Page 7 of The Grump I Got Stuck With

“She obviously has a lot to say,” I snapped. “It’s been a harrowing night.” More so for me than her. Princess was having the time of her life.

“A harrowing night? I’m the one who’s had to listen to that insufferable barking. How can something the size of a loaf of bread be such a nuisance?”

“She’s not a nuisance,” I argued. “She’s perfect. There’s nothing wrong with a girl who’s willing to speak her mind.”

We stopped outside my room. Alistair stood there, arms crossed.

I waved Princess in ahead of me. “Well, thank you for the escort, Lord Crankypants. I’d say it’s been a pleasure, but we both know that’s a lie.”

He bristled in response. “This isn’t a hotel. Do not leave your room. Do not pass go. Do not test me. Is that clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Are you sure? I’ll say it again. Slowly. Just to make sure you really understand this time. Stay put and mind your own damn business.”

I rolled my eyes. “Gladly.”

He shook his head. “I cannot wait to be rid of you.”

“What a fine example you are of Scottish hospitality.” I knew I was goading him, but he didn’t have to be such a grump.

“Hospitality is for guests,” he growled. “You’re a trespasser.”

I scowled, not thrilled with the reminder that I was technically in the wrong here. Okay, so maybe breaking in via doggy door meant I wasn’t the ideal guest, but that didn’t mean he had to be the world’s worst host. “I think we both know who Santa won’t be leaving presents for.” I turned my nose up at him and stalked back into my room. “I hope you enjoy your fat lump of coal!”

3

MADISON

The moment I was alone, I resisted the urge to scream into one of the down-filled pillows on the bed. I deposited Princess on top of the tartan comforter. She had a brief burst of zoomies, then sat down and tipped her head to the side, her ears twitching as she watched me pace across the room, trying the other doors.

Finally, I discovered the en suite bathroom. I paused long enough to use the toilet and splash some water on my face, then emerged, just as angry.

“Can you believe him?” I exclaimed.

Princess barked as if to say I know.

“Hospitality is for guests.” My impression of his grumpy Scottish brogue was really bad. “What does a girl have to do around here to get a little sympathy for what might have been a life-and-death situation?”

I pressed my hands against the footboard, staring hard at Princess. She yipped, spinning around on the bed, chasing her fluffy tail.

“Don’t try to act cute with me,” I muttered. “Did you not see what I just had to deal with because you couldn’t stay put?”

She whined and flopped down on her side before squirming onto her back, looking for belly rubs. I narrowed my eyes, but I could never stay mad at her for long—not when she chewed the fingers off my mittens or spilled my coffee with her overly enthusiastic demands for walks or even, apparently, when she put me in the crosshairs of Lord Crankypants.

My resolve crumbled, and I reached out, giving her a scratch. “You’re a menace, you know?”

She huffed in response, tail wagging. I’d found her abandoned by the side of the road early in my travels and quickly recognized a kindred spirit. She was a lot of spunk in a tiny package, and her constant perky cheerfulness made it easier for me to stay positive. I was honestly glad to have her, especially on nights like tonight. I needed someone in my corner because Alistair probably still thought I was some trashy journalist or that I’d come to kidnap his child or something.

I pursed my lips, mulling over the look on his stupidly handsome face as he’d escorted me back to my room. Being lectured like a toddler who couldn’t follow directions had not improved my night. Princess gave my fingers a comforting lick.

The wind howled against the windows, and I abandoned my internal rant long enough to draw the heavy velvet curtains against them. I really didn’t want to see how high the snow was getting.

I whirled around, hands on my hips, trying to get a handle on my frustration.

My phone buzzed against my leg. I slipped it out of my jean pocket to find a text from Emily. I’d almost forgotten I’d promised to update her properly.

Still alive? she asked.