Page 112 of Mountain Daddy (Mountain Men #2)

Luther

I honk the horn.

Jessie steps into view through her living room window and holds up two fingers.

I probably should’ve gotten out of the truck and gone to her door, but I’m not in the mood.

I’m not in the mood for any of this.

If I weren’t the top sponsor for tonight’s fundraiser, I wouldn’t go.

Really, if Jessie weren’t forcing me to be her designated driver, I wouldn’t go at all.

But here we are.

I drop my head back against the headrest and stare blankly.

I don’t mind staying sober. I haven’t had any alcohol since that night Jessie and I took shots at the bar. I just don’t want to go, period.

I don’t want to make small talk.

I don’t want to smile and laugh and act like everything is fine.

Everything is not fine.

Everything’s not fine, but I’m going to have to pretend like it is because Kendra will be there.

Kendra.

I wish I knew how she was doing. Like really doing . But there’s no one for me to ask.

Joe told me about Buddy. And I focus my eyes on the rearview mirror, thinking about the deer antler I have in the bed of my truck.

Joe mentioned that Kendra was really upset over the fox being injured and that she was adamant about taking care of it.

But Kendra has a huge heart.

She’s a lover and a giver.

And so I don’t know if the stuff with the fox is just about the fox or if it has anything to do with me.

Jessie’s front door opens, and she steps out.

I scrunch up my nose as I watch her walk to the passenger door.

“What are you wearing?” I ask as she buckles herself in.

“It’s called a dress.” She smooths her hands down the striped skirt while eyeing me. “It’s called fashion, but clearly, you know nothing about that.”

“What’s wrong with this?” I look down at my gray flannel and jeans, then I lift my arm and sniff.

“Ew!”

“I was just checking.” I drop my arm. “It’s clean.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I took a shower.”

She widens her eyes. “Good job.”

“Even used deodorant.”

Jessie stops listening and reaches for my radio.