Page 124 of Forever After All

Wow. That was more than she’d expected Linc to give. Especially since she wanted to stew over her brother’s stupid assumptions a little longer.

Brett pushed the dirt at his feet with the tip of his boot. “Sorry for waking you up, Jess. I hope you’re feeling better.”

“I am. Thanks.” Her irritation was slowly dampening. She didn’t have the energy to stay mad.

Brett jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll get some water for the horses.”

“Thanks,” Linc said, finally turning to Brett.

Her brother slipped off onto the trail where the horses waited, giving Jess and Linc the privacy she’d been craving.

“He’s lost his mind. I guess this is one of the first times he’s ever seen me with a guy,” she said as she pulled her hair out of its braid and ran her fingers through it.

Linc took a step toward her and slipped his arm around her waist. “I–”

Jess pushed him back. “Oh no. I haven’t brushed my teeth.”

Linc chuckled. “Hurry. I want you all to myself before he comes back.”

Jess ducked into her tent, grabbed her toiletries, and disappeared into the tree line. Ten minutes later, her hair was in a new braid and her teeth were sparkly clean.

Linc tended a new fire, and she had a small second to watch him work. He’d done so much over the last few days, and he hadn’t complained a bit about having to do double the work while she was sick.

She reached his side, and he rose to his feet. Sliding her arms around his waist, she rested her head on his chest. “Thank you.”

Linc wrapped her up, pulling her tight against him. “I don’t know what you’re thanking me for, but you’re welcome.”

“I don’t know what I’m thanking you for either, but it’s a lot.” She looked up at him and smiled. “This is my favorite.”

Linc gave her a playful grin. “What’s your favorite?”

“This. Being close to you.”

He brushed a hand over her forehead and let it slide over her hair. “The feeling is mutual.”

He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers. A flash of light and heat exploded inside her. Linc’s kiss was soft and slow, but the pressure in her chest rose until it pressed against her ribs and sternum.

She’d wondered a few times over the years what it would be like to kiss a man, but nothing had prepared her for Lincoln North.

He pulled back slightly, pressing a few small kisses to her lips. “You should get some more rest.”

“I don’t want to rest anymore. I’m tired of being tired.”

Linc chuckled. “I’m not sure that makes sense.”

“It does.” She closed her eyes and thought back over the day she’d practically missed. “How’s the baby?”

“Good, last I heard.”

“How are things at the barn?”

Linc pulled his phone from his chest pocket and looked at it. “I haven’t gotten a call about an emergency today. I’m sure Thea is managing.”

Thea knew her way around the stables, but she hadn’t been through a tourist season at the ranch yet. Knowing the huge list of things that needed to be done this week, Jess reached for her own phone. “I’d better call her.”

Linc jerked his chin toward the tent. “Rest while you do it. We have three more people helping now. We’ll be out of here right after lunch.”

Jess looked around, making sure the campsite was clear. “I hate that I was half-conscious last night,” she whispered.

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