Page 151 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

She looks over her shoulder. "I almost have it."

"The chair is moving."

"I'm aware."

That doesn't make me feel better. I walk over and put both hands around her waist.

"Martinez."

"Finish the banner."

Her mouth twitches. She reaches higher and catches the hook. "There."

I lift her off the chair. I could let her step down. I don't. Her hands settle on my shoulders as her feet touch the ground. Neither of us moves right away.

"Very heroic," she says.

"Thank you."

"I had it under control."

"I know."

She smiles. I kiss her. Not long. Long enough. When I pull back, her fingers are still resting against my shoulders. "You know people can see us."

I glance around. "Let them."

Her smile changes. Softer now. I like that even more.

"Maddy!"

Cole calls from inside the barn. She looks toward the doors. "Coming." Then back at me. "Duty calls."

"You better go."

She kisses me once before stepping away. I watch her disappear into the barn. I like that too. More than I'm going to admit out loud.

Cole has somehow convinced Maddy that the dessert table needs another six inches of clearance from the wall. I find them studying it when I walk inside.

"People need room to restock," Cole says.

"From where?"

He points toward the boxes stacked across the barn. Maddy considers them. "You're right."

Cole grins. "I'm going to remember this moment forever."

"Don't get used to it."

I grab one end of the table. Cole takes the other. "Where?"

Maddy points. We move it. "Perfect," she says.

Cole looks pleased with himself as he heads toward the loading doors.

Across the barn, Nate and Luis are setting chairs near the small stage. Eric is helping one of the volunteers hang directional signs. Nate hasn't been here long, but he's already discovered that Luis will argue about anything if given enough encouragement. Right now they're debating whether the chair rows are straight. They're not. Eric walks over, moves one chair two inches, and keeps going. Luis stares after him. Nate starts laughing.

Maddy watches them. "You know what I like about this place?"