Page 3 of My Silver Lining

“Listen,Wildcat,” I said, accentuating the nickname because if she was going to dish it to me, she should be prepared to get it dished right back. “You weren’t supposed to be here. You arrived early. I’m living in the guesthouse of a property owned by my brother. And I took a pretty good hit to the throat, so I’d say I’m not the only one lacking manners.”

She popped the last few chocolate morsels into her mouth and raised a brow. “If you enter a home I’m staying in unannounced, prepare to take a hit, buddy.”

I moved closer, and she straightened her shoulders. “You knew I was staying in the guesthouse. You could have checked before striking.”

“That’s not really my style.” She smirked.

“This is a small town, not the city. You need to take it down a couple dozen notches,” I said, trying to contain my irritation because my throat was still sore. I glanced at Cutler, who was looking between us with concern.

We’d come for vinegar and baking soda, not to commit an armed robbery.

Her lips twitched the slightest bit. “You can never be too prepared for an attack. You’ve been warned.”

“Not to worry. I won’t be returning anytime soon. We got what we came for,” I said, taking a step back and grabbing the baking soda and the vinegar off the counter. “Nice robe, by the way. It screams feral cat, so it’s very fitting.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Thank you. I wasn’t looking for fashion advice from a man who looks like he shops at Baby Gap.”

I glanced down at my clothes, taking in the navy long johns and gray hoodie that I’ve had on since we went sledding earlier.

The nerve of this woman.

Cutler found the comment hilarious.

“Uncle Rafe, she called you a baby.”

“Let me ask you, Beefcake. You know your animals. Does Lulu here look like she’s wearing a cat costume?”

He reached for my cowboy hat and popped it back on his head, before smiling up at her. “Prettiest cat I ever saw.”

“Thank you, Beefcake.” She sighed before turning to me. “Are you done robbing the kitchen? I’d like to get out of mycostumeand get dressed.”

Damn. I wouldn’t mind seeing her out of the robe, even if I found her incredibly annoying.

“We’ve got all we need. Thanks for the throat punch and the hospitality,” I said, oozing sarcasm.

She ignored me and bent down to hug Cutler. I wasn’t sure why he was getting special treatment. Hell, he was the one who wanted to make the damn volcano. He broke in here right alongside me.

“It was nice to meet you. Henley told me so much about you, and she was spot on. You are one cute kiddo.”

He clutched his chest dramatically. “I’m all man, Lulu.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Let’s go, little man. I’d say it was nice to meet you, Wildcat, but I can’t lie in front of my nephew.”

“Yes. Breaking and entering you’re okay with, but lying is where you draw the line. I’m so impressed.”

I winked as I pulled the door open, and Cutler jogged toward the guesthouse. Lulu stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, glaring at me.

“Look at that. You’re already warming up to me,” I smirked.

She flipped me the bird, and I chuckled as I let the door close behind me.

I’d definitely be staying clear of the little deviant.

two

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Lulu

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