My Heart Lingers (A Hearts of Misty Mesa Story): BWWM Interracial Romance by Brandi Boddie

with his, I should be the one to take a walk first. That’s life, though. What can you do?”
    “I wish I had your attitude. You seem to be doing well despite the fact.”
    “It took me a while to get it together, but once I did, I came back to Misty Mesa. It’s a shame how these local law offices try to pull one over on people, but the level of legal drama here is nothing compared to the gorefest in larger towns. I’m starting my own practice to help clean this place up. I just filed the papers this morning.”
    “Congratulations.”
    “Thanks. Hey, if you’re interested, we’re looking for another partner. One of ours took a job on the East Coast. It’s a small practice, but I could use an attorney with knowledge of corporate law.”
    Kyra didn’t know what to say. She mumbled a thank you. “I’m honored you’d ask me, but I don’t think I can live in Misty Mesa anymore. I’ve been away for so long I’ve gotten used to calling Chicago my home.”
    “Understandable. Just let me know if you change your mind. The position will be open for a little bit.” Amy handed her a business card. “It’s time for me to scoot. I’m meeting with a contractor to see if we want the walls of the office painted eggshell or ecru.” She scrunched her face into a scowl. “It’s supposed to be relaxing, but I think red and black are relaxing.”
    Kyra laughed. “Great talking to you.” She shook Amy’s hand.
    “Don’t forget the offer’s open.”
    Kyra began walking down the steps to the sidewalk when her cell phone rang in her purse. She pulled it out and saw the local number. Cole was calling. Her heart sped as she answered. “Cole, I just came out of the clerk’s office. Everything’s taken care of. I don’t want to talk at this moment.”
    “Then you can listen. I’m coming around the corner of city hall now.”
    “What?” Kyra lowered her phone from her ear when she saw him come into view. He walked up the steps of city hall to join her. “Cole, what are you doing here?”
    “Mike called the center and got Daisy upset. He told her he was searching for my land deed inside the records office. He said if my parents intended the land for the youth center to be used for the town’s commercial development, then he would get the mayor to start a lawsuit.” Lines formed around Cole’s eyes. “Kyra, Mike’s brought some money into Misty Mesa. He has the mayor’s ear. It’s not impossible for the mayor to grant his request.”
    Kyra saw the worry on his face. She shook her head. “Mike was lying to Daisy. While I filled out the accreditation papers, I took a look at the deed through the county’s online records. Everything’s legit. The deed specifically grants the land to you, not the town.”
    Some of the lines on his face disappeared. “I’ll let Daisy know everything’s alright. I’m glad you were still at city hall when I called.”
    The tall glass doors to the building opened and Mike strode out. He took hard, deliberate steps as he yammered into his cell phone. He swung his head when he saw Kyra and Cole standing on the steps. Mike shoved his phone in his pocket. “I guess Daisy delivered my message.”
    Cole clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes. “You should be ashamed of yourself, scaring Daisy, an old woman.”
    “It wasn’t a scare tactic. I meant every word about combing over the land deed. The property the youth center’s standing on should belong to the town.”
    “Knock it off, Mike,” said Kyra. “We know you’re lying. I saw the deed. The land is in Cole’s name, and he’s using it for the town’s benefit. You can read all about the youth center’s accreditation in the computer system. Just ask the clerk for the file number.”
    Mike took an abrupt and menacing step closer to her. Cole got between him and Kyra. Mike put his hand on Cole and gave him a shove. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” His maneuver attracted the attention of a police officer standing at the