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And I can’t lose this job. I can’t afford this house without it. And what kind of job can I get in Winter Falls if he fires me? The town isn’t exactly teeming with businesses searching for managers.”
Hold on. Why am I explaining myself to him?
“You know what. Never mind. From now on, I’ll make sure Isla doesn’t bother you.”
I begin stomping toward my house.
“I like Isla.”
The implication is clear. My daughter he likes. Me? Not so much. Yeah. Yeah. Mr. Grumpy Rockstar I got it already. The stay away vibes couldn’t have been more obvious.
“She’s very likable,” I holler and keep moving.
“She’s welcome at my house anytime.”
Has he lost his dang mind? I whirl around on him.
“You seriously think I will allow my daughter to hang around a man who hates me?”
“I don’t hate you.”
“Who thinks I’m a bad parent?”
“Maybe I was—
“I can’t believe I actually took the time to get you a present as a thank you,” I mumble as I dig in my purse. I find the package and throw it at him. He catches it. Of course, he does. He can’t fumble and look like a fool for one minute? Give me one second of glory? Is it too much to ask?
“What’s this?”
“What do you think? The packaging isn’t some elaborate surprise. Beef jerky.”
“Beef jerky?”
I roll my eyes. “You can’t buy beef jerky in Winter Falls. Something about the packaging being bad for the environment. I don’t know. I thought you’d enjoy it since you’re eating all the time. You don’t want it? Give it back to me.”
I hold out my hand but he retreats a step.
“Thank you.”
“Whatever.”
“I’ll see you around.”
Not if I see him first. I wasn’t kidding. I’m done with the grumpy neighbor. I don’t care how much Isla likes him. Or how sexy he is. Or how much I long to touch his naked body. Or how often I wake up sweaty in the middle of the night from dreaming of him.
I will not put up with a man who criticizes my life choices. Not anymore.
Chapter 8
Regret – To feel like shit because you’re an idiot with a big mouth
Fender
“Are you listening, grumpapottamus?” Gibson asks.
“Not grumpapottamus,” I grumble.
Jett bursts into laughter. “Your grumbling proved us wrong. You’re not grumpy at all.”
