Standing His Ground: Greer (Porter Brothers Trilogy 2)

Rachel’s mouth snapped closed.

“From what the men around town say, Diane will be the most experienced woman you’ve picked out.” Tate helped Sutton to her feet then rose. “Me and Sutton are going to call it a night.” Hooking an arm around his wife’s shoulder, he led to the door.

“You’re really leaving?”

“Yes. You’re not going to be able to get anything settled tonight, and all this talk about getting it up is getting me worried. I’m not getting any younger, either.”

Holly saw Sutton blushing as they left. She envied how much in love they were. Tate was a hard man, but Sutton somehow managed to soften him when no one could.

No one would be able to soften Greer. He was arrogant, stubborn, and grouchy, and those were his good points.

From what Dustin had told her in confidence, he was the spitting image of their father. He had also told her that Greer had unfortunately taken most of the punishments their father had dished out, making Greer even harder than him and Tate.

Rachel and Cash soon left with a sleeping Ema. Then Holly went to the living room to clean up the beer bottles, while Dustin went to his room to play with Logan.

She was carrying the bottles into the kitchen when she saw Greer watching her.

“I didn’t hear your trap when they were here.”

She turned toward him, surprised. “I didn’t think you would be interested in my opinion.”

“I ain’t, but I thought you would give your two cents about me getting married. ’Cause, you know, soon as I figure out who to marry, your ass will be out the door. I won’t be bringing a new bride into a home that already has a woman in it.”

“I didn’t think you would,” Holly replied coldly.

“I would start looking for a place if I were you.”

Holly was getting sick and tired of his snide comments. She loved Logan as if he were her own son, but even a dog got tired of being kicked around.

“You’re not me. This is a conversation Dustin will share when the time comes.” Going to the kitchen, she dropped the bottles into the recycling bin. “I don’t think I’ll have to worry about it anytime soon. Did you find Kentuckygirl on inmatessearchingforlove.com? With your personality, the only woman stupid enough to marry you is a lifer.” The words weren’t even out of her mouth before she regretted them.

Anger filled his face.

Terrified, she took off running to her bedroom, slamming and locking the door behind her. Holly then shakily leaned back against the door, pressing her hands into the wood by her side as Greer pounded his fists on the door behind her back.

“Woman, when I get my hands on you, you’re going to be sorry you ever heard the Porter name!”

Holly shivered in fright as she listened to Dustin calming his brother down and getting Greer to move away and into his own room. She didn’t release her death grip on her door until she was sure they had left.

“You’re going to be the one who’s sorry,” she promised herself when she was sure no one could hear her.

Some men had to learn the hard way, and then there were some men, like Greer, who needed a cast iron skillet … or a computer to teach a lesson.

5

Sharpshooter: Are you ever going to tell me your name?

Kentuckygirl: What’s wrong with Kentuckygirl? I like it.

Sharpshooter: It doesn’t tell me anything about you.

Kentuckygirl: If my name was Sadie, what would that tell you?

Sharpshooter: That you’re not smart enough to change your name.

Kentuckygirl: Lol. What about Olga?

Sharpshooter: I can deal with Olga. Makes you sound like you’re a Russian princess.

Kentuckygirl: I don’t want to burst your fantasy, but I’m not a Russian princess.

Sharpshooter: Then at least tell me the first letter of your name.

Kentuckygirl: No.

Sharpshooter: Are you still there?

Sharpshooter: Why won’t you tell me? Do I know you?

Kentuckygirl: No, you don’t know me. We’ve been talking for three months; why all the questions now?

Sharpshooter: Because we’ve been talking for three months. I’ve told you everything about me, but you don’t talk about yourself.

Kentuckygirl: I have. I told you I am twenty-eight, and short, and how much I weigh. I have a son. I work at an office. I love dogs, and I’m allergic to cats. I’m a good cook, but I hate doing the dishes. I don’t have a lot of money, and I’m saving up for something I’ve wanted since I was sixteen.

Sharpshooter: Are you married or have a boyfriend?

Kentuckygirl: I told you no. I’m not lying.

Sharpshooter: How am I supposed to know if you’re telling the truth?

Kentuckygirl: I guess you’re just going to have to trust me like I trust you. You told me you’re not involved in a relationship, and I trust you.

Kentuckygirl: Are you still there?

Kentuckygirl: Are you two-timing me with another icon?