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We want him to be happy again.

I wanted that too.

When we’d finished, I drank the last of the coffee, then wiped my lips with a napkin. “I need to go get a change of clothes before we head into Bozeman.”

Robert let out a wry chuckle. “Ready to run the gauntlet?”

I didn’t have to ask what he meant by that.

I got up from the table. “You gonna meet me down at the bunkhouse, or do I come up here?”

“We’ll go in my car. Better come up here.”

I walked behind him, leaned in, and whispered, “One more thing.” I kissed his neck. “You make the most amazing noises when you’re being fucked.”

A flush rose from his chest, up his neck, and reached his cheeks. “Thank you… Sir.”

That one word on his lips was enough to weaken my resolve. I wanted to drag him upstairs, strip him naked, and—

It would have to wait. Besides, the next time we fucked?

There’d be nothing between us.

The thought of shooting my load inside him was a serious turn-on.

I kissed his warm cheek. “Later.” Then I straightened and walked out of the dining room. I called out to Matt as I passed the kitchen. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I opened the front door and headed down the path. There was no sign of life below, so I assumed everyone was still in the bunkhouse. When I entered, Butch let out a raucous laugh.

“Look what the coyote dragged in.” His eyes glittered. “You missed breakfast.”

“Or did you already get your protein this morning?” Walt said with a grin.

“I’m confused.” Garrett’s brow furrowed. “If he missed breakfast, then how could he have had protein?”

Zeeb bit back a smile.

Teague walked in. “You’re going into Bozeman this morning, right?”

I laughed. “Word sure gets around fast on this ranch.”

“I’ve been told to have Lightning and Rusty saddled and ready for when you get back.”

I arched my eyebrows. “Am I going for a ride?”

Butch snorted. “Sure, but whatweall want to know is, who’s riding who?”

Teague’s eyes flashed. “Why don’t you go ask the boss, seeing as you’re so curious?” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ll call him, shall I? Tell him you’re on your way up to the house?”

Butch reddened. “I guess I don’t need to know after all.”

Teague stared at him. “No, you don’t. No one does. And do you know why? Because it’s none of our fucking business. But Iwilltell you one thing for free—I’ve seen the boss smile more and laugh more in the last few days than in the previous five years.” Another flash of those dark eyes. “So we’re not gonna begrudge him a little happiness, now are we?”

Butch squared his shoulders. “No sir, we surely aren’t.”

“Amen to that,” Zeeb echoed.