Page 56 of Rocky Mountain Devil

Rafe’s entire body tightened. “Shut up.”

“Seriously, cuz, I figure you’re destined for sainthood.”

A grumble escaped him before he could stop it. “Already told myself that tonight, but it’s worth it.”

“She’s a fine-looking woman, and she’s sharp.”

He really didn’t want to talk about Laurel anymore. “On a different topic, how come you’re home early? And alone?”

Jesse popped the lid on another beer then used the bottle to gesture into the yard. “I’m not alone. I’ve got Morgan. Finest companion a man could ever want.”

“He doesn’t look tall enough to dance with.”

“Got enough of that in earlier tonight.” Jesse stared into the distance, his feet kicking gently as they hung from the tailgate.

Rafe stayed quiet as well, thinking things through as he waited for more answers to spill.

“I get restless at times,” Jesse said. “Feels as if nothing ever changes here. We get up every morning and work the land, and on Fridays we go to Traders and see the same people.”

“Maybe you need a hobby.”

Jesse snorted.

“Maybe you need a holiday,” Rafe suggested

“Maybe.”

“Why not? I’m pretty sure you could get away for a while. After harvest, before winter really sets in. Doesn’t have to cost a lot.” Rafe thought back to how he’d spent his summer. “It was good to get away these past months. You teased about cheesy hotels, but hell, I slept in the truck a lot of nights. Or in a hammock in the trees. Talk about a simple life.”

His cousin made a rude face. “Don’t think I can do that come November. I’m attached to my balls. Don’t want to freeze them off.”

“If you head far enough south your balls would be safe. Talk to your brother. Maybe Blake’s got some reason for you to hit the road. Take a look around for stock, or some such.”

“It’s an idea.”

Rafe glanced over his shoulder at the dark house. “Nobody else moved in with you yet?”

His cousin shook his head. “I figured you’d be coming back pretty soon.”

Bastard. “You did, did you?”

He got treated to a cocky grin. “I know this place isn’t much, but it’s a whole hell of a lot better than the room at your folks. Move back any time.”

“Sometime this week. Won’t take me long. I never did unpack.” Rafe didn’t hesitate to offer a warning, though. “I’ll be bringing Laurel by at times, and you’d damn well better be on your best behaviour.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jesse demanded.

Rafe held up a hand, counting off on his fingers as he rapidly listed items. “You will not flirt with her. You will not make her feel uncomfortable. You will not try to join us at any time when we’re fooling around. You will not—”

“Really?” Jesse leaned an elbow on one knee as he pulled a disgusted face. “I’m not allowed toflirt?”

Rafe punched him in the shoulder. Jesse responded by laughing, popping off the tailgate and grabbing the rest of the beer. “Oh, and you’re lucky I didn’t move yet into the master bedroom like I considered.”

“Yeah, I’m lucky you’re a lazy son of a bitch.”

“Don’t push it. I could move my stuff tonight before you can get back.”

Yeah, right. “Highly doubt it. That would require you to pack up your shit, and mine is still in boxes.”