Standing His Ground: Greer (Porter Brothers Trilogy 2)

“Nope. She started working the tiles out so they would fall and break. Of course, I got blamed for that, too.”

“How did you get blamed for that?”

“Pa said I played my music too loud.”

“Did she give in then?”

“Nah, she kept thinking she would outsmart him.”

“Were you always blamed?”

“Me and Tate started taking turns.”

“Why would she do that?”

There was no way his father hadn’t realized why the bathroom was targeted, knowing that was where Greer had inherited his “not being outdone” from.

“Because that bathroom is fucking pink.”

“Now I understand.” Holly nodded.

“What do you understand?” Greer reached into her half-full box to swipe a couple of potatoes.

“That you and your family have inherited your craziness.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. You going to eat that other leg?”

She shook her head. “No, you can have it.” She leaned back on her hands, feeling full.

When she heard the rustling of a bag being dropped into her lap, she rose up and opened the bag. She barely managed to keep from dropping it.

“Where did you get chocolate-covered strawberries?”

“I had Willa make them for me.”

Holly tasted heaven when she bit into one of them. “I should save one of these for Logan.”

“There are more in the bag. Give him one when you pick him up.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to take—”

“I ate a few of them while I was waiting for Jo. You can have them. Enjoy.”

Greer threw the remains of their lunch in a trash can as she stood up, brushing down her slacks.

He folded the blanket, putting it under his arm, then lifted the cooler. “Come on; I’ll give you a ride back to work.”

“I should walk.”

“You can walk tomorrow. Let’s go.”

Holly followed him, carrying the bag of strawberries. She knew they were meant for Jo, but he had given them to her.

He would laugh his head off if he knew how much that simple lunch had meant to her. She had dreamed of spending time alone with Greer so many times. He had obviously wanted to impress Jo. Holly was glad she hadn’t showed. No woman would be able to resist the care and thought behind his lunch date.

When he opened the truck door for her, she nearly dropped the strawberries.

“Greer, are you sure you didn’t pull any of your plants early?”

He stared at her quizzically. “No. Why? Has anyone been asking you?”

“No. Are you sick? I can make an appointment at the doctor’s office.”

“I ain’t sick, either.” His face cleared. “Can’t a man do something nice for a pretty girl without anyone thinking I’m high or sick?”

“Yes.” She climbed into the truck. “It’s just not usually me.”

“You’re a girl, aren’t you?”

“I was the last time I checked.” Holly looked down at her breasts.

“They still there?”

What would he do if she asked him to check? The naughty thought that had popped into her head died a sudden death when she saw him wave to the woman who came out of the diner.

She started to scoot out of the truck, but his body kept her blocked inside.

“I can walk back to work if you want to talk to Diane.”

“I’m done talking to Diane.” Greer shut the truck door before she could get out.

She stared at him as he came around the front of the truck.

Getting inside, he backed out and turned onto the street. Diane could easily see in the truck as they pulled out into the street.

“She’s not happy you didn’t stop to talk.”

“She’ll get over it. She always does. Dustin heard she’s been seeing Luke Baxter.”

“You don’t seem upset about it.” Everyone knew Greer and Diane had been having an on/off relationship for years.

“I’m not. Guess I’m down to two women on my list. Next time you go out shopping, buy Logan a new suit. It won’t be long before the town will be hearing wedding bells.”

13

Sharpshooter: Did you get a chance to look through the pictures I sent you?

Kentuckygirl: No. I told you I’m not going to help you remodel your home.

Sharpshooter: Why not? I’m doing it for you.

Kentuckygirl: We’re not going to meet.

Sharpshooter: You know, you’re breaking my heart. Why not? Because of the picture I sent of me? I can take another one. My left side is better.

Kentuckygirl: It’s nothing to do with the way you look.

Sharpshooter: Then is it because of the pictures of my house? I don’t want to move, but if you like one better, I can move.

Kentuckygirl: OMG. You’re driving me nuts. It’s me who you’re not going to like. I’m trying to keep both of us from being hurt.

Sharpshooter: Why do you think I won’t like you? I’m pretty easy-going, and it doesn’t take a lot to make me happy. Come spend the weekend with me, and if we don’t like each other, at least we’ll know.

Sharpshooter: You there?

Kentuckygirl: I don’t want to know. I don’t want to lose your friendship.