Page 125 of Forever After All

Linc smiled and the playful expression was so new to her that she couldn’t get enough of it. If she could just snap a photo and keep it in her pocket, she’d spend half of her working hours daydreaming about the cute smile on the tough-as-nails cowboy.

Then the joyful expression morphed into something else. Desire?

Oh, no. That look would get her in trouble. When his gaze lowered to her lips, her heart rate skyrocketed.

Maybe she should put some distance between them now that the fever that had made her say and do crazy things was gone.

His lips brushed over hers again, and she let him lead her through another whirlwind of emotions. Would he always have this effect on her? Would she ever be able to breathe when he adored her?

He pulled away just enough to speak. “I don’t want to fight your brother.” Linc kissed her again. “But I want more of this.”

Jess nodded, shaking her head up and down rapidly in agreement.

“Go check on Thea,” he whispered.

“Okay.” That one word took way too much effort to get out.

She stepped away from him, and his hand slowly slipped from her waist.

Did they really have to part? Linc was going to be terrible for her work ethic.

“Where is that first-aid kit?” Brett shouted as he entered the clearing. “I think I just rubbed my cheek against some poison ivy.”

Jess looked at Linc as she pressed her lips together. Was she laughing about Brett’s dilemma or the fact that they almost got caught kissing? “How’d he get it on his face?”

Linc shook his head. “I’m not asking.” He jerked his head toward the pack by the tent. “There’s a cream for that.”

Chapter39

Linc

Linc untied one of the mules from a tree and wound the rope around his arm. Every muscle in his body had relaxed since Jess’s fever had gone down. She’d been up all morning working around the campsite. Hopefully, she wouldn’t get tired again now that it was time to leave.

Passing Liberty, Linc brushed a hand over her mane. “Listen, I need you to be extremely good today and get my girl home safe.”

The horse had gotten over her timidness on the trip. Maybe the horse got the memo that they were both trying their best for Jess.

“Who are you talking to?” she said as she walked down the slow rise, bouncing with each step.

“My new friend. Liberty says she’s gonna be good today.”

Jess gave Liberty a bright smile. “Of course she’s gonna be good. She probably wants to be home as much as I do.”

“Are you ready to be home because you’ve been sick, or are you ready to be home because you’re homesick?”

Jess tilted her head as she rubbed a hand over Liberty’s nose. “Both. I used to love trail rides. I still do, but I like the shorter ones better.”

“Because you actually have a home now.”

She looked up at him, and a small wrinkle made a line between her brows. “I’ve never thought of it like that, but yeah, I think you’re right. I know my place isn’t much, but it’s home. I feel safe there.”

Linc pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m glad. I can’t wait to get you home. Ms. Landry is probably gathering a search party for you.”

“Oh no. She tried that once. Now I always tell her when I’ll be gone for a few days.”

Linc chuckled. “I was joking, but it’s good she won’t be stirring up trouble.”

“Don’t underestimate that woman,” Jess said. “You ready to get on the road?”

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