had been a whole lot of perfect.
Blake had given him the go-ahead, so when Mark heard from his building contact, the news was too exciting to wait to share.
He hurried to the Angel ranch, pausing on the main road before entering the driveway. Rafe was running the harrows over the gravel to remove the ruts caused by winter freeze and snow removal.
Rafe gave him a wave but kept on with his task as Mark parked then strode rapidly toward the ranch house.
Dana bolted upright in surprise when he marched through the door and into the living room. She had a load of laundry in a basket on the chair, neatly folded piles organized on the couch.
“Mark. Gabe said you were working with him this morning.”
“I am,” Mark said, sliding in close and breathing in her sweet scent. A familiar floral aroma wrapped around him and mixed with the comforting smells of food and fresh laundry that were the epitome of home. “Coffee break. Thought I’d come to see how you’re doing.”
She flushed. “That’s sweet.”
“Sweet enough to give me a kiss?” he teased.
When she instantly tipped her face toward him, his heart leapt. He cupped her chin, leaning in to enjoy the innocent brush of their lips together.
Then her tongue snuck out and stroked against his.
Sweetness vanished as heat rose between them. His body hardened, and for a brief moment, they clung to each other, the kiss growing deeper. Dirtier. Somehow, he kept a handle on it, breaking contact and stepping back far enough to give her space.
Dana lifted a hand to her kiss-swollen lips. “You are far too tempting,” she said softly.
“That’s my line.” Mark took a deep breath then changed the topic before he suggested they go test her mattress springs. “I have some good news.”
She tilted her head toward the kitchen. “Coffee? Since you’re on a coffee break?”
“Sure.”
He made it to the kettle before she did, filling it at the tap and letting her take care of the other details. It was good, working together in the small space. Not only because this wasn’t the first time they’d done it and they were already finding a joint rhythm in the routine—which made Mark smile.
He had to admit the small size of the kitchen also allowed for ample opportunities to bump into her, which didn’t suck.
Dana laughed after he had once again accidentally brushed past, grabbing her hips to stabilize himself. “Sit down,” she ordered, an amused smile on her lips. “You’re as handsy as a teenager.”
Not much to do in response to that except grin and enjoy watching her.
The rumble of the tractor in the background cut off, and the room grew quieter. Mark waited until she had the cups on the table, and slices of banana bread as well. “I heard from my building contact. He’s got a package for me.”
Dana’s eyes lit up. “For your house? Already?”
He wasn’t about to mention that he hadn’t bothered to wait for a sale package to appear. He had no problem footing the bill for a custom build which would be exactly what they wanted down the road. “He’s given me a delivery date of August first, which means I’ve got until then to get the site prepped. Which, with all of June and July ahead of us, is doable.”
“And you’re definitely building up on the ridge? That’s going to be a pretty spot,” Dana said with approval.
“Won’t even have to take out the trees,” he told her. “The place will be surrounded with wild roses.”
“Even better, considering that’s what your ranch is now called.” Dana took a sip of her coffee, a smile of approval warming her expression. “I’m happy for you. I’m glad you’re getting the chance to set down roots here, close to your brothers.”
“It’s been good to reconnect with them,” Mark admitted. “Living with George is an adventure, though. He’s been the only guy in the house for a long time. I think every time he sees me, he’s a bit surprised.”
“If you put up the frame in August, that means you can get to lock up before the snow flies.” Dana made a face. “You’ll still be bunking with George for the winter.”
“I think I can fast-track the interior. Maybe not by Thanksgiving, but by Christmas. Or at least that’s what I hope.”
“That is exciting.” Dana caught his fingers and gave them a squeeze. “That would be a lovely Christmas present.”
He sure thought so. Being there with Dana would make for an extraordinary holiday season.
Mark