“You’re both obviously deluded, because none of this is my fault.”
“If you had called to let me know you were home, I wouldn’t have worried when I drove by and saw that car outside or when I saw him leaving your house with a garbage bag,” Earl says, and Tanner makes a sound in the back of his throat that I take to mean he’s agreeing with him.
“Unbelievable.” I shake my head, looking between the two of them. “I’m not doing this.” I turn on my heel and head into the house, leaving them standing outside. Annoyed and in need of caffeine, I go to the kitchen and grab a coffee mug from the cupboard, then slam it down on the counter with a little too much force, causing the handle to break off in my hand. Cursing under my breath, I toss the broken pieces into the trash, then grab a new one, fill it with coffee, and get my creamer from the fridge.
“Sunshine,” Tanner calls, but I don’t bother responding to the endearment that normally makes my heart flutter. Instead, I focus on dumping creamer into my cup. “You’re pissed.”
“No, I’m annoyed that you and Earl decided to gang up on me,” I inform him, and he laughs. “I’m glad I can entertain you.” I take a sip of my coffee.
“I didn’t mean to laugh. It’s not funny that you’re annoyed.” He comes to me, taking the mug from my hand and placing it on the counter before cupping my face in his palms. “You’re just very cute.” His lips brush across mine, and when my lashes flutter open, he slides his fingers back into my hair. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I just lost my mind when I saw that gun pointed in your direction.”
“I kind of got that.” I rest my hands against his chest, biting back the urge to bring up the fact that none of this was my fault. “Is Earl still outside?”
“Do you mean your very overprotective neighbor?” He skims his nose down mine. “Because that guy is still outside in the driveway, waiting for you to come out and give him a hug. His words, not mine.”
“I should go out there.” I sigh, shaking my head.
“While you do that, I’m going to make us breakfast.” He places a swift kiss against my lips, then lets me go.
Going to the door, I open it slowly, then step outside with my hands up. “Don’t shoot.”
“Such a smart-ass,” Earl mutters, while I hear Tanner inside start to laugh, obviously no longer angry about the whole “getting shot at” business.
“Just being cautious.” I head down the steps, and Earl opens his arms wide.
“You know most people get a fridge magnet or key chain when they go on a trip, not a man,” he says as I wrap my arms around his burly waist and rest the side of my head against his chest.
“Well, those people aren’t going on the right kind of trips.” I tip my head back and grin up at him, watching as he shakes his head.
“It’s good to have you back, kid.”
“Yeah.” I step back when he lets me go. “Do you have dinner plans tonight?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Well, now you do, with Tanner and me.” I motion to the trailer. “We can grill out tonight.”
“Does your new guy eat meat?”
“He does, but I’m still going to make vegetables.” I plant my hands on my hips. “You know you’re worse than a kid when it comes to eating things that are good for you.”
“The point is I’m no longer a kid, which means I get to eat what I like, when I like.” He smiles, causing his beard to shift on his face and the wrinkles around his eyes to stand out even more.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes. “How about between six thirty and seven?”
“I’ll be here.” He pulls his keys out of his pocket. “Let Tanner know I’ll bring a case of beer, since I know you don’t got any.”
“So you two are on a first-name basis now?”
“He’s a military man and protective of you. He has my respect,” he says, and my heart warms, because that means a lot coming from Earl, since he didn’t even like Galvin, and he knew him for years. “See you tonight.” He gets in his truck, and I stand back, waving as he drives off, then head inside, finding Tanner at the stove.
“Earl’s going to come over for dinner tonight.”
“Good, I’d like to pick his brain about some stuff,” he says, flipping over a pancake, and I frown.
“What kind of stuff?” I hop up on the counter next to the stove and pick up my coffee to take a sip.