Page 51 of Falling for the Grumpy Orc
He nods, understanding without needing more explanation. That's one of the things I'm learning to cherish most about him, Gerralt doesn't push. He waits until I'm ready to share.
"He didn't give you any trouble?" His gaze drifts toward the disappearing figure of Jason, still walking to his car.
"Nothing I couldn't handle." I pat my bag where the signed papers rest. "He finally signed. The house will be sold, and I'll get my half. The lodge is saved."
Gerralt's lips curve into a small smile. "Good."
We start walking toward where his truck is parked, side by side with mine. As we turn the corner, that creeping sensation returns, like eyes burning into the back of my neck. I glance over my shoulder, scanning the busy sidewalk, but see nothing unusual. Just shoppers, locals going about their day.
"What is it?" Gerralt asks, instantly alert.
I hesitate. "I thought I saw someone watching me earlier. Someone who looked like a troll, but I’m not sure."
Gerralt's expression darkens. "Billings?"
"Maybe. Or maybe I'm just being paranoid." I force a smile. "It doesn't matter now. I've got you, I've got the papers signed, and we've got a festival to prepare for, right?"
After a moment, Gerralt nods, though his eyes still scan the street with predatory focus. "Right."
As we continue walking, his large hand finds mine, engulfing it completely. The warmth of his skin against mine chases away the last of my unease.
I’m free and nothing can darken the days ahead.
Chapter Twenty-One
Gerralt
Thefestivalisariot of autumn sensations assaulting my senses—bright-orange banners stretch between vendor stalls, the scent of mulled cider and roasted chestnuts thick in the air. The cobblestone streets are packed with people, their laughter and chatter pressing in from all sides.
I already regret agreeing to this.
Cassidy, on the other hand, is in her element. She moves through the crowd with an ease I can’t fathom, waving at townsfolk she barely knows, chatting with vendors like she’s lived here herwhole life. She stops to exchange a few words with Mr. Pierce, the elderly goblin from the parks department, who beams at her from behind a table stacked with handmade birdhouses. A few steps later, she’s laughing at something Mathilda says while pressing a warm cinnamon roll into her hands.
Bernice’s herbal stall is tucked between a bakery stand and a woman selling hand-woven scarves. The table is lined with neatly labeled jars of dried herbs, bundles of lavender, tiny bottles of tinctures. Cassidy gasps when she sees it.
“This isbeautiful,” she says, running her hands over a bundle of rosemary. “I love how you’ve arranged everything.”
Bernice preens, smoothing her apron with a pleased little hum. “Presentation is half the work.”
“And the other half?” I ask gruffly, more out of habit than anything else.
She smirks and hands me a coin pouch. “Counting sales.”
I grunt but pocket the pouch without complaint. If I have to be here, I might as well be useful.
Cassidy jumps right in like she belongs here. Within minutes, she’s chatting with customers, asking Bernice questions about different herbs, her enthusiasm bright as summer sunlight. I focus on sorting dried chamomile, organizing coinage, keeping my head down.
Or at least I try.
Because Iseeher.
The way she leans in when an elderly gnome woman asks about balm for aching joints, her hands fluttering as she recounts an old family remedy she once read about. The way she tilts her head, listening intently to Bernice as she explains the properties of yarrow, her hazeleyes thoughtful. And the way she beams when a little girl tugs at her sleeve, pointing to a bundle of lavender with shy, pleading eyes.
“Oh, this one’s a favorite of mine,” Cassidy coos, crouching to the child’s level. “Smell that? It’s lovely, isn't it?”
The girl nods solemnly, tiny fingers brushing the fragrant sprigs. “Mama says it helps me sleep.”
“She’s absolutely right.” Cassidy grins, then glances toward the harried mother rifling through her coin pouch. “Tell you what, we have a special deal today. One bundle in exchange for a high five.”
