Jake (Men of Clifton Montana Book 1) by Susan Fisher-Davis Page A

Becca had been terrified
and almost wet her pants, but then Olivia walked in. Striding up to the bully,
Olivia just stared at her until the girl started fidgeting, making Olivia smile
slyly.
    “What are you
doing, Carlisle? Trying to scare the younger classmen?” Olivia had folded her
arms across her chest and grinned. “You know, I’m a younger classman. Why don’t
you try your shit on me?”
    To this day, it
amazed Becca that the bully backed down and left. She remembered looking at
Olivia and thinking how pretty she was, even though she wasn’t dressed in the
newest clothes. It hadn’t mattered. They’d looked at each other and smiled. A
friendship started that day and never stopped. Becca had never met anyone who
lived in a foster home before but when she finally talked Olivia into spending
the night at her house, Becca’s parents adored her just as much as Becca did.
    The memories faded
as she pulled into the parking lot. Both she and Emma hopped out and hurried
into the terminal. The flight had just landed, making Becca breathe a sigh of
relief. The public address system announced at what gate the passengers would
be disembarking. Becca virtually ran to it. She was so excited to see her best
friend. Scanning the people coming through the gateway, at last she spotted
Olivia. Becca waved and saw Olivia’s face light up.
    The woman demanded
attention wherever she went. Both male and female heads turned as she walked
through the terminal toward Becca. No longer did she wear hand-me down clothes
but instead wore skinny jeans tucked into Ugg boots, along with a purple sweater, which emphasized her curves. Her long black
hair hung in a silk curtain halfway down her back. The stylish bangs framed a
heart-shaped face. Her porcelain skin was flawless. A black pea coat hung open.
    Becca laughed as
she looked into those beautiful amethyst eyes surrounded by ridiculously long,
thick lashes. A sexy mole complimented the right corner of Olivia’s lush lips.
She was a beautiful woman who swore like a sailor, and Becca adored her. They
wrapped their arms around each other and cried.
    “I’m so glad you’re
here, Liv.” Becca wiped her eyes.
    Olivia pulled back. “Me, too, Becs. I’ve missed you.”
    “This is Emma
Conner. Emma, this is Olivia Roberts, my best friend,” Becca introduced them.
    Olivia stuck her
hand out to Emma. “Please, call me Liv. It’s nice to meet you, Emma. Thanks so
much for staying with Becca while all of this shit was going on.”
    Emma laughed. “You’re
welcome, Liv. It’s nice to meet you too.” She looked to Becca, who shrugged as
if to say, that’s Liv .
    The three women
went to pick up Olivia’s luggage, and then walked together to the parking lot.
Olivia stopped in her tracks when she saw the large SUV Becca was driving.
    Becca frowned at
her. “What?”
    “This monstrosity
is yours?” Olivia raised her eyebrows in surprise.
    Becca burst out
laughing. “Yes. I bought it right after I arrived. I loved the one I’d rented
and figured since I was going to be here during the winter, I needed something
to get around in.”
    Olivia shook her
head as she stowed her luggage in the back, and then walked to the front
passenger door. She opened it, but had to reach for the handle above the door
to pull herself up into the truck. Emma hopped in the back. Olivia looked
around. “I feel like I’m in a Mack truck looking down on everyone,” she said
with a giggle. “I like it.”
    They pulled out of
the parking lot and turned toward Clifton. It was a two-hour drive and gave
them plenty of time to catch up. However, when the subject of Steve came up
Becca tensed.
    “He was in about a
week ago but after asking how you were, nothing else was said. I was really
surprised he gave up so easily.” Olivia shook her head. “I still don’t trust
him.”
    “He’s harmless,
Liv,” Becca said, not voicing her own opinion on how Steve gave her the creeps.
    “Who’s Steve?” Emma
asked from