Page 5 of Christmas with the Grumpy Mountain Man
“I think it looks good.”
“Good? That’s it?” I teased.
Roman grumbled. “Coming from a guy who hates Christmas, I’d say that’s pretty decent.”
“Wait, what? You hate Christmas? How?”
He shrugged like it was no big deal as he sat down on the couch. “How do you hate anything? I just do.”
“But the lights, and the sparkles, and the magic of the season…is it because you have many people to buy for?”
Roman snorted, but not in a laughing way. More like a sarcastic, don’t give a fuck way. “No. And that’s the way I like it.”
The full grumpy mask was back, and I took it as my cue to leave. “Okay. Enjoy your decorations even though you hate the holiday. After I clean up, I’m going to head out.” I picked up a few odds and ends of trash while breaking down the boxes I brought to reuse for another job.
“Wait, Zena.” Roman stood up from the couch and walked over to me. “I’m sorry. I’m a grumpy asshole. What can I say?”
“It’s fine, Roman. No need to apologize to me. I’m just here to do a job.”
“I know, but…” He ran a hand through his hair and glanced out the window. “I can’t let you go. It’s awful outside.”
“Thank you, but I’m not far. I rented a room at the inn and?—”
“That’s not close. That’s far down the mountain. In town.”
“It’s okay. I’ve got four-wheel drive in my SUV. I’ll be fine.”
“I still don’t like it. Stay here. I have a spare guest room upstairs. Your own king size bed. Better than the crappy twins down at the inn.”
“Crappy twins, huh? I was told a queen.” I smirked. Inside, I cheered.He wants me to stay here. Eek!
“Oh, has Marty upped his game recently? Last I knew, he only had twins available. It doesn’t matter. You shouldn’t drive in this. Four-wheel drive or not. It’s not safe.”
“Thank you, Rowan. But I’m a big girl.” I didn’t know if I was trying to convince him or me more, but who was I kidding? I couldn’t spend the night. It was out of the question. Yet the look on his face stopped me in my tracks.
He looked worried. Concerned.
Was it really that bad outside?
One glance out the window told me it was. And I was only losing valuable daylight.
I brought my eyes back to his. “I hope you’re a good cook because I’m starving.”
“You’re in luck.”
CHAPTER THREE
Roman
“This looks delicious, thank you.”Zena gestured towards the meal spread before us. The moment she told me she was hungry, I became excited to cook for her. It was the meal I had planned to make for myself tonight. Usually, I’d eat the leftovers for lunch, but I’d happily eat peanut butter and jelly tomorrow if it meant Zena was my dinner guest.
The fried chicken cutlets came out golden brown, with my linguine al dente, and my canned tomato sauce I batch cooked bringing it all together. I smiled at her from across the table. We sat at the dining room table, something I hadn’t done in a long time, and even lit the candles. “You’re more than welcome. My grandma and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen together. She taught me how to cook and showed me ways to really stretch a dollar. Take tomato sauce, for instance. It’s so easy to make your own and so much cheaper and healthier than jarred sauce. I make a big batch and freeze the jars. Same with my meatballs, making large batches and freezing them. Then I pull out a jar and a bag, let it all defrost together on the stove.”
“Your grandma sounds like a smart lady. My mom barely cooked. Not her fault, though. She worked a lot. We had the pizza delivery spot on speed dial.”
“Nothing wrong with a pizza.” I passed her the grated cheese before slicing into my chicken cutlet. “One of my favorites.”
“Do you make yours or order out?”
