“I couldn’t go into the field anymore after that. After a while, I didn’t want to work the desk job either. So I quit. That’s why I’m here.”
Damaris looked troubled. “I understand but…have you really thought about what living here will be like? I mean, it’s Whiskey River. I love it here but you never have. I’ve always wanted to live here and do exactly what I’m doing. But you didn’t. To go from undercover work to Whiskey River? Face it, it’s not the most exciting place on earth.”
“Which is exactly what I want. I’ve had enough danger and excitement to last me a lifetime.”
“If you say so.”
“You’re not convinced.”
“No, but you’re a grown woman so as long as you’re sure, that’s the important thing. Besides, I like having you around.”
“Thanks.” She left her open box of books and went to the kitchen. “I have water or water.”
“I’ll have water,” Damaris said, taking the plastic bottle Jedidiah held out.
They drank in silence for a little while. Then Jedidiah said, “You know when I left, it was never anything against the family. I just needed to be on my own. I needed something different, something exciting.”
“Sounds like you got that and then some.”
“I did. And I found it, it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. So I came back home.”
“I’m glad you did. And I really hope you stay. Do you have any job prospects? I know you don’t want to work on a ranch.”
“You got that right. Although, I do like horses.”
“You don’t like shoveling shit.”
Jedidiah laughed. “Very true. I never have. I’m thinking about something to do with computers. I’m good at security issues, hardware, and I’ve had experience with a number of different programs. And I’m really good at computer security.” And hacking, but that wasn’t necessarily a good recommendation for a job. “Know anyone who’s looking for help?”
“Actually, I do. You might have met him at the reception. Trevor Holt?”
“The app designer? Yes, Gabe introduced us in his quest to find me a man.”
Damaris laughed. “Did you tell him you could find your own man?”
“Yes, but he didn’t pay any attention.”
“That’s not surprising. When Gabe makes up his mind you know how stubborn he can be. Anyway, I heard Trevor is looking for an assistant but so far he hasn’t found anyone.”
“I can ask but he might not like me.”
Damaris narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”
“Nothing. I just wasn’t terribly friendly.” And a little rude. Make that a lot rude.
Damaris gave her an exasperated look.
“What? I was tired and annoyed and my feet hurt.”
“You mean your usual.”
“Oh you’re funny,” Jedidiah said. “Oh, well. The worst he can say is no.”
“Maybe you’ll find out you two really hit it off.”
“If I was looking for a man—which I’m definitely not—but if I was, it would have to be someone as far removed from my previous world as is possible to get.”
“He’s an app designer. How dangerous could that be?”
“Good point.” Now, if she could get the job and not be bored out of her mind that would be a start.
