Free Burn (L.A. Untamed #2) by Ruth Clampett Page A

That’s what I get for having a high-powered lawyer for a best friend.
    “What have I been doing? Oh, you know, shopping, eating bonbons by the pool. Oh and don’t let me forget those pesky facials and massages. It’s all so taxing.” She lets out an exaggerated huff.
    I lower my sunglasses, and narrow my eyes at her. “Who are you and what did you do with Jeanine?” I ask in a threatening voice.
    She arches her brow and gives me a scowl. “I was in New York on business. I’m pretty sure at this point that the lawsuit with Aston Noveo is never going to end. I’ll be an old lady still working on that damn case. They’ll have to wheel me in to the courthouse and their lame-ass legal team will still be asking for extensions and pushing back the court days.”
    “That’s messed up,” I say with a groan.
    She shakes her head. “You have no idea.”
    I take a long sip of my iced tea as Jeanine checks her cell phone. Everything about her is razor sharp and uncompromised. She’s the most determined woman I’ve ever known, and I’m proud to call her my friend.
    She sets down her phone and leans toward me. “Is the jackass still leaving you messages?”
    She was never a fan of Mike’s, nor he of her. It’s a relief to not have to mediate them anymore.
    “Um, actually I talked to him once, and talked to his lawyer once. Both ended really badly.”
    “I warned you not to do that!”
    “I know, I know. I lost control. But believe me, I learned my lesson. I’m not doing that again. I probably made things worse, but I couldn’t help it. I’m so full of rage, Jeanine.”
    “I know you are. If I weren’t your lawyer I’d go off on him too. What an ass. You know how I feel, Trisha . . . you deserve so much more.”
    “I know,” I say, and for the first time I think I’ve actually embraced that idea.
    “And do not talk to his lawyer. You will only screw things up. I’ve already heard from him and had to straighten him out.”
    “Okay,” I say quietly, with my proverbial tail between my legs.
    “So William needs to know if you want him to fight for you to keep the house.”
    William is her firm’s divorce specialist, so she’s working with him to make sure I get the best outcome possible.
    “How much money will I have to come up with to be able to stay in the house?” I ask.
    She shakes her head. “Not sure yet. Naturally his lawyer is undervaluing his floral business, so it’s going to be a fight.”
    I look over at her with wide eyes as I bite my lip.
    “Don’t worry about your fees, babe. I’m taking care of you.”
    “Thank you, Jeanine. You’re the best. “
    She smiles at me.
    “Can I ask you something?”
    She nods. “Of course, anything.”
    “Is it going to be a problem that I let a friend park their tiny house on the property?”
    She purses her lips. “What?”
    “I’m helping out a friend from the station and letting him park his rig there until he finds a permanent spot.”
    “A friend ?” she asks. “I thought you had issues with those guys.”
    “I do . . . well, except for him. He’s really cool.”
    She leans back in her chair and observes me.
    “What?” I ask, squirming in my seat.
    “ Cool ? Have you slept with him?’
    “N-nooo,” I stutter.
    “Do you want to?”
    “Most certainly.”
    She grins. “This pleases me excessively.”
    I grin back.
    She waves her hand dramatically. “Carry on, my dear.”

Chapter 8: A Man with a Tool Box
    I want to do it because I want to do it. ~Amelia Earhart
    When my doorbell rings, I look through the peephole and smile to see it’s Joe and not a creeper. I pull the door open wide.
    “Hey,” I say. “What’s up?”
    He holds up a mug of coffee. “Just wondering if you have any milk for my coffee. I ran out.”
    “Why are you drinking coffee at night?” I ask.
    “Because I like to,” he responds like my question is lame.
    I pull the door open wider.
    “Sure, come on in. Is low-fat okay?”
    He nods, but I notice his