Page 18 of One Night with Her Grumpy Orc

He reaches out to grab me, steadying me before I fall over. His hot hand rests against my hip, sending a jolt of heat to other parts of me.

And I spill paint everywhere. Over me. My shoes. Grev. The library floor.

As I stare down at my mess, a piece of my brain screams at me—the mess! The floor! Ugh!

But the rest of my brain finds it hilarious. I give in and laugh. Grev’s quiet, “Oops,” is enough to make me bend over, dropping the tray and bucket to rest my hands on my knees because I can’t breathe; I’m laughing too hard.

When he moves his hand to help me stand, he smears more paint across the back of my sweatshirt and skin. Then, of all the nincompoop things to do...He pulls me into him and kisses me. Paint and all.

Somebody wolf whistles, but my embarrassment isn’t enough for me to let go of him.

“Let’s keep this PG, folks!” Skerr yells as he walks past, but neither of us cares much. We’re a painted, sticky, sexy mess, and for once in my life, I am reveling in all the imperfections of the moment. We hadn’t discussed announcing our new relationship publicly, but I guess this is as good as any official announcement.

“Hey boss!” Those words stop me mid-kiss. Pulling away from Grev just enough to turn to see over my shoulder at August, my assistant, who is standing there, hammer in hand, with a wicked grin on her face.

“Oh hey, August. How are you?” I ask, clearing my throat and moving Grev’s hands off my ass and to somewhere more ‘PG’ appropriate.

“I’m good. Just finishing up some repairs by the door. I’m looking forward to re-opening! It looks so good. But, uh, I have a question.” She pauses dramatically, still looking mischievous.

“Uh, I thought we were thanking the volunteers with muffins from Ravena, not personally making out with all of them. Is making out the new plan?” August tries to keep her face serious, but she can’t, and breaks into a giant grin as she continues. “Because, well, I don’t think Bjorn will be down for that. And I’mdefinitelygoing to get you more lip balm if you’re going to kiss all these guys.” She waves an arm around the library, gesturing at everyone.

My cheeks flame, but I can’t help but laugh with her. I feel rather than hear the rumble build in Grev’s chest at August’s suggestion. Quickly, I pat his arm, assuring him that my lips are his alone.

“Well, you know, I think Ravena’s muffins are a great idea for a thank you. I think it’s best we stick to non-physical thank you gifts, don’t you? I’ll swing by later to ask her. But lip balm is a good idea! But only for Grev.” I wink at her. She winks back.

“I’m going to vacuum the other end of the room.” But I hear her as she walks away, “Wait until I tell Bjorn.”

“Cat’s out of the bag,” I say, smiling up at Grev.

“No kissing anyone else,” he grumbles.

“Promise. You’re the only one. Always.” I kiss his nose. “But we need to clean this up before our feet are permanently painted to the floor.”

When I bend down to pick up my supplies, Grev laughs. Have I ever heard Grev laugh? I’m not sure.

Standing, I give him a quizzical look. “Your ass,” is all he says.

Twisting, I can make out a white handprint against my black yoga pants. Twisting the other way, there’s a matching one. “Oh, Grev.” It’s half a whine. “I guess no one can wonder who I belong to.”

“My scent is all over you. No one wonders anymore.” He whispers in my ear, his tusk cold against my cheek, and those words, that sensation, make all sorts of tingle happen in my nether regions.

“Shh! Someone might hear you!” I whisper yell back at him.

“They’ve already smelled you. And seen you kiss me. The sheriff knew the day after the blizzard.” He winks at me, my jaw drops. I’ve never seen Grev Cragbeard show such emotion. Well, in public...in bed is another story.

Slowly, I look around. Yep, there are people glancing at us, and looking away when our eyes meet. Well, shit-damn. Has this compromised my professional position as librarian?

“Shh,” he says, raking his hands up and down my arms. “I see you trying to panic. You and I are going to be just fine. It’s a small town. Secrets never last long.” I swallow hard at his words. In my mind, I know he’s right. But having everyone in town talking about my business scares me. Just a little.

“How about we clean up? The wall isn’t going to paint itself,” I say. My smile feels false. I can’t help it.

“How about I finish and clean up the mess, and you go clean up you,” Grev answers.

August appears at my side as I put my brush in the little bucket and pass it off to Grev. He’s faster anyway, he doesn’t need to use the ladder, and his arms reach so much farther.

“Hi, Boss lady. I need your help,” she whispers, but being August, she’s never really quiet. “And nice ass prints. Don’t worry, I already got photographic evidence.”

I groan, and she ignores me, wrapping her arm over my shoulders and walking me away from my hunky painting orc.

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