Page 78 of The Wayward Son

She hugged him. “It started out horrible, but ended up pretty darn good. Esty is so cute.”

“Yeah. I think she looks like me.”

She stepped back and cocked her head. “Wow.”

He laughed. “All of us O’Connells look alike.”

She nodded. “I have to admit, you’re a pretty good-looking lot.”

He lingered for a moment, not quite ready to say goodnight. “We still need to go on that trail ride.”

“I know. When the sun comes out and the snow goes away, I’m there.”

“Am I ever going to get you in the snow again?”

“No.”

He reached for her hand. “Since I’m staying here, I need to do something with my apartment in Missoula.”

“Oh right.”

“My offer still stands, if you want to use it for a while.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“No. Not at all. You can stay here as long as you want.”

“I talked to Sage today, and she’s fine with me staying with her for a while.”

“Cool.”

“And I’m going to go get a job. Or try to get a job.”

“Until your dream job comes through?”

“Elusive dream job.”

He squeezed her hand. “I’m glad you’re staying.”

“Me too. So you probably need to make a trip to Missoula to clean out the apartment, right?”

“Yeah. I guess so.” He smiled. “I suppose you want to come with me.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“Of course. But I’m driving this time.”

“Fine by me. I can eat more junk food if I’m not driving.”

He shook his head. “You and your junk food.”

“Another road trip with Sawyer O’Connell. When do we leave?”

“I have to check with Dad. We’ll need four or five days.”

“I’ll wait to look for a job when we get back.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He stepped toward the door. “You should check at The Corner Bar.”

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