Grumpy the Bear (Blueball Band of Brothers, #1)

by Marika Ray

having a scar doesn’t have anything to do with perfection.”

“Says the girl who’s a walking example of perfection. Paisley, you gotta see yourself in the mirror, right? You’re fucking gorgeous. Perfection of the female form with a brain that rivals any scientist and a work ethic that makes me feel like a couch potato. How can I show my faults to a woman like that?”

“Please don’t cry. I meant to come over here to apologize and explain myself, not make you more upset. I can’t take a whole week of you ignoring me. I know it’s selfish, but I realized I’ve come to rely on our daily interactions. Our texts at night. Seeing your smile first thing in the morning. You’re my catnip, baby.”

“It’s okay to need someone else, Pearse. Everyone needs someone, and I’m happy to be that person for you.”

It was those glimpses of a sweet man behind the frowns that turned me inside out.

“Damn. Not even twenty-four hours into being my girlfriend and you’re demanding breakfast.”

I did not like seeing my woman knocked off her feet like this. Every protective instinct in me was clanging out a warning.

“So fuckin’ beautiful,” I murmured against her lips. “And all mine.”

if I wasn’t mistaken, I was pretty sure I’d fallen in love with them both.

“I can’t seem to control myself around you. I don’t know what’s happening.”

We fell asleep with Gannon wrapped around me, and I knew for sure. I was hopelessly in love with my grumpy neighbor.

I’d never been more proud of Paisley, or more in love with a human being than when she stood up for me. I’d felt alone and adrift for the last six months. But not now. Not since Paisley had barreled her way into my life and propped me up with her constant belief that with enough hard work, anything could be done.

“Don’t lose that one. She’s the type you hold on to tightly.” He smiled ruefully. “She reminds me of your mother, actually. God, she had a mouth on her.” I grinned, knowing exactly what he meant and also wishing I’d had the chance to get to know my own mother. “I’m doing everything I can to keep her, believe me.”

“Just…gah!” He squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them again, looking as angry as I felt. “I love you, and you’re making it really hard to get the words out. I was going to give you flowers, make you spaghetti, and then tell you over dessert how I felt, but then I lost track of time and you called me Grumpy the Bear and it all got twisted.”

I didn’t care about rings and recorded documents and shared last names. Paisley was mine, and I was hers. And this tattoo could be our little secret.

It was like both of us were going through the breakup. Even though I’d still argue Paisley and I weren’t broken up. I refused.

Some things left a man no choice. Loving Paisley was like breathing. Even if she wasn’t talking to me, I loved her anyway. Even if it took me years to win her back, I’d just keep loving her through it.

“I brought you dinner because I believe in you and support you, no matter what. Even if what you do is dangerous, I trust you’ll do your best to be safe. Least I can do is keep you fueled up on the job properly so you come home to me in one piece.”

“You’re not an asshole, Paisley. You’re sunshine in a gorgeous package. A badass Cinderella who can do anything she puts her mind to. You’re far too good for me, but I’m selfish enough to try to keep you. I have to have you. I can’t breathe if you’re not speaking to me. I can’t be the kind of dad Elise deserves without you reminding me of the good in this world. I need you in a way that frightens me.”

Stepparents get all the responsibility and none of the recognition, but not on my watch.”

They took a trip to the library, where they were under strict orders to make Paisley pick out a book to read. She kept saying how she used to like to read these romance books a few years back but had given them up for more serious non-fiction books that would help her on the job and in life. While gaining knowledge like that was admirable, I also pushed her to do some light reading, too. Being able to turn your brain off and relax was important. It just wasn’t something Paisley was good at.

The first trickle of nerves set in. I wasn’t at all nervous about changing my single status for life, but I was nervous she might turn me down. Talk about package deals. I was always bracing for her to realize that maybe an old guy like me with scars and a daughter—and a dog who couldn’t control his bladder when belly-rubbed—wasn’t quite what she envisioned for her future. Somehow, she seemed to like the chaos, so I was going to put a ring on it before she changed her mind.

“I knew coming out here to Blueball would be the start of a new life for me, but I had no idea how perfect it would become. All because of you.”