Page 86 of A Cowboy's Trust

That night as the barn rang with music, and friends from the community danced around them, Tansy slipped into Jake’s arms and hoped.

He held her, swaying together in an easy intimate embrace.

Tansy glanced around at the contented gathering. “One task done. Which means I can now make some major plans.”

He raised a brow. “Going for your master’s degree in planning?”

“Absolutely. I’ve had this great instructor during my exchange program.” She stole her hand from where it had rested on his hip and lifted a finger with each comment. “First, Petra, Sydney, and I are fumigating your apartment tomorrow.”

Utter confusion flashed before something she swore was disappointment rushed in. “Okay, I think? Does that mean I’m getting kicked out from where I’m sleeping now?”

“Yes. That’s point two on the agenda.” She lifted another finger. “Grab your stuff and join me in my room. The apartment is bigger, but I’d like to stay in the house because it makes things simpler for cooking without bothering others, and someone still needs to live there to supervise Jinx and any women ranch hands who show up.”

His lips curled the slightest bit. “Are you asking me to move in with you?”

“Yup.” She made theppop with a great deal of satisfaction. “That’s what I hear people in love do, and I’m not letting anyone muck that up for us.”

“Good.” Jake grinned and twirled her. “Then why cleanse the apartment? And what do you plan?”

“At some point, someone will stay in that space. The girls are coming over with candles, and we’re getting the negative vibes out of there before the bad juju messes with the entire ranch.”

“Candles have that sort of power?”

Tansy poked him in the chest. “Go with the flow. It’s more about the ritual than anything else, but Petra promises it will help.”

He twirled her then, holding her tight. “I’m on board.”

That night Jake took less than fifteen minutes to move his stuff into her room, and a good solid hour to tease and tempt and kiss every part of her until there was no room for worrying or nightmares. No room for anything but pleasure and the promise of a future with him.

Even after the heavy breathing was done and bonelessness had set in, Jake made sure to cuddle her in tight. “You wake up and need me, I’m here, okay?”

“We both don’t have to be awake if I have a nightmare,” Tansy informed him, the heat of his chest to her back and the still racing endorphins making her eyelids droop.

“People in love are willing to give up a little sleep,” he informed her. “Or so I hear.”

Tansy linked her fingers through his where they rested on her belly. “Okay.”

The nightmares didn’t dare come close.

Post breakfast, Tansy hauled Jake out to his apartment. Sydney was already there, along with Declan. Petra arrived a minute later, dragging Aiden with her.

“Are we in a rush?” Aiden asked, amusement on his face.

“No, I just like pulling you places,” Petra admitted.

Tansy snickered then gestured them in the door.

One glance was enough to confirm the apartment had already been cleaned. Petra had said it was good to go, but with her food prep demands, Tansy hadn’t had time to get out to check.

“When did someone deal with the place?” Jake asked.

“I did it yesterday afternoon,” Declan said quietly. “Figured it needed to be done sooner than later for a bunch of reasons.”

“And that was without knowing about the uncursing. Good job, Deck,” Sydney offered.

Aiden raised a brow. “Uncursing?”

“I know, strong words, but I believe people leave energies in a place, and we have better things to focus on than running into that person’s shitty aura.” Sydney frowned at Declan. “What?”