Page 61 of Rocky Mountain Home

Then he turned his phone off so he wasn’t tempted to answer any more questions. Instead, he gathered his stuff and got ready to head back south.

Morgan dashed back and forth between them as Dare walked him to the truck, looking pink-cheeked and fresh from her shower. Or maybe it was from the fooling around they’d done.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

Jesse grinned. “Me too. I’ll be back when I can.”

She nodded, stepping back before he was done. No way he was leaving without a kiss goodbye, and he told her so as he tugged her against his body.

Her face brightened further as she draped her hands around his neck. “I’m glad you like kissing.”

“See? Another thing we have in common.”

The kiss was over far too soon, but it was either stop now and head home, or he’d turn around and take her back to bed, and he’d never make it to work on time.

He dropped the tailgate, and Morgan jumped up into the back. Dare ruffled the dog’s ears before stepping aside.

Jesse gave her a smack on the butt.

Dare swatted him playfully. “Drive safe.”

She stepped toward the cottage. Jesse found himself grinning as he headed down the long private road leading to the highway.

Caleb was waiting outside the main ranch house, and waved him down.

Jesse lowered his window, grin turning to a smirk as he took in Caleb’s appearance. The man looked a little worse for wear.

“How are you this fine morning?” Jesse asked on the verge of a shout.

Caleb cringed. “Asshole.

“I get that a lot.”

“I forgot heavy drinking when there are kids in the house is never a good idea. They have no concept of sleeping in, or privacy. Rocking beds and hangovers don’t go well.”

“Got jumped, did you?” Jesse made sure not to mention that he’d gotten jumped in a lot more fun manner, probably earlier than Caleb.

The bed rocking had been much appreciated.

Caleb waved the comment off. “I’ll live. Glad I caught you, though. I’ve been thinking…maybe you should move closer.”

Jesse hesitated. He hated to get his hopes up, but that sounded like good news delivered with perfect timing, considering he was soon to be unemployed. “Was that a job offer?”

Dare’s brother nodded slowly. “We’ll have to figure out where you can fit into the operation, but if you plan to stick around, you may as well work here.”

Jesse buzzed with sincere gratitude as he pumped Caleb’s hand enthusiastically. “Appreciate it.”

Caleb stepped away without another word, headed back to the house. His powerful strides eating up the distance as if in denial of his hangover.

Over the next week, Jesse’s life got calmer, and it didn’t. With his notice given, the job in the south was slowly drawing to an end. Knowing he’d soon be permanently closer to Silver Stone ranch helped ease some of his nightmares, and he made the drive to see Dare the couple chances he got.

Still seemed like a bit of a dream world, and he was exhausted from the extra travel, but it couldn’t be helped.

He and Dare were sitting on her porch in the evening one of the last days in June. He’d driven out that morning after finishing a night watch, and he’d need to leave soon, but the trip was the last time he could get away until his contract finished.

Not being around for five days in a row seemed outrageously long.

“You plan to be here for Canada Day?” Dare asked.