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 flipped his hand over and trapped her fingers in his. “That means next year we can put some money into fixing up this place. Build that wall of bookshelves that Laurel wants and fix the porch. Exterior stuff is easy to do.”
Confusion slid into her eyes. “I suppose it is, but we don’t really need any improvements right now. I still need to figure out whether I should get a little place to myself or help build the kids a new home—”
“Dana. That problem is already solved,” he said earnestly. “Really, the bones of this place are good. If we fix it up for the kids, the place will work out fine.”
She went still.
“Wait.” Her frown grew deeper. “Mark, before I jump to any conclusions, let me ask a question. While we’re fixing up this place for the kids, exactly where do you think I’m going to live?”
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles softly. “With me. In the home I’m building for you.”
If he’d expected her to smile sweetly or throw her arms around him gratefully—
Dana jerked her fingers from his and rose to her feet, fury sweeping in. “Why, you arrogant asshole.”
Not the response he had expected.
You jumped the gun, his brain warned even as the door from the porch swung open. Rafe stood in the doorway, eyes wide with shock.
Dana was just getting warmed up. Fists planted against her hips, she shook her head in disbelief. “I told you I was willing to date you. That didn’t mean I agreed to move in with you, that didn’t mean I agreed you could make decisions about what my children or I do. That didn’t mean you get to assume anything about me or what I want or need.”
“I know it’s not a given,” he began before she cut him off.
“Shut up.” She looked slightly shocked at her own words then took a deep breath and lifted her chin resolutely. “I am so disappointed in you right now. I think you should leave.”
“Dana, sweetheart—”
“No,” she snapped. “I am not your sweetheart. Not yet. And if you don’t talk to me and ask my opinions before making decisions for both of us, I will never be your sweetheart.” She snapped up a finger toward the door. “Now get out.”
Slipping out of the house, Mark felt a little as if he were a dog skulking away with his tail between his legs.
That had gone well. Not.
His pride thoroughly chastised, Mark glanced over to discover Rafe pacing beside him. “Really? You plan to escort me to my truck or follow me all the way until I’m off Angel land?”
“Mom asked you to leave, so I making sure you do.”
Holding back a growl of frustration was tough, but somehow Mark managed. The last thing he needed was to get into another fight today, although—dammit—he’d meant well in the first place.
Stupid misunderstanding. Stupid moving too fast.
But then again, he’d been upfront about his intentions since the start.
They walked in silence for a moment, then Rafe cleared his throat. “You’ve got the day off tomorrow, don’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“Me too.” The young man tilted his head toward the old barn. “Got any plans? Bunch of stuff in there that I could use some help sorting through.”
The question was unexpected enough to make Mark stumble to a stop. He stared at his nephew for a moment, but even after repeating the comment a few times in his head, it didn’t make sense. “What are you doing?”
Rafe looked at him seriously then offered a light lift of his shoulders. “You pissed Mom off but good, which takes a hell of a lot of energy. Or something else.” His lips twitched. “I’ve heard her swear maybe twice in my entire life. It’s that rare, and she’s had a lot more reason to curse than most. Which means something about you hit hard. But since she’s willing to speak her mind about you riling her up, and she didn’t close the door on a relationship with you completely, I’m going to assume this is a good thing.”