Page 166 of Mountain Grump
“Tilda.”
I feel her exhale across my lips. “Just promise you’ll tell me. If you want to be done.”
“Matilda.”
“Just promise?” she whispers.
“Promise,” I whisper back, knowing I can keep that promise. Because I’ll never want to be done.
I can feel her nod against the pillow.
I shift closer, and she slides one of her arms between mine.
“Go to sleep, Starlight.”
“Why do you call me that?” Her voice is a whisper.
And I answer just as quietly. “I’ll tell you later.”
Chapter 85
Tilda
My nose twitches.And my eyes open.
Sunlight fills the cabin.
The blankets are pulled up to my chin. I’m curled on my side. And I’m alone.
But the door is open, allowing a stream of fresh mountain air to breeze over me. And with it, the scent of coffee.
We’re getting rescued today. And I’m excited for running water and electricity. But being here… It’s been nice.
Relaxing even.
Minus the encounters with the mountain lion.
I smile against the pillow, remembering Ethan last night.
I have no idea what time it was when I woke up having to pee. But true to his word, he got up and walked me to the outhouse. And he stood outside the door, flashlight in hand, since I had the lantern, and he hummed. The “Happy Birthday” song.
My smile turns into a snicker.
It was so bad. And the most random song choice. But also incredibly sweet of him to oblige when I told him I couldn’t go with him listening.
And then after…
I swallow as my humor fades.
After, when we got back into bed…
I blink as I look at his empty side of the mattress.
It was like the other times. Us getting in on our sides. Moving together. Limbs tangling.
But last night, Ethan pulled me even closer. Our arms squished between our bodies. And… I loved it.
Loved the warmth.
