Page 68 of Comforting the Grump

I wanted to ask how he was, how my father’s declaration had made him feel, but I knew better than that. Even if he wanted to talk about it—which I sincerely doubted—it wouldn’t be in public.

Marnin and I made our way around the crowded living room, stopping to chat with various guests, then headed toward the little cluster of Marnin’s friends gathered by the fireplace. Auden greeted me with a one-armed hug, careful not to slosh his drink. “Holding up okay? You must be exhausted after being in the kitchen all day yesterday.”

“Nah, I’m good,” I assured him, warmed by the genuine concern in his eyes. “I’m used to it, and I was happy to do it. Glad to see Dad enjoying himself.”

“He deserves it,” Marnin interjected, his shoulder brushing mine as he sidled closer. “Seventy-five years young and still going strong.”

“Must be that clean mountain living,” Fir remarked.

I went to take another sip of my wine, only to discover my glass was empty. Before I could even ask, Marnin took the glass from my hand. “I’ll grab you another.”

My cheeks heated as I watched him walk away.

“That’s new,” Cas mumbled in my ear. “I’ve never seen him like that.”

“Don’t. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t. It doesn’t mean anything. It can’t.”

Cas shot me a look that told me he didn’t believe my BS for one second, but Marnin returned, so he let it go.

“Looks like we’re the talk of the town,” Marnin murmured, his breath warm against my ear as he handed me my wine. “I don’t think they’ve ever seen me quite so…attentive before.”

I glanced up at him, my heart stuttering at the open affection in his eyes. “Is that so?” I asked, trying for a teasing tone even as my pulse raced. “And here I thought you were using me as your personal chef.”

Marnin laughed, the rich, warm sound of it washing over me like honey. “Oh, I’m definitely using you,” he agreed, his gaze turning heated. “But not for your cooking skills. You have other…skills I’m quite fond of.”

I flushed, desire and anticipation coiling hot and heavy in my belly. The promise in his words, in the deliberate brush of his fingers against my hip, was enough to make me weak in the knees. But more than that, it was the open acknowledgment of our connection, the way he seemed utterly unashamed to be seen with me, that made my heart soar.

I’d been expecting someone to ask, and it turned out to be Brianna. She turned her curious gaze on Marnin and me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “So, you two…” She gestured between us with a knowing grin. “Are you together now?”

I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry as I waited for Marnin’s response. A thousand doubts raced through my mind. No way would he acknowledge what was happening between us. Or if he did, he’d label it casual, nothing more than sex. I braced myself for the worst, trying to school my features into a mask of nonchalance even as my heart threatened to beat out of my chest.

But then Marnin’s arm tightened around my waist, pulling me flush against his side, and he fixed Brianna with a steady, unwavering gaze. “Yes,” he said, his voice loud enough to rise above the chatter and ringing with conviction. “Ennio and I are together.”

A wave of emotion crashed over me, so intense it stole the breath from my lungs. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, and I blinked them back furiously, not wanting to make a scene. But oh, how those words meant everything to me—a declaration of commitment, belonging, and a possible future together.

I leaned into Marnin’s embrace, turning my face into the crook of his neck to hide the wetness on my cheeks. His hand came up to cradle the back of my head, his fingers threading through my hair in a gesture of infinite tenderness. “I’ve got you,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear.

“I’ll be goddamned,” Auden said, sounding utterly baffled. “Who the fuck are you, and what have you done with the Marnin I know?”

“People change,” Cas spoke up, coming to Marnin’s defense. “You should know that better than anyone.”

I loved that he was the youngest by far, yet he didn’t hesitate to speak his mind, not even against my sheriff brother. Auden held up his hands. “Fair enough. I’ll back off.”

Around us, the party continued on, the buzz of conversation and laughter filling the air. But at that moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us—Marnin’s solid presence at my side, the warmth of his skin against mine, the promise of a future together stretching out before us like a glittering horizon. I hadn’t allowed myself to hope before, but now I did, and my heart was full of it. Of him. Of my love for him.

Because, of course, I was in love with him. I had been for a while, just unwilling to acknowledge it out of fear of getting hurt.But surely I could allow myself to dream now, right? To let some of what I was feeling inside shine through?

A few minutes later, I escaped into the hallway, where I leaned against the wall. I needed a moment away from everyone’s prying eyes.

“You okay?” Marnin had followed me and now stood close as he shoved his hands into his pockets, clearly uncomfortable. “I should’ve asked you before I said that. Sorry.”

“It was fine. I mean, I’m glad you said it.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m…” No, I couldn’t say it. Not yet. Even now, I had to take things slow with him. “I’ve been wanting to see if there could be more between us.”

He slowly nodded. “We’re a good match outside of bed as well.”

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