Page 63 of Comforting the Grump

As we parted, I caught a whiff of his cologne, a spicy, woody scent that reminded me of the woods back home in Forestville. It stirred up a complicated mix of emotions: longing for my hometown, anxiety about my financial situation, and a glimmer of hope for the future.

“I’ll think about what you said,” I promised, managing a small smile. “Really think about it, I mean.”

Cas nodded, his expression warm and understanding. “That’s all I ask. And remember, there’s no shame in accepting help from people who care about you.”

We walked out of the bustling restaurant together, the Seattle drizzle a fine mist on our faces. Watching Cas disappear into the crowd, I took a deep breath of the damp air. The conversation replayed in my mind, possibilities and doubts dancing like the neon reflections in the puddles at my feet. I had a lot to contemplate, but for the first time in weeks, I felt a curious lightness in my chest. The weight of my problems hadn’t disappeared, but somehow, it felt more manageable.

21

MARNIN

My BMW glided along the winding road, surrounded by towering firs and snow-capped mountains that transformed into dark shadows as night fell. The engine purred smoothly. Man, I loved this car, even if I couldn’t drive it as fast as I would’ve loved to.

Next to me, Ennio was practically bouncing in the passenger seat, his excitement palpable. “Oh my god, Marnin, look at that view! Isn’t it breathtaking?” He gestured wildly at the landscape rushing past.

“It is pretty spectacular.”

“I can’t believe we’re almost there. I’ve missed Forestville so much.”

I glanced over at him, my lips quirking into a half-smile. “I have to admit, I’m looking forward to this weekend too. It’ll be nice to escape the city for a bit.”

The words surprised me even as I said them. When was the last time I anticipated something beyond a good fuck session? Maybe it was Ennio’s infectious energy, or perhaps I was ready for a change of scenery.

We were on our way to Forestville for the weekend. Sheriff Frant—Auden’s father—was turning seventy-five, and Auden and Ennio had organized a big birthday party for him on Sunday. I’d been invited too, much to my surprise. At first, I’d thought it was a polite invite or even a pity one, but Auden and Ennio had assured me his father wanted me there. Not gonna lie. That had felt good. The man had played an important role in my life, and I was relieved he still felt affection toward me.

“I need to take some pictures for one of my coworkers,” Ennio said, practically pressing his nose against the window. “Apparently, I raved about Forestville so much he doesn’t believe it’s all that magical, so I need proof.”

“It’s not magical. It’s a cute little town but not all that special.”

“Oh hush, Mr. Grinch. Don’t rain on my parade.”

“Calm down, bouncy ball, or it’s gonna be a long weekend. You’re like a golden retriever puppy.”

He shot me a contrite look. “Sorry. Is it too much? I’m just so happy to go home.”

I reached over and squeezed his thigh affectionately. “It’s all good, sunshine.” The endearment slipped out easily.

Apparently appeased, Ennio kept chattering away.

“We have to stop by Brianna’s Bakery. Cas said she has a new item, the most divine lemon tarts.”

I chuckled. “I thought this trip was about your dad’s birthday, not stuffing our faces with pastries.”

Ennio swatted my arm playfully. “Can’t it be both? Besides, you could use some sweetening up, Mr. Grumpy Pants.”

I rolled my eyes, but there was no real annoyance behind it. “I’m plenty sweet already, thank you very much.”

“Not how I would describe you—more the opposite, in fact—but whatever you say.”

“Did you just call me salty?”

He grinned. “I would never…”

Jesus, he was adorable. Not that I would ever tell him that.

Before I knew it, we were pulling up in front of Ennio’s charming little house. He practically leaped out of the car.

“We’re here!” he announced happily, grabbing his bags from the trunk. I followed suit, taking in the towering evergreens surrounding the property. The air smelled crisp and fresh, tinged with wood smoke, and I inhaled deeply. Nothing beat that kind of fresh air.

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