“I’m very persuasive.”
I couldn’t argue with that either. His hand slid down my stomach, fingers teasing along the dark hair above my cock. My body responded immediately, and I caught his wrist before he could go further.
“Don’t start something we don’t have time to finish,” I warned.
“Who says we don’t have time?” His eyes glinted with mischief. “I can be quick when motivated.”
The sound of a truck pulling into the driveway made us both freeze. I glanced at the clock and cursed.
“That’s Evelyn. Fuck,” I swore, scrambling to find my jeans on the floor. “She’s early.”
“She’s always early,” Jesse grumbled, reluctantly pulling away and sitting up. His hair stuck out in all directions, and I had to resist the urge to run my fingers through it again.
“Get dressed,” I ordered, tossing his shirt at his head. “And don’t you dare come down looking like you just got laid.”
Jesse caught the shirt with a grin. “But I did just get laid. Last night. Twice.”
“And if you behave, maybe you will again tonight,” I promised, pulling on my jeans and grabbing a clean shirt from the dresser. “After Whitaker leaves and this is all official.”
Jesse’s face lit up at that. “Is that a promise, cowboy?”
I paused at the door, looking back at him sprawled across our bed. Our bed. Not mine anymore. Somewhere along the way, Jesse had taken over half my closet even though his was just down the hall, filled the bathroom with bubble bath, and completely invaded my life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Yeah,” I said softly. “That’s a promise.”
I headed downstairs, trying to make myself presentable before Evelyn walked in. She knew about us, of course. Hell, the whole town did by now. But I still tried to maintain some semblance of propriety around her. Old habits die hard.
Evelyn was already in the kitchen when I got there, unpacking groceries and humming to herself. She looked up as I entered, a knowing smile spreading across her face.
“Morning, Cole,” she said cheerfully. “Sleep well?”
I felt my face heat up despite myself. “Just fine, thank you.”
“Mmhmm,” she hummed, turning back to the groceries. “I brought extra coffee. Figured you boys might need it today.”
“You’re a saint,” I told her, moving to help with the unpacking. “Whitaker’s coming at ten.”
“I know,” she replied, handing me a carton of eggs. “That’s why I’m making a proper breakfast. Can’t face lawyers on an empty stomach.”
The sound of Jesse’s footsteps on the stairs made us both look up. He appeared in the doorway, hair still damp from a hasty shower, wearing jeans and one of my flannel shirts that hung a bit loose on his frame. My chest tightened at the sight.
“Morning, Evelyn,” he said, making a beeline for the coffee pot.
“Morning, sunshine,” she replied with that same knowing smile. “Sleep well?”
Jesse caught my eye over his coffee mug, his lips twitching. “Like a baby.”
I shot him a warning look that only made his grin widen. Evelyn chuckled, shaking her head as she turned to the stove.
“You boys sit down,” she instructed. “I’m making my special omelettes. You’re going to need your strength today.” She glanced at me meaningfully. “Both of you.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic. Between the nerves about Whitaker’s visit and last night’s activities, I was starving. Jesse and I sat at the kitchen table while Evelyn worked her magic at the stove, the smell of peppers and onions filling the air.
“So,” Jesse said, leaning toward me once Evelyn’s back was turned, “what’s the first thing you want to do once this place is officially, one hundred percent ours?”
I considered the question, watching him over the rim of my coffee mug. “Sleep for about three days straight,” I answered honestly. “This year has been exhausting.”
“That’s your big celebration plan? Sleeping?” Jesse looked disappointed. “Come on, Cole. Think bigger.”
