The man’s eyes narrowed and his lips thinned. “You guys are military, right?”
“Yes, sir. We’re up here on vacation.”
“That’s good. Well, I hope you enjoy your time in the mountains.” The man’s demeanor changed almost immediately, and he shook his head.
Elowen turned to look at what the guy was disgusted by. She saw a truck turn down a side street and drive away.
“Sorry. That guy is banned from coming here. I thought he was going to stop in.”
Griz said something, but she didn’t hear. Was that the truck she’d seen earlier? She stood and moved to the man.
“Why was he banned?”
He frowned and shook his head. “Nothing you all need to worry about.”
“I think I saw that truck close to my cabin. I own a place not too far from town.”
“Oh, I know you now. The Winters woman. You bought that shabby place a few miles out. We all thought you were crazy, but no, you’re talented.”
“Thank you. So why was he banned?”
“Just some jerk who was rude to the women customers. He’s not welcome in a few places in town.”
“Oh?” she asked, wanting more information.
“Yeah. He backs down fast when you challenge him. Basically a coward. He’s fine picking on the ladies, but if a man stands up to him, he’s weaker than hot jello.”
Elowen nodded. “Thank you. I’ll keep an eye out for him.”
“You do that. Stay safe.”
“I will.”
They finished their meal and headed back to her house. The car ride back was quieter, and she thought that had to do with people being tired.
When they arrived at the cabin, Griz told her to wait for him so he could put his knife up in the room. Danika pulled out a plate of cookies and they headed out to the porch to sit in the shade and relax.
Griz came down, and they headed over to her cabin. She liked how he held her hand as they walked over.
Elowen sighed and pulled him closer. “It has been a while since I’ve had this good of a day.”
“Same. Today was amazing. I really enjoyed spending time with you. I like this thing that is developing between us.”
“It’s good.”
When they stepped into her cabin, he shut the door then pushed her up against it, giving her a kiss that made her knees weak. They were going to be twisted up in bed this afternoon, and she was ready for it.
“I’m falling for you, Elowen Winters. I just want you to know that all the feelings I’ve had for you over the years are only growing.”
“That’s good, because I’m falling for you. I want you in my life because I don’t think I could live without you.”
Having this man close was great, and she would miss him when he headed home. For now, she was going to show him how much she loved him.
Chapter 18
Jenkins wantedto kill that man. How could she let him kiss her in public? It had to be fake. The man had to be holding her hostage. She never would disrespect him by kissing another without being held under duress.
He watched them go from the secondhand store over to their cars. They were in a group, otherwise he would have gone to her. She didn’t know what she was doing. He needed to figure out where they were going next.
