use Ryder’s help, Your Honor,” Carter appeals. “I’ll personally oversee his hours to ensure compliance with any instructions you have, and perhaps with the successful completion of our program, will be recognized by the court going forward.”

My jaw is locked so tight I think my teeth might crack. I’d rather go to jail than strap on a snowboard. As it is, I get fucking chest palpitations when it snows.

“Seeing as how Mr. Vohrees is a very capable rider, and this is his first offense, your idea has merit. Very well, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Vohrees is in your charge.” The judge bangs his gavel, and the courtroom starts to clear out.

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