Page 1 of A Very Grumpy Ranger (Wolf Valley: Grumps #9)

ONE

Blake

I’m so sick of staring at my four apartment walls. I need to get out of here, I think as I slam my laptop closed and roll my chair away from my desk.

I can’t help but groan as I stretch my back and roll my shoulders. I’ve been working since five this morning. I’m ready to call it a day and grab a late lunch. I glance at the clock and sigh.

Make that an early dinner. It’s way past lunchtime.

I tuck my chair under the desk and gather my things. I’m too tired to cook, so that means I’m going out. Wolf Valley is a small town, and there aren’t many options for restaurants around here. I’m not hungry for tacos or pizza, so that means the Nosh Diner it is.

I’ve been living in Wolf Valley for the last few months.

I moved here when my company allowed me to work remotely.

I wanted to find a safe town with cheap rent so I could save some money.

Things have been going well. My only complaint is that I haven’t been able to spend much time with my new friends.

I spend all of my time inside, staring at my computer screen.

I’m hoping to change that in the next few weeks, though.

Now that I’m all settled in my apartment and have a good routine going, I should be able to get out more.

I grab my keys and head out of my place. I live above the barbershop in town, and I wave to Mr. Grainger as I pass his front window and cross the street to the diner.

I head in and search the place for my friend, Cameron.

Her husband owns the diner, and she works here when he needs a hand.

I don’t see her blonde hair, though. Instead, a curvy redhead comes out of the kitchen and tells me to sit wherever I like.

I smile as I head over to an empty booth and slide in with my back to the wall so I can people-watch while I eat.

“Hey, can I get you something to drink?” the server asks.

“Just a water, please.”

“Sure thing. I’m Ruby. You’ve been in here before, right? I think I’ve seen you around.”

“Yeah, a few times. I live over there,” I tell her, pointing to my apartment.

“Cool. When did you move to town?”

“How do you know I’m not a local?”

Ruby grins. “Because I’ve been here for a year and a half, and I know everyone.”

I laugh. “I moved here a few months ago.”

Ruby leans against the side of the booth. “How are you liking it?”

“I love it here. It’s so quiet and peaceful. Everyone is friendly.”

“Good. We should hang out sometime. Get a coffee or whatever,” she suggests.

I nod eagerly. “That would be great!”

“I’ll give you my number.” She pulls out her notepad and scribbles her number on it.

“Thanks.”

“Of course. Let me know when you’re free. Now, I’ll get you that water.”

She turns and heads back to the kitchen. I grab a menu and scan it. The diner is pretty empty at this time—an older couple eating on the other side of the restaurant, and a trucker sitting at the counter.

I decide on the club sandwich with fries and set the menu aside. The door opens, and a man about my age walks in. He scans the restaurant. Between how he carries himself and his haircut, I’d bet money he’s in the military.

His eyes wander over me before landing on Ruby as she reappears with my drink.

“Sit wherever,” she tells him.

He nods, glancing at me again before sitting in the booth next to mine, facing me.

I bite my lip, blushing as I look away.

Ruby sets my water down and wiggles her eyebrows at me. “Know what you want to order?”

I nod and choke on a laugh. “I’ll take the club sandwich with fries, and can I get a side of ranch, please?”

“Coming right up.” She scribbles my order down and heads over to the handsome man at the next booth. “Hey, can I get you a drink?”

“Water, please, ma’am.”

“Are you ready to order?”

“I’ll have what she’s having,” he says, nodding at me.

“You got it.”

Ruby heads off to place our orders. I sip my water and look around the diner. The trucker pays his bill and stands to leave. It looks like the older couple is wrapping things up, too. My eyes land on the hot guy across from me again.

He’s watching me.

I raise an eyebrow.

He raises his eyebrow, too.

“I thought military people always sat with their backs to the wall so they could see all the exits. Something about tactical awareness.”

His eyebrow rises higher. “How do you know I’m military?”

“Haircut. Posture. Overall vibe.”

He grins and ducks his head.

“Am I wrong?”

“Nope.”

“Which branch?”

“I was an Army Ranger.”

“Was?”

“I got out a few weeks ago.”

“Congrats?”

He shrugs.

I get the impression that he’s not thrilled to be out. “So, just passing through, or are you new in town?”

“New in town.”

Ruby comes back with his water and looks between us before returning to the kitchen.

The front door opens, and a few people come in, all laughing as they sit at a table on the other side of the restaurant.

The Ranger tenses when they walk in. I was right about him not liking to sit with his back to the door.

Why did he choose that spot if it stresses him out?

He looks over his shoulder at the newcomers before returning his gaze to me.

I stand and wave my hand toward the seat I’ve just vacated. “Come on.”

Grinning, he grabs his water and takes my seat. I slide in across from him.

“Smooth way to get me to join you,” he teases.

I laugh. “It wasn’t that. I didn’t want you getting all tense and fidgety every time the door opened.”

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

Ruby comes out with our food and smirks when she sees us sitting together. She doesn’t say anything as she drops off the food before heading to the new customers to take their orders.

“Bet I can finish my food first,” I challenge him.

“I doubt you can even eat all that,” he snorts.

“Wanna bet?”

“Sure.”

“Loser pays.”

“Deal.” He extends his hand.

I slip my hand into his and shake, grinning at him across the table. “I’m Blake, by the way.”

“Luca.”

“Nice to meet you, Luca. Now…Go!”

We both dig in, and I smile as I watch him. His dark brown hair falls over his forehead as he bites into his sandwich.

“Do you have family in town?” I ask as I take a bite of my sandwich.

“Yeah.”

“A wife? Kids? Mom and Dad?”

He peeks at me from beneath his eyelashes, his blue eyes sparkling. “Are you trying to slow me down?”

I smirk. “I’m not a cheater! I’m just trying to learn a little more about the man who’s about to buy me dinner.”

He chuckles and grabs another fry. “My brother lives here. He’s a firefighter.”

“Oh, that’s cool. He must love having you here.”

“Yeah, it’s been good getting to spend more time with him.”

“Is it just the two of you?”

“Yeah, our parents passed a few years ago.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thanks. What about you?”

“I don’t know anyone here.”

“What about family?”

“None. I was a foster kid. I aged out four years ago, and I’ve been on my own since.”

“Sorry.”

I shrug. “It is what it is.”

I finish off my sandwich and smirk at him. He grins and shoves half of his sandwich in his mouth.

I polish off my French fries and lean back in my seat, smiling victoriously.

He groans good-naturedly.

“I think I might get dessert,” I joke.

Luca passes me the menu to look over the options as Ruby returns.

“Do you guys need anything else?”

“Nah, we’re good,” I answer.

Luca shakes his head. “She wants dessert. One of each, please. And I’ll take the check when you get a chance.”

“You’ve got it.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” I say as Ruby disappears to grab my desserts and the check.

“I wanted to. Maybe you’ll take it easy on me next time.”

She comes back with everything boxed up and hands the check to Luca, who passes her some bills.

“See you guys later,” she says, giving me a meaningful look. “Let me know when you want to grab that coffee.”

“I will,” I promise.

I turn back to Luca. “Is there going to be a next time?”

“Sure.”

“When?”

“What are you doing right now?”

I grin. “I’m going to the grocery store to pick up a few things.”

He feigns surprise. “What a coincidence.”

“You’re going shopping, too?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, so what’s the bet?”

“Let’s see who can find the coolest item in the store,” he suggests.

I nod. “You’re on.”

I follow Luca out of the diner. He’s not who I had in mind when I thought about meeting people in town, but I can’t say I’m upset that he’s my first friend here.

“Now, about this bet,” I say as he glances at me. “What does the winner get?”

“What do you want?”

“Ah, so you think I’m going to win, too?” I tease.

He laughs. “No, I mean, what should the prize be?”

I know what I want it to be, but I also know I can’t ask for that. There’s no way a guy like Luca would be interested in someone like me.

Still, I can’t help but hope…

“How about dinner tomorrow night?” I suggest.

“Deal.”

We nod at each other and head into the store. I try to bury my feelings for him as we mosey around the store, but it’s useless. The more time I spend with him, the more I learn, and the more I want him.

Just be happy to have a friend, I tell myself.

But when Luca looks at me, I can’t help but want more.