Page 18 of Rocky Mountain Devil

Somehow she had to get through the next few minutes, that’s all. Laurel dug deep for something to say. She hoped for casual, but what came out was anything but. “I didn’t know you were coming to Rocky.”

“It was a new development. Came up pretty quick.” Jeff folded his arms, glancing over to where Rafe was stepping back into the animal pen. “I didn’t know you were involved with anyone.”

“It’s a new development. Came up pretty quick,” she deadpanned.

Understatement of the year. Her lips still tingled, and her entire body was hot. She couldn’t pull her gaze away from Rafe, and her heart leapt into high gear when she discovered his eyes on her, mouth twisted into a wicked grin.

What had she done? Now Jeff would think for sure she and Rafe were involved. Which, they totally planned on happening, but not at the speed of light. The inevitable questions from her family were a bit of a panic inducer, but in a way, she was glad to have something else to worry about other than why in the world Jeff Lawson was hanging out in her backyard.

The deep pain in her chest that had finally faded to a dull, constant ache over the past two years flared, stabbing like daggers as she looked him over. “Why’re you here?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m candidating for a position.”

No. Way. God, tell me he’s joking. He’sgotto be joking.“Seriously? At my father’s church?”

“It’s not your father’s.”

Even though she’d promised a long time ago to stop punching people, the temptation was very strong at that moment. “You know what I mean. I can’t believe you think that’s a good idea.”

She could’ve sworn he was about to reach for her before choosing instead to adjust his coat.

He offered his patented understanding smile. “Obviously, I do think it’s a good idea. I was asked, and I’ll go where I’m called to serve. I always loved the descriptions you shared about Rocky Mountain House. I think we could have a lot to look forward to once we put the past behind us.”

Only there was no moving past some things, and explaining that to him—she didn’t even know why she should have to try. Luckily, with a whole lot of the community milling about them, this wasn’t the time or place.

“I need to get going.” She turned away.

He caught her by the wrist before she could escape. “Not even an ‘it’s good to see you’ for me, Laurel?” He caressed her with his voice.

Laurel jerked her hand free, mad enough to spit nails. What an asshole move on his part, for so many reasons. He was married, and he was practically begging her to fawn over him? She wasn’t sure why she was surprised, though—it was always all about him. He had a far too healthy sense of his own importance.

“I’ve never been a very good liar,” she reminded him. And then before he could speak, she delivered her parting shot. “I won’t keep you from your duties. I’m sure I’ll see you andJessicasometime in the next few days.”

Her feet moved fast enough to be a run, escaping quickly to where she could surround herself with little people as a wall of protection.

There were a lot of good things she’d enjoyed since coming back to Rocky at the start of summer. Family. New friends. And now that Rafe was here, she had even more to look forward to.

Jeff…complicated matters. Sent her happy thoughts into an emotional spiral she was desperate not to return to.

Rafe tracked her down before he left. The hour she’d had to cool off while painting cat stripes and whiskers on toddler faces had done wonders for her nerves, and seeing him striding vigorously toward her gave her the final push she needed to adjust most of her attitude to a better place.

Most…not all.

He caught her by the arm, fingers curling around her biceps as he squeezed lightly. “Are you feeling better?”

“I wasn’t sick. And if I was, ick, it’s kind of gross you decided to up and kiss me.”

His lips twisted into a grin. “I have no germs you need to worry about.”

Frustration lingered. Jeff was certain to say something to her father. Maybe ask aboutLaurel’s boyfriend, and while they had plans, that kiss Rafe had given had been wonderfulandcomplicated things. “Did you take leave of your senses? There was no need for you to storm over there and put me in an impossible situation.”

Shock flickered in his eyes. “You looked scared to death.”

“You were rescuing me.”

“Only a little.” His smile widened as his hand drifted down her bare arm. “Mostly I was kissing you.”

Laurel felt like stomping her foot on the ground. “Can we stop talking about that?”