Free A Mate's Wish (Ouachita Mountain Shifters 0.5) by P. Jameson Page B

have long to wonder about it because Ryan rushed over, scooping her up in a hug. Her brother was such a tall and burley man, he made her feel tiny even though she was anything but.
    “She’s here because she wants to help, Beth,” he whispered into her ear. “Hear her out, okay?”
    Beth managed to nod.
    “How is my little corndog?” he asked.
    She gave him a horrified look. “God, don’t call me that . What are we, three?”
    He sighed. “Growing up is hard to do.”
    “Whatever.” Beth looked past his shoulder at the woman she used to call best friend. “Josie.”
    She rushed forward as if she’d been given a green light. “Hi, Beth. Look, I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for a while now.”
    Probably wanting Beth to front her for another new car. Bad enough she was still paying on the last one. After college, Josie hadn’t wanted to grow up, and Beth spent several years enabling her over-the-top lifestyle while working enough hours to make the Keebler elves look lazy.
    Until she’d put her foot down. A time she liked to refer to as Summer-geddon. The end of a friendship as they knew it.
    Josie dug around in her designer shoulder bag. “It’s a knock-off,” she said, sheepishly. After a bit more rummaging, she came out with a stuffed envelope and held it out to Beth. “Here.”
    “What’s this?” Beth took the package, thumbing it open. There was a thick wad of cash inside.
    “It’s… an apology. It’s enough to pay off the loan on the car.”
    Whoa. “Are you serious?”
    Josie nodded.
    “How did you do this?”
    A short laugh escaped her. “I worked for it. I got a job at the Indigo Club.”
    Beth’s eyes grew wide. “No, Jos. You can’t do that.”
    Josie shook her head. “It’s not what you think. I’m doing their books. Accounting and stuff. I don’t even set foot in the club. There’s a legit office downtown.”
    Bethany eyed her friend.
    “Hey, you were right. It feels good to use my degree.” There was a hint of pride in her voice, but she was also unsure. “Ry told me you needed help up here and I had a few days off for the holidays so… here I am. I want to help.”
    Beth nodded, ignoring the tears blistering her eyes. “Thank you, Jos. I appreciate it.”
    “It’s… it’s what friends are for, right?” Her hopeful tone sent Beth barreling forward to hug her.
    She would tread carefully, but this was the most proactive thing Josie had ever done, and Beth wouldn’t snub her nose at it.
    A throat cleared behind them, and they broke apart, each brushing tears away.
    Magic stood tall next to Ryan, the two men looking unbearably uncomfortable.
    “This is Magic,” Beth sniffed. “He runs the lodge. Magic, this is my brother Ryan…” But Magic’s gaze was on Josie instead of her brother. “And that’s Josie. They’ve… uh, come to help take over for Renner until he’s better.”
    Magic squinted, cocking his head. “Do I know you?”
    Josie frowned. “I don’t think so.”
    “Are you from Weston?”
    “No. Memphis.”
    The intensity of his stare never let up.
    Ryan stuck his hand out. “Nice to meet you, Magic. We’ll talk to Renner and have this place ready to go by the weekend.”
    Magic shook it, finally breaking his stare with Josie. “Appreciate it.” He turned to Beth. “Layna’s at the front desk. She can show them to their rooms. Two, right?”
    Beth nodded.
    “Good. We’ll talk later then.” He stalked off before anything else could be said.
    “Alright.” Beth clapped her hands together. “Follow me and we’ll get you all set.”
    Inside, the lobby was full of patrons chatting and taking advantage of the free hot cocoa. Layna waved them over.
    “Where’s your brother?” she asked.
    “Right here,” Beth laughed. “This is Ryan and this is my friend, Josie.”
    Layna’s eyebrows popped. “ This is Ryan? From the pictures? He, uh… sure grew up.”
    “Nice to meet you, ma’am,” he husked.
    Beth frowned at her brother.