Page 32 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
The dog trots over and sits, looking at me with a whine. I squat and scratch his ears. “Hey, buddy. How are you doing, boy?” I glance toward the cabin. “I think we’re both in the doghouse now. You for digging holes in the yard and me for being a dick.”
He licks my face.
“I think we both need to change our ways.”
CHAPTER TEN
Rebecca—
I slide my eyes to the side and watch JJ. He’s washing the dishes while I work on some drawings, trying to come up with a logo.
He’s been extra nice the last few days, almost like he’s trying to make up for his grouchy behavior.
Halloween has come and gone, and we disposed of all the smashed pumpkins. Well, JJ did. He got the tractor working, attached a shovel scoop to the front, and dropped them into a ravine at the side of the property.
We took a walk yesterday and saw several deer eating them. That made me smile. At least they weren’t a complete waste.
Finally, the water shuts off, and I see him toss a dish towel on the counter and head this way.
I tilt my head as he approaches, his eyes locked with mine. His hand settles on the back of my chair, and he leans over me, his face getting closer and his eyes zeroing in on my mouth.
Oh my God, he’s going to kiss me.
My lips part in anticipation, and my heart races.
A zing of desire zips through my body.
Instead, his eyes flick to the table, and he reaches for my empty mug behind me, a grin forming on his smug face.
“Guess I forgot one,” he murmurs.
I’m mortified and quickly look away, tucking my hair behind my ear and feeling like a fool. Of course, he’s not going to kiss me. He’s my brother-in-law, for God’s sake.
I inhale his scent. It’s like fire, smoke, and leather and fresh-cut wood all wrapped together, and I find it intoxicating.
“You want another coffee, or are you through?” he asks, straightening, but hovering close.
“I’m fine. Thanks.”
His eyes drop to my drawings. “Those are good.” He points to one version. “I like this one.”
It’s one where I incorporated the red pickup truck.
“Yes, but I still think it’s missing something.”
“You really love all this, don’t you?”
“I guess I do.”
“What specifically?”
I shrug. “I suppose I love the adventure of something new, and the creativity of making things, and I love working outside. I love the fresh air.”
“You like fresh air? I know the best way to get some.”
I pick up my pencil and shade an area. “Really? How’s that?”
“Climb on my bike with me and let’s take a ride.”
