Page 4 of Winning with the Mountain Man
Hudson shook his head. “Red mulch this time, same amount. I’ll pull my truck up. Gruff is in the cab, and he’s a little antsy.”
“I’ll send my brother out, then.” As much as I wanted to be around Hudson, his large dog was a different story. His big size intimidated me, as big dogs always have. I’m more of a cat person. Like my cute orange-and-white calico, Sunny, waiting at home for me.
He took a step closer, and my heart took flight. “I don’t want your brother. I want you.”
My mouth went dry. “But your dog…”
“He’s a harmless doof. But I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. Send Lucian out with the mulch.”
“Thank you.”
We stared at each other in silence, and I desperately wanted to understand his unspoken words, hoped he’d ask for a date or kiss me orsomething.Anything.
“See you around, Carina.” With a wink and another grin, he left leaving me wanting more.
Lucian appeared with Hudson’s order, and I jumped, not expecting him to come up beside me. “Was that a wink I saw?”
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. “Just go bring him his order.”
“And why aren’t you going?”
“His dog is in his truck.”
Lucian threw his head back in laughter. “He’s in his truck. What do you think, he’s going to jump out and get you?”
I shot him daggers. “Really? Don’t be an ass.”
“Sorry, sis. I just thought you’d be over this fear by now.”
“Like you’re over your fear of snakes?”
Lucian visibly shuddered. “Shh.”
Suddenly, yelling and shouting came from the direction of the parking lot, and both Lucian and I exchanged panicked looks. I ran out the front door, Lucian following close, to find Hudson chasing his dog, Gruff.
The dog looked even bigger than I remembered the last time seeing him in Hudson’s truck, and drool flew out of both sides of his mouth as he ran, not paying one ounce of attention to his owner.
“Can someone please help me get him? He took off after a bunny!” Hudson looked directly at me as he ran by, but I was frozen to the spot.
I looked at my brother, and he sighed loudly. “Fuck. You owe me, sis.” He sprinted in the direction of Hudson and Gruff while I stood there, feeling helpless.
Without another thought, I took off after all of them.
CHAPTER THREE
Hudson
“He’s over there!”Lucian called over his shoulder, pointing toward the wooded area across the street from the parking lot.
“Shit!” I muttered under my breath as I ran across the street, double-checking for traffic. “Gruff! Get over here!” I called, but he was nothing but a bolt of white-and-black fur darting around trees.
His behavior today isn’t normal for him, and I wonder if this is his way of getting me back for keeping him cooped up for most of this past week. But bringing him with me to every job wasn’t easy, especially those farther away. I wanted to enroll him in doggie daycare, but I’ve yet to find one close by with an opening.
Lucian came up behind me and pointed. “There!”
“Gruff! Come! Now!” I shouted. Gruff turned, looked at me, and took off again.
“Fuck!” I muttered once more.
