Page 57 of Rocky Mountain Home

A loud snore shook the table, the upright bunny ear quivering as Dustin’s head rolled.

Enough. Dare kept a tight grip on Jesse and guided him down the steps, ignoring the good-natured bickering in the background between Luke and Walker.

Jesse’s grip on her fingers was warm, and damn if he didn’t start whistling happily as they approached the cottage.

Dare fought a yawn, her curiosity getting the better of her. “I hate to ask for an explanation, but if you can tell me in a minute or less what was going on, I might not have nightmares.”

“Like I said, a bit of brotherly bonding. It was mostly Dustin’s fault. He was getting cocky, and after the steaks were done, one thing led to another, and instead of playing poker for money, winner got to pick a costume for the others to wear.”

He opened the door for her, following close on her heels as Dare attempted to get her sleepy brain to work through his words.

“Dress-up. You seriously convinced my brothers to use dress-up costumes instead of gambling.”

He shrugged, taking her coat and hanging it on the hook by the front door. “I’m cheap. What can I say?”

It suddenly registered that he had really been there, with all four of her male family members, and other than some out-of-sight scuffling, none of her brothers had offered death or dismemberment when he kissed her. “Does this mean they’ve accepted you?”

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll find reasons to not like me in the future, and I’m never turning my back on Dustin, but so far, so good.”

Yeah, Dustin wasn’t going to be an easy case. But the others? She was surprised it had gone as well as it had. “Far too charming for your own good.”

He pulled her back into his arms. “Enough about your brothers. I take it you’re pretty tired.”

“Riding herd on three overexcited shoppers is exhausting, even when I’m not pregnant.”

He hummed in sympathy, rubbing a hand up her arms and over her shoulders, the gentle motion pulling their bodies into tighter contact. “I guess that’s my cue to get you into bed.”

Chapter Ten

As tired as she was, the words were enough to send a jolt of adrenaline through her system. “Jesse…”

He pressed a kiss to the side of her neck as he slipped a hand under her shirt. “I brought you my paperwork, but to prove what a gentleman I am, you don’t have to look at it tonight.”

His fingers were warm as he caressed and teased, and if she weren’t so damn tired, it would’ve been exactly what she’d craved. “I want to…”

“…fuck. I know. But you can hold out until tomorrow for my cock.”

A noise escaped Dare, somewhere between a laugh and a grunt. “Such an ass.”

He patted her on the butt. “Bed, darlin’. Don’t tempt me to do wicked things when you’re asleep on your feet.”

“Still be fun.” Her words were slurring, and she was thankful for his guidance as he walked her into her bedroom and helped her get ready.

He didn’t take advantage. Not when he stripped off her clothes, or when he knelt beside her, letting her balance with a hand on his shoulder as he wiggled off her pants and socks.

When she would have reached for her pyjamas, she found a warm Jesse-scented T-shirt being pulled over her head.

She nuzzled against his suddenly bare chest. “I like wearing your clothes.”

“Hmm, I like you wearing my clothes too, although naked is even better. Now hit the can. Can you find your way?”

“If you didn’t leave the seat up. Hate falling in.”

Jesse laughed. “Common complaint of the fairer sex. I swear I will do my damnedest to keep you from falling in.”

She took care of business and brushed her teeth, stumbling back to the bedroom in that half-asleep/half-awake state. That she was still vertical was a testament to the invigorating impact of Jesse’s presence.

Damn hormones.