Page 208 of Mountain Grump
“Shouldn’t you be working?” Tilda turns so the wind blows her hair out of her eyes. And I know she doesn’t see me yet. But she’s facing my direction.
“Just on my lunch break. Had to do some shopping.”
“Oh yeah? Find anything fun?”
I smirk. “Sure did.”
“And… what is it?”
“A Firecracker dressed in red.”
Her head tilts, like she’s thinking about what I said. Then it clicks. And in an instant, her eyes lock on mine.
Chapter 114
Tilda
For a moment,I’m speechless, staring across the road at Ethan, and he stares across the road at me.
Then I remember the store I just walked out of.
“Busted,” I laugh as my cheeks heat.
I can see Ethan’s smile from here. “And how about you? Didyoufind anything fun while shopping today?”
“You know I did.” I try to lift the bag higher, but I’m holding it one-handed against my body, so it doesn’t really work.
“Have you ever gotten high before, Matilda Iris Wright?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“You doing some tonight?”
I grin. “Maybe.”
“You doing it alone?”
I snort. “No, I’m having all my friends over.”
“Tilda.”
“Cool your pants, Sexy Ranger. Of course I’m doing it alone. It’s not like I have anyone to invite over.” I mean it, and it’s true, but I didn’t mean for it to sound so self-pitying.
“Starlight—” Ethan says my favorite nickname in that soft voice of his.
“You need a party buddy? I’m free tonight.” The deep voice startles me, and I jerk my head to the side to find a man approaching.
“Oh, um…” I blink.
“Fuck off, motherfucker!” Ethan’s shout carries across the road, and we both turn to look at him. He’s pointing a finger at me. “That’s my fucking wife.”
I bite down on my lip, trapping the gleeful sound trying to escape.
“Jeez.” The man puts his hands up and takes a step back. “Just offerin’.”
He says it at a normal volume, but Ethan must be able to hear him through the phone because he keeps shouting. “Offer somewhere else.”
When the other man disappears into the building, I grin at Ethan. “Such a Good Boy.” Then I hang up and get in my truck.
