Page 245 of Mountain Grump

She’s a mess.

Her eyes widen as she discreetly taps at my belt, reminding me that my dick might be put away, but my pants are still hanging open.

Okay, so we’re both a mess.

I press my lips together to stop myself from cracking up.

But if I start, I won’t be able to compose myself before getting caught.

Liza wouldn’t rat me out. But she’d never let me live it down either.

I run a palm down the back of Tilda’s head, smoothing her hair, then look back up at Liza. “Come back here and I’ll introduce you.” I tip my head, gesturing to the office.

Tilda gives me a look that says I’m an idiot, but as soon as Liza steps out of view, heading down the back hall, I quickly zip up my pants and work on my belt.

Having caught on to the fact that we have approximately three seconds to put ourselves in order, Tilda bends at the waist, flipping her head upside down. Her hair hangs almost to the floor, and she shakes her head, then flips her hair back as she stands up straight again.

My brows lift. “Impressive.”

The door handle starts to turn, and Tilda darts past me, reaching for the bottle of hand sanitizer on the counter.

She gets one pump of the clear gel into her palm when the door starts to open. Then she quickly rubs her hands together.

And when I get it, I grin.

“Clever girl,” I whisper, before turning to face Liza.

Chapter 131

Tilda

The womanwith short gray hair and striking cheekbones hustles across the little office toward us.

“Oh, Mother Mary, you…” Her voice catches. “You’re so pretty.” She stops before me and holds her hand out. “I’m Liza.”

I’m sure I look… flustered. But I’m really hoping she attributes it to our little make-out session and doesn’t assume Ethan just came down my throat.

Hoping the gel did its job, I lift my hand toward hers. “I’m Tilda.”

Our palms are an inch away when Liza shakes her head, then pulls me in for a hug.

Taken off guard but also slightly relieved, I hug her back.

When she finally releases me, I step back and lower the hand that was just up my skirt to my side. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard lots of good things.”I haven’t. But it feels like the right thing to say.

“Oh. Well. That’s so sweet to hear.” Liza presses her hands to her chest. “And can I just say how happy I am that Ethan has someone special in his life? He’s…” She sniffs, and her chin quivers. “He’s just such a nice guy. I’ve been praying for love to find him. I just knew there was someone out there. Boy or girl.”

I bite down on my lip so I smile the normal amount, not the open-mouthed grin that’s trying to take hold.

“And then you.” Liza gestures with both hands toward me. “You look like an angel.”

Ethan snorts.

I backhand his stomach.

And Liza bursts into happy tears.

“She’s sweet.”I plop myself onto one of the office chairs.