Page 195 of Mountain Grump
He can’t exactly introduce me as his wife. And I don’t want to make a terrible first impression by being the girl who pressured her brother into marriage.
Ethan wraps his arms high around my shoulders, and I feel his body relax. Like he’s settling into the position. “What did you do for work before you moved here?” His question rumbles against my ear.
I make a face; my job history is not impressive. “Don’t you have to go?”
“I have time.”
“What time is it?”
He hums. “Don’t know.”
I smile against his chest. “You’re a dork.”
I feel him shake his head. “You can do better than that.”
“Huh?” I try to look up at him, but he moves a hand to the back of my head, holding me in place.
“You can come up with a better insult thandork.”
A laugh bubbles out of me as I remember my previous attempt. “I guess I’m not properly motivated.”
“I’ll work on that.” He slides his hand back to my shoulder. “Now tell me. If it’s something you think I won’t approve of, I promise I won’t judge you.”
I’m not sure what sort of job he’s imagining, but I believe him. He wouldn’t judge.
“It’s nothing exciting. Just retail.”
His chest does that vibrating thing again. “Tell me more.”
“I hated it.”
Instead of laughing, Ethan holds me tighter. “I’m sorry.”
I relax into his hold. “No, it’s okay. I’m just being dramatic.”
“It’s not dramatic if it’s true.”
Wow. Okay. That’s validating.
“Thank you.” I can’t say it louder than a whisper.
“What sort of retail?”
“A makeup store. A lighting showroom. A wholesale kitchen appliance store.” I exhale. “Some other crappy places, all paying minimum wage. I know I could’ve made more working for tips in a restaurant but…” I shake my head. “Short interactions with customers were enough.”
“Now that you’re here… Is there anything you want to do?”
I take time to think about the question, but the answer is the same as it was last week. “I don’t know.” I flatten my hands on Ethan’s back. “I moved out on my eighteenth birthday. Graduation was a couple weeks before. I had some money from… Uncle Jack.” My throat tightens as I remember that detail.I’d forgotten.“He sent me a card and check in the mail that was enough for first and last month’s rent. And I’d already been working after-school jobs…”
Ethan’s strong fingers curl around my upper arms. “I’m glad you had that.”
I nod. Then I nod again. “Ethan?”
“Yeah, Starlight?”
“Can I tell you something?” Emotion threatens to choke me. But I need to tell someone.
“Anything.” Ethan presses his mouth to my hair. “Always.”
