“Fuck you. I can control myself.”
“She is our mate. What happens to our bodies is mostly out of our control. Don’t you get it? It’s actually dangerous to be around Cassidy.”
“We’ve managed so far,” he shot back.
“Because we’ve either been hiking or at my parents’ house. If she’s in bed and you’re nearby, do you honestly think you’d have that much control?” Zach asked.
“Then you stay with me. We can help each other remain in control.”
"That might work." It didn’t take long before they reached the house. “Remember to take it slow with Cassidy. Once she trusts us, maybe we can see about taking her out for a date.”
“Both of us?” Mike asked.
“I think she’d feel safer if there are two of us. As much as I’d like to jump her bones right away, I don’t think Cassidy would like that.”
“Fine.”
Zach parked, and they rushed up to the front door. From the way the clouds were swirling around, a storm was brewing. If enough snow was dumped, Mike might be spending a lot of time on the ski slopes, and Zach would be looking for ill-prepared campers who thought snow camping was a smart idea. Where would that leave Cassidy?
Zach pressed the latch on the door, but it was locked. “That’s odd.”
He knocked and a moment later, a smiling Cassidy opened up. She looked beautiful. An image of being in bed with her nearly caused him to lose his balance. “Hey,” he said.
“Come in. You’re letting in the cold air.”
They stepped inside. “Why is the door locked?”
“Your dad is at work, and your mom didn’t want to chance Doug showing up.”
“I guess she’s learned a thing or two being the wife of the sheriff. Where is my mom?”
“She’s making something in the kitchen.”
He relaxed. This was how things always were growing up—his mom cooking. “How are you doing?” Zach asked her.
“Good. That bed was amazingly soft. I slept in past nine, which is not something I often do. It actually seemed odd not to get up, down a cup of coffee, and then rush outside to either work in the field or take off for the firehouse.”
“Speaking of work, Mike and I wanted to talk to you about a job.”
“You found one?” The excitement in her voice tore at him.
“Not yet. We wanted your input.”
“Oh, okay.”
When they reached the kitchen, his mom looked up and smiled. “Come to steal Cassidy away?”
“Our plans are flexible. It’s what we wanted to speak with her about.” Zach motioned that she have a seat at the table.
Mike walked over to Zach’s mom. “Can I grab a cup of coffee, Mrs. G?”
“You sit down, and I’ll fix you some. I was just making lunch for Cassidy and myself, but I can make a few more sandwiches for you boys.”
“Thanks.” Mike sat down at the table, reminding Zach of junior high and high school.
“Has your father learned anything about Doug?” she asked.
“I haven’t spoken with him today, so I’m assuming no.”