Page 30 of Grumpy on the Mountain

"Don't be ridiculous." He pauses, and I swear there's a glimmer of mischief in his expression. "I use my own containers. More environmentally friendly."

I can't help but laugh. A few of the more obvious eavesdroppers return to their meals, though I notice they keep throwing not-so-subtle glances our way.

"Well," I say, leaning forward slightly, "I'm honored to be the one to drag you out of your cave and into civilization. Though I have to ask… do you always take your dates somewhere the entire town can watch?"

His eyes darken slightly at the word 'dates,' and I immediately wish I could take it back.

But before I can backtrack, he responds in that low, gravelly voice that does things to my insides. "Only the ones worth being seen with."

Oh.Oh.

Around us, the tavern gradually returns to its normal volume, though I catch curious glances thrown our way every few seconds.

"You're a celebrity," I observe, nodding toward the not-so-subtle stares.

Beau shifts uncomfortably. "They're just not used to seeing me with... people."

"So who's who in this little show?" I ask, trying to put Beau at ease. "Give me the local rundown."

His shoulders relax slightly as he nods toward different corners of the room.

"Ah, right. Well, we've got Sheriff Cooper by the window—the one looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. There's Frank Barrett over there at the bar, scowling at his whiskey like he always does. And, oh, that's Doc Greene near the fireplace. She's probably plotting ways to lecture me about my blood pressure again."

Before I can process all of that, Charlie returns with our drinks—a tumbler of amber liquid for Beau and an elaborately garnished cocktail for me, complete with a sugar rim and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

"Stone River Sunset," Charlie announces, setting the drink before me with a flourish. "Made it special. First time visitor gets the royal treatment,andit's on the house."

I take a sip and nearly moan as flavors explode across my tongue. It's beautifully sweet, a little tart with a hint of smoke, and definitely a kick of something strong beneath it all.

"Oh, wow. Charlie, this isamazing," I tell him, taking another sip.

Charlie grins. "Glad you like it. Cook says the venison is perfect tonight."

"Venison sounds—" I begin, but Beau cuts me off.

"She'll have the ribeye," he says. "Medium. And the truffle fries."

I blink at him in surprise.

"Unless you don't eat red meat?" he adds, suddenly looking uncertain after such confidence in knowing what I'd want.

"No, I do, I just—"

"Best steak in the county," Charlie confirms. "Good choice. Two ribeyes coming up."

As Charlie walks away, I raise an eyebrow at Beau. "Do you always order for your dinner companions?"

His jaw tightens. "Habit. My brother—" He stops, looking uncomfortable. "Shit. Sorry."

And just like that, I understand.

He's not trying to control my choices like Riley did. He's trying to prevent what Riley would have done… embarrass me for ordering the wrong thing then making a scene out of it.

"It's okay," I say softly. "The ribeye sounds perfect. And I love truffle fries."

The tension in his shoulders eases slightly. "Good."

Surprisingly, dinner with the town's most notorious recluse turns out to be... fun.