Page 256 of Mountain Grump

I wipe my hands off again.

Ethan wanted to come get me, but he had to run to the park for something this morning, and it didn’t make sense for him tobacktrack to my house after that. Though now I’m regretting my decision to drive alone. Because my nerves arefrazzled.

I press the brake and get ready to turn into Ethan’s driveway.

We didn’t talk about what happens after dinner, but I have a bag on the passenger seat with some overnight things.

It’s weird that this will be my first time over here. But it’s also been nice having Ethan at my house so much.

Moving from my apartment to a house in the mountains was a huge adjustment. And I think if we’d spent half the time at Ethan’s over the last couple months, I wouldn’t feel nearly as comfortable as I do now at my house.

Plus, there’s Quackers.

I know she’ll be fine.

She has fresh water in her kiddie pool. I did turn her little fountain off though, just in case something knocks it over when I’m not there to fix it. But her food dish is full. And even though fall is upon us, her bush is still leafy, and it’s still her favorite place to sleep.

And… she’s a wild duck that knows how to take care of herself.

Still, I’ll be happy to go home to her tomorrow.

I read the numbers on the mailbox, confirming Ethan’s address, then I turn.

Chapter 142

Ethan

I pullTilda’s driver’s door open the second she shuts off the engine.

“Hi, Starlight.”

She smiles at me. “Hi, Ranger.”

Tilda turns in her seat to climb out of the truck, and my eyes travel down her body.

That sense ofhomeshe always brings me intensifies in my chest.

I reach out and trace my fingertip along the low neckline of her dress.

Theyellow dress.

Her wedding dress.

“You look nice.” My voice comes out quieter than I intend.

“So do you.” Tilda places a palm against my chest.

I’m in a black T-shirt and jeans. Hardly a match to Tilda’s beauty.

“Did I beat them?” Tilda asks, referring to my sister and her boyfriend.

I nod, then grip her by the waist and drag her out of the truck. “They’ll be here soon.” When her feet touch the ground—in sandals, not the boots I still want to burn—I lower my mouthto hers. “We should have just enough time to make out for a little while.”

She smiles against my lips. And she lets me kiss her. But then she pokes me in the ribs.

“What?” I pull back just enough to speak.

“Show me your house quick. I don’t want your sister to know I’ve never been here.”