Page 18 of Rose and the Grouch Next Door

I need to see her.

Entering Salty's, I see her friend wiping down the bar. She catches my eye and shakes her head before I even ask the question.

"Day off," she says, her knowing smile telling me she’s on to me.

Looking behind me, her smile widens, and she says loudly, “There’s the ol’ ball and chain! Did you come to get hot and heavy in the bathroom?”

My eyes widen in surprise at her comment, but when I turn around, it makes perfect sense.

I see a tall, hulking, beach bum-looking man with a grin on his face.

“Brax! You fucker! I like seeing you in the light of day. You done lurking in the corner at night stalking our Rose?” he teases.

Ash Montgomery, my friend, financial advisor, and the man who convinced me to move to this sleepy bay side town, reaches out for a big bro hug.

To look at him, you wouldn’t dream that he’s a billionaire with a knack for making money on the stock market. He looks like he spends the day on his boat, drinking, and picking up women.

He’s walking proof that looks are deceiving. While he spends his days hanging out on one of his many boats because of his passion for fishing, he likely drinks what I suspect is high-end whiskey, but he most definitely doesn’t pick up women. Ash is happily married and I suspect the woman in front of me might be his bride, or I hope it is.

“Well, I work a lot during the day, and I’ve been trying to meet deadlines. Turned into somewhat of a night owl.” It’s kind of the truth, but damned if I’ll admit to stalking Rose.

“Yeah, but he has time to get to know his neighbors, or should I say ‘neighbor’,” Lila says with a wink in my direction

“You've been talking to our sweet Primrose?”

“More like dealing with her devil dog,” I say defensively, not prepared to reveal my feelings for Rose.

“I swear Honeybun is human,” he says with a laugh. “I love that damn dog.” Then, his eyes narrow, “You aren’t messing with her, are you?” He understands the age difference. After all, it appears he and his wife have their own age gap.

“Everyone in Sea Shanty is protective of Rose. Don’t be fucking around with her. She’s our little ray of sunshine. Don’t break her.” He says, as serious as I’ve ever seen him.

“Ditto what he said.” A tall man comes out of the backroom carrying a crate of alcohol. “We’ll take you out to sea and make you fish chum.” His eyes flash with the warning.

“Jack, Ash,” Lila groans, “Y’all leave the man alone. I have a feeling he knows her worth.” Her eyes twinkle. “Go find Rose. She’s probably at home.”

"Thanks," I mumble, thankful for Lila. “Let’s do drinks soon.” I wave goodbye to Ash, Lila, and whoever Jack is.

Eventually, I make my way to Rose’s cottage. Her porch is decorated with a painted bench and colorful pillows, and twinkle lights. I smile because above the door there's a sign that declares 'Rose's Retreat' in looping, cheerful letters. Her personality is everywhere.

I rap my knuckles against the screen door, with no response. Her hippy golf cart, with daisy decals and beads hanging from the rearview mirror, sits in the drive and I can see lights glowing in the front room, so I know she’s home.

"Rose?" I knock again, harder this time, peering through the tiny window on the door for any sign of movement.

"Rose, it's Braxton." Worry gnaws at my gut. Surely, she's here.

A flicker of movement catches my eye. I look towards the window just as Honeybun's head appears, his brown eyes large, a low whine coming through the glass pane.

"Hey, boy," I murmur, my voice laced with unease. That's when I see her, Rose, sprawled across the couch. My knuckles rap against the window.

"Rose!" I call out, louder now, but she doesn't stir.

Panic surges, urging me into motion. I go to open the screen and front door, which gives way easily because they're both unlocked. A surge of anger cuts through me.

Damn it, Rose. She shouldn’t be so careless. She’s too trusting. I can't stand the thought of anyone or anything hurting her.

I step inside and close the door behind me with a soft click, my anger disappearing as quickly as it flared. The sight of Rose on her couch makes my blood run cold.

"Rose?" My voice is gentle now. She's motionless except for the shallow rise and fall of her chest. A sheen of sweat clings to her skin, making her fair hair stick to her forehead.

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