Page 153 of Mountain Daddy (Mountain Men #2)

Kendra

“How was dinner?” I answer the phone quietly.

I know Dad’s still awake in the living room, and I don’t want him to hear me talking.

“Fine.”

“Just fine?” I snicker.

I can hear Luther’s huff over the background noise as he drives. “It was good. Kurt is nice.”

I flop onto my back, crossways on my bed. “That’s good.”

“Did you know he was ten years older than her?”

I bite my lip.

“That’s a yes.”

“Sorry.” I can hear the smile in my voice, so I know he can too.

“Uh-huh. You sound super sorry.”

“I would’ve told you, but she told me in confidence.” I think about what else Ashley and I talked about during that conversation. Do you love him?

My heart skips.

“She’s a mature twenty-six.” I try to reason.

Luther snorts. “That’s good because he’s a mature thirty-six. The man’s temples are as gray as mine, and his hairline is eroding faster than the shorelines.”

That makes me laugh. “Not everyone can be as good looking as you.”

He hums. “True.”

“And you’re so humble too.”

“I need these looks to catch younger women.”

“Women, huh?” Irrational jealousy fills my tone.

“Just one,” he says softly.

I close my eyes.

Just one.

Just me.

“I wish you could’ve been there tonight.” Luther’s tone is full of honesty. “I know I got to see you at lunch, but… I miss you.”

Emotion blankets me.

“I miss you too,” I whisper back.

“Maybe this weekend we can try again for a sleepover at my place.”

I swallow. “I’d like that.”

“Is Joe still sleeping on the couch?” Luther asks like he already knows the answer.

“Yeah. But Buddy is doing fine, so hopefully, he’ll stop soon.”

Luther hums. “You’ll let me know.” It’s not a question.

“I’ll let you know.”

“That’s my girl.”

Warmth blooms in my chest.

“Now tell me to have a good night, Baby,” he demands.

“Have a good night,” I breathe.

“Good night…” he prompts.

“Good night, and I love you.”

My eyes open.

I didn’t…

Shit, I didn’t mean to say that.

Luther stays silent.

The only thing filling the line is the sound of the highway.

I sit up.

My heart is racing.

That’s not what he was trying to get me to say.

I didn’t mean to…

And he…

He doesn’t say it back.

I pull the phone from my ear and end the call.

The screen goes black, reflecting my horrified expression.

I stare at myself with wide eyes.

I told him I loved him.

And he didn’t say it back.

He didn’t say anything.