Page 106 of Mountain Daddy
Luther heaves out a breath, then grips my waist and drags me off the tailgate, setting my feet on the ground. “Kendra, this is Ethan. Ethan, Kendra.”
I wave at Ethan. “Sorry about the, um… trespassing?”
“Not your fault, I’m sure.” He dips his chin.
Luther rolls his eyes and places his hand on my back, guiding me around to the passenger side.
I debate if I should say goodbye to Ethan, but it’s like Luther can read my mind and doesn’t like it, because he increases the pressure on my back.
Reaching past me, Luther pulls my door open. “Get in the truck, Baby Doll.”
I do as he says.
Once I’m settled in my seat, Luther shuts my door.
Through the side mirror, I watch him walk to the back of the truck, where he shuts the tailgate and says something I can’t make out to Ethan.
A few seconds later, Luther opens his door.
“… little young for you, yeah?”
“Fuck off.” Luther climbs into the truck and reaches into the back seat, pulling a mini pie from the paper bag.
Then he chucks it at Ethan.
“Luther,” I hiss, even as Ethan catches the pie.
It breaks under the impact, and I can see some of the gooey cherry filling seep out, but Ethan doesn’t act mad.
He lifts his hand, like he might lick the pie filling off his fingers, and I decide to focus my attention forward.
“I hope that attracts a bear,” Luther calls out before he slams his door shut.
I snort. “Friend of yours?”
Luther starts the truck. “Seat belt.”
Chapter 61
Luther
Jessie looks at me.Again.
I set down the glass I was washing and turn to face her. “What?”
She lifts her shoulders. “Didn’t say anything.”
“You’renot saying anythinglouder than a…” I trail off, unable to think of something loud.
Jessie widens her eyes at me. “Good one.”
“Shut up.” I grab the glass and start washing it again.
“You okay? You seem a little… tense?” she says with a teasing tone, so I ignore her.
I’m not okay.
It’s been days since I’ve seen Kendra. Since our day of interruptions that ended at Lonely Peak State Park.
