Free Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1) by Gloria Herrmann

the spot.
     
    ***
     
    Liam
     
    After Liam showered and dressed, he was looking forward to sharing a nice breakfast with his brothers. He mentally perused the diner’s menu, having a difficult time deciding between the waffles or pancakes. Still undecided, he grabbed his keys and coat, then made his way to Herrick’s with a smile on his face and a growling stomach.
    The parking lot was full when Liam noticed his brothers’ work truck parked near the front entrance. When he saw a car backing out, he put his signal on to let the driver in the silver sports car who had just pulled up know it was going to be his spot. The parked car made its way fully out of the space, and before Liam could hit the gas, the silver BMW swiped it. Irritated and surprised, Liam honked the horn. He then sat there motionless as a woman with blonde hair cropped short in some fairy-like cut emerged from the car and pulled her sweater tight around her trim body. With her nose upturned, she didn’t even glance to see where the sound of the horn came from as she went inside Herrick’s Diner.
    The small pinch of anger passed after a moment, but Liam was still staring at the car that had stolen his spot. Realizing the driver wasn’t a local, he then eyed the California plates.
    Well, that explains that, I suppose. After locating another parking space, Liam saw the petite woman exiting the diner with a large to-go cup. Seemingly unaware that he was watching her, she got into her fancy car and left.
    Liam got out of his truck and made his way into the diner, where he scanned the booths for his brothers. They were perched in their regular place at the far end of the counter.
    Daniel gave him a wave and his usual bright smile. “Hey, buddy. You look a little pissed. Everything okay?”
    Liam simply shook his head. “The nerve of some people. I was pulling in a little bit ago and was waiting on a space when this lady just stole it.”
    “Well, ladies first.” Daniel laughed as he grabbed a piece of bacon from his plate.
    “Yeah, I get that, but it was kind of rude, don’t you think? I had my signal on. I was there first, and she didn’t even look in my direction at all,” Liam steamed as he flagged down the waitress to order some breakfast.
    Patrick grinned. “Let me guess, was she that cute little blonde that was just in here?”
    Liam ordered some pancakes and waffles. After having been riled up, he figured he deserved both. The waitress smiled as she poured him some coffee and walked away with his order.
    “She caused a couple of stares, that’s for sure.” Daniel waved his bacon in the air as he talked.
    “Pretty much only Daniel was staring,” Patrick added playfully before he sipped his coffee.
    “You know what else? Guess where she’s from?” Liam asked. “California. Surprise, surprise, huh?”
    “Hey, relax, man, she only stole your parking spot. I think you’ll live,” Daniel said gently, giving Liam’s shoulder a squeeze.
    Both men laughed as they turned back to their meals while Liam grabbed the mug in front of him and tried to swallow down the irritation settling back in.
     
    ***
     
    Rachel
     
    Rachel pulled away from the diner and quickly returned to the Realty office. She was surprised by the extreme friendliness of the people in the restaurant. Several waved or nodded in her direction as she waited for a cup of coffee to go. The diner itself had her feeling as if she had been transported to another time. The vinyl booths, the stools at the counter, even the waitress’s uniform looked as though they were from decades ago. But she could admit the place smelled fantastic, and the coffee was some of the best she had ever tasted. Rachel actually looked forward to eating there eventually.
    Her mood lighter, she opened the door to the Realty office.
    “Oh good, you’re back. This here is Cheryl.” The older woman motioned at the finely dressed woman standing next to her.
    “Good morning. You must be Rachel? So very