Page 144 of Mountain Grump
“The bottoms of my feet are fine. It won’t hurt anything for me to stand while I change.” I lower my feet to the floor andstand. “Your concern is cute. And truly appreciated.” His nostrils flare, but I keep talking as I struggle to get the dress and flannel off my shoulders. “And I promise, I will lie right back down, as soon as?—”
Ethan grips my shoulders and turns me around so my back is to him. “Let me help.” He pulls the material down one arm, guiding my movements. Then he does the other side. “Take your thong off too. We’ll wash clothes in the morning, then they’ll be dry for Sunday.”
“Industrious.”
Ethan steps closer. Until his body is flush against mine. And I arch into him. Pressing my ass against his groin.
He slides his hands over my hips, then grips the top of my thong.
I try to hold still as he lowers behind me. But his breath tickles across my back, and I can’t stop my shiver.
“Step out.”
I follow his orders and lift one foot, then the other.
A moment later, an oversized shirt is lowered over my eyes.
Ethan tugs it down over my head, and I slip one arm, then the next, through the surprisingly soft material.
“This is nice.” I run one hand over a sleeve.
“It’s warm.” Ethan grips my shoulders again and this time, turns me to face him.
Then he crouches in front of me, holding the sleep pants out.
He’s not looking up, so he doesn’t see me shake my head.
Humoring him, I brace my hands on his shoulders as I step into the pants. And I keep my hands on his shoulders as he rises, pulling my pants up as he does.
“On the bed.” He nods to the mattress.
“I want to go to the bathroom again before we go to sleep.” I know it’s not too late. But it’s getting dark, and I’m tired enoughthat I’m sure I’d pass out if I could just close my eyes for two minutes.
He points to the bed. “You can go after I take care of your feet.”
“Ethan—”
His hand is gripping my chin before I even notice him moving. “Matilda. Sit your ass on the bed and let me take care of your feet. Then I will walk you to the outhouse. Then we will come back, I’ll make the bed, and you’ll go to sleep. Then tomorrow, you will select a book from my collection, and you will spend the day lying in bed reading. Or sitting outside. But your feet will be up, and you will not defy me on this.”
Okay. Demanding Ethan is hot.
I swallow.
“Now sit.”
I sit.
“Lie down.”
I sigh. But I lie down.
He fetches something else from the wall of cabinets, then stops at the foot of the bed.
“Feet up.”
I lift my feet, and he sits. Then he presses a hand to my knees, and I lower my legs so they’re resting across his lap.
And… I decide to enjoy this.
